Recurve Crossbows

Recurve Crossbows — Proven Design, Reliable Performance

There's a reason recurve crossbows have been around as long as they have. The design works. No cams, no cables, no complex systems that need regular tuning or specialist knowledge to maintain. Just limbs, a string, and physics doing exactly what physics is supposed to do. When something has been refined over centuries, there's usually a good reason it's still here.

A recurve crossbow is the straightforward choice — and straightforward doesn't mean compromised.

What makes a recurve crossbow different

The limbs on a recurve curve away from the shooter at the tips, which allows them to store more energy than a straight limb of the same length. That stored energy releases cleanly through the string on every shot, producing consistent bolt speeds without the mechanical complexity of a compound system.

What you gain with a recurve is simplicity. Fewer moving parts means less that can go wrong, easier maintenance, and a crossbow that stays reliable over years of regular use with basic care. Replacing a recurve string is a straightforward job — no bow press required, no cam timing to worry about. That accessibility matters, particularly for shooters who want to focus on shooting rather than on keeping their equipment running.

Who recurve crossbows suit

First-time crossbow buyers make up a significant part of the recurve market, and it's an easy recommendation for that group. The platform is intuitive, maintenance is manageable, and the performance is more than sufficient for target shooting, garden use, and regular range sessions. You're not sacrificing enjoyment by starting here — you're starting with something dependable.

Experienced shooters come back to recurve crossbows too. Not everyone needs the top-end speed a compound delivers, and plenty of shooters prefer the cleaner, simpler experience of a recurve once they've tried both. If consistency and reliability matter more to you than chasing maximum FPS, a recurve crossbow makes a strong case.

Draw weights on recurve crossbows typically range from 80 lbs on entry-level models up to 175 lbs or beyond on more powerful options. For target shooting and casual use, mid-range draw weights around 150 lbs give you plenty of performance without making the cocking process unnecessarily demanding.

What to look for before you buy

Build quality is the obvious starting point. Aluminium rail and riser components hold up considerably better than plastic equivalents, particularly in the wet conditions that come with shooting outdoors in the UK. Check whether the model includes a scope — most recurve crossbows at mid-range price points do, but not all of them include one worth using.

Stock design affects fit and comfort. Adjustable stocks suit shooters of different sizes and make a real difference over a long session. If you're buying for more than one person or just want something that fits properly, it's worth checking what adjustment range is available.

Buy recurve crossbows at Buy Archery

We stock recurve crossbows from EK Archery across a range of draw weights and price points — from solid first crossbows to more capable options for shooters who know what they want. Free UK shipping on orders over £100.

Browse the full range below and find the recurve that fits how you shoot.