Archery is a growing sport and the modern recurve bow, also known as the take-down recurve bow, is the starter bow that finds its way into the archery equipment of most beginners.
It is also associated with the Olympics. The basic, traditional-style hunter recurve does not have any bells or whistles and is made of laminates or wood.
Modern styles have balance weights, extension stabilizer rods, and most importantly sights. We will be focusing in this article on the best recurve bow sight that are available in the market today.
Recurve Bow Sight Overview
When it comes to mastering archery, a crucial component in your arsenal is the recurve bow sight.
This device not only aids beginners in honing their accuracy but also enhances the precision of seasoned archers.
In this section, we’ll delve into the fundamental aspects of recurve bow sights and why they are indispensable in archery.
A well-chosen recurve bow sight can make a world of difference in your archery journey. It acts as your visual guide, allowing you to align your shots accurately and consistently.
Whether you’re aiming for bullseyes in target practice or seeking that perfect shot while bowhunting, having the right sight can be the key to success.
Best Recurve Bow Sights
- Topoint Archery 3-Pin Bow Sight – Best Left- and Right-Hand Compatible Sight
- The Truglo Range – Rover Pro LED – Editor’s Pick
- The Field Logic IQ Bowsight Micro – Best Sight for Hunting (For Intermediate to Advanced Archers)
- Trophy Ridge Vertical Pin Recurve Bow Sight – Best “Quiet” Sight
Choosing the Right Recurve Sights Type
Before we dive into the detailed review of the above-mentioned sights let’s first address how we choose a bow sight.
When choosing a sight, think about the purpose first. For practice, purchase a short-range sight such as a single-pin or open-ring sight.
For far-range, the target or multiple-pin sight will help adjust to different directions and distances.
While many archers prefer not to use a peep sight, they are necessary for some situations.
Before making a purchase, it must be said that sights will not be of much use for someone who has trouble hitting the target from short distances such as ten yards.
The problem for those people lies in the technique.
A peepsight will not correct the problem. It could be detrimental because the user will stop focusing on the improvement of technique, draw length, draw weight, and stance.
The result will be poorer performance later on.
This test will help a person determine what the problem is:
Ask a friend to use a bow that has a sight to shoot a few arrows from a range of ten or so yards.
Repeat the process with a bow without a sight.
If the sight was not helpful, the problem is very likely a stance or form issue.
Work on technique before buying a sight.
Those without access to a friend’s bow or range can improvise by taping a straight stick such as a match to the bow in place of a sight.
The technique is not a recommendation for a permanent solution but a means of determining a solution that involves a sight.
If the ‘sight’ helped it is time to choose a specific model.
Sight Types
When it comes to choosing the right sight for your recurve bow, it’s crucial to understand the various sight types available on the market.
Each type has its unique features and advantages, making them suitable for different archery purposes.
Here, we’ll explore the different sight types commonly used with recurve bows:
Open Ring
The name says it all. It is an open ring. The idea is to line up the target so that it is seen in the middle of the ring.
This type of sight is on the lower end of the price range and reasonably reliable. It is better for short-range shooting than far-range. The user cannot focus on a target that is too far away.
Specific open rings address the issue. One like the picture above that can be turned to narrow the size of the open ring is best.
That mechanism is beneficial as it makes focusing on a target accurately possible.
Some come with reliable inserts in different shapes and colors like these. Choose one that is not distracting and does not ‘blend’ with the shot background.
The open ring sight is an excellent choice for beginner archers or for people looking to get into archery.
It makes the aiming process feel natural and doesn’t distract from the goal of hitting the target.
Open rings make sighting the target easy. They are the best choice for practicing indoors at short distances.
Most open rings cannot be used for far distances or outdoors.
If you’re looking for a simple cheap sight that’s still high quality, check out the Baosity Archery Sight.
The target point is precision drilled into the center of the lens with a laser to ensure it is the dead center!
Pin Sight
Pin sights are a little difficult to find for a wooden bow. Pin sights are readily available for the metal risers. Holes have to likely be drilled and inserts added if a pin sight is to be attached to a wood bow.
Pin sights are available in ‘single-pin’ and ‘multiple-pin’ sights:
- Single-Pin Sights: Ideal for static targets at a fixed distance, single-pin sights are commonly used for practice and precision shooting.
