What is a Recurve Bow?
Archery equipment includes many varieties of bows for sporting pleasure. Many people enjoy competition events while others prefer to challenge their hunting skills with the bow and arrow. You have no doubt heard of the compound bow or a crossbow but just what in the world is a recurve bow?
The recurve bow is a descendant of the ancient long bow, one of the first mechanical types weapons ever made. Remnants of these bows have been identified in Egypt, Greece and Asia as far back as 2000 BC. It is widely believed that the recurve bow was created as an answer to the problems with the traditional long bow especially when hunting or battling in thick underbrush or wooded areas. Many civilizations used them throughout the ages including Turks, Huns, Chinese and Native Americans.
A recurve bow is marked by the tips that curve away from the draw. One marked difference between these bows and many others in archery equipment is the fact that the string actually touches a portion of the limbs. The curve away from the draw increases the bows power and gives the bow a little kick when fired. These bows may only show their curve when un-strung or may be dramatically curved in a C shape that is altered into a D shape when strung.
The more dramatic the curvature of an unstrung recurve bow the more potential power there will be behind your arrows. Bows are measured by draw weight, which is the amount of force it takes to pull the string back to the fully drawn position. It is kind of like lifting weights except you are pulling and vertical! Most recurve bows will have at least a 50lb pull.
Early recurve bows that were found separated from their original owners and cultures were often incorrectly strung by the finder leading to complete destruction of the bow when fired, and probably more than a little embarrassment to the archer! Though these bows had a long and vibrant history, they went out of commission as a regular weapon when firearms that are more effective became wide spread.
Today archers of all types like to challenge their skills with a recurve bow. These are mostly reserved for sporting competitions and they are the only bow allowed at the Olympics.
If you are interested in trying your hand with a recurve bow, you can find modern models at many sporting goods stores. A modern recurve bow can be made from various materials, which will affect their power, cost and longevity. You can find this type of archery equipment with carbon fiber, metal or wooden limbs and risers. The most common modern recurve bow material is metal as it is less expensive than carbon and more durable than wood. 
Recurve Bow
Sites You May Find Helpful
