Block or Recurve Crossbow?
Novice shooters often ask themselves the question: Which crossbow is better to buy: recursive or block? Let’s try together to figure out the advantages and disadvantages of each type of crossbow. We can say right away that this review can hardly help you decide, but you will get some knowledge about the features of the block and recursive crossbows.
Which Is Better Than a Classic Crossbow or a Compound Crossbow?
First, Let’s Define the Terms
Recursive bracelet: “Recurve” (from the English. Recurve – “curved in the opposite direction”) – this is a classic type of crossbow; it has been used in the manufacture of crossbows since ancient times, with little or no change. The shoulders (arcs) of such a crossbow have a shape bent towards the shot (s-shaped).
Block crossbow: the type of crossbows (English “Compound” – “compound, complex”) differs from the classical one by the presence on the shoulders (arcs) of a system of eccentrics (blocks) through which the bowstring passes.
Both the recursive and the block have their peculiarities. Both the one and the other crossbow can be successfully used on hunting because the firing distance is not so great. Both of these crossbows fire a loud click, some quieter, some louder, but don’t expect the shot to be silent. So let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of both types of crossbows:
Classic (recurve) crossbows have five main advantages over block crossbows:
- Ease. There is nothing worse than carrying a heavy crossbow through the forest while hunting. With classic shoulders, arbrecurve-crossbow let is much lighter (by 1.5-3 kg.), which gives you greater mobility and the ability to move from one point in the forest to another. Also, block crossbows are more complex devices with more detail.
- Accuracy. You will never need to set up a recursive crossbow. Thus, the accuracy of shooting always remains the same. To achieve heap shooting from a block crossbow, you will have to make adjustments.
- Reliability/Durability. The simpler the design, the more reliable it is. Block crossbows have many different blocks and cables that need to be handled with care. And recurve bows have much fewer moving parts. Since hunting often has to wade through bushes, trees, in this case, it is preferable to have a simple classic crossbow.
- Possibility to replace the bowstring. If suddenly bowstring breaks in the forest, consider that your hunt or training is over. But if you have a recursive crossbow, you can safely replace the bowstring by simply bending the crossbow’s shoulders and putting it on the ends. With a block crossbow, everything is much more complicated: the bowstring can be frayed in various places, and to replace it, you will need a special machine; you will have to carry the crossbow to the store.
- Power. There is a myth that recursive crossbows are much weaker than block crossbows. This is not the case. Although block crossbows give an advantage in speed with the same strength (by 20-40%), but after all, a recursive crossbow can be made as strong as the imagination allows. The main thing then is whether you can stretch this crossbow.
Advantages of Block Crossbows
- All block crossbows have a smaller shoulder span than recursive crossbows. Block arb Compoud-crossbow let can be quite narrow and, even though it is still heavier in weight than the classic one, it is easier to move around the forest with it.
- With the same force, the trigger mechanism of a block crossbow experiences less stress than a classic one. In a stretched state, the force held by the crossbow is 20-30% of the maximum. The resource of the crossbow trigger is increased.
- The speed of an arrow from a block crossbow is higher than that of a recursive one (with less shoulder strength). Thus, the block crossbow is easier to pull with your hands. But if you use special devices and mechanisms, this advantage is not so significant.
Even though compound bows are becoming more and more popular, and technology does not stand still, some crossbow companies, such as Excalibur, still rely on the production of recursive crossbows. Ideally, you should try to shoot both types of crossbows before purchasing. You probably already understood the answer to the initial question: The best crossbow is the one you like best. It depends on for what purposes and in what conditions you are going to use it.
Read more: