How to Find the Pounds for a Recurve Bow

Modern recurve bows are designed in several pieces: a center section called a riser and two "limbs" made of fiberglass, carbon or wood which connect to it. The limbs, which come in a variety of poundage, is where the bowstring attaches. The "poundage" or "weight" of a bow refers to the amount of force required to draw the bowstring to 28 inches, the standard draw length. Most bows used for target shooting have a weight of 25 or more pounds.

Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the weight of a recurve bow, which is usually marked on the bottom limb. Most average adult males can use a 30-to-45-pound recurve bow, whereas most adult women can use a 25-to-35-pound bow. Children can use a 25-pound bow, though they will most likely not bring it to its full draw length.

    • 2

      Hold the recurve bow's riser in your non-dominant hand. Rise it to shoulder-height and extend your arm fully. For example, if you are right-handed you will hold the bow in your left hand and use your right hand to draw the bowstring.

    • 3

      Draw the bowstring back until the knuckle on the index finger of your dominant hand reaches to approximately between your cheek and earlobe. You should be able to comfortably pull back the bowstring and hold it at full draw. If it is too easy you may need to increase the weight of the bow.