Most recurve bows available today have a much more traditional look. A recurve bow is already a traditional style of archery compared to compound bows or crossbows. Just because the bow is traditional does not mean it has to have a traditional design.
While most archers prefer the traditional look, some of us actually really like the look of modern recurve bows. Modern bows typically have a metal riser rather than a wood riser giving it a sleek look. I’ve put together a list of the best recurve bows with a modern design.
5 Best Recurve Bows with a Modern Design
Table could not be displayed.1. TOPARCHERY Archery 56″ Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow
A great bow at an entry-level price. The Toparchery 56 Inch Takedown Bow features a riser that is made from cast aluminum. This gives it superior structural strength. Together with fiberglass laminated maple limbs, this bow will stand up to whatever you throw at it.
The bow has seven draw weight options ranging from 18 lbs. to 50 lbs. Coupled with a draw length of up to 30 inches, this bow is well suited to users from medium size to quite large. Being a relatively short bow with a draw weight comfortably clearing the 40 lb. threshold, it’s also a great bow for hunting.
The riser is polished to round off all the edges and it is fitted with a rubber grip. Altogether, this is comfort with style. The riser has several threaded holes for fitting accessories such as sights or stabilizers. In addition, it comes with a handy carry bag that makes it so much easier to carry around.
The limbs are made from a maple wood core laminated with bamboo and layers of fiberglass. This is a proven design that is structurally sound and provides a lot of energy for speed and accuracy. Weighing in at a mere 2.5 lbs. this bow is no burden at all. Even for smaller users or for extended periods of use.
What we liked
- Great value for money
- Strong cast aluminum riser
- Wide range of draw weights
- Draw length up to 30” for larger users
- Lightweight and easy to transport
What we didn’t like
- Only available in right-hand orientation
Overall, this bow is an excellent choice for someone new to archery. Its relatively small size and lower draw weight options suit smaller users. On the other hand, the higher draw weight options and the longer draw length make it somewhat of a one size fits all bow.
2. MONLEAP Archery 51″ Takedown Recurve Bow and Arrows Set
The Monleap Archery Takedown Recurve Bow is a very compact bow with an overall length of only 51 inches. Don’t be fooled by its size though. With draw weights starting at 30 lbs. and moving up to 50 lbs. this is no toy.
This is an all-inclusive kit that contains everything you need to get started. And, it’s absolutely awesome value for money. The only drawback is that it has only a right-handed option.
The bow’s 20-inch riser is made of a very durable aluminum alloy. All of the edges have been rounded and, with an ergonomically designed handle, it’s very comfortable in hand. Pre-threaded mounting holes are provided for fitting accessories such as the included arrow rest and stabilizer,
The limbs are made of very durable fiberglass and provide a lot of power for fast and accurate shots. They’re available in draw weights of 30 lbs., 40 lbs., and 50 lbs. At a 30 lb. starting weight, it’s definitely a bow for beginners but it can scale up for more serious archers.
For the hunters among us, this is really a contender. At 51”, this is a very maneuverable bow. And with 40 and 50 lb. draw weight options, it will bring down almost any prey you set your sights on.
What we liked
- This is a complete kit. Everything you need in one package
- Very compact but powerful
- Scalable from adult entry-level to somewhat advanced
- Excellent bow for hunting
- Compact enough to carry in a backpack
What we didn’t like
- Assembly and take-down requires an Allen wrench that can get lost easily in the outdoors.
Priced at the lower end of the scale, this is an excellent gift idea. It contains everything a person would need to shoot their first arrow. And it’s a pretty highly regarded product to boot.
3. SINOART Falcon 60″ Takedown Modern Recurve Bow
The SinoArt Falcon 60” Takedown Recurve Bow is marketed specifically as a hunting bow. At 60 inches, it is not at all a bad size for hunting. It’s compact enough to maneuver in the field and big enough to give a draw length of just under 30 inches. As such, it would suit most hunters. Also, being available in draw weights from 30 lbs. to 70 lbs. it really does serve a very wide audience.
The riser is made from a magnesium-aluminum alloy which is light but very strong. It is precision machined with rounded edges for softer looks and comfort in hand. The riser is finished off with a handle made of ABS plastic. This is an impact-resistant compound that can also withstand acids, animal oils, and other fluids.
