Best Recurve Crossbow – [2022 Updated Products & Reviews]

If you’re in the market for a new crossbow, you’re in luck. Today, we’re going to provide an informative account of all things crossbow.

With technological advances, recurve crossbows have been adapted to better fit the needs of the average game hunter and improve their experience.

One of the critical factors to consider when you’re in the market for a new recurve crossbow is the price: they are typically more expensive.

The typically high price of a recurve crossbow makes it absolutely essential to making the most of your buck.

The best products for hunting will provide the user with a wide range of features, durability, safety and overall outstanding experience.

We have assessed a number of products, features and innovations to help you decide on a product that is the best value for your money.

Take a look at our product reviews and then read our buyer’s guide, at the end you’ll see we have selected what we believe is the top recurve crossbow.

In a hurry? This is our Winner!

OUR TOP PICK
In a hurry? This is our Winner!
9.4/10 Our Score

CenterPoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow Package

  • Lightweight adjustable stock
  • Compression molded fiberglass limb
  • Auto-safety cocking mechanism
  • Foregrip storage compartment

Best Recurve Crossbow – Top Model Compared

Image Product Feature Price
Our Top Pick

CenterPoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow Package

CenterPoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow Package
  • Foregrip storage compartment
  • Lightweight adjustable stock
  • Auto-safety cocking mechanism
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RUNNER UP

Barnett Wildcat Camo Recurve Crossbow

Barnett Wildcat Camo Recurve Crossbow
  • Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System
  • Finger safety reminders
  • shoot arrows at 260 feet per second
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BEST VALUE

K EXCLUSIVE Avalanche Anaconda Recurve Black Crossbow

K EXCLUSIVE Avalanche Anaconda Recurve Black Crossbow
  • 175-lb draw weight; speed up to 245 fps
  • Fiberglass bow with 16″ power stroke
  • Mounting rail for adding scope or sight
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Runner Up

Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package

Barnett Jackal Crossbow Package
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Almost no recoil
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Suitable for beginners and intermediates
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Best Recurve Crossbow Reviews in 2022

1. OUR TOP PICK: CenterPoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow Package

CenterPoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow Package

This stunning crossbow has a more traditional look and feel. Its size specs show it is one of the lighter models to carry, including a lightweight adjustable stock that offers a customizable fit that makes it easier for a variety of people to shoulder.

Its unique build also features a compression-molded fiberglass limb and an auto-safety cocking mechanism to provide you with safer and better handling. At 245 fps, this crossbow is a great way to introduce yourself to the world of crossbows.

There is a small compartment under the forearm that will allow you to store things like rail lube and other handy accessories. As well as this, it comes with a 4x32mm scope that will give you better accuracy in the field to ensure that your shot meets its target every time.

Your purchase also includes four 6-inch aluminum arrows that are strong and durable, a quiver, rope cocker, and even rail lube. Not many disadvantages with the high-quality construction of this product.

Pros
  • This crossbow is made using high-quality materials to ensure that it lasts
  • You receive everything with your purchase that you need to get started
Cons
  • This crossbow may not be advanced enough for experienced users

2. EDITORS CHOICE : Barnett Jackal Crossbow

Barnett Jackal Crossbow

The Jackal features a sleek military design and makes an excellent weapon with its weight and power. It is a comfortable weapon to shoot and comes ready to use from the box.

The crossbow arrows can reach speeds of up to 315 fps with a draw weight of 150-pounds. Other features which make this bow stand out from the crowd are a quick detach quiver, bolts, and a red-dot sight.

This bow makes a great entry-level weapon as you learn the ins and outs of hunting with a crossbow.

Pros
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Almost no recoil
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Suitable for beginners and intermediates
  • Affordable
Cons
  • The scope is not ideal for hunting
  • The quiver can come loose
  • No cocking device included

3. BEST VALUE: K EXCLUSIVE Avalanche Anaconda Recurve Black Crossbow

K EXCLUSIVE Avalanche Anaconda Recurve Black Crossbow

You really can’t go wrong with Avalanche bows and this crossbow is perfect for both beginners and professionals.

It includes everything that you need to get started, and it features a tough composite stock that is 33” from the foot claw to the end of the stock. It only weighs around 5lbs, making it a great lightweight option in your hands or on your shoulder.

If you are looking for the perfect crossbow, then you won’t need to look much further, and this one, in particular, features a 175-lb draw weight and is able to deliver arrow velocity of up to 245 fps with a 16-inch aluminum arrow.

You will be able to use the included red dot scope to be able to hit your target with precision every time, and this attaches to the Picatinny rail.

