A recurve bow is made to curve away from you when drawn, translating into more forceful shots because the arrows are faster due to the sudden tension release that propels arrows with more force than what it took to draw them in.
Recurve bows are also the ones only permitted for use in competitive archery, with bows made of carbon fiber, laminated wood cores, or fiber glass layers.
The riser, where the two limbs are attached, are normally made from magnesium or aluminum.
Beginners, however, start out with plastic or wood risers.
Choosing a recurve bow Here are some options for you consider in choosing a recurve bow: One-piece recurve bows - solidly constructed, these bows have risers and limbs made from a single piece of material.
Made from fiberglass with wooden cores or laminated wood, one-piece recurve bows are harder to draw since they don't bend back as easily as the others.
Take-downs with wooden risers - take-downs are recurve bows that can be disassembled to separate the limbs and the riser.
Since their risers are made from wood, the risers tend to snap easily and are less durable compared to composite or metal risers.
Having wooden risers laminated with carbon fiber may help in making them more durable.
Take-downs with metal risers - using the same take-down design, these recurve bows are detachable which makes for easy drawing and shooting.
The metal risers are made from machined or cast metal alloys, with machined risers using aluminum and cast risers using magnesium alloys.
Buying tips and tricks When choosing a recurve bow, look for one that can withstand strong tension and pulls.
Go for a recurve bow that is rigid and yet able to bend easily and return to shape.
Carbon fiber risers and limbs are the most durable but they are less common and more expensive.
Metal ones, however, are ideal for most skill levels.
If you're opting for wooden risers, look for cedar.