Recurve vs Compound Crossbows
Crossbows have become increasingly popular in recent times, with many people taking up archery as a hobby or for hunting.
Crossbows offer several advantages over traditional bows, such as greater accuracy and a longer effective range, making them a popular choice for hunting, target shooting, and even self-defense.
There are two main types of crossbows: recurve and compound.
Both types have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, which can make it difficult to choose which one is right for you.
In this article, we will compare recurve and compound crossbows to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your own crossbow.
Recurve Crossbows
Recurve crossbows are named after their limb design, which features a curve at the end of each limb that faces away from the shooter.
These limbs store energy when the string is drawn back and release it when the string is released, propelling the arrow forward.
Examples of popular recurve crossbows include the Excalibur Matrix Grizzly, Excalibur Assassin 420, and Barnett Recruit Recurve.
These crossbows vary in their draw weight, arrow velocity, and other features, so it’s important to consider your specific needs when choosing a recurve crossbow.
Recurve crossbows are a good option for beginners or individuals who prefer a simpler and lighter crossbow.
They are also well-suited for hunting in dense environments where a lighter and quieter crossbow is preferable.
However, if you need a more powerful crossbow for longer-range shooting or if you have physical limitations that make it difficult to draw a recurve crossbow, a compound crossbow may be a better choice.
Compound Crossbows
Compound crossbows use a more complex system of pulleys and cams to store and release energy when the string is drawn back.
This system allows the crossbow to generate more power and shoot arrows at higher velocities than recurve crossbows.
Examples of popular compound crossbows include the TenPoint Nitro XRT, Ravin R29X Sniper, and Barnett Predator.
These crossbows vary in their draw weight, arrow velocity, and other features, so it’s important to consider your specific needs when choosing a compound crossbow.
Compound crossbows are a good option for individuals who need a more powerful and accurate crossbow for long-range shooting or hunting large game.
They are also a good choice for individuals who have physical limitations that make it difficult to draw a recurve crossbow.
However, if you prefer a lighter and quieter crossbow or are looking for a simpler and easier-to-maintain crossbow, a recurve crossbow may be a better choice.
Let’s see in detail the major differences between them:-
Comparison: Compound Crossbow Vs Recurve Crossbow
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the main factors to consider when choosing between a recurve and compound crossbow:
Power and Accuracy:
Crossbows are classified according to their power, which ranges from 50 to 250 lbs.
As mentioned earlier, compound crossbows are generally more powerful and accurate compared to recurve crossbows.
They can shoot arrows at higher velocities and have a longer power stroke, providing more energy to the arrow and improving accuracy.
Recurve crossbows, on the other hand, are generally less powerful and have a shorter effective range.
While compound crossbows have the ability to shoot accurately at greater distances of 70+ yards, there is not much difference when it comes to shorter distances of 30-40 yards that crossbow hunters usually hunt at.
In short, distances both compound and recurve crossbows perform well.
Draw Weight and Ease of Use:
Recurve crossbows require more strength to draw the string compared to compound crossbows.
This can make them more challenging for beginners or individuals with lower strength levels.
Compound crossbows have a pulley and cam system that reduces the draw weight, making them easier to use for most individuals.
The cam system of a compound crossbow produces “let-off” which decreases the draw weight at the end of the draw making it easier to pull the bowstring back.
This not only allows for faster reloading but also helps to preserve the latch and trigger, preventing excess wear and tear on these components.
Size & Manoeuvrability
While recurve crossbows require a larger size due to their design, compound crossbows can use shorter, more rigid limbs as they rely on the mechanical advantage provided by the cams to pull back the bowstring.
This can make climbing a tree and sitting on a stand with a compound crossbow more comfortable and easier
Weight
While recurve crossbows have larger and heavier limbs, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are heavier overall compared to compound crossbows.
This is because compound crossbows have extra components that can add to their weight. So, there is no direct relation between the type of crossbow and its weight.
Noise Level:
Recurve crossbows are generally quieter compared to compound crossbows due to their simpler design and lack of moving parts.
However, multiple shots on a single prey will not be possible in most cases as they are loud enough to scare them off.
Compound crossbows, on the other hand, can be louder due to the additional moving parts.
Cost:
Recurve crossbows are generally less expensive compared to compound crossbows, as they are simpler and require less technology.
However, prices can vary widely depending on the brand and model. Compound crossbows are typically more expensive due to their more complex design and additional technology.
Recurve crossbows are a good option for beginners or individuals who prefer a lighter and simpler crossbow, while compound crossbows are a better option for those who need a more powerful and accurate crossbow for long-range shooting or hunting large game.
In some cases like Excalibur, their prices tend to be on the higher side and match the price range of a compound crossbow.
Maintenance and Dependability
Recurve crossbows excel in this area, which is why so many crossbow hunters swear by them.
Unlike compound crossbows, which rely on a more complex system of cams and cables in addition to the limbs to generate power, recurve crossbows rely primarily on the limbs and power stroke.
While cams are a smart way to reduce draw weight and increase arrow speed, they add additional complexity and elements compared to the simpler recurve technology.
More elements mean more things that can break and more complexity, which generally leads to more problems.
Additionally, compound crossbows require a crossbow press to perform maintenance tasks and light repairs on the limbs and bowstring due to constant tension.
Without a press, you won’t be able to replace the string or set the cams timing. This may require bringing the crossbow to a professional archery shop, which may not be ideal for all owners.
Recurve bows, on the other hand, are easier to service and allow for string changes even in the woods.
String Wear
While compound crossbows have more complex mechanisms and, therefore, more potential points of failure, recurve crossbows put more strain on the bowstring. This is because they are less efficient at storing the tension generated by the bowstring.
It’s worth mentioning that recurve crossbows tend to wear out their strings faster, meaning they need to be changed more frequently than those compound crossbows.
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Therefore, this is an advantage that compound crossbows have over recurve crossbows.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both recurve and compound crossbows have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the best type of crossbow for you will depend on your specific needs.
The truth is there are excellent recurve and excellent compound crossbows and the type that is right for you comes down to your personal preferences.
Recurve crossbows are a good option for individuals who are new to crossbow hunting or archery, or who prefer a simpler and lighter crossbow.
They are generally less expensive and quieter compared to compound crossbows, making them a good option for hunters who want to remain stealthy in the field.
Although compound crossbows offer greater speed and power, many big-game hunters and extreme hunting enthusiasts still prefer using recurve crossbows.
This is because the challenge is a significant part of the hunt, and the recurve bow requires more skill, making the kill more rewarding.
Additionally, extreme hunters who embark on multi-day trips in the dense wilds prefer the lightweight and reliability of recurve bow.
Compound crossbows are a good option for individuals who need a more powerful and accurate crossbow for long-range shooting or hunting large game.
They are also a good choice for individuals who have physical limitations that make it difficult to draw a recurve crossbow.
However, they are generally heavier and more complex compared to recurve crossbows, which can make them more difficult to maneuver and maintain.
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When choosing between a recurve and compound crossbow, it is important to consider factors such as power and accuracy, draw weight and ease of use, weight and maneuverability, noise level, and cost.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing a crossbow that will suit your needs and help you achieve your archery or hunting goals.
Ultimately, whether you choose a recurve or compound crossbow, the most important thing is to practice safe and responsible hunting and archery practices and to enjoy the experience of using a crossbow to explore the great outdoors.
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