In addition to all of this, your purchase also comes with four 16-inch aluminum bolts, wax, a stringer, a sling, a quiver, and a cocking rope. This kit is perfect for getting started as it provides you with everything that you would need in a single order.

Pros
  • You will be provided with everything you need to get started
  • This crossbow is perfect for beginners and professionals
  • It is lightweight, weighing just 5lbs
  • Arrows can reach speeds of up to 245 fps with a 16-inch aluminum arrow
Cons
  • No issue that we could find

4. RUNNER UP: Barnett Wildcat Camo Recurve Crossbow

Barnett Wildcat Camo Recurve Crossb

If you are looking for an amazing crossbow that offers excellent performance, then you don’t need to look any further. This crossbow comes complete with an accessory package to get you started, and it is able to shoot arrows at an impressive 260 feet per second.

It is very lightweight at just 4.8lbs, so it will be easy to take around with you. From axle to axle, it has a width of 22-inches and a length of 35.5-inches.

In terms of assembly, this crossbow comes mostly assembled, you will just have to do the last little detail. The instructions are clear and easy to follow for the three-bolt easy assembly.

To ensure your safety, there is something called a soft lock floating bristle arrow retainer that will prevent the bow from dry-firing, and there is also an anti-dry fire trigger system.

Your purchase includes string and rail lube wax, a 4x32mm multi-reticle scope, two 20-inch aluminum arrows, and a lightweight side mount quiver. There are three Picatinny rails, and this crossbow is able to shoot arrows both quickly and efficiently with or without an additional site aid.

Pros
  • This crossbow offers high-performance levels
  • The complete accessory package is great for getting you started
  • This crossbow can shoot arrows at 260 feet per second
  • It is extremely lightweight, weighing just 4.8lbs
Cons
  • The purchase does not include a cocking rope

Best Recurve Crossbow Buying Guide

Choosing The Best Recurve Crossbow

There are many things that you should consider when selecting a recurve crossbow – including purpose, speed, and features.

Choosing The Best Recurve Crossbow

Purpose

When shopping for a good crossbow, the first thing that you should have in mind is what your plans are for using it. Do you want to use it for:

  • Target shooting

or,

  • Hunting

Modern recurve crossbows are capable of hunting large game animals at long distances. The specific purpose of your bow will be dependent on your skillset as a hunter, as well as the places that you can hunt.

Shooting Speed

A quick arrow is excellent when it comes to hitting a target with power and maintaining a low shot. However, when you increase the speed of the arrow to much, the bow’s ability to compensate for any mistakes is decreased.

A quick arrow will react quickly to inefficient drawbacks, any imperfections or problems with the construction of the arrow will be exacerbated at higher speeds, which is worth bearing in mind.

Crossbow Safety Features

Safety should always be one of the most important considerations that you make when shopping for hunting items. If this is going to be your first time shooting with a recurve crossbow, then safety considerations should definitely be at the forefront of your mind.

These products will always come with at least one safety feature, and the best ones will have several. For example, one of the most common safety features is an auto-engaging safety.

This feature is automatically engaged during the process of drawing back the bowstring, and functions in a similar fashion to the safety on a rifle or other firearms.

An additional safety feature is a forward grip construction, which will allow you to keep your hand stabilized when shooting.

Advantages of a Good Recurve Crossbow

There are several advantages to choosing a recurve crossbow over other products. These hunting tools are generally constructed with a simple design, which makes maintenance easier.

Most users will be able to fix and maintain the product themselves. Because of the simple design, there are fewer moving parts with this type of crossbow which reduces the need to take your crossbow to an archery or hunting shop for repairs.

Furthermore, recurve crossbows are known to produce less noise than other types of crossbow, which can obviously be very useful when hunting.

Things to Look for in the Best Crossbow

If you’re new to recurve crossbows, then there are a lot of features you should be aware of before purchasing one.

Riser

Risers generally comprise of a variety of aluminum, and the limbs of the device are mounted onto these risers. The best crossbow risers are constructed from extrusions or high strength billets.

Low-quality risers are composed of cast material, so keep an eye out.

Arrow Track

The arrow track is known as the barrel or flight track. This is where the arrow lies on the crossbow and moves from when the trigger is pulled.

Precisely constructed arrow tracks lead to better accuracy of the arrow towards the intended target.

Draw Weight

The draw weight of a crossbow is generally listed in pounds (lbs.). This describes the amount of pulling force that is required to position the limbs of the bow into the ready position.

The draw weight of any recurve crossbow will vary significantly. In general, increased draw weight will lead to higher arrow speeds.

