Recurve or compound bow: which should you start with?
Anchor & Arrow
Recurve or compound for your first bow? A clear comparison of how they work, what they cost and which one teaches you to shoot, plus our honest recommendation.
Short answer: for most beginners, and for almost anyone shooting in a back garden, start with a recurve bow. It's simpler, lighter, cheaper, and it teaches you the skills every archer needs. A compound bow makes sense later, if you know you want long-distance precision and you're ready to have it fitted and set up by a specialist.
Recurve vs compound at a glance
| Recurve | Compound | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Limbs that curve away from you at the tips store the energy | Wheels (cams) and cables at the limb tips store the energy |
| Weight you hold at full draw | The full draw weight | A fraction of it, thanks to the cams ("let-off") |
| Fitting | One bow fits most adults | Must be set to your exact draw length |
| Setting up at home | String it yourself in minutes | Adjustments usually need a specialist and a bow press |
| Cost to start | Complete kits from around £100 | Usually several times more, once arrows and a release aid are added |
| Teaches the fundamentals | Yes: stance, draw, anchor, release | Partly: the cams and release aid do some of the work |
| Best for | Beginners, garden shooting, Olympic-style archery | Experienced target archers chasing long-distance precision |
What is a recurve bow?
A recurve is a modern take on the classic bow. The tips of the limbs curve away from you, which stores more energy than a straight limb. That means a light bow still shoots with real punch. It's the bow used at the Olympics, and it's what most beginners' courses at UK clubs put in your hands on day one.
Most beginner recurves are takedown models: the handle (riser) and the two limbs come apart. You can store the bow in a cupboard, carry it in a car boot, and replace the limbs with stronger ones as you progress.
What is a compound bow?
A compound uses cams and cables to bend the limbs. As you draw, the cams roll over and the weight drops. This is called let-off. On a 50 lb compound with 75% let-off, you only hold around 12 lbs at full draw. Add a sight, a release aid (a trigger that lets go of the string for you) and a peep sight in the string, and you get a very accurate machine.
The catch: a compound has to be set to your exact draw length. Each adjustment changes how it shoots, and many jobs need a bow press. It's a tool that rewards specialist setup, not a bow you pick up and learn on.
Why we recommend a recurve to start
- It teaches you to shoot properly. With a recurve, your form does all the work. The habits you build carry over to any bow you pick up later, compound included.
- It's light and forgiving. At 20 lbs, you can shoot 30 or 40 arrows in an evening and still enjoy the last one. (Not sure which weight? Read What draw weight should a beginner use?)
- You can set it up yourself. Slot in the limbs, string the bow, and you're shooting. No specialist, no workshop.
- It suits a garden. Compounds are designed for long distances and high arrow speeds. In a back garden at 10 to 20 metres, a light recurve is all you need, and it's easier on your target too.
- It costs a lot less. A complete recurve kit costs less than a compound bow on its own. You can find out whether you love archery before spending big.
When a compound makes sense
A compound is a great choice if you've shot for a while, you want to compete at long distances, and you're happy to visit a specialist shop for fitting and maintenance. Many archers start on a recurve and add a compound years later. Very few regret starting simple.
Can you switch later?
Yes, and nothing is wasted. Stance, anchor, a smooth release and reading your groups: everything you learn on a recurve transfers.
Ready to start?
The First Draw Starter Kit is a takedown recurve in 20 or 30 lbs, with 12 arrows, a foam target, an arm guard, a finger tab set and a setup video. It fits both left- and right-handed archers. For children aged 6 to 12, the First Draw Junior Kit is sized for small arms at a light 15 lbs.
Ready for your first shot?
Everything you need, in one box — chosen for adults starting out.