Archers typically set the single pin to their average shooting distance. They offer a clear and unobstructed view of the target, helping with accurate aiming. - Multiple-Pin Sights: These sights are favored for hunting and outdoor archery. They come with several pins, each calibrated for a specific shooting distance.
This allows archers to quickly select the appropriate pin for the target’s distance, making multiple-pin sights versatile and effective in dynamic shooting scenarios.
Instructions for calibration are included with the purchase. One pin is set for the archer’s average distance, one for longer shots, and one pin for shorter shots.
A pin sight is so basic and simple in design that any model will do just fine.
Recommendations for Pin Sight:
- Sights with Retina Lock Technology: IQ Bow Sight Ultra-Lite Three or Five Pin Compound Archery Sight.
The retina lock technology helps control muscle consistency, form, and memory, allowing longer shooting distances with tighter grouping.
These 2 sights also come in right- and left-hand versions and can
help increase the range and confidence of your shots. - Precise Targeting: 7-pin sight from Southland Archery Supply.
This lightweight sight has a built-in leveling tool so you know your bow is steady and 7 pins give you much more precise targeting, which is especially valuable when you’re out hunting!
You never know exactly how far away your target is going to be when you’re out in the wild so a range finder and a pin sight are absolutely necessary!
The range finder will give you the distance to your target and then you just need to choose the correct pin to line up with your target!
Target Sight
With an asking price of hundreds of dollars, the target sight is the most expensive and advanced of all sights.
Some archers do not think they are worth the money. For those who do, they are typically used to allow for windage and vertical adjustments.
They can also be combined with other recurve sights for ultimate accuracy.
Considerable skill is required to use a target sight. It takes an experienced archer to make proper use of the sight.
If money is no concern, a sight is a fantastic thing to buy for the added fun it provides.
Recommendations for Pin Sight:
- Sure-Loc Supreme 550 – The best features of this sight are its simplicity and lightweight.
The sight weighs a little over seven ounces and will not make the recurve feel too heavy. That claim cannot be made for all target sights.
Intermediate Recurve Bows and their sights
Intermediate recurve bows occupy a valuable niche in the world of archery equipment. These bows serve as a bridge between beginner and advanced levels, offering improved performance and versatility.
They are often constructed from quality materials and allow for customization with accessories like sights, extension bars, and clicker devices.
While intermediate recurve bows are more affordable than Olympic recurve bows and cater to archers looking to refine their skills, they also contribute to the extension of an archer’s journey from novice to expert.
It’s important to note that windage adjustments, nock points, and the choice of carbon or string materials can further enhance the performance of these bows.
Additionally, brands like Avalon and Ultima offer a range of intermediate recurve bows to cater to different preferences and shooting styles.
For archers seeking to advance their skills in recurve archery, these bows provide a valuable stepping stone in their archery shop choices.
Popular intermediate recurve bows sights are the HHA Optimizer Lite Sight, Trophy Ridge React One Pro, and CBE Tactic Hybrid Sight.
Best Recurve Bow Sights
With the basics out of the way, let’s take a deep dive into the best recurve bow sight out there that can be used to improve your archery, be it for target practice, bow recurve hunting, or simply for some backyard arrow shots, we will be covering them all!
Topoint Archery 3-Pin Bow Sight
The Topoint Archery 3-Pin Bow Sight is always listed among the best recurve bow sights in the market.
The 3-Pin bow also passed the check test which is one of the reasons it was listed as the top hunting or archery device. The device is also very light and made of high quality and durable material.
The main highlight of the 3-Pin Recurve Bow Sight by Topoint is the 3 horizontal pins which are good for shooting long and short distances.
The device also comes with a lightweight which can add points to its mobility. It also facilitates a good marker for adjusting windage and elevation to acquire better sight target.
What we liked the most about the 3-Pin Bow Sight by Topoint is that it very easy to use which can be very beneficial especially to beginners to archery.
It can also handle even the shortest or longest shot you want to make or aim for.
The sight is also easy to carry and durable. Most of all, it is not too expensive to buy making it one of the best sights for beginners looking to get better in their archery game!
A possible downside for some users is the need to use an Allen wrench for adjusting this sight which could be inconvenient to some users especially if you are in the field needing to adjust for windage.
Nevertheless, a hunter will always find a way to hunt!
