Takedown recurve bows are just what their name states – recurve bows that can be taken down to pieces (normally 3 pieces).  The middle section is often referred to as the riser whereas the other two parts are simply the limbs of the bow. One simply screws these pieces together and the bow is ready to be strung. Takedown bows are very popular among hunters, especially those who don’t live near hunting grounds, as they offer great portability. As can be seen in the film Deliverance, these bows can also be excellent tools for survival. There are a lot of different bows available on the market and it may be hard to choose the right model. We hope that our takedown recurve bow reviews and guide will help you choose the best takedown recurve bow for your needs and budget.

Best Takedown Recurve Bows:

(based on personal experience, feedback from seasoned archers and hunters,  and customer reviews)


#1: Samick Sage Review

[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”160″ identifier=”B006MYK0Z8″ locale=”US” src=”https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/21z7A1abT9L._SL160_.jpg” tag=”astraightar0d-20″ width=”42″]The [easyazon_link identifier=”B006MYK0Z8″ locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]Samick Sage[/easyazon_link] is an excellent choice for beginners and experts alike since you can choose a draw weight of 25lbs and up to 60 lbs. The bow length is quite long at 62 inches. The design is very elegant, classical and similar to the Super Kodiak.  The rise of the bow is wooden and made from sturdy wood that has been laminated and so are the limbs. Like with most takedown recurve bows you can attach sights and stabilizers. The Samick Sage gives an excellent performance and tests have delivered 150 fps speeds, albeit depending on the arrow and draw weight. This bow is excellent for hunting and it produces very little noise. More details can be found here.

[easyazon_link identifier=”B006MYK0Z8″ locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]>>Click here to see more reviews of Samick Sage<<[/easyazon_link]


#2: Martin Jaguar Review

[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”160″ identifier=”B00753AY42″ locale=”US” src=”https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/31W55Ee3tBL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”astraightar0d-20″ width=”160″]The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00753AY42″ locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]Martin Jaguar[/easyazon_link] is a budget friendly bow, while still offering quality. It has 60-inch bow length and weighs only 2.7 pounds and it has a brace height of 7 inches. The draw weights offered are in the range of 30lbs to 55lbs. One great feature is that the rise is fitted with Martin’s patented Thermal V grip, which ensures that you keep your grip on the bow – no matter what. As hunters know, different weather conditions can make it hard to maintain a firm grip on the bow, however, that problem is solved with the patent. Overall, if you are looking for an inexpensive way to get into archery or hunting, then this bow is definitely worth the look.

[easyazon_link identifier=”B00753AY42″ locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]>>Click here to see more reviews of Martin Jaguar<<[/easyazon_link]


#3: OMP Explorer 2.0 Review

[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”160″ identifier=”B00CQA91KM” locale=”US” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31%2Bwikq9y4L.jpg” tag=”astraightar0d-20″ width=”160″]If you are searching for a bow for novices or young individuals, then this bow should be high on the list. It is offered in left and right handed variants as well as 54 and 62-inch bow lengths. The former is intended for very young individuals or smaller persons since the draw weight is 24lbs, whereas the latter has draw lengths of 30lbs, 35lbs, and 40lbs. The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00CQA91KM” locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]OMP Explorer 2.0[/easyazon_link] is not recommended for hunting game due to the low draw weights and because of the high noise it emits while shooting. However, for hunting smaller creatures this bow suffices. All in all, this bow is great for beginners would want to get a feel for archery especially because it allows for accessories such as stabilizers and sights.

[easyazon_link identifier=”B00CQA91KM” locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]>>Click here to see more reviews of OMP Explorer 2.0<<[/easyazon_link]


#4: PSE Mustang Review

[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”160″ identifier=”B002ZO40NC” locale=”US” src=”https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/21Il5mIx5aL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”astraightar0d-20″ width=”32″][easyazon_link identifier=”B002ZO40NC” locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]PSE Mustang[/easyazon_link] features a bow length of 60 inches and shows a very classic and elegant design. The main attribute of the bow is that it is very powerful, making it a very solid hunting tool and companion. It comes in the reported draw weight range of 40 to 55 lbs which are not meant for beginners, young people or petite females. Despite the reported draw weights some experts argue that the PSE Mustang packs at least five to ten more pounds that the indicated draw weight. However, there is a tradeoff since it makes more noise than most of the other take-down recurve bows mentioned here. If you ask me, I’d trade power for noise every time.

