How To Store A Recurve Bow?

How To Store A Recurve Bow?

Storing a recurve bow properly when you’re not using it is really important because it can help you keep it safe and in a good condition. But there are so many options for how to actually store the bow. In this post, I’ll help you understand why storing the bow properly is important, and what’s the best way for you to store your bow.

A Recurve bow can be stored in many ways: on a bow stand, mounted on a wall, or in a bow case. Before storing it you should unstring it and clean it. Proper storage will ensure a longer life for your bow.

But there’s a bit more to that since the best way for you to store it might be a bit different from other people. Let’s explore the topic a bit deeper.

The best ways to store a recurve bow

The main ways to store your bow are mounting it on a wall, placing it on a bow stand, or storing it inside a case, either hard or soft. In either option, your bow should be clean and unstrung.

Most archers store their bow inside a bow case, either of a hard or a soft type. The main reason is that a bow case doesn’t take a lot of space, and it keeps you bow fairly protected and out of reach.

If you do decide to use a case to store your bow, remember that for some cases you’ll also need to dismantle it before storage, so it can fit inside. Most bow cases will also have room for the rest of your equipment, so your arrows and attachments will stay safe as well.

You can choose between a hard case and a soft case based on your needs besides storage. A hard case will probably keep your bow safer, but a soft case will be much lighter. So consider how you’ll use the bow case outside of storage.

If you’re planning to travel with your equipment, getting a hard case might be a better idea for you, as I’ve mentioned in my post about traveling with archery gear. Soft cases will be better for your day-to-day.

Some archers like using a bow backpack, because it’s just as good for storage, and also easier to carry on your back. You can only store your bow dismantled in a backpack because it has a dedicated slot for every part of your bow. I prefer having a bow case over a backpack because it’s usually more of a hustle.

If you have some space at home, you might find it better to mount your bow on a wall. You can do that using some cushioned wall pegs or using a dedicated wall mount, like this great wooden one (link to Amazon). I like this one especially because it also has room for your arrows.

You do need to remember that keeping your gear on a mount keeps in handy. If you have kids in the house it might be a good idea to either place the mount high on the wall or store the bow some other way.

You can actually store the bow strung on the wall if you’re shooting in your backyard and taking a break, so you have it handy before you go back to the range. When storing it for longer than a few hours, you can mount it unstrung. It’s a really comfortable storage method, and it also looks pretty cools.

Another method of storage that has similar benefits is storing your bow on a bow stand. It’s a great way to store your bow and has most of the benefits of mounting it to the wall, and you can do it even if you don’t have room for a mount at home.

Another benefit is that you can move the bow stand from place to place. So during the season, you might put it handy, and on the off-season, you can keep it somewhere else.

Why it is important that you properly store your bow

Proper storage of your bow can increase the lifespan of the bow, and help you avoid unnecessary damage to it. The main causes of damage to your bow are all caused by improper care.

Everybody who’s ever held a bow felt that they’re put under a lot of pressure. The limbs of the bow are constantly pulled by the string, which is basically what enables the bow to be so efficient. But that means that if something happens to some part of the bow, the entire structure might collapse and seriously damage the bow.

For example, a bow can be damaged dirty or wet, or if the storage environment is extremely hot or humid.

That’s why I recommend that you inspect the bow before long-term storage, clean it, unstring it, and store it in a place with a good environment. This will ensure that the lifespan of your bow is as long as possible.

Proper bow storage can significantly increase the lifespan of the string as well. You can learn more about how long a bow string lasts in a detailed post I wrote.

Inspect your bow before storage

You should take the opportunity of storing the bow to perform some basics inspections on it. This will enable you to address any issues on time. Make sure to pay attention to the string and limbs.

When inspecting the bow, make sure to both inspect it when strung and unstrung, to make sure you’re able to check everything.

When inspecting the limbs, you’ll be looking for any signs of stress cracks in the wood. Note that the bow might have some scrapes in the finish, and that’s fine. You’re looking for actual cracks and signs of stress. Check all around the limbs, from top to bottom.

