The 5 Best Recurve Crossbows for Hunting

Looking for the best recurve crossbow for hunting in 2023? Look no further! In this blog post, we will discuss the 10 best recurve crossbows on the market today. We will also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right crossbow for your needs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hunter, there is a recurve crossbow out there that is perfect for you!

What is a Recurve Crossbow?

The modern recurve crossbow is a stealthy and efficient tool for hunting. The curved ends of the bow increase tension on its one string, making it ideal for tracking deer due to its silence in comparison to compound bows. Unlike other types of crossbows, this type does not have any cables or cams that move when fired — allowing hunters the perfect opportunity to take down their prey unnoticed. Its simplicity makes it easy to use and an invaluable asset for those who hunt!

The best feature of a recurve crossbow is its simplistic design, making it easy to operate and maintain. The only downside? Its size. Recurve crossbows are larger than compound models; however, many archers prefer them due to their quieter performance.

The Best Recurve Crossbows in 2022

1. CenterPoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow

The CenterPoint Crossbow is well-known for being the easiest recurve crossbow to carry – and it’s easy to see why. It’s remarkably lightweight, with an ergonomic design that makes transport a breeze. 

If you’re not as big or tall as some of your hunting comrades, acquiring a sturdy but lightweight crossbow is essential; otherwise, lugging around any amount of weight can lead to quite an unhappy experience when out on the hunt. Grabbing up this model will ensure that your time in nature remains enjoyable and memorable!

One of the features we adore about this CenterPoint crossbow is its adjustable, lightweight stock—it makes it simple to use. We are also enamored with its fiberglass limb; not only is it durable and lightweight, but who wouldn’t want to go hunting with a bow like that? Moreover, another remarkable feature we appreciate on this crossbow is the scope –since it boosts accuracy significantly and eliminates any possibility of missed targets!

Even though this crossbow’s 11-inch power stroke could have made it even deadlier, its still highly effective for most hunters. When you purchase the bow, you’ll get everything you need to start hunting right away – a scope and quiver with four 16-inch arrows, as well as lube for maintenance.

2. Excalibur Micro MAG 340 Recurve Crossbow

For the past 40 years, Excalibur has been renowned as one of America’s top crossbow manufacturing companies. The Excalibur Micro MAG 340 Crossbow is a prime example of this company’s dedication to excellence – it is undoubtedly one of the greatest bows ever created by them! There are four major reasons why everyone should get their hands on this bow:

The ergonomic design of this weapon is truly impressive; it feels firm in your hands and easy to draw, making it an ideal tool for hunters of all sizes. Moreover, its sheer power sets it apart from other weapons – with a 270-pound draw weight, this bow can bring down even the smallest game without fail! Its light construction further makes the job easier – you won’t feel weighed down while hunting with this bow.

Thirdly, this crossbow is equipped with a robust scope. With it, you can be confident that hunting and sports activities will have unparalleled accuracy. The odds of not hitting your target are minuscule!

Plus, its speed is remarkable; the shot fires out at 340 FPS – so you’re sure to never lose an arrow again! Not only does this crossbow come with all the essential components such as quiver and arrows but also includes a powerful scope and rope cocking device for added convenience.

3. K Exclusive Avalanche Anaconda Recurve Crossbow

This crossbow is the ideal choice for novice users, as it’s highly maneuverable and built to last. When held in your hands, you’ll appreciate how lightweight yet sturdy it feels – plus its cocking rope guarantees easy operation every time. If you’re new to crossbows, this should be at the top of your list!

When you shoot the K Exclusive Crossbow, you’ll be astonished by its incredible speed. Despite being an entry-level crossbow, it excels in accuracy and precision. Perfect for hunting small game within 40 yards of distance, this recurve crossbow is a fantastic option for whitetail deer, turkey, or varmint hunters!

Beginner hunters and archers may find their crossbows breaking down after only a few weeks or months of use. However, this particular model boasts an easy-to-assemble yet robust design, ensuring you won’t have any problems with it in the long run!

If you’re ready to purchase this crossbow, it will come with an impressive scope, stringer, sling, and quiver that contains four aluminum bolts. The primary downside may be the assembly timeline – if you’re a beginner hunter there are plenty of helpful video tutorials on YouTube which can teach you how to assemble any crossbow in just two or three viewings! Additionally, every package comes complete with a manual for guaranteed success.

4. The EK Archery RX Adder Recurve Crossbow

Hunting veterans and beginners alike will appreciate this timeless crossbow. It is a straightforward yet mighty model — reminiscent of the Chinese models utilized centuries ago by imperial forces in battle: renowned for their rate of fire. To ensure maximum speed, its design was ingeniously crafted to make shooting more efficient than ever before!

If your goal is to shoot faster and become a more proficient hunter, this fast recurve crossbow should be at the top of your list! Not only will it improve your target shooting experience, but its magazine works by relying on gravity so that you can quickly ready for the next shot with just a flip of a lever. So if speed and convenience in reloading are what you’re looking for in an archery accessory, there’s no question that this crossbow is the one for you.

We couldn’t help but admire the ergonomic design of this crossbow. Its construction makes it easy to use for long periods without feeling fatigued, and its anti-slip texture ensures a secure grip every time you fire. The only downside we could find is that there are limited bolt options available with this product.

5. Barnett Blackcat Recurve Crossbow

For decades, Barnett has been the trusted and beloved choice amongst American hunters for their premium-quality hunting tools and equipment. Boasting an unrivaled reputation in terms of its durable construction, superior craftsmanship, and reliability over time, it comes as no surprise that millions of avid hunters rely on Barnett to supply them with the most effective products available on the market today.

