Kainokai 60” Recurve Bow Review: Should You Buy?

In the world of traditional archery, finding the perfect blend of performance, quality, and affordability can be a daunting task. 

Enter the Kainokai Recurve, a 60” hunting longbow that seeks to redefine your archery experience. 

Priced at just $89.88, it's an option that seamlessly merges budget-friendliness with robust functionality.

In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the intricate details of the Kainokai Recurve, discussing its design, build quality, performance, ease of use, and overall value for money. 

We'll also be comparing it to some other options in the market, helping you make an informed decision about whether this could be the bow that takes your archery game to the next level. 

Get ready to embark on a journey into the heart of traditional archery, as we unravel the essence of the Kainokai Recurve.

Specifications

  • Brand: KAINOKAI
  • Available Colors: Elf, Hawkeye
  • Material: Bamboo, Wood
  • Item Weight: 1.43 Pounds
  • Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
  • Draw Weight: 20-50LBS
  • Item Package Dimensions: 60 x 6.8 x 2.5 inches
  • Package Weight: 1.5 Kilograms
  • Item Dimensions: 60 x 2 x 8 inches

Now, let's dissect these features further:

Design and Material

The Kainokai Recurve bow embodies a simple shape and a beautiful appearance. 

The bow is made using high-density technology wood and bamboo, providing it with toughness and strength. 

The Hawkeye variant uses only high-density technology wood, while the Elf variant uses a combination of the same wood and bamboo. 

This composition is achieved through lamination technology, ensuring the product's durability and robustness​.

Power and Speed

The bow boasts strong power and fast shooting speed, making it a practical choice for various archery activities. 

Its small vibration and light weight contribute to its high performance and ease of use. 

The draw weight ranges from 20 to 50 pounds, accommodating a variety of strength levels and shooting preferences​1​.

Hand Orientation

One standout feature of the Kainokai Recurve is its ambidextrous design. 

This means that it can be used by both left and right-handed individuals, enhancing its versatility and inclusivity​

Package Contents

The package includes a Recurve Bow, a bow string, and a stringer. 

These components provide everything needed to get started with archery right out of the box​1​.

One thing to keep in mind is that due to the bow's length and long-distance transportation, the packaging may easily get damaged. 

My Personal Experience

My first rendezvous with the Kainokai Recurve took place at my local hunting range. 

As a dedicated archer, I've always been attracted to traditional bows, and the Kainokai Recurve, with its fusion of modern technology and traditional design, seemed like a perfect fit for me.

When the bow arrived, despite its long journey, it was in perfect condition. 

I was immediately taken by its aesthetic. 

The Elf variant I chose featured a blend of high-density technology wood and bamboo, resulting in a bow that was as pleasing to the eye as it was to hold.

On the day of the range visit, I was eager to test out the Kainokai Recurve. 

Weighing in at just 1.43 pounds, the bow felt light in my hands but also durable and solid. 

As a right-handed shooter, I often find myself struggling with bows designed predominantly for right-handed users. 

However, the Kainokai Recurve, with its ambidextrous design, fit comfortably in my grip.

At the range, I had the opportunity to really test the bow's capabilities. 

I opted for a 40 lbs draw weight, which provided a nice balance between power and control. 

The bow shot arrows with remarkable speed and precision, allowing me to hit targets with consistency. 

The low vibration was another plus, keeping my shots steady and my hand fatigue to a minimum.

One of the most memorable moments was during a target practice session. 

I was aiming for a 30-yard target, a challenging distance for any archer. 

I drew the bowstring back, felt the smooth pull, and the firm grip of the wooden handle. 

When I released the arrow, the bowstring resonated with a satisfying hum. 

The arrow soared across the range, landing squarely in the target's bullseye. 

It was a moment of pure satisfaction, a testament to the synergy between the archer and the Kainokai Recurve.

Price and Value for Money

At a price point of $89.88, the Kainokai Recurve offers considerable value for its cost​1​. 

While it's not the cheapest bow on the market, its combination of features and quality materials make it a worthy investment for both beginners and more experienced archers.

The materials used in the construction of the bow, namely high-density technology wood and bamboo, are known for their durability and strength, suggesting that this bow will stand the test of time. 

The thoughtful design, including the ambidextrous nature of the bow and its draw weight range, contribute to its versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of users and applications.

The package also includes a bow string and a stringer, providing you with everything you need to start practicing right out of the box. 

This inclusion of essential accessories enhances the value proposition of the Kainokai Recurve, as it saves the customer from making additional purchases, which can add up over time.

However, it's worth noting that the value of a product is subjective and depends on individual needs and preferences. 

For someone seeking a simple, reliable, and versatile traditional bow for hunting or recreational archery, the Kainokai Recurve presents a good balance between cost and quality. 

It's a bow that delivers on performance without breaking the bank, offering considerable value for its price.

On the other hand, more advanced archers seeking highly specialized features or customizability might be willing to invest in more expensive options. 

Nevertheless, for its price, the Kainokai Recurve stands as a strong contender in the market of traditional archery equipment.

The Drawbacks

No product is without its drawbacks, and the Kainokai Recurve is no exception. 

While the bow excels in many areas, there are a couple of minor issues that I've noticed during my time using it.

The first is the packaging. 

As mentioned previously, due to its length and the distance it travels, the packaging can sometimes arrive damaged. 

Although the bow inside was perfectly intact in my case, I can understand how this might cause some initial concern for customers.

A personal anecdote I'd like to share relates to the bow string that came with the bow. 

During one of my practice sessions at the hunting range, I noticed the bowstring started to fray slightly after extensive use. 

It was a minor issue, and it didn't impact the overall performance of the bow, but it's something worth noting. 

I've since replaced the string, and the bow is back to its optimal performance.

However, it's important to understand that these are relatively minor issues in the grand scheme of things. 

They do not significantly impact the overall performance and quality of the Kainokai Recurve. 

The bow's design, material quality, and versatility still make it a solid choice for anyone looking to explore traditional archery. 

And as with any product, regular maintenance and care can help prolong its lifespan and ensure optimum performance.

Should You Buy? Concluding the Review

Concluding our review of the Kainokai Recurve, the question arises: should you buy it? In short, if you're looking for a traditional recurve bow that offers a blend of quality, performance, and value for money, then the Kainokai Recurve is a strong contender.

The bow's design and material quality are standouts, with the high-density technology wood and bamboo providing a blend of aesthetics and durability. 

Its lightweight and sturdy construction, coupled with an ambidextrous design, ensure that it is accessible and comfortable for a wide range of users.

Its performance doesn't disappoint either. 

The draw weight range, fast shooting speed, and minimal vibration make it a reliable and versatile tool for both hunting and target practice. 

The package also includes necessary accessories, such as a bowstring and a stringer, adding to its value.

While there are minor drawbacks, such as the potential for damaged packaging and the possibility of the bowstring fraying with extensive use, these do not overshadow the many strengths of the Kainokai Recurve. 

These issues can be easily managed with proper care and maintenance, and they don't significantly impact the overall performance and quality of the bow.

In the balance of things, the positives far outweigh the negatives. 

The Kainokai Recurve offers a high degree of satisfaction for both beginners and more experienced archers, providing a rich and rewarding archery experience. 

At its price point, it delivers substantial value for money, making it a worthy addition to any archer's gear.

So, if you're considering stepping into the world of traditional archery, or if you're looking to add a reliable, high-quality recurve bow to your collection, the Kainokai Recurve is a choice well worth considering. 

Happy shooting!

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