Traditional hunting bows
Traditional bows carry no cams, no let-off, and no sights on most rigs. You hold the full peak weight at anchor, which is why 45-55 lb recurves and 55-65 lb longbows are the working range for whitetail and hogs. Instinctive shooters keep effective distance inside 20 yards.
Recurve, longbow, or selfbow
A recurve bends the limb tips away from the shooter, storing more energy in a shorter package than a straight-limbed longbow. A 58 in recurve at 50 lb typically shoots a 500 gr arrow around 175 fps, or 34 ft-lb kinetic energy, enough for a whitetail at 18 yards. A 66 in longbow at 55 lb runs closer to 165 fps with the same arrow, quieter on release and less finger pinch. A selfbow, one piece of yew or Osage, sits below both on speed but wins on tradition and quiet.
Three example bows with real specs
Bear Kodiak Magnum 52 in
52 in axle length, 50 lb at 28 in draw, 1.75 lb mass. Reputation for wrist slap on shooters with high grip; forgiving in a treestand where the short limbs clear the platform.
Toelke Whip 60 in longbow
60 in, 55 lb at 28 in, hybrid reflex-deflex profile. Runs a 550 gr arrow around 172 fps. Rokslide traditional forum users cite it as a 40-yard-capable longbow for elk on the right shot.
Border Hex 7.5 recurve 62 in
62 in, 50 lb at 28 in, HEX limb design. Petersen’s Bowhunting long-lead tests clock 195 fps with a 470 gr arrow, competitive with entry compounds.
Draw-weight guide for traditional
Turkey and small game: 40-45 lb. Whitetail and hogs: 50-55 lb. Elk and moose: 60-65 lb, matched to a heavy 600 gr arrow for penetration.
What bowhunters are saying
You do not need a 70 lb recurve to kill an elk. A tuned 55 lb Border with a 610 gr arrow and a two-blade will bury to the fletch on a broadside cow at 22 yards. What you need is form under pressure.
Rokslide, Traditional Bowhunting subforum, 2025 elk debrief thread