If you’re looking for a quality yet cost-effective hunting crossbow, look no further. This one is designed to be powerful enough to take down both turkey and white-tailed deer with ease. Moreover, the best part about it? It’s incredibly easy to assemble – even if this is your first time seeing a hunting crossbow! In just moments, you’ll be ready to set out on your next big game expedition.

The Barnet Blackcat is an extraordinary crossbow with a bolt speed of 260 FPS, making it ideal for hunting mid-size games and quite impressive when you consider its price. However, do not attempt to use this model for larger targets or distant shooting; its effectiveness will be drastically reduced in these scenarios. Additionally, at less than five pounds, the crossbow is lightweight enough to make trekking or hiking more comfortable and uncomplicated during your hunt. It also has several safety features such as a finger safety reminder and an anti-dry fire mechanism so that you can remain confident while using the product.

Recurve Crossbow Buying Guide

The recurve crossbow is the go-to choice for American hunters due to its uncomplicated structure and straightforward handling. In this section, we’ll explore what criteria should be taken into account when purchasing a recurve crossbow so that you can choose the best one for your needs.

1. Price 

When it comes to distinguishing a high-quality recurve crossbow, the simplest way is usually price. A more costly item typically implies superior quality and craftsmanship. However, this does not mean that one cannot find an excellent yet inexpensive bow as many such products are available for less than $200 on the market today.

If you’re looking for something truly extraordinary in terms of aesthetics and performance, however, be prepared to spend a bit more – prices start at around $700 but can easily exceed over $1000 depending on the brand and features desired! Certainly paying north of one thousand dollars may seem excessive; however, if only exceptional quality will do then investing in top-tier equipment is often necessary when searching for the best there is out there!

2. Warranty 

When something is of exceptional quality, it typically comes with a reliable warranty. Take laptops for example; the best ones often come equipped with an impressive guarantee. The same holds for recurve crossbows – the highest-caliber models usually declare their superiority by offering premium warranties.

3. Size and weight

When it comes to selecting a recurve crossbow, consider the size and weight. Look for one that’s lightweight with an assault rifle-esque frame at the back – this will provide stability while targeting and shooting. A compact design isn’t always necessary, but make sure that what you purchase has been engineered in such a way as to allow easy balancing of your bow without fatigue or strain on your body so you can shoot accurately and consistently!

4. Draw weight 

Examining the specifications of a recurve crossbow, one element to take into account is draw weight – or, in other words, the force necessary for cocking. This metric is measured in pounds and should be given due consideration; as a rule of thumb, higher draw weights correlate with greater arrow/bolt velocity and deadliness. For taking down mid-size prey such as deer, it’s best to opt for models containing 150+ pound draw weights at least; those with smaller rates likely won’t be strong enough to ensure an instant kill.

5. Cocking aid 

It’s essential to have a recurve crossbow that boasts a draw weight of at least 150 pounds for successful and humane hunting. You’ll recognize how much strength it takes to cock one of these high-performance crossbows! Fortunately, several modern models include specialized cocking aids or devices designed to ease the process dramatically. Still, make sure you check if your preferred model has this feature before making any final buying decisions.

6. Velocity 

For anyone looking for accuracy and speed, the best recurve crossbows boast a shooting velocity of 200 FPS (feet per second) or higher. High draw weight is usually associated with increased arrow speed, so it’s important to keep that in mind when you’re shopping around for your ideal bow. Whenever possible, research the product thoroughly to ensure its high-velocity performance – this will give you peace of mind knowing that your arrows are flying straight and fast!

7. Noise 

Whether you are a passionate hunter or an admiring nature lover, it is always important to purchase a crossbow that produces the least amount of noise possible. This becomes especially true for hunting in the wilderness as any small sound can startle the game and give away your position prior to firing. If budget permits, look into Barnett or Excalibur recurve crossbows which have advanced noise suppression technology built-in so that shooting remains undetected by wildlife!

8. Scope 

When selecting a recurve crossbow, be sure to check for the presence of a powerful scope. While experienced archers can hit their targets without it, novices and intermediate hunters usually require the assistance of this component in order to aim accurately. To ensure that you get the maximum benefit out of your purchase, make certain that either an integrated or external rifle scope is included on your chosen bow. For those models which do not come with one installed, they will often feature Picatinny rails where sports scopes may easily be attached.

9. Trigger

Depending on your preference, you should choose a crossbow with the right type of trigger. Generally speaking, heavier triggers are preferable for recurve crossbows as they do not fire arrows at just a gentle touch. Ultimately, however, it is important to remember that no matter what kind of trigger you get; practice will fine-tune your accuracy in time!

10. Accessories

If you want to get the most out of your recurve crossbow, be sure it comes with all the necessary accessories. A quiver, a cocking aid, and a scope as well as arrows should always be included in any purchase. Most manufacturers offer five or fewer arrows; if you’re not particular about finding every arrow that is launched over long-distance shooting sessions then add more when buying!

Conclusion

Congratulations! You are now a master at understanding recurve crossbows. Not only do you know the top picks for 2023, but you also understand what elements to consider before deciding which one is right for you.

Recurve crossbows possess all of the necessary qualities – they are quiet yet powerful, entertaining as well as efficient. They can be used in hunting small prey or even larger creatures; just ensure that it has sufficient speed so that your hunt will yield successful results!

If you’re not precisely searching for a recurve crossbow, then peruse our other crossbow review post to find the perfect one.