The limbs are dual-layered laminated wood with fiberglass coating. They’re available separately in draw weights from 30 lbs. to 70 lbs. This make the SinoArt Falcon one of the most versatile recurve bows available in the market. As an entry-level bow, it can grow with a user for a considerable period of time. For a hunter, it provides all the options for smaller and larger game.
What we liked
- Super strong aluminum alloy riser
- Wide range of draw weight options
- Great entry-level price
- All components available separately
- Reputed excellent after sales service
What we didn’t like
- Not available in left-handed configuration
4. TONGTU Archery Takedown Recurve Bow and Arrow Set
The Tongtu Archery Takedown Recurve Bow and Arrow Set is a good starter kit. The set contains everything you need to be able to shoot your first arrows. At 51 inches and with draw weight options of 30 lbs. or 40 lbs. it is an ideal choice for a beginner. It is also good for hunting, although it would only really be suitable for smaller game.
The riser is made of an aluminum alloy and the limbs are laminated wood, bamboo, and fiberglass. The riser has all the pre-drilled and threaded attachment points for the accessories that are provided with the bow.
What we liked
- A complete all-in-one kit
- Excellent value for money
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to assemble and take down
- One of the lightest bows available
What we didn’t like
- May be somewhat limited to beginners due to small size and only two draw weight options
5. GONEX Modern Recurve Bow
A good entry-level bow, the Gonex Takedown Recurve Bow comes in at 56 inches. With three draw weight options ranging from 40 lbs. to 50 lbs., it is marketed as a hunting bow. It certainly complies with the legal requirements for hunting, but probably best in experienced hands.
As a starter bow, it is great value for money. It should also suit larger users with a draw length of up to 30 inches. With a durable aluminum riser and multi-layered laminated maple and fiberglass limbs, it should also comfortably stand up to the demands of those larger users.
The riser has been finely machined and all the edges have been smoothed for comfort and safety. A molded rubber handle provides a stable grip. Threaded holes have been provided for attaching accessories. Unfortunately, the Gonex Recurve Bow is only available for right-handed users.
What we liked
- Easy assembly and take down
- Includes bow stringer and Allen wrench which is unusual
- 24-hour customer service helpline
- Compatible with Toparchery components for more options
- Powerful and accurate
What we didn’t like
- Flimsy arrow rest breaks very easily.
Are Modern Recurve Bows Better?
A common question I get asked is if modern recurve bows are better than traditional recurve bows. The reality is, at the end of the day, they can both deliver quite a punch. Both modern recurve bows and traditional recurve bows can go up to 70+ lb of draw weight.
Modern recurve bows do tend to not be as long which helps for hunting and possibly even self-defense purposes.
Choose the kind of recurve bow that you find most appealing. When it comes to recurve bows most people gravitate to the traditional look but the reality is neither offers an inherent advantage.
Choosing the Best Modern Recurve Bow
Surprisingly there are not that many modern recurve bows. With only a handful of brands, your options are pretty limited. Even within specific bows, there are slight differences between the bows. Here are a few details to keep an eye out for when looking for your recurve bow.
Utility
The first detail to consider when choosing a recurve bow is the utility. Take into consideration the things you would like to use the bow for. For example, if you plan on taking your bow hunting, your options change. If you only plan on target shooting then any recurve bow will do the trick.
Draw Weight
Getting the right draw weight is almost as important as getting the right bow. If you don’t already know your draw weight, it can be a difficult thing to estimate. Use the following table to get a good estimate for which draw weight is best for you and your build.
If you still can’t decide between two draw weights, always underestimate. Especially if you are a new archer. Learning the basics is difficult if the draw weight is too high for you. Most bows have a takedown design with interchangeable limbs. Meaning that after you outgrow your draw weight, you can just purchase an extra set of limbs to increase your weight rather than purchasing a whole new bow.
Design
Design is important when choosing your bow. If you are looking for a modern recurve bow, you already have an idea of what your recurve bow will look like. Look through all the photos before you purchase your recurve bow and decide if it’s for you.
Final Thoughts
The modern recurve bow is relatively new to the industry. With shows like the Arrow, the modern design is more and more popular. Check out the 5 options above and make a decision based on the design, utility, and draw weight options.
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!