Power Stroke

The power stroke refers to the distance that the crossbow’s string must move from the at-rest to cocked positions.

Extended power stroke products are typically quicker than similar products with short power strokes, and this is because extended power stroke crossbows provide a longer distance for the arrow to accelerate.

Crossbow Limbs

The limbs of a crossbow retain the kinetic energy that the cams use when the crossbow is being drawn. The limbs can come in a variety of styles.

These crossbow limbs may be split or solid, and each of these variations provides unique advantages.

Cam System

The cams or wheels of a crossbow, which are on the tip of the limbs, are responsible for putting energy into the limbs.

Any crossbow’s efficiency is wholly related to the cam system’s effectiveness.

Cocking Feature

A good crossbow’s cocking device provides the owner with a mechanical advantage when loading high draw weight crossbows.

Some crossbows are composed of rope and pulley systems, but more sophisticated systems include integrated hand-cranking features.

What’s the Best Way to Use a Recurve Crossbow?

Determining the best situation to use a recurve crossbow involves comparing crossbows, guns, and compound bows. Crossbows have significantly changed the hunting industry.

Many hunters that previously used firearms for hunting have switched to using a good crossbow or at least added one to their arsenal.

Many crossbow users point to the development of the archery industry and the product’s ease of use as reasons for adopting recurves.

Crossbow Legalization

A few years ago, only six states allowed legal crossbow hunting. Additionally, those states required a special hunting permit that was difficult to obtain.

This has changed significantly over the past few years, crossbow hunting is legal in almost every U.S. state.

Additionally, the crossbow industry has grown tremendously over the past few years. As laws and regulations continue to open up for crossbow usage, we expect that the industry will continue to grow.

Guns or Crossbows?

One of the primary reasons that people are beginning to use crossbows more is that they require very little practice to use efficiently, especially in comparison to guns.

Additionally, crossbows and rifles are held similarly. The majority of crossbows in the current market feature a scope and trigger component. These similarities make the transition from rifle to crossbow easier for seasoned rifle hunters.

Firing a crossbow is very similar to firing a gun. The archer simply needs to steady the target within the crosshairs, disable the safety feature, and pull the trigger.

The primary difference between crossbows and firearms is the firing projectile.

Further, firing a recurve crossbow results in practically no recoil, while a rifle can produce considerable recoil which can be painful for a novice.

Seasonal Benefits

Archery seasons are generally warmer and more comfortable, particularly as it is necessary to remain seated for many hours. Conversely, the majority of firearm hunting seasons occur during colder months, and hunters must deal with harsher hunting conditions.

Additionally, hunting during archery season presents a more level playing field for hunters because they don’t have to compete with firearm hunters. Other than the necessity of cocking a crossbow, there are little to no physical requirements associated with crossbow hunting.  Hunting large game with just a crossbow is a fun challenge for those with years of firearm hunting experience.

Less Effort

Thanks to the current market’s well-designed cocking features, recurve hunting can be carried out without much physical strength.

The majority of crossbow hunters are starting to avoid traditional or vertical compound bow products because they require a considerable amount of power to draw the bow.

Controversy Surrounding Compound & Recurve Crossbows

The bow hunting industry is dealing with a controversy based on the concept that modern crossbows will create highly efficient hunters.

The problem with having a large number of hyper-efficient hunters is that environmentalists feel that this will negatively affect the environment due to the over-hunting of individual animals, including prized endangered species.

The Case Against Crossbows

People who are against the use of crossbows may not be opposed to the equipment itself. Many crossbow opponents don’t want this type of product to be used during archery-only hunting seasons.

Here are the main arguments that critics use against the use of crossbows:

  • Crossbow ranges have been overextended, making it too easy to take down an animal
  • The increased use of crossbows could technically wipe out entire herds of animals while being marked as archery kills
  • Crossbows don’t require as much skill or practice to use: Less skilled, dedicated hunters can use them effectively

The Case For Crossbows

While the opponents of crossbows make some entirely valid arguments against the equipment, the advocates for these hunting items also have their own arguments. Proponents of crossbows say that they should be regarded as archery items in areas that don’t have designated bow-only seasons yet.

Here are some of the primary arguments in favor of recurve & compound crossbows:

  • Crossbows provide for broader participation in archery activities. Thus, crossbows allow for more people to become involved in the sport of hunting
  • Crossbows provide precision bolt targeting. Precise bolt targeting allows for fast, humane kills
  • Crossbows aren’t notably quicker or more efficient than the most popular compound bows
  • These hunting tools are useful products for use in suburban regions

Prerequisites for Using a Recurve Crossbow

Recurve crossbows are usually chosen for simplicity and reliability.  In comparison to the compound crossbow list, the recurve bows do not have any pulleys or flexible cables that give the recurves a more natural feel and action.