[easyazon_link identifier=”B002ZO40NC” locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]>>Click here to see more reviews of PSE Mustang<<[/easyazon_link]


#5: OMP Adventure 2.0 Review

[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”137″ identifier=”B005JBZ5MS” locale=”US” src=”https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/217X8oKI8zL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”astraightar0d-20″ width=”160″]For a true starter’s bow, you need look no further than the [easyazon_link identifier=”B005JBZ5MS” locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]October Mountain Products Adventure 2.0[/easyazon_link]. It is very affordable since the goal of this model is to not cater to experts but to be a starting instrument for beginners and teenagers since it is very affordable and simple. It has a stabilizer as well and sight that comes with it as well as a 28lb draw weight, and it comes in left and right-handed variants. As can be seen from the draw weight, this particular bow is not intended for hunting game, except for very small creatures and chiefly practice.

[easyazon_link identifier=”B005JBZ5MS” locale=”US” tag=”astraightar0d-20″]>>Click here to see more reviews of OMP Adventure 2.0<<[/easyazon_link]


Pros and Cons of Takedown Recurve Bows

Best Takedown Recurve Bow reviewsObviously, one of the benefits of a takedown bow is the portability that it has in comparison to the one-piece traditional recurve bows. Additionally, when you switch the limbs of recurve bow it is possible to alter the bow’s length as well as its draw length, so beginners might want to take this into consideration because you can simply just buy new limbs instead of investing in an entirely new bow. Moreover, you can also upgrade the bow and add various accessories such as a sight and a stabilizer. Also, the more experience you gain in archery the more you may wish to experiment with different combinations, with a takedown recurve bow you can alter the bow considerably and still avoid the hassle of buying a new bow.

However, for the ease of portability and upgrades, a takedown bow sacrifices efficiency when compared to one piece counterparts. One-piece bows are often lighter and more powerful.

There are pros and cons to both types of recurve bows and some hunters even prefer to have both types of different situations. There is no right or wrong type. In the end, the most important factor to consider is your personal preference since that is what really matters.

Purchasing a Recurve Takedown Bow

One of the things to be wary about when deciding to purchase a bow is the idea that you can and should only buy a bow from a local pro-shop. This is just a myth created by marketers and advertisers. Pro-shops do not offer professional grade bows as opposed to online stores who can only sell standard grade bows. In reality, pro-shops and online stores sell bow lines and sister brands from the same manufacturers. Essentially, manufacturers sell the same versions to both pro-shops and other entities, the only difference is that they call them different names and advertise them under different brands. So when you are searching for a takedown recurve bow, don’t feel compelled to drive to a local pro-shop to get a better bow, you can just as well purchase the same quality online.

Quality vs Price

If you want a premium product, you must be aware of the fact that the most expensive models are often flagship models for a very particular reason. The top of the line bows are often equipped with the latest advances in technology and those advances cost a lot (most directly in the form of patent royalties) resulting in higher bow prices. In the archery industry, unlike many other industries, a high retail price from a trusted manufacturer is indicative of very high quality and performance. When you invest in a high-quality bow, you are investing in a hunting or hobby tool that will last you for a long time since these bows are often very durable and very effective.

We hope our reviews of best takedown bows were helped you find the right model. Please fill free to ask any question or share your opinion in the comments section, and our aStraigthArrow team will do their best to answer them.

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3 Responses

  1. Gregor

    I’m looking to start shooting ,just targets and I have a bad shoulder but in good shape . Can I use a 30 lb or 35?

    • Dan

      Gregor, depends on your physical condition of course, hard to say. If I were you, I’d go with lower weight to start with, to build strength, particularly in the small stabilizer muscles that support shoulders/joints. Once those get stronger, you can change limbs to higher lbs with lower risk to your shoulder. That’s the beauty of takedown bows, all you need to do to upgrade is change limbs. Good luck!

  2. Scott

    Hi. I am interested in purchasing a beginner bow for my family. We have no archery experience. I am looking for something just to do target practice in the back yard with my sons. I would love to only buy one bow that everyone could use.
    We are all between 5’ 11” and 6’ 1” and between 150 to200 pounds. I have been told that a 30 to 35lbs draw weight is what we need for beginners.

    I do not know if I should go for a compound bow (Genesis Original) or a recurve bow (Samick Sage or Martin Jaguar).

    What would you do?

    Thank you for your time.

    Scott