Right-Hand Bows

A right-hand bow is the bow you hold with your left hand while drawing the string with your right hand toward your dominant right eye. Sounds backwards at first, but that's the international convention. If you're right-handed and aim with your right eye, a right-hand bow is what you need. Here you'll find everything from sturdy beginner bows to Olympic-level competition gear, across the three main bow types: recurve, compound, and longbow.

Which Bow Types Come as Right-Hand Bows?

Practically every bow we carry is available as a right-hand version. It's by far the most common variant, since around 90 percent of people are right-handed and eye dominance usually matches the writing hand. Which bow type suits you depends on what you want to do with it.

Right-Hand Recurve Bow

The dominant eye in archery—what exactly does that mean? Thomas Sillmann explores this question and clearly explains how you can determine your dominant eye. In this video, you’ll also learn whether there are any specific considerations to keep in mind when using different types of bows.

The recurve is the classic that most archers start with and the bow used at the Olympics. The forward-curving limb tips give the bow its name and its power. For beginners, we recommend take-down models with an ILF connection, because you can swap out the limbs individually later on and adjust the draw weight without buying a whole new bow. Typical bow lengths range from 62 to 70 inches, with draw weights for beginners between 18 and 28 lbs. Take a look at our recurve bows.

Right-Hand Compound Bow

The compound bow works with a cam system that redirects the draw force. At full draw, only a fraction of the peak weight remains on your fingers. That's called let-off. 75 to 85 percent let-off is today's standard, and those wanting to aim more steadily go for models at the upper end. Compounds are short, precise, and more forgiving of small posture flaws than a recurve. Popular for 3D archery and hunting. Browse our selection of compound bows.

Right-Hand Longbow

The longbow is the traditional variant, often shot instinctively without sights. Lengths from 64 inches upward, limbs made from laminated wood, sometimes with carbon inlays for added stability. If you're after the original form of archery and value simplicity, this is your world. More on this under longbows.

Am I Actually a Right-Hand Shooter? Here's How to Find Out

The question of whether you need a right-hand bow isn't about your writing hand, it's about your eye dominance. Your dominant eye is the one your brain automatically uses when aiming. You can test this yourself in about ten seconds by forming a small triangle with both hands, fixing on a point on the wall, and then closing one eye at a time. The eye where the point stays inside the triangle is your dominant eye.

Your Handedness Your Dominant Eye Recommended Bow
Right-handed Right eye Right-hand bow
Left-handed Left eye Left-hand bow
Right-handed Left eye Left-hand bow (cross dominance)
Left-handed Right eye Right-hand bow (cross dominance)

If you're right-handed with a dominant right eye, you're in the right place. With cross dominance, switching to the opposite bow almost always pays off, because otherwise you're fighting your own brain and your accuracy will suffer permanently. With kids, eye dominance can still shift, so don't commit too early there.

What Draw Weight Is Right for Me?

The right draw weight matters more than many people realize. Too heavy means poor form, soreness, and frustration. As rough guidelines for getting started:

  • Children up to age 12: 10 to 16 lbs
  • Teens and women with little experience: 18 to 24 lbs
  • Men with little experience: 24 to 30 lbs
  • Experienced sport archers: 32 to 44 lbs
  • Hunting applications (where legal): 40 lbs and up

If you're unsure, go lighter. With an ILF bow you can swap out the limbs later without much hassle, which is the main reason we almost always steer beginners toward ILF.

Which Right-Hand Bow for Which Archer?

For your very first bow, the one you want to start with at a club or on a 3D course, you're well served with a take-down recurve in 66 or 68 inches. Our DRAKE beginner sets cover this range at a fair price and let you grow into the gear over time.

If you're already shooting at a club and progressing technically, the ILF connection becomes essential. Risers from JACKALOPE or Hoyt combined with matching limbs give you the option to swap components selectively and work your way up toward competition level piece by piece.

For hunting or long-range 3D shooting, the compound is the most honest recommendation. Models like the Bear Archery Adapt 2 or the DRAKE Pathfinder series are solid, durable, and cover the typical draw weight ranges from 45 to 70 lbs. Anyone aiming for competition at the highest level should look at the Hoyt Concept X. That's professional-grade gear.

Don't Forget Arrows, String, and Accessories

A bow alone doesn't shoot. You'll need arrows in the right length and spine, a string (usually included with set offers), a quiver, an arm guard, and a tab or glove. The spine describes the stiffness of the arrow and has to match your draw weight and draw length, otherwise the arrows fly poorly. Our arrow category has the right models, and if you're unsure, just tell us which bow you shoot and what your draw length is.

Frequently Asked Questions About Right-Hand Bows

Am I a Right-Hand Shooter Because I'm Right-Handed?

Not necessarily. Your dominant eye is what decides. About two-thirds of right-handed people also have a dominant right eye and are classic right-hand shooters. The rest have cross dominance, and for them a left-hand bow is the better choice.

What's the Difference Between a Right-Hand and Left-Hand Bow?

A right-hand bow is held in the left hand and drawn with the right hand, with the arrow resting on the left side of the riser. The left-hand bow is the mirror image. They're functionally equivalent, you just need to find the one that fits you.

Can I Convert a Right-Hand Bow?

With recurves featuring an ILF connection, you can't flip the limbs, the bow stays right-hand. With longbows, depending on the model, shooting both ways is possible but not ideal. With compounds, conversion is practically never an option. Buy the right hand from the start.

What Draw Weight Should a Right-Hand Beginner Choose?

For adults with little experience, 18 to 28 lbs is a good starting range. Women often at the lower end, men at the upper. Better to start light and swap out the limbs after six months than to train bad form with too much weight.

How Much Does a Good Right-Hand Bow Cost?

A solid beginner recurve set starts at around 85 euros, a good mid-range ILF system runs 200 to 400 euros, quality compounds sit between 200 and 700 euros, and Olympic competition gear can run into four figures. For getting started, the lower end is more than enough.

Want Some Advice?

If you're still unsure after reading this which bow fits you, just drop us a line. We shoot ourselves, know these models inside out, and will tell you honestly what we'd recommend for your situation, even if that means a cheaper model. You can reach us through our contact form or by phone.