Buy Recurve Bow: Olympic Style Explained

A recurve bow is defined by limbs that curve away from the archer at the tips — a design that stores more energy than a straight-limbed bow of the same length. Recurve bows are the only bows permitted in Olympic competition, making them the most widely recognised format in the sport. If you want to buy recurve bow equipment suited to Olympic-style target archery or casual shooting, understanding the core specs will help you choose correctly.

How Sizing Works

The two main variables are draw length and bow length. Draw length is calculated by measuring your wingspan — fingertip to fingertip with arms outstretched — then dividing by 2.5. Bow length is a combination of riser and limb choice: risers typically come in 23, 25, or 27 inches, while limbs are available in small, medium, long, and extra-long, with each step adding 2 inches to overall bow length. A 25-inch riser paired with medium limbs produces a 68-inch bow; long limbs on the same riser produce a 70-inch bow. Most adults fall somewhere in the 66–72 inch range.

Draw Weight Explained

Limb draw weight is measured at a standard 28-inch draw length. As a general rule, you gain approximately 2 pounds per inch drawn beyond 28 inches and lose 2 pounds per inch under it. Beginners and juniors typically start with lower poundage to develop clean technique — and that is the right approach. A bow you can control accurately will always outperform a heavier one you cannot.

Key Components

When you buy recurve bows online, you will encounter a few terms worth knowing:

• ILF (International Limb Fitting): A near-universal fitting system allowing limbs from one manufacturer to mount on a compatible riser from another.
• Plunger (cushion button): A spring-loaded button that corrects horizontal arrow oscillation as the arrow leaves the string — the effect known as archer's paradox.
• Clicker: A thin blade that falls when the archer reaches full draw, ensuring consistent draw length on every shot.

Recurve vs. Other Bow Types

Unlike a compound bow, a recurve bow has no cams, cables, or mechanical let-off. This simplicity makes it easier to maintain and an excellent platform for learning sound technique. It is also more compact than a traditional longbow style, which historically made it practical for mounted archers in dense terrain.

Before you buy recurve bow accessories, also consider your bow string choice, as string material affects both speed and feel. Your archery grip technique will also influence how the riser sits in your hand at full draw. For a broader look at bow categories, see our archery bow overview.

Legend Archery stocks a wide range of recurve bows, arrows, quivers, and accessories for archers at every level. Whether you want to buy recurve bows and arrows as a complete starter setup or upgrade individual components, browse the full selection above.