Additionally, the lack of additional features with a recurve crossbow makes them less noisy.

On the downside, recurve crossbows can be difficult to cock because they enable the user to pull the weight of the bow through the string.

Recurve crossbows often have reduced firing speeds because of the increased draw weight requirements. The bottom line is this: they’re great for new game hunters or target shooters because they require little to no tuning or maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a recurve crossbow better than a compound?

That depends on personal preference and why you’re using the bow, amongst other factors!  For instance, a recurve bow is a much lighter box that’s easier to transport, making it an ideal choice for the hunter who prefers archery over shooting.

Likewise, being smaller and sleeker, you’ll also find they have much fewer parts than the average compound bow, which means they’re far easier to maintain and keep in good condition. Repair is also a lot easier, because troubleshooting where the problem is and how to fix it takes much less time!

It’s also worth noting that a recurve is going to cost you less to pick up at the store, especially for a secondhand one. That being said, fixing a recurve bow will usually cost you more in the long run, and any that are made using wood must be abandoned in the event of a fracture, as they cannot be mended. Same goes for any other recurve that is made using the same piece of material.

Compound bows, however, are definitely popular and worth considering, given their more contemporary pulley mechanism; removing much strain from the bow, offering better slack and improving accuracy overall, they’re generally the bow of choice where archers are concerned. 

Plus, their customizability can often tip them over the edge: although you can pick up a few small add-ons for the recurve, such as little scopes, compound bows can hold several different accessories, from quivers to laser pointers. As you can imagine, though, you’re going to be paying at least $300 for a compound bow, a price that steadily increases the more complex the design gets.

For beginners, the recurve is the way to go – not only is it easier to get to grips with, it also costs a lot less, so in the event you decide archery isn’t for you, then you haven’t invested (and ultimately, wasted) that much cash before figuring this out.

Once you’re more experienced and looking to upgrade, a compound is worth considering, especially given you can really make it your own and work to your specialities by adding on accessories.

Are recurve crossbows quieter?

All bows are different, so this generalization just isn’t true! It’s possible to get a whisper quiet compound, but you can also get a pretty silent recurve; the same can be said the opposite way around, as it’s definitely possible to find recurves and compounds that are particularly noisy when shot.

If you’re looking to quieten your bow when shooting, for the purpose of hunting, say, there are other things you can consider than getting a different style:

  • Check there are no loose screws or bolts vibrating and causing rattling sounds, as well as possibly damaging your bow in the process
  • Buy yourself a bowstring/cable silencer, which are designed to absorb vibrations during and after the shot, minimizing the sounds produced by firing it off
  • Get heavier arrows, which helps to reduce vibrations during archery by picking up more of the energy transferred by your bow as you move it, for a less audible fire
  • Consider limb dampeners, which stop the limb tips from flexing and vibrating against each other
  • Add a stabilizer or rest-silencing materials, which are usually there to add balance and absorb shock, again reducing vibrations and therefore decibels

Can you leave a recurve crossbow strung?

Indeed you can, though not permanently! Ideally, you should not leave your recurve strung up for longer than a couple of weeks, unlike compounds which can be strung up indefinitely. When you’re putting your recurve away for long periods of time, it’s important it goes into storage unstrung.

Summary

Locating the best recurve crossbow for an affordable price can be a challenging bit. Shopping for and choosing the best product can be especially tricky if you’re a new hunter or target shooter.

Though we always recommend that you choose a product tailored to your needs, we have identified our favorite from the quality recurve crossbows we have reviewed.

Our Pick for the Best Recurve Crossbow

We think that the best recurve crossbow is the Excalibur Matrix Crossbow; a fantastic entry-level crossbow that is more than suitable for use by beginners through to seasoned hunters. It is stunningly designed, consistent across different hunting environments, and performs well at long range.

There are numerous factors and variables that you should keep in mind when shopping for the optimal recurve crossbow for your specific purposes. As ever, safety should always be a top priority when it comes to using a recurve crossbow.

Happy hunting!  Make sure to check out our other articles with tips for being a better deer hunter and how folks like us can avoid accidents and injury on our next hunting trip.

OUR TOP PICK
In a hurry? This is our Winner!
9.4/10 Our Score

CenterPoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow Package

  • Lightweight adjustable stock
  • Compression molded fiberglass limb
  • Auto-safety cocking mechanism
  • Foregrip storage compartment