Recurve Crossbows Reviews 2026

Recurve crossbows attract two kinds of buyers: people who want the lowest cost of entry, and people who would rather own fewer moving parts. Both are reasonable goals, but a recurve asks for something in return, mainly more effort at the cocking stage and a lower speed ceiling than a compound.

I have reviewed four recurve crossbows so far: two budget packages around $200–$240 and two Excalibur models around $800. This page is therefore less a ranking than a decision framework, with the four reviews as worked examples.

If you are still comparing limb designs, read our compound vs recurve comparison alongside this hub. For a step-by-step look at specifications, cocking effort and warranty, see how to choose a recurve crossbow.

What defines a recurve crossbow

The limbs of a recurve curve away from the shooter at the tips. When the string is drawn, the limbs flex and store energy directly, with no cams or cables between the limb and the string. That is the whole mechanism, and it is why a recurve is easy to understand and inexpensive to build.

The consequence is that the energy you put in during cocking is close to the energy stored. A compound uses cams to change the load curve, so a 300-pound crossbow can be cocked with a fraction of that effort. A recurve cannot, which is why every recurve in our reviews relies on a rope or similar cocking aid.

Recurves also tend to be wider than a compound of similar energy because the limbs need physical length. When you compare models, look at the power stroke as well as overall length, since a longer stroke can help recover speed.

Reading the specifications with real numbers

Cocking effort. The Avalanche Anaconda is rated at 175 pounds and the Excalibur Mag Air at 136 pounds. A rope cocking aid helps, but both reviews describe the cocking as the demanding part of ownership. Compare that with a compound such as the Ravin R26X, which lists 340 pounds true and about 12 pounds felt. The Anaconda has roughly half the true weight and far more felt effort.

Speed and energy. The Anaconda is rated at 245 FPS, and my chronograph tests recorded 232 to 241 FPS. The Mag Air is rated at 305 FPS. Energy scales with the square of speed for a given bolt weight, so (305 / 245) squared is about 1.55: the Mag Air carries around 55 percent more energy than the Anaconda at equal bolt weight, despite a lower draw weight. Against the 410 FPS of the Barnett Hyper Whitetail 410, the Anaconda has about 36 percent of the energy, since (245 / 410) squared is roughly 0.36.

Weight. Both are light: about 5 pounds for the Anaconda, 4.9 pounds for the Mag Air (6.7 with accessories). That is lighter than every compound I reviewed.

Every recurve I have scored, side by side

Highest rating first. A recurve needs more draw weight than a compound for the same speed, so read the draw weight column alongside the cocking aid each review describes.

Which recurve for which buyer

Budget and ownership costs

A recurve's low purchase price carries into ownership, but not everything is cheaper.

• Strings. Fewer strings and cables than a compound, and no cam to re-time. Waxing with string wax still matters.
• Bolts. You still need quality bolts. See how to choose crossbow bolts.
• Cocking aid. Included with all four reviewed models, but check that it is in the box.
• Scope. The Anaconda includes a red dot scope. If you want magnification, a scope upgrade adds cost.
• Repairs. Simpler to diagnose, but replacement limbs or strings should come from the manufacturer.

Our cost guide shows what each price tier typically covers, and our maintenance guide lists the routine.

Compatibility with scopes, bolts and cocking aids

1. Bolts. Match the length, weight and nock to the manual. Heavier bolts generally suit lower speeds, but follow the manufacturer's stated minimum.
2. Scopes. Slower speeds mean more drop at distance, so a basic reticle is sufficient at short range but limiting at longer range. Sight in following our scope guide.
3. Cocking. A rope is the usual aid. Follow how to cock a crossbow and your manual, and keep fingers clear of the string path.

Common mistakes and myths

• Assuming recurve means weak or toy-like. A 175-pound crossbow is a serious tool; handle it as one.
• Underestimating cocking effort. Try a rope cocking aid before you commit, or read the review's cocking notes.
• Expecting compound speeds. The reviewed recurves are rated at 245 to 380 FPS, compared with 390 to 515 FPS for the compounds.
• Skipping maintenance because there are fewer parts. Inspect limbs, string and serving, and keep the string waxed.
• Choosing by price alone. The cheapest kit may be right for you, but only if you accept the cocking effort and accuracy limits described in the review.

Who should skip a recurve crossbow

Look at a compound instead if you want easy, repeatable cocking, long-range accuracy or a compact frame. Our compound crossbow hub covers eighteen models. If your use is casual backyard plinking at very short range, a pistol crossbow is a different and more limited category with its own legal restrictions.

Also reconsider if you have limited hand or shoulder strength. Our guide to draw weight by body size helps you choose a cocking effort you can handle safely.

Because a recurve needs a higher draw weight for the same speed, run any model you are considering through the cocking effort estimator before buying, and compare its energy with a compound of the same speed in the kinetic energy calculator. The bolt drop chart shows how much more drop a 330 FPS recurve has than a 400 FPS compound between aiming marks. Most pistol crossbows are recurve designs too, and the recurve crossbow buying guide goes deeper on choosing one.