Recurve Bows

The limbs attached (slip into place) into the handle using limb pockets. Generally, the limb pockets are adjustable to allow for accurate limb aligning (Image 2).

There is also some level of bow weight adjustment (about 2lbs to 3 lbs) available with modern recurve bows. The handles are usually pre-drilled to take a sight, pressure button and clickers. Generally, the handle comes with replaceable grips

LIMBS

Limbs are long and flexible laminated out of a multiple strips of material which are glued together (Image 7). Introductory limbs are laminated using fibreglass outer layers and timber inner core laminates. The more high-end limbs are made using carbon fibre as the outer layer and either bamboo or syntactic material for the inner core laminates.

Carbon fibre is used to decrease limbsreaction time upon realises and speed up the arrow.

BOWSTRINGS

These days’ bow strings are generally made of high tech non stretch material that give outstanding performance and consistency.

For the lower priced budget bow with a wood handle and low cost limbs Dracon string must be used. Dacron strings have a large amount of stretch and are kinder to the low quality equipment.

SO WHAT DOES IT COST?

An introductory recurve bow with an aluminium handle, fibreless and wood laminated limbs, sight, arrow rest, plunger and clicker of a reasonable quality start from around $450.00. While the top of the line would be around $1,800. Never jump in and purchase equipment, when you come to use we are happy to provide advice, it is critical you select the correct equipment that suits your personal needs in particular you must ensure equipment is the correct fit for you.

PURCHASING EQUIPMENT

Always consider purchasing your first bow within the mid to lower price range of introductory bows. Firstly, it’s a cheaper alternative when starting off, but most importantly you will most likely outgrow the bow within about 6 to 12 months. That is to say you can shoot a heavier draw weight bow.This may be the time process to a top of the line bow.