Educate me on recurves

[Turkhunter]

I am wondering what is the difference between a static tip recurve and a regular recurve?

[nineworlds9]

The recurved portion of the limb tip on a static doesn't bend.  The work is done by the middle and lower portions of the limb.  On a standard 'working' recurve the recurved portion of the tip bends/uncurls some once you reach the latter part of the draw.  On many working recurves you can subtly feel the two stage nature of the draw as the middle portion finishes bending and then the tips uncurl.  A static recurve limb has a draw feel more linear like a longbow but carries more speed depending on the design because they have more early draw weight.  They are very cool and to me at least kinda split the difference between longbows and recurves.

[beaunaro]

Excellent explanation!

[Turkhunter]

Can you tell the difference just by looking at them?

[nineworlds9]

Thanks Irv, I hope I have it all correct since I'm just an "armchair" bowyer LOL!!!

In most cases I would say yes, most have a much sharper hook, often almost 90 degrees, to the recurved portion than a working design...on the ones where its not so obvious at a glance you can usually tell by inspecting the tip area and noticing a additional layers of material to stiffen the tip and keep it from bending.