There are many different options when it comes to recurve limbs and the materials they are made of. Models range from fiberglass, wood, carbon and foam, and each of these limbs has a specific purpose and feel. A limb’s feel is defined by two key phases—the draw cycle through the clicker zone and the reaction at the moment of release. Understanding the subtle differences between these models can impact your experience in the field as well as your wallet.
The most budget-friendly set of limbs are the entrance level limbs constructed using fiberglass. This material is relatively easy to work with on the manufacturing side, and the costs for this material can be kept quite low. These limbs are great for recurve archers who are starting out and changing limb poundage as they develop and get stronger. However, the feel of these limbs through the clicker zone is usually not that smooth, and these limbs tend to “stack” more than higher end limbs. This means that the perceived poundage on the archer’s fingers increases rapidly and almost feels like you’re “hitting a wall” as you come through the clicker zone. This is not a desirable trait when you’re trying to control your shot while shooting longer distances.
Limbs made with a wood core are by far one of the most sought-after limb materials, on average, for recurve archers. Wood limbs are generally crafted from maple and, despite the natural material, they can be made with extreme precision from set to set. There are wood-core limbs that would be classed in the budget category, as well as other models that are top-of-the-line grade; it depends on the other materials used in combination with the wood core that defines the set of limbs. In general, wood absorbs shock slightly better than other materials, leading to a more damped feel when the arrow is released. The drawback (no pun intended) is that the feeling through the clicker zone can sometimes be harsher – the archer must work a little more to pull through the clicker zone. Some archers prefer this feeling of “having to work for the shot.”
Foam-core limbs are a fully synthetic limb where the materials inside the limb (usually carbon and high-density foam) can be completely controlled in the manufacturing process. Engineers can moderate the amount of flex the limb has in all directions, which is important for controlling the way the limb twists while being drawn back. Foam limbs are usually reserved as high-end limbs, but some companies have figured out ways to create budget-friendly foam limbs to accommodate all archers. Foam limbs are usually very smooth through the clicker zone and have a very snappy shot reaction upon release, largely due to the construction of the foam and carbon limb and the lighter physical weight of the limb. This can lead to more vibration after the shot, which is not every archer’s preference.
Choosing limbs can be daunting, especially if you live in an area where trying other people’s equipment may not be an option. Wood limbs might be desirable for their subdued feel on the shot, whereas foam limbs might be considered due to their ability to remain more consistent in all types of weather variations. Your limbs shape the bow’s overall feel, so select the set that fits your shooting style best.
