Buying a Used Recurve Bow in India: A Safe, Practical Checklist
A good second-hand recurve can save you a serious amount of money — especially when you are moving up from a club bow, or when a junior archer outgrows their limbs every season. But used gear also hides problems that are easy to miss: twisted limbs, cracked limb pockets, stretched strings and mismatched sizes. This guide walks you through exactly what to check before you pay.
Start with the right size, not the best deal
The most common mistake is buying a bargain that simply does not fit. A recurve must match your draw length, and the limbs must match the poundage you can hold with good form. Before you look at a single listing, work out your numbers with the free Archery Asia bow guide and poundage calculator — it gives your draw length, bow length, riser and limb size, and the poundage to buy in both lbs and kg.
- Riser length: most adults shoot a 25" riser; shorter archers and juniors often use 23".
- Limb length: short, medium or long limbs change the overall bow length (for example, a 25" riser with medium limbs makes a 68" bow).
- Marked poundage: limbs are marked at a 28" draw. If your draw is longer, you will hold roughly 2 lbs more per extra inch.
- Fitting system: check that the riser and limbs are both ILF (the international standard) unless you are buying a complete matched set.
Checking the riser
The riser is the most durable part of the bow, which is why a used riser is often the smartest buy. Still, inspect it carefully in good light.
- Look for cracks around the limb pockets, the grip and the sight mounting holes. Hairline cracks in these high-stress areas are a deal-breaker.
- Check that the tiller bolts turn smoothly and that none of the threaded inserts (plunger hole, stabiliser bushing, sight holes) are stripped.
- Cosmetic scratches and worn paint are normal and do not affect performance.
- Confirm the hand: a right-handed archer needs an RH riser — the arrow shelf sits on the left side.
Checking the limbs
Limbs carry all the stored energy, so they deserve the most attention.
- Twist: fit the limbs to a riser, string the bow and sight down the string from behind. The string should run down the centre of both limbs. A visible twist means the limb is damaged.
- Delamination: look along the edges and tips for any layers separating, lifting or bubbling. Do not shoot a delaminating limb.
- Tips and string grooves: check for chips or sharp edges that could cut a string.
- Labels: confirm the marked length and poundage on both limbs match each other.
Strings, rests and accessories
Assume a used string needs replacing — a fresh string is inexpensive and removes one variable. Arrow rests, plungers and sights can be good value second-hand, but check that adjustment screws move freely and that nothing is bent. Arrows are best bought new unless they are a near-perfect match for your spine and length.
Avoiding scams and bad deals
Paying a stranger in advance for gear you have never seen is the biggest risk with used equipment. Ask for clear photos of the whole bow, close-ups of the limb tips and pockets, and the limb labels. Be wary of prices that look too good, sellers who refuse video calls, and anyone who asks for payment outside a protected method.
The Archery Asia used-gear marketplace was built for exactly this problem: every listing is reviewed before it goes live, you pay Archery Asia rather than the seller, we collect the item and deliver it to you, and the seller is paid only after you confirm it arrived as described.
Get a second opinion
If you are new to archery, ask your coach to look over a bow before you commit — or at least to check the photos. If you do not have a coach yet, you can find coaches, ranges and archery stores near you by postcode or location, anywhere in India and worldwide.
Quick checklist before you pay
- Riser length, hand and limb fitting match what you need
- Limb length and marked poundage match your bow-guide result
- No cracks near limb pockets, grip or threaded holes
- Limbs track straight with no twist or delamination
- All bolts and screws turn smoothly
- Budget for a new string
- Payment is protected until you receive the item
Next steps
Used gear is a great way to start or to upgrade on a budget, but some things are worth buying new — especially limbs for a growing junior, strings and arrows. Browse new bows, risers and limbs or our beginner kits at Archery Asia, and if you have gear you have outgrown, list it on the marketplace so it can help the next archer.