Recurve bows

Traditional recurve bows with wooden elements

The first recurve bows were already used in the 7th millennium B.C., and since then their presence has been present throughout the history of the peoples. Even today, traditionally built recurve bows are used, which are made at least partly of real wood and have an appealing, historical appearance. For example, a recurve bow such as the RAGIM Black Buffalo ILF is recommended for the beginners. Its handle made of high-quality hardwood not only looks noble but also has an ergonomic form and is extended by the visor, button and stabilizer bushings. Furthermore, the Black Buffalo is available in various sizes and with the variable draw weight. This recurve bow is also particularly practical because it is a take down recurve, e.g. the handle and limbs can be taken apart and are therefore easier to transport.

Good reasons for a Take Down Recurve bow

Take Down recurve bows are also so popular because they allow the handle and limbs to be replaced: Especially as a beginner you start with weaker limbs. Your muscles will become stronger with regular training and the draw weight of the limbs will become too light. Then you can exchange the limbs for stronger ones. With a one-piece or longbow, you have to change the whole bow.

Numerous sports bows, which are used especially in archery competitions, consist of a handle and limbs. During production, high-quality materials such as aluminium, carbon, fibreglass and wood laminates are used. This also includes the SF Archery Premium handle.

Even if you are already equipped with a recurve bow, BSW-Archery has a lot to offer for you: Many manufacturers and models offer suitable handles and limbs. Our offer also includes numerous sets that you can order together with your new recurve bow. The sets include quivers, armguards and gloves for archery. Our product range is complemented by modern carbon arrows as well as traditional wooden arrows.

Recurve bow - The special features

A recurve bow is to be seen as a further development of the longbow. Its special feature in comparison to the longbow is an additional bend of the limb ends. These point forward at the recurve bow. These additional bends mean that more energy is transferred to the arrow than with a longbow with the same pull force.

Recurve bows are available in one or three pieces. The latter are also called take-down bows. With these bows the bow can be divided into the handle (the grip) and the two limbs. Bows in the entry area usually have a screw construction, while higher quality bows usually use a plug-in system. This design makes take-down bows easy and space-saving to transport and also offers the possibility of "growing" with the shooter. Depending on requirements, the bow length and/or pull force can be changed by replacing individual components without having to purchase a completely new bow.

One-piece recurve bows are usually made of high-quality wood, similar to longbows. Take-down bows can also be made of various materials or a combination of these, such as aluminium, fibreglass or carbon. One-piece recurve bows are usually shot traditionally like longbows. Take-Down bows can be used as sports bows or in the traditional range. After use, recurve bows should also be relaxed to prolong their life.

Basic position for recurve bows

The feet are placed slightly offset with an approximate distance of 30 to 40 cm so that they form an angle of approx. 90° with the line of fire (see illustration). For left-handed shooters this is mirror-inverted. Shoulders and hips are not turned. Only the head looks towards the target. The legs are not pushed through, but should be kept loose.

Draw length and release of the recurve bow

The initial position is assumed. The arrow is placed on the arrow rest and docked with the guide spring (this is usually in a different colour) at a 90° angle to the string. The string and arrow are enclosed by index, middle and ring fingers. The index finger grasps the string above the nock and the middle and ring fingers below the nock. The string lies in the first joint of the fingers. Before drawing out, the gaze is directed towards the target. The shoulders are taken back. Then the arrow and bow are lifted to shoulder height. The bow is slightly stretched. The arm holding the bow is called the bow arm and is stretched. The inside of the elbow should be turned out of the shooting area. A wrong arm posture leads to abrasions and haematomas due to contact with the string. For this reason, appropriate protective clothing should always be worn.

For the very first firing attempts it is recommended not to stretch the bow arm completely. The bow is now lifted between the eye and the target. Then, by using the shoulder muscles, the bow is pulled out until the bow hand touches the anchor point. The anchor point is the point which is touched by the hand with every shot, for example the chin or a certain point along the lower jaw. It is important that this point is always at the same point so that the same extraction is always guaranteed. The bow arm and draw arm form a horizontal line.

The target is focused. If a visor is used, the visor is placed between the eye and the target. The line of sight is almost horizontal. If no visor is used, the arrowhead is used for aiming. The line of sight forms an angle of approx. 45° to the arrow. The bowstring and a possible visor are perceived only blurred. Only the target is focused. The tension of the shoulder and back muscles is kept constant. When the target is safely aimed at, the trigger is activated. The shoulder blades are pulled together and the tension is released from the fingers. The draw hand moves a little backwards, while the string slides smoothly out of the fingers. It is important that this posture is maintained after the release until the arrow strike is noticed. Only then is the shot finished and the posture relaxed. This serves the analysis of the entire shooting process. In this way any mistakes can be recognized and corrected quickly.