When it comes to figuring out where the first recurve bow was created, opinions begin to differ. Some say it came from Asia. Others argue that the device owes its origins to the Middle East. Still others are sure that the ancient Egyptians were the first to make it.
Despite such a complicated history and unclear origin, the recurve bow is a compact device for both hunting and simple archery. The advantage is that such a device has curved arms, which provide additional tension, as a result of which the force of the arrow is significantly greater.
The greater the power of the bowstring, the faster and further your arrow will fly. If you can get more power into a smaller package, then you'll spend less time drawing and more time hitting the target. This bow differs from a compound bow in that the user will have to exert more effort to tension its string. Most often it has a one-piece structure, but you can also find a collapsible model, which consists of three parts. Whatever your fancy, one of the five best classic recurve bows will definitely hit the target.
- Martin Jaguar bow - maximum performance
- Bow PSE Blackhawk – Power Striker
- Martin Hunter bow - silent killer
- Bow PSE 10 Snake – starter option
- Samick Sage onion - the best in terms of price-quality ratio
Concept
A recurve bow, compared to a regular bow, is distinguished by the presence of arms curved in the direction from the shooter. The product has a deep cutout in the center with a shelf for storing the boom. The designs were invented by Asian masters. In ancient times, small arms were used by cavalrymen, as they were convenient for shooting above the horse's head. The recurve bow was made from bone, wood, and tendons.
Features of classic products
Traditional bows are made from wood. They are considered classics; modern materials are used in tandem with wood. The devices have a handle made of aluminum alloy, and the shoulders are made of carbon inserts. Quality classic bows include special threads to secure accessories for accuracy. These include stabilizers, sights, plungers.
Since many traditional bows are designed for sport shooting, many people know them as Olympic bows. Now similar devices are sold for hunting. Classic bows are ideal for beginners and advanced archers.
A little more about the difference
The compound bow differs from the classic bow in materials. Currently, the middle part of the weapon (handle) is made of light alloys based on aluminum, magnesium, etc. Carbon is used for the shoulders.
A characteristic feature of compounds is that they do not “get tired” to the same extent as classic models, from which the bowstring must be removed during transportation in order to render the weapon unusable.
Blockers remain ready to shoot at any time, and this is very convenient for hunting. Moreover, even during long-term storage, the owner does not need to remove the string, blocks and cables.
A compound bow, as fans of this weapon like to say, is just like a sniper rifle, only better. It is accurate, fast and strong, in addition, the compound can be equipped with an aiming system (diopter scope, front sight, level and protective hood). To increase shooting accuracy, a special trigger device is used - release. Also, block guns (as well as rifles) have a rear sight with a slot, which is installed directly among the fibers of the bowstring. The system is located at the level of the shooter’s right eye, the rear sight has either one hole or several different diameters. Through them, the shooter sees the sighting scope and the target, that is, an extended aiming line appears, thanks to which not only accuracy increases, but also minor technical flaws that the shooter may have are leveled out.
In addition, the compounds have a special shelf for the boom to descend. This element is attached to the bow handle (the arrow will be placed here). To prevent it from slipping, a clicker is located a little further. This is a metal plate that, together with the shelf, forms a lock, thanks to which until the archer brings the bowstring to its extreme position, the arrow will not slip. The difference between block shelves and classic ones is that the archer can change their position on the compound (the element is attached to the handle with a screw). In addition, the block shelf is not a traditional classic groove, but a special pin that not only holds the arrow, but also springs under it at the moment of release, eliminating unwanted contact with the rigid part of the bow.
Advantages
The recurve bow is used in sporting events. This is the only device that can be used at the Olympic Games. If serious competitions are organized, single-dot sights, plungers and clickers are fixed on them, necessary to improve shooting accuracy.
The advantage of the device is its low weight. The mass of dismountable products is no more than 1.5 kg. Such bows have significant power, so they are used for large prey. When the bowstring is pulled, the shoulders bend in the opposite direction. With straightening, the arrow receives double energy.
Recurve bows are compact, but at the same time they allow you to shoot powerful, quality shots over long distances. They allow you to shoot at an accelerated pace, which increases the excitement and makes the hunt more interesting.
Recurve bows: top 5 popular models
The history of the origin of the onion is confusing and not clear. Literature and history describe three completely different options. But despite this, it remains a popular tool for both sport and hunting.
Martin Jaguar
MARTIN TAKE-DOWN JAGUAR is a lightweight take-down bow suitable for traditional shooting.
- It is easy to assemble and disassemble, which is its advantage.
Martin Jaguar. - Tension force – 133 N, can be increased to 244 N.
- Very smooth, powerful, no jerks when shooting.
- You can shoot in bad weather.
- One of the disadvantages is that it is produced only for right-handed shooters.
- Colors: black and with a hint of withered foliage.
- The kit contains a bowstring and a shelf.
PSE Blackhawk
The Blackhawk is not only beautiful, but is a powerful hunting bow capable of great feats.
- The grip is padded and the riser is made of laminated larch for good stability.
- The tension force is at the level of 200-220 N, maybe lower.
- The product has a strong, solid construction, which is an advantage.
- The disadvantage is that it is not suitable for inexperienced shooters.
Amazingly beautiful PSE Blackhawk.
Martin Hunter
More suitable for hunting than professional sports.
- The vibration is not strong, ideal for quiet operation.
