A Complete Guide: Recurve vs. Compound Crossbows

In the world of archery, there are many styles of crossbows to choose from, but the most common are recurve and compound crossbows. Both are excellent for recreation, hunting, marksmanship, and more, but what are the differences between the two? What’s different about maintenance for each? Which one is best for hunting? Why do some marksmen prefer one over the other?

All of these are important questions to ask when you’re deciding which style is best for you. Let’s dive in and try to answer them!

Recurve Crossbows

Recurve crossbows are given their name because the limbs of the crossbow curve toward the archer, then away at the tips. They are the most basic type of crossbow, with two limbs and a single string mounted on a stock and barrel. Their unique strength acts as a sort of spring, launching a crossbow bolt or arrow with more velocity than one could achieve without. They’re relatively lightweight and easy to transport, so they work well for backwoods hiking or outdoor excursions that require a light pack.

Compound Crossbows

Compound crossbows take this ancient weapon and make it modern. They get their name due to how they are fired: a system of cables and cams (wheels) hold back the string and compound the forces being used to draw it back. This creates greater tension in the limbs than a recurve bow, which means much higher arrow velocity when the string is released.

The cam system also provides something known as “let-off,” which decreases draw weight as the string is pulled back. This allows for faster reloading, as well as reduced wear and tear on the latch and trigger.

The Differences

This is what we’re really here for — what are the differences? Which one has the most power? What’s the learning curve? How hard are they to maintain?.

Power

Both crossbow variations offer enough power to harvest large game, with most having a draw weight of over 80 lbs. Because both offer high draw weights, you might think they have the same power in the field — but you’d be wrong. Compound crossbows actually have more power than a recurve bow. This is due to the compound system, which increases the speed at which an arrow is released.

If you’re looking for an extra push of power, then a compound crossbow is the choice for you.

Accuracy

This is actually an area where recurve and compound crossbows are largely the same, whether you’re hunting game or shooting in a tournament. While aiming is primarily determined by the skill level and precision of the archer, there’s one key factor that is related to the crossbow design: speed. Due to their modern design, compound bows shoot at higher feet per minute (FPS) speeds than recurve crossbows. A faster arrow means a flatter shot, so a compound crossbow can still shoot accurately at greater distances (70+ yards).

However, at shorter distances (30-40 yards — you know, at distances crossbow hunters would actually hunt at), there’s barely any difference. Unless you’re shooting at long range, it all depends on your preference.

Cost

This is where there can be quite a disparity between types of crossbows — prices. While both can be found at affordable prices, compound crossbows can get very, very expensive. Recurve bows have fewer parts and require a lot less labor to assemble. Compound crossbows are more technical and are composed of many parts and mechanisms. Both can be made of high-quality materials, but compound bows can include additional cutting-edge technologies that improve accuracy, increase power, decrease noise, and more — which bumps up the price.

For an archer on a budget or someone who is just starting to train archery, recurve crossbows are the better option.

Maintenance

Do you love DIY repairs and caring for your own crossbow? While basic crossbow maintenance, such as lubrication and bowstring waxing, remains mostly the same for both, there are some areas where the two types of crossbows differ quite a bit.

The recurve crossbow is pretty simple, consisting of two to four parts. Replacing a string can quickly be done in the field by hand. However, because a compound bow is significantly more complex and made up of many parts, there’s more things that can break — and with how specialized these parts are, you probably won’t be able to fix a problem in the field. If something breaks, you’re out of luck.

If ease and low maintenance are your things, a recurve bow can’t be beaten.

The Choice is Yours — and Neither is Wrong

No matter which option you choose, both recurve and compound crossbows are fantastic weapons to have in your collection. The Weapon Blog is here to help you find the best fit and give you all the information you need to make a great decision that will provide you with a bow you’ll love.