The limbs refer to the upper and lower sections of the recurve bow, which store energy during the draw and therefore bend. Limb manufacturers offer limbs in a wide range of price ranges.
There's a wide selection of limbs for recurve bows. But it's precisely this selection that often confuses some archers. Limbs from different manufacturers behave differently depending on the draw force applied.
It's best to test different limbs at a trusted retailer. Not every limb suits the archer's style. If you have a coach, it's recommended that they be involved in the purchase process. Many clubs and shops offer "leasing" models (or something similar). This is a great solution, especially for beginners. You can often swap the strength and/or type of limb.
Price categories
It's fair to say that limbs priced between €500 and €600 outshine cheaper models. Better materials and finer workmanship come at a real price. Higher-priced limbs are also more elastic, giving the archer a feeling of greater flexibility.
What are the limbs made of?
Modern limbs are no longer made solely of wood. They consist of a combination of different materials in many layers. Modern limbs consist of up to 20 layers. This makes production expensive, which is naturally reflected in the final price.
ILF limbs
ILF stands for the "International Limb Fitting" system. The system's mounting is standardized, meaning all manufacturers' models should fit together. ILF limbs are not screwed onto the riser, but rather plugged into the riser. This system offers a wide range of options and eliminates the need to rely on a single manufacturer.
