Recurve bows can shoot arrows at an average speed of about 120 miles per hour (mph). However, the speed can vary a lot depending on the bow’s length, draw weight, draw length, string quality, and other factors.

In this article, I will explain how fast a recurve bow can shoot and how these factors can affect its performance, including its shooting speed. I will also share some common tips and tricks for making your bow shoot faster and more efficiently. 

Before we begin, let’s take a closer look at how fast does a recurve bow shoot.   

How fast can a recurve bow shoot under favorable conditions?

As I mentioned earlier, a standard recurve bow with a draw length of 28″ and draw weight of 25 lbs can shoot arrows at a speed of 150-170 feet per second (fps), which is around 100-120 miles per hour under favorable weather conditions, i.e., no rain, no wind, and low humidity.   

A high-performance recurve bow, like our black hunter takedown recurve bow, with a draw weight of 50-60 lbs, can shoot at a speed of 225 fps or more. It takes milliseconds to hit a target. You only hear the release sound and a thud almost immediately. 

Under optimal conditions and speed, your recurve bow can shoot arrows up to 400 yards.  

The speed can change significantly depending on the factors mentioned below.    

Factors that affect the speed of a recurve bow

Draw weight, draw length, arrow weight, and fletching are some of the important factors that affect the speed of the bow. Understanding these factors and their effects can help archers optimize their performance.   

Let’s begin.  

Draw Weight

It is the amount of force you apply to pull the bowstring to a full draw.

If you have a 60 lbs recurve bow, you need to apply 60 lbs of force to shoot the recurve bow. This means you store about 60 lbs worth of potential energy in the limbs and bowstring, which transforms into kinetic energy when you shoot. 

Lighter bows with a draw weight of 20 lbs store less energy, so they are typically slower than the heavier ones meant for expert archers.  

Please read my article on how a recurve bow works to understand its energy storage mechanism.  

The second important factor determining a bow’s speed is its draw length. 

Draw Length 

It is the distance the archer pulls the bowstring when shooting. 

Here’s how the draw length affects your bow’s speed.

  • The longer the draw length, the more energy you store in the limbs, resulting in higher speed.
  • If two bows have the same draw weight but different draw lengths, the one with a longer draw length will shoot faster. 
  • You shouldn’t buy a bow with a longer draw length so you can shoot faster. The length should be optimal for you, which is your wingspan ÷ 2.5.

Your bow’s specifications are very important, but you also need to look for the right arrows. 

Arrow Weight

The weight of the arrows hugely impacts the speed at which they travel. 

Heavier arrows require more energy to travel, which reduces their speed and distance. Lighter arrows travel faster and farther, but even slight wind can deflect from their path. 

Read my article on what arrows should you use with a recurve bow for accurate arrow selection tips.  

Here are some of the top-rated wood and carbon arrows that I recommend.  

Pro tip: If you use heavier arrows with a bow having a higher draw weight, your arrows will travel at the fastest possible speed.     

Fletching type

Have you ever wondered why you need those feathers or plastic vanes on the back of your arrows?

It’s for the same reason airplanes have tails. 

Appropriately sized and oriented fletchings help the arrow maintain its stability and trajectory. 

Here’s how fletching type and shape can affect the arrow’s speed. 

Larger fletchingMore dragMore flight stabilizationLess speedBest for indoor or short-distance shooting
Smaller fletchingLess dragLess stabilizationMore speed Best for outdoor practice and hunting   
Straight fletching Less spin and drag Less stabilization compared to helical onesMore speedBest for close-range shooting  
Helical fletching More spin and dragMore stability Reduced  speedRecommended for hunting and long-distance shooting 

We are almost there. Let’s look at the most overlooked factor: the bowstring. 

String Type and Condition 

Not just the limbs, the string of the bows also stores potential energy when drawn back.

Here are the four ways strings affect your recurve bow’s shooting speed. 

  1. The heavier the string, the more energy is wasted to drive it forward to the neutral position. That’s why lighter or thinner strings can increase the speed of your bow. 
  2. Always buy strings with low stretch. Stretchy strings won’t stop dead, making your arrow travel off. 
  3. Strings become stretchy with use. Replace them at least once a year or sooner if you notice a drop in your bow’s performance. Here’s how to string a recurve bow.  
  4. Always buy good quality strings made of Dacron, Fast Flight, or the bow manufacturer’s recommended string. These strings provide a balance of tension and resistance to the bow, increasing its speed. 

Now that you have understood the factors let’s find out if the speed really matters or if it is just overrated.  

Does the speed of the recurve bow really matter?

In archery, speed matters, but I would still choose accuracy over speed. 

Many people prefer the traditional instinctive aiming technique when shooting a recurve bow. In this technique, you trust your intuition to aim your target. You don’t spend much time aiming with sights or other tools; you just shoot. In that case, you need speed so you don’t miss a target, especially a moving one.      

But, when you are target practicing, you focus on accuracy because speed doesn’t really matter. 

Nevertheless, speed helps maintain a flatter trajectory, improve accuracy and penetrate the target in hunting. Let’s discuss these in detail. 

Flatter trajectory

Faster arrows can maintain their upward momentum for a longer duration before getting pulled downwards by gravity. This means the arrow has a higher chance of hitting the target effectively. Flatter trajectories are more forgiving. Even if you misjudge the distance, a faster arrow will still reach the target.    

Better target penetration

Faster arrows have more kinetic energy than the slower ones. They are more likely to hit the target hard and penetrate deeper, which is what you want when hunting. 

Higher accuracy

Faster arrows are less affected by wind and humidity. Their higher stability and a greater margin of error give you a more precise shot, even when shooting long distances. 

Wrap up 

Your recurve bow can shoot at a speed of 150-225 fps, but don’t focus too much on its speed. I recommend focusing on form, technique, and the right equipment. Keep your bow in its best condition. Speed and accuracy will eventually come with practice. 

Go and notch your bow!

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