Make sure to also inspect the string. Check the tips and the nock end on both limbs. Check that there aren’t any broken strands of the string and that it doesn’t look worn out. If it does, you might want to replace the string later.

This inspection, of course, doesn’t replace a routine professional check at a pro shop. It’s only a way to make sure your gear is basically in proper condition and to know your equipment better. Make sure to occasionally take your equipment to be checked, so you’re sure it’s safe to use.

How to clean your bow before storing it?

Before storing your bow, it’s important that you make sure it’s clean and dry. To clean the bow, you simply need to wipe it with a soft cloth. If it needs some more polishing, you can use some polishing compound to remove the stubborn grime. You can also wax your string.

First and most important: never store a bow wet. I discussed this in a previous post, though focused around compound bows, and the idea is the same: storing a bow while wet can seriously damage it. So before storing it, if it did get wet, make sure to dry it completely.

If the bow is a little dirty, wiping it down with a soft cloth might be enough it clean it. Occasionally applying a furniture polish can help clean it a bit more, and give it a great sharp look.

When cleaning the bow is harder, you just might want to use a more aggressive cleaning product like an automotive polishing compound. It works well on removing stubborn dirt.

Try it first on a hidden spot to make sure it doesn’t damage the finish of the bow. After working the substance on the entire bow, wipe and clean and apply furniture polish.

These cleaning tactics will work on most bows unless they’re in really poor shape. Keep your bow in a good condition and you won’t have to worry about it.

It might be a good idea to apply some wax to your bow string. This will increase it’s life.

You can keep your bow clean from dust and dirt while being stored for a long period of time using a bow sock. Even if you hang it, this will protect the bow from dust and scratches.

Should you unstring a recurve bow before storing it?

You can keep your bow strung for short periods of time, but if you’re putting it aside for more than a few hours you should always unstring it. When storing the bow then, you should always keep it unstrung and clean.

Unless your bow is made out of fiberglass, the pressure of being strung weakens the material in your bow and reduces its life. Over time, the wood deteriorates and becomes much weaker, eventually making your bow unusable.

That’s why it’s recommended that if you’re not using the bow for longer than a few hours, you should unstring it. Obviously, when storing the bow, you should then unstring it. This will help you increase the bow’s lifespan.

Unstringing the bow isn’t hard, but you should to it properly because it puts your bow under a lot of pressure. It’s quite common that people damage their bows while unstringing it. You’ll have to use a bow stringer, like the one I recommend (link to Amazon), and follow the process. I really like this youtube video where the process is explained:

Conclusions

In this post, we’ve covered the different ways you can store your recurve bow, why it’s important, and what to do before you store it. The right storage for you depends on how much room you have, how handy you want your bow, and how safe you have to keep it.

I didn’t discuss things like how hot or humid the storage area should be, but it’s common sense not to put your bow in a hot and humid area, since it can damage it.

Make sure to take good care of your bow before storing it, to increase its lifespan. Inspect it, clean it, and unstring it to ensure that it’s in proper condition.

I hope this post was helpful and that now you have everything you need to know in order to safely store your bow. Enjoy!

The Best Recurve Bows I’ve Reviewed

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Southwest Archery Spyder

This entry to intermediate level, traditional looking takedown recurve bow is one of these bows you can grow with. As a mid-sized, 60″ tall bow, with draw weight between 20-60 lbs and draw length between 22″ to 29″, it’s perfect for beginners.

Check what it’s going for in Amazon.

Bear Archery Grizzly

This high-end alternative is, in my opinion, the best option for more experienced archers. As a shorter bow 58″ tall, lightweight recurve bow, it’s very mobile. Its draw weight between 40-60 lbs, which is perfect for most experienced archers. The beautiful maple wood the riser is made of is also very durable, and generally, it’s made of high-quality material.

Like most other things, you can find it in Amazon.

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You can also read more in the full recurve bow buyer’s guide.