Pros:
- Best used in farm hunting
- User friendly
- Ideal for both left and right-handed hunters (dual handed)
- Capable of handling long, short, and medium-length shots
Cons:
- Light and portable
- Have to use Allen wrench to adjust
Truglo Range – Rover Pro LED Bow Sight
The Rover Pro LED Bow Sight by Truglo Range is always labeled as an archer’s choice because of its well-designed aesthetics which are an improved version of the previously released product.
The Truglo Range–Rover Pro LED is also an ideal bow sight for 3D archery, bowhunting, and target practice with your recurve bow at your favorite target archery since it is designed for accurate and precise sighting.
The Truglo Range–Rover Pro LED has Zero–In adjustment dial and PWR technology which functions best in acquiring precise sightings.
Both features work differently but come together to highlight better accuracy.
The glow-in-the-dark shooter’s ring has a 700-hour battery life and up to eleven brightness levels with an adjustable slider that highlights most of Truglo’s bow sights.
The accurate power dot sight, long battery life, and additional accessories are just a few of the most liked features of the Truglo Range–Rover Pro LED.
The long battery life is convenient for users especially if going far to hunt while the additional accessories are useful in operating the device.
With this sight, you can easily adjust the arrow for fast targets and also windage adjustments.
A few minor downsides seen on this particular sight are that it is pricey, can be heavy for some users, and the LED’s burnt after prolonged use. Burnt LEDs can be sorted out with the warranty.
All-in-all the Truglo Range-Rover Pro LED sight is one of the best archery sights in the market and we can’t recommend it enough, especially for intermediate recurve users!
Pair this bad boy with a click recurve and you will be having tonnes of fun shooting at the archery range!
Pros:
- Various yardage tapes type
- Accurate power dot sight
- Quick adjustment to get arrows on target fast
- Configurable for left and right-handed archers
- Good battery life
- Compatible with accessories such as a scope and quiver
Cons:
- Not the cheapest model
- Heavier than some of the other recurve bow sights we’ve seen
- LEDs might burn out after prolonged use
Field Logic IQ Bowsight Micro
The Field Logic IQ Bowsight Micro is another top-listed recurve bow sight for you to choose from especially if you’re into bowhunting.
The Field Logic bow shares the same features but only differs in the number of pins. You can choose from 3, 5, and 7 pins for this sight depending on your hunting style.
The IQ Bowsight Micro’s main highlights are the retina lock technology, rheostat light and adjustable micro knobs.
All of the mentioned features are directed towards precise sighting.
What we liked most about the Field Logic IQ Bowsight Micro is the retina lock technology which ensures precise target sighting.
There is no reason to miss the target with the retina lock technology! The rheostat light also helps in lighting up the target for better sighting and accuracy.
Additionally, you won’t be needing tools to adjust the bow.
On the contrary, we didn’t like the noticeable brightness of the top piece because it came out as a distraction while shooting in the archery.
The rheostat lights are sold separately which turns off some users of this beautiful sight.
Utilizing this sight may be confusing for some users, especially beginners. (You are required to learn how to use the product)
Pros:
- Accurate target sighting
- Toolless locking sight
- Visible fiber optic pins
- Good view in low light areas
- Suitable for both right and left-handed orientation
Cons:
- Rheostat light sold separately
- Confusing for some beginners
- Top piece can be distracting
Trophy Ridge Pursuit Vertical Pin Bow Sight
The Trophy Ridge Vertical Pin Recurve Bow Sight is another product that can serve you with good quality hunting.
This isn’t really listed as the “best of the best” product but we included this as it is a practical device to own for both beginners and experts in archery.
This sight comes with light durable material at an affordable price.
Some users complained about difficulties in adjusting the sight pin onto the bow and the need for an Allen wrench to adjust it.
Calibration marks are also missing which can be a problem while adjusting for elevation.
However, a user will be able to adjust to these tiny issues over the time of usage.
The Pursuit takes pride in its feature called the Delrin bushings as it provides a quiet environment while releasing the bow.
The Rheostat light also lightens up the fibre for better target sight.
There are more useful features, what we have mentioned are the highlights of Pursuit.
What we liked most about this sight is that it gives a quiet environment while hunting and the device performs smoothly and efficiently as it has a single sight pin. (No need to adjust or fiddle to move the pin around) So not really a big deal
Pros:
- Quiet Environment when shooting
- User friendly
- Comes with axis adjustability
- Flexible use
- Right and left-handed models available
- Portable
Cons:
- Have to use Allen wrench to adjust
- No calibration marks for windage adjustment
- Sight tape not included
- Difficult to adjust
verdict – best recurve bow sight (truglo range-rover pro led)
When it comes to finding the best recurve bow sight, the Truglo Range-Rover Pro LED is a top contender that deserves your attention.