- A distinctive feature is accurate shooting due to the fact that the arrow is held by the bow in the direction where the sight goes.
Martin Hunter Compact Bow. - The product is slightly longer than other types - 1.57 m, which is its disadvantage.
- The advantage is light weight, up to 1 kg.
- However, it is more suitable for field operations than for forest hunting.
- Tension ranges from 155-290 N.
- Allows you to hunt large game.
PSE 10 Snake
The 1.5 meter Snake is an excellent bow option for money comparable to the cost of a children's toy.
Any beginner can start training in shooting.- Tension force – 97 N.
- There is no possibility of adjustment, which is certainly a disadvantage.
- Allows you to hunt turkeys and rabbits, subject to high-quality shooting.
- The main purpose is to help a beginner in mastering bowhunting skills.
- The most important advantage is reliability and affordable price.
Samick Sage
Samick sage is a collapsible bow.
- The handle is made of multi-layer wood and varnished.
Samick Sage collapsible bow. - There are holes for the plunger, stabilizer and sight.
- Pockets are made of durable metal.
- The shoulders have a classic curve and work great.
- The bow stretches easily, providing high shot speed with little noise.
Advantages:
- dimensions – length 62 cm;
- Available both right-handed and left-handed;
- tension – from 110 to 260 N;
- Included is a high-quality bowstring.
The disadvantages are that they are easily damaged and scratched.
Shooting Features
Shooting from a recurve bow follows certain rules. The basis is the correct stance. Choosing a suitable position and maintaining it throughout the entire aiming determines the accuracy of the hit. In order for the stance to be correct, the legs must be placed shoulder-width apart, the feet must be placed perpendicular to the target, with the torso turned sideways towards the target. Due to any vibration of the body with the release of the bowstring, the flight path is disrupted.
The leading arm holding the bow should be arched at the elbow. Otherwise, there is a risk of the bowstring hitting your forearm. Before firing, the palm must be placed on the handle. The fingers support the bow a little. If the shooter wants to firmly fix the structure, then after releasing the bowstring it is necessary to prepare for the fact that the arrow will change its flight path.
The arrow is located between the middle and index fingers, and the ring finger is used to secure the grip. Before the shot, the hand with the bowstring drawn is placed at the chin. The arrow is released while stationary, when you need to hold your breath a little.
Choice
Before buying a bow, you need to determine some parameters of the weapon. It is necessary to understand why the device is being purchased. If it is used for hunting, then it is important to take into account power, ease of wear, and dimensions. A compound bow is suitable for this. If you need a device for entertainment and training, then the tension force is not important; in this case, products with comfortable handles and simple designs are suitable.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the stretch length of the bowstring. This type of bow allows you to stretch it to almost any length, but there are recommended values specific to a particular model. You need to choose a bow whose maximum draw length is equal to the shooter’s anthropometric parameters.
An important parameter is the tension force of the bowstring. It should be borne in mind that according to the current law, ordinary citizens are allowed to buy a bow with a string tension of up to 27 kg. During shooting, muscles are involved, so the tension of the bowstring must be selected based on the parameters of the shooter. For beginners and women, 12-15 kg/s will be enough. With experience, the indicator increases, but it is important that it is convenient to pull the bowstring.
When purchasing, you need to determine the dimensions of the bow. In this case, they are selected individually. The size of the lever depends on the length of the arms. This determines the speed of the shot, but increasing the parameters reduces maneuverability.
general description
A recurve bow is one whose arms bend in the direction opposite to the shooter. This solution allows you to achieve a fairly high speed of arrow flight, despite the fact that it will be easier to draw such a bow than a straight one. This effect is achieved due to the fact that at the moment of tension the shoulders work on the principle of a double lever, which allows you to create a greater throwing force. Thus, we can highlight a number of advantages of the recurve bow:
- Quite compact dimensions
- Light weight
- Fairly high firing speed
- Comparative ease of extraction
Based on the totality of operational characteristics, purchasing a recurve bow is the most appropriate for a beginner. Although, if you manage to fully master the technique of using a bow, then you may not have to switch to another type. Here everything will depend on the qualifications of the shooter.
Arrows
Bows use different arrows, differing in weight, stiffness, and material. Wooden products are in demand, which has a low cost. But they spoil quickly. Aluminum and carbon arrows are used. The latter have excellent flight properties and almost do not bend.
Aluminum arrows do not break when interacting with hard objects. Wooden ones are suitable for beginners, especially when shooting outdoors. In nature there is a risk of losing an arrow.
Thus, bows are a sought-after instrument in sports. You need to purchase them in specialized stores, where experts will advise you on purchasing a suitable design. A high-quality product, if used correctly, will last a very long time.
Martin Jaguar bow - maximum performance
very easy to disassemble and assemble, available only in a right-handed version. This model is a lightweight collapsible bow that can be easily disassembled and assembled in seconds, even by a small child. The tension force is initially set at 133 Newtons, although you can easily increase it to 244 Newtons if you plan to do some serious work. The bow is not only powerful, but also smooth thanks to the wood and fiberglass limbs, so there will be no jerking when releasing the arrow. You get less than 17 centimeters of distance between the string and the shoulders (this will be convenient only for more experienced users, although amateurs can adjust too), and the patented Thermal V grip allows you to use the bow comfortably in any weather.
Price: 6850 rub.
