What Is a Recurve Bow and How Do You Choose a Custom One?

A recurve bow is a bow whose limb tips curve back away from the archer when the bow is unstrung; that shape stores more energy in a shorter bow than a straight-limbed longbow. Choosing a custom one means matching the bow to your draw length and a target weight (within about one pound, per Custom Bows by Wes Wallace), then ordering through the maker's form or by phone with a deposit. This guide covers the fit decisions and the ordering steps for a handcrafted recurve from a small Oregon shop.

Recurve vs. longbow: the practical difference

Both are traditional bows without wheels or pulleys, but they behave differently:

Custom Bows by Wes Wallace builds both, so the choice comes down to how you shoot and where. If you want a shorter bow for hunting cover, a recurve is the usual pick; if you prefer a longer, simpler profile, look at the longbow line.

Matching the bow to you: draw length and weight

The two numbers that matter most are your draw length and the weight you want to pull at that length.

• Draw length is the distance from the string to the deepest part of the grip when you're at full draw, plus a small allowance. A bowyer uses it to size the bow and set the weight.
• Bow weight is measured in pounds at your draw length, not at a standard 28 inches. A bow marked 45 pounds at 28 inches will feel heavier if you draw 30 inches.
• Tolerance: Wes Wallace builds each bow to your specified weight for your draw length, plus or minus one pound. State both numbers clearly when you order.

A simple check before ordering: measure your draw length with a helper or at a shop, and decide on a weight you can control for many shots, not just one. For a first traditional bow, many archers start lighter than they expect.

What to specify when ordering a custom recurve

The shop handcrafts each bow one at a time to your specifications. Expect to provide:

1. Model — the site lists several recurves with pictures and descriptions; the top-of-the-line model is the "Mentor," named for the bowyer's mentor, Jim Brackenbury.
2. Draw length and bow weight — the required weight at your draw length, within one pound.
3. Shooting style — every bow is built to shoot off the shelf, so no arrow rest is needed; say so if you plan otherwise.
4. Deposit and contact details — required to start the order.

The ordering process, step by step

1. Browse the recurve pages and pick a model.
2. Fill out the custom bow order form and send it in with your deposit, or call (503) 632-7365 and pay the deposit by credit card.
3. Wait for a confirmation letter listing your balance and the approximate delivery date.
4. Pay monthly if you like, but the balance must be paid in full before the bow ships.
5. Inspect the bow on arrival: check the weight and draw length against your order, look over the limbs and finish, and confirm it shoots off the shelf as built.

Warranty and what to check on delivery

Every bow carries a two-year warranty against material and workmanship defects. Anything beyond that period depends on the condition of the bow, so keep records of how you store and shoot it. On delivery, verify the draw weight and length first, then examine the limbs and grip for defects before you shoot; report any issue to the shop promptly.

Is a custom recurve the right call for you?

Choose a custom recurve if you want a bow built to your exact draw length and weight, shoot off the shelf, and value one-at-a-time craftsmanship from a bowyer with decades of experience (Wes Wallace has built bows since 1978 and full-time since 1988). Choose an off-the-shelf bow instead if you need something immediately or want to try several weights before committing. For a hunting setup in Oregon cover, the shorter recurve profile is the practical starting point; contact the shop at 21420 S Upper Highland Road, Beavercreek, OR 97004 to confirm current models, lead times, and deposit terms before you send an order.