Tell me what you'd like to see in a recurve.

[Mike Mecredy]

This is for those who shoot recurve bows, I need your input.  

I've always struggle with recurve designs.  I've offered a few over the last 12 years, they never really seemed to be a "hit".  I personally  prefer longbows and self bows for shooting and the only recurves I really like are the old Ben Pearson's (mustang, cougar, etc.) but not everyone shares my sentiment.  

So I'm thinking about designing a 56" to 58" once piece, recurve bow, I've got an idea, and there's not many out there available with what I have in mind, but I want to hear from you all what you'd like to see, as far as grip, limb width, profile, smoothness (smoothness, my biggest challenge, beating the premature stacking)  and such.  

Your input is much appreciated.

[ron w]

I can't shoot every 58" recurve because of a 29" draw. But the ones I can seem to have a few things in common. 50's - 60's styling, lower grip and nice wide limbs. I don't do heavy to well anymore so 40-45 pounds at my draw works well for me. I also am real fond of static recurve limbs, seems to give great performance. Not all will agree with this old guy.......lol

[McDave]

If I were going to get another 58" recurve (I wouldn't get a 56") it would be for hunting.  For hunting, I need a takedown recurve that I can easily pack.  3 piece short takedowns seem to sacrifice too much in draw length and smoothness, so it would probably be a two piece takedown: bow bolt, hinge, slot, etc.  I don't like extreme recurves because they seem prone to limb twist, so I would be willing to sacrifice some speed for durability.  So I would like a moderately recurved bow with whatever other features you could build into the design to increase durability and decrease the potential for limb twist.  To help offset the slight decrease in performance from a conservative design, I would like the bow to be constructed of top notch material that would optimize performance.  It should be plain-Jane in appearance, befitting it's role as a hunting bow.  Grips are very personal, of course, but I have always been partial to either the Black Widow or Bob Lee standard grip: not too fat, not too skinny.

[Bud B.]

High wrist 60s style similar to the Kodiak Hunter profile, but in 60". Extra curved tips to eliminate that stacking.

[JRY309]

For me I am a longbow shooter,I really like a 50's style recurve with a leather grip at 58" one piece.I like the grip because it is closer to a longbow style.JMO

[Hoosierarcher88]

50's style here as well. They just seem to feel and point better to me

[Duckbutt]

Small riser, static tips, two piece.

[mec lineman]

I know that your not looking to copy anyone's design, that being said the Kota Killum has all the characteristics in a recurve that I am looking for. A recurve has to be quiet and stable

[M60gunner]

IMO we have few choices as far as designs go. One reason I think the 50's style has made a come back. For a no frills hunting/field bow just a 59-62 style Bear Kodiak style made with modern materials to achieve the performance that a bow 10# heavier would give. Why? A lot of Trad guys are old guys and pulling 50#+ bows an'it easy.

[Tedd]

Maybe go to 60" so you can cover more shooters. 59 Kodiak design is a good place to start.
Tedd

[ozy clint]

i've always wanted to try a saluki ibex, turk or scythian. asiatic style has intrigued me for a long time.

[longbow fanatic 1]

For me, I will not buy a recurve under 60". As far as grip goes, if you could replicate the grip of a 1965 Kodiak or a Wes Wallace Mentor grip, that would be pure gold! If there were one thing I would recommend, it's finding a grip that serves the majority of the populous. I think that's the appeal of bows like Silver Tip, Wes Wallace, Tall Tines, Tolke and so many other great bowyers to mention.

[Dao]

I personally like short heavy high-wrist risers.

 if it is 56"/58" bow, that, to me is a long recurve, so I'd probably enjoy high curve/static tips on the limbs.

American Archery x-48 and really wide limbs, (subjective opinion to follow) to me it seemed to have smoother draw compared to other similar bow of that size (amo 52).

[MnFn]

All of my recurves will be at least 60".

The only shorter bow that I have owned and would buy again is a 56" Shrew Classic Hunter style.

[SuperK]

I'm sure everyone has their own "favorite".  I would suggest that instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, look at proven, popular  designs; take the best features from them and incorporate them into a solid, affordable bow.  As for me, I like a heavy riser, like a Bear Super Kodiak with a grip like a Bob Lee.  58 inches would be just right.

[texbow2]

I only draw a touch over 27 and I prefer a 60" recurve. 58" is ok but I get pinched with any 56" that I have tried. I prefer a high grip and a radiused shelf. I also prefer a heavy riser.

[stevem]

I draw 27", and will not buy another bow that is under 62".  Can't explain that, but short bows just don't feel right to me.  I think the '72 Bear Kodiak Hunter is about the most perfect bow, except it is 60".  I like a high grip and a small riser. Good luck with your quest to build a popular bow.

[hybridbow hunter]

If you plan to make just one model : a 50's style recurve 60"  would probably fit most if you offer some custom grip features as well.  With a good limb design it could handle fairly up to 31" DL plus you could offer 2 piece TD possibilities for those who want a TD bow using locket socket or sleeve.
For those willing more mass you can offer option to built the riser in G10 to get heavier bow. Designing the limbs semi static rather than the classic full working limb could be a way to make something different of what others 50's style recurve bowyers are usually offering yet performing and very stable torsionally and vertically (enhancing accuracy)

[Captain*Kirk]

Mike, all my favorites are my older Bear bows, Grizzly, Kodiak Hunter, Super K (and a Tamerlane; not for hunting!) The one with the most consistency is the Grizzly at 58"...but the grip could be more contoured and comfortable, for sure.

[Gil]

Deflex riser,