This advanced sight combines cutting-edge technology with precision engineering to elevate your archery experience.
Precision Sight for Recurve Bows
The Truglo Range-Rover Pro LED is not just any sight; it’s specifically designed to cater to the needs of recurve archers who demand excellence in their shooting.
Its features and capabilities make it stand out as a recurve sight of choice among enthusiasts.
Top-of-the-Line Technology
What sets this sight apart as one of the top choices in the market is its incorporation of state-of-the-art technology.
The LED illumination ensures your target remains visible in various lighting conditions, whether you’re shooting in bright sunlight or low-light situations.
The Good ness of Pinpoint Accuracy
Accuracy is paramount in archery, and the Truglo Range-Rover Pro LED delivers on this front.
Its micro-adjustable pins allow for precise windage and elevation adjustments, ensuring your shots consistently hit the mark.
For those seeking the best in terms of accuracy, this sight doesn’t disappoint.
Click Recurve to Perfection
For archers who appreciate the benefits of a click recurve sight, the Truglo Range-Rover Pro LED offers a satisfying click adjustment mechanism.
This feature enhances your shooting experience by providing tactile feedback when making adjustments, allowing for a smoother and more controlled shot.
Dual Benefits
The Truglo Range-Rover Pro LED offers dual benefits, making it suitable for a wide range of archers.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an intermediate enthusiast, this sight can be tailored to your needs, thanks to its adaptability and precision.
User Comments and Satisfaction
This sight has garnered positive comments and reviews from archers who have experienced its performance firsthand.
Many appreciate its durability, ease of use, and the confidence it instills in their shooting.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Illumination | LED |
| Adjustability | Micro-adjustable pins |
| Click Adjustment | Yes |
| Suitable for | Recurve Bows |
| User Satisfaction | Positive User Comments |
| Skill Level | Intermediate to Advanced |
If you’re in search of the best recurve bow sight that combines innovation, precision, and user satisfaction, the Truglo Range-Rover Pro LED deserves serious consideration.
Its advanced features, including LED illumination, micro-adjustable pins, and a tactile click adjustment, make it a top choice for recurve archers aiming for pinpoint accuracy and a superior shooting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When selecting a recurve bow sight for hunting, factors like durability, ease of adjustment, low-light visibility, and the option for tactile click adjustments (if preferred) should be considered.
It’s essential to choose a sight that aligns with your specific hunting needs.
The choice between a click recurve sight and one with micro-adjustable pins depends on personal preference. Click recurve sights provide tactile feedback, aiding in precise adjustments.
Micro-adjustable pin sights offer versatility for different distances and shooting conditions. The better option depends on the archer’s shooting style.
Yes, many recurve bow sights are versatile enough to be used for both target practice and hunting.
Look for sights that offer easy adjustment for windage and elevation, as well as brightness settings for different lighting conditions.
Beginners can work on their archery technique by focusing on fundamentals like draw length, draw weight, and stance.
Using a simple open ring sight or practicing with a straight stick attached to the bow as a temporary sight can help identify and address form issues before considering a more advanced sight.
Final Thoughts
Firstly, you do not need expensive gear to be able to do what you love. There are inexpensive yet good quality hunting gear for you to choose from. Always opt for buying the ones that are best fitted to your budget.
Second, know your hunting needs and style. Do not just purchase without planning what are you going to use it for. (You do not need a high-end bow if you are just hunting for birds) It would be useful if you educate yourself more about hunting or archery.
Lastly, learn how to use your hunting gear to avoid misuse and accidents. Proper handling of hunting gear can guarantee safety while enjoying what you are passionate about.
The above-mentioned products can be your choice in buying your very first hunting gear. The brief highlights and background of each product can help you visualize and choose the best bow for you. The pros and cons will also give you a little info on which specific bow is suited for your hunting style or needs.
Again, consider your budget and know your hunting style and needs. Follow these two things and everything will come together!
Archery is my hobby & I usually hunt and play on weekends and after work. It’s a passion since I was very young and I love writing about it as well to continuously learn more and share the love of archery with others!
