Recurve Bows

A recurve bow is the simplest way into traditional archery — no cams, no let-off, just a bow, a string and your own skill. The recurves below cover the whole range: light youth bows for a first backyard setup, takedown bows that grow with you as you swap limbs, and hunting-weight bows up to 65 lbs. Most are SAS's own designs, built around laminated hardwood risers and maple/fiberglass limbs, and nearly all of them cost less than $200.

Takedown or One-Piece?

• Takedown — the limbs bolt off the riser. Easier to store and travel with, and you can start light and buy heavier limbs later instead of buying a whole new bow. Most bows on this page are takedowns.
• One-piece — a single continuous bow. Nothing to assemble, nothing to loosen, and traditional shooters swear by the feel. It just needs more room in the car.
• Draw weight — 15–25 lbs for kids and small-framed beginners, 25–35 lbs for adult beginners shooting targets, 40 lbs and up for bowhunting (check your state's minimum).
• Bow length — as a rule of thumb: 54–58" for shorter shooters and kids, 62" for most adults, 66" for tall shooters and target work.

Which SAS Recurve Bow Is Right for You?

Spirit Jr 54" Package — our featured starter kit. The Spirit Jr package is the setup we recommend most for young beginners: a 54" takedown bow in gentle 12–22 lb draw weights, with the bow bag, sight, stringer, arm guard, arrow rests and paper target all in the box. Nothing else to buy before the first shot.

SAS Sage Premier — our best-selling takedown, built on the proven Sage pattern with a striking hardwood riser and maple/fiberglass limbs. Fast Flight string compatible, right and left hand, and limbs swap in minutes when you're ready to move up in weight. Want it as a kit? The Sage Premier Bow Package adds a foam case, arm guard, finger tab, rest and target.

SAS Spirit 62" — the beginner and youth favorite. Draw weights run from 18 to 36 lbs in fine 2 lb steps, so there's a weight that fits almost any new shooter, in right or left hand.

SAS Courage — the hunting takedown. Bintangor, makore and chuglam hardwood riser with draw weights up to 65 lbs for serious bowhunting; a shorter 58" Courage version is also in this collection for tight brush and tree stands.

SAS Voyager — the premium pick: handcrafted enhanced maple hardwood, clear fiberglass limbs, phenolic-reinforced limb tips and a pin-and-bolt limb alignment system. Only 2.6 lbs, with a recommended brace height of 7.5–8".

SAS Maverick — a one-piece traditional bow for hunters who don't want bolts and brackets. Just string it and shoot — reviewers compare its feel to classic American hunting bows costing far more.

SAS Explorer — the metal-riser option: a 66" takedown with a blue or red riser and white limbs, in target-friendly 22–34 lb draw weights.

Want It All in One Box?

The Sage Premier Bow Package and the Spirit Jr 54" Package include the bow plus the case, guard, tab, stringer and target you'd otherwise buy separately — cheaper than piecing it together. We also carry the original Samick Sage for shooters who want the bow that defined this category.

Recurve Bow FAQ

What draw weight should a beginner start with?
Most adults shoot best starting at 25–30 lbs, even if they can pull more — form comes first, and tired muscles teach bad habits. Kids and smaller shooters usually start at 12–22 lbs. With a takedown bow you can buy heavier limbs later for a fraction of a new bow's price.

Takedown or one-piece — which is better?
Neither is "better"; they're different tools. A takedown travels easily, stores in a short case and lets you change limb weight. A one-piece has no hardware to check and a feel many traditional shooters prefer. Most beginners are happier starting with a takedown.

What length recurve bow do I need?
Match the bow to your height and draw length: 54–58" for shooters under about 5'4", 62" for most adults, 66" for tall shooters or dedicated target work. A bow that's too short stacks (gets disproportionately heavy) at full draw; too long feels sluggish in the woods.

Can you hunt with a recurve bow?
Yes — recurve bowhunting is where the sport started. Most states require a minimum draw weight (often 40 lbs) for deer; our Courage and Maverick go well past that. Check your local regulations for seasons and minimums.

Right hand or left hand bow?
It follows your dominant eye, not your writing hand. A "right hand" bow is held in the left hand and drawn with the right. If you're cross-dominant, most archers do better shooting to their eye.

What arrows do I need?
Arrows must match your draw weight and draw length — too light or too weak an arrow flies poorly and can damage the bow. Match the arrow spine to your setup, and never shoot an arrow shorter than your draw length.