Finding an American-made recurve bow that doesn’t require a second mortgage has always been a challenge for traditional archers. You’re either buying imported bows at budget prices or jumping straight to custom bowyers charging $1,000 and up. There hasn’t been much middle ground—until now. After several subscribers asked me to find an American-made alternative to popular imports like the Black Hunter, I discovered The Bob Garner from Shatterproof Archery. At $499, this Colorado-built takedown recurve promises quality craftsmanship and performance without the custom bow price tag. I’ve spent the last few weeks putting this bow through its paces at the range and in the field. Here’s what you need to know.

What Makes The Bob Garner Different?

Shatterproof Archery took an interesting approach with this bow. Instead of adding fancy features and exotic materials to justify a higher price, they focused on putting quality where it counts: in the construction and materials. The result is a no-nonsense 60-inch takedown recurve that strips away the bells and whistles while delivering solid performance.

Key Specifications:

• Limbs: Bamboo core with black fiberglass and walnut accents
• Riser: 16-inch solid hickory, cut to center
• Finish: Professional-grade M.L. Campbell KlearVar
• Draw weights: 25-65 lbs (measured at 28″)
• Draw length range: 24-34 inches
• Price: $499 ($519 with bow stringer)
• Made in: Colorado, USA

Build Quality & First Impressions

Right out of the box, The Bob Garner feels substantial. The solid hickory riser isn’t trying to win beauty contests with exotic woods or dramatic cutouts—it’s built to shoot. The professional KlearVar finish is the same stuff high-end furniture makers use, and after several range sessions in less-than-perfect weather, it’s holding up beautifully. The bamboo core limbs with black fiberglass create a subtle contrast with the walnut limb wedges that carry through to the riser’s tip overlays. It’s understated but well-executed. What impressed me most? The cut-to-center design. Many budget bows cut corners here (pun intended), but Shatterproof went with a true cut-to-center shelf, which makes a real difference for accuracy and arrow selection.

How Does It Shoot?

I’ve been testing a 45-pound model at my 28-inch draw length, and the performance has been consistently impressive.

• The draw cycle is smooth and predictable. There’s no stacking, no surprises—just progressive weight build that feels natural from start to finish. If you’re coming from a longbow, you’ll appreciate how this recurve stores energy without fighting you.
• At release, the bow is stable with minimal hand shock. The included string and limb silencers do their job, keeping things quiet enough for hunting situations.
• Accuracy has been excellent at hunting distances. At 20 yards, I’m consistently inside a 4-inch group. At 30 yards, I’m staying inside a paper plate—more than adequate for ethical shots on whitetail deer.

The bamboo core delivers exactly what you want: fast, efficient, and quiet arrow flight.

Versatility for Hunters & Range Shooters

The takedown design makes this bow incredibly practical. I can break it down in two minutes flat and toss it in my truck without a bulky bow case. For hunters who need to pack gear into remote locations or archers who travel to different ranges, this is a major advantage. The 60-inch length hits the sweet spot: short enough to maneuver in a tree stand or ground blind, but long enough to provide a forgiving draw and smooth shooting characteristics. With draw weights ranging from 25 to 65 pounds, there’s an option for everyone from beginners building strength to experienced hunters pursuing larger game. It also comes with high quality D97 Flemish bowstring, string silencers, arrow rest, and limb silencers that save you from having to pay $50-75 for these quality upgrades separately.

I also tested the Shatterproof Archery Glove with the bow, and it offers 3 things: easy & quiet installation, comfort, and protection. It feels like you are wearing a super comfy extra layer of skin on your hand due to it’s Sunridge Side Chocolate Brown Leather that’s super soft and comfortable. It also has a button stud fastener for a quiet, easy installation that will not come loose, and unique wrist strap design that actually keeps the glove in place.

The Value Proposition

Let’s talk numbers. At $499, The Bob Garner sits in an interesting market position:

• Budget imports: $100-250 (overseas manufacturing, questionable quality control)
• The Bob Garner: $499 (American-made, quality materials, solid customer support)
• Custom recurves: $800-1,500+ (exotic woods, custom specs, long wait times)

This is the Goldilocks option—not so cheap that you’re sacrificing quality, but not so expensive that you’re afraid to actually hunt with it and get it dirty. You’re also supporting a small American business. Shatterproof Archery is a Colorado family operation, and they named this bow after their grandfather, Bob Garner, who was a skilled archer. That heritage shows in the attention to detail and honest craftsmanship.

Who Should Buy The Bob Garner?

This bow is perfect for:

• Traditional archers wanting quality American-made equipment without custom prices
• Hunters who need a reliable, no-nonsense tool
• Archers upgrading from cheap imports
• Anyone who values supporting small American bowyers

This bow is NOT for:

• Archers wanting a cheap imported recurve for less than $150
• Archers wanting a flashy show piece with exotic materials
• Competition target shooters needing Olympic-style precision
• People who need their bow immediately (2-month lead time)

Final Verdict

After extensive testing, The Bob Garner is one of the best values in American-made traditional bows, period.

It’s not trying to be everything to everyone. It’s a solid, reliable, great-shooting recurve that’ll serve you well whether you’re punching paper or pursuing deer. The bamboo core gives you speed and efficiency. The hickory riser gives you durability. The cut-to-center design gives you accuracy. And the American craftsmanship gives you peace of mind.

For traditional archers looking for that sweet spot between imported bows and expensive customs, The Bob Garner from Shatterproof Archery deserves serious consideration. Watch my full video review above to see The Bob Garner in action at the range, complete with shooting footage, accuracy testing, and detailed close-ups of the bow’s construction.

PURCHASE LINKS: (paid links) 
1. The Bob Garner Recurve Bow at Shatterproof Archery
2. Shatterproof Archery Shooting Glove