Archery term
Recurve Bow
What does Recurve Bow mean?
A recurve bow has limbs whose tips curve away from the archer when the bow is unstrung. The string contacts the recurved limb tips when the bow is strung. Modern recurve bows may have a one-piece or take-down design, with a separate riser and detachable limbs.
Primary source for this term: World Archery: Equipment (Accessed 2026)
Why it matters
Most recurve archers draw and release the string with their fingers, so arrow spine and rest setup account for the arrow’s sideways flex as it leaves the bow. Olympic recurve adds equipment such as a sight, stabilizers, and often a clicker; barebow is a different setup governed by its competition rules.
What to check
- Choose one-piece or takedown construction and a manageable marked weight.
- For a takedown bow, match limb length and attachment standard to the riser.
- Have a technician check fit and arrow length.