Avar Traditional Recurve Bows
Authentic Avar Horse Bows by Kassai
The Avar bow represents one of the most important stages in the evolution of the traditional horse bow. Developed during the early medieval period, Avar bows were designed for speed, mobility and reliability, perfectly matching the needs of mounted warriors who depended on fast, instinctive shooting from horseback.
Our collection of Kassai Avar recurve bows combines authentic historical design with modern craftsmanship, offering durable and high-performing bows for traditional archery, horseback archery, field archery and historical reenactment.
Each model is handcrafted using carefully selected materials and reflects the decades of experience that have made Lajos Kassai one of the world’s most respected traditional bowyers.

BUZZARD (ÖLYV) – AVAR TRADITIONAL RECURVE BOW FROM KASSAI
(25-50#)
Price: 299 EUR
The USD and GBP prices are calculated according to xe.com
Why Choose an Avar Bow?
The Avars were among the most accomplished mounted archers of early medieval Europe. Their bows combined compact dimensions with excellent energy storage, allowing archers to shoot quickly and accurately while remaining highly mobile.
Modern Avar bows continue this tradition by offering:
- Compact and maneuverable design
- Fast arrow speed
- Smooth and comfortable draw
- Excellent stability
- Traditional horseback archery performance
- Handmade craftsmanship
- Durable fiberglass construction
Whether you’re an experienced horse archer or just beginning your journey into traditional archery, an Avar bow offers an outstanding balance of performance and historical authenticity.
Handmade Kassai Craftsmanship
Every bow in this collection is handcrafted according to the design principles established by Lajos Kassai, whose work has played a major role in the worldwide revival of mounted archery.
Rather than copying ancient bows exactly, Kassai’s philosophy combines authentic historical geometry with modern materials such as fiberglass, hardwood and premium leather. The result is a bow that preserves the appearance and shooting characteristics of traditional horse bows while offering greater durability, weather resistance and consistent performance.
Which Archer Is an Avar Bow Best For?
Avar bows are known for their forgiving shooting characteristics and excellent versatility.
They are ideal for:
- Beginners starting traditional archery
- Horseback archers
- Field archers
- Historical archery enthusiasts
- Instinctive shooters
- Traditional bow collectors
Their compact design also makes them comfortable to carry and easy to maneuver during long practice sessions.
Why Archers Still Choose Fiberglass Avar Bows
Modern fiberglass Avar bows remain one of the most popular choices for traditional archers because they combine historical aesthetics with practical reliability.
Compared to traditional horn composite bows, fiberglass construction offers:
- Consistent performance in all weather conditions
- Excellent durability
- Low maintenance
- Reliable shooting characteristics
- Outstanding value for money
These qualities make fiberglass Avar bows an excellent option for regular training and everyday shooting.
The History of the Avar Bow
The Avars arrived in the Carpathian Basin during the 6th century and quickly became one of Europe’s dominant mounted cultures.
Like the Huns before them and the Magyars after them, Avar warriors relied heavily on compact reflex bows that allowed fast, accurate shooting from horseback.
Their military success was based on mobility, discipline and exceptional archery skills rather than heavily armoured infantry. The Avar bow became one of the defining weapons of the early medieval Eurasian steppe and influenced the development of many later horse bows throughout Central Europe.
Today, traditional Avar bows remain highly respected among historical archers because they represent an important link between the earlier Hun bows and the later Hungarian horse bows. Their elegant profile, smooth draw and efficient design continue to inspire traditional bowyers around the world.
Why Buy Your Avar Bow from Recurve Bow Shop?
We specialize exclusively in traditional recurve bows and horse bows, offering carefully selected models from renowned Hungarian bowyers.
When you purchase from us, you receive:
- Handmade traditional bows
- Authentic historical designs
- Reliable worldwide shipping
- Expert advice on choosing draw weight
- High-quality craftsmanship
- Manufacturer’s warranty
Whether you are looking for your first horse bow or expanding an existing collection, our goal is to help you find the traditional bow that best matches your shooting style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Avar bow?
An Avar bow is a traditional Asiatic horse bow inspired by the bows used by the Avars, a nomadic people renowned for their mounted archery during the Early Middle Ages.
Are Avar bows suitable for beginners?
Yes. Their forgiving shooting characteristics and compact size make them an excellent choice for beginners learning traditional archery.
Can I use an Avar bow for horseback archery?
Absolutely. Avar bows were originally developed for mounted archery, and modern versions retain the same compact handling and fast shooting characteristics.
What materials are used?
Kassai Avar bows are handcrafted using fiberglass, hardwood and leather, combining historical design with modern durability.
How do Avar bows differ from Hun bows?
Although both belong to the Asiatic horse bow family, Avar bows generally feature a more balanced and forgiving draw, while Hun bows often have a more aggressive limb geometry and are optimized for maximum speed and energy transfer.
Which draw weight should I choose?
Most beginners start with 25–30 lbs, while experienced archers often choose 35 lbs or more, depending on their strength, technique and intended use.
Discover our collection of Avar traditional recurve bows handcrafted by Lajos Kassai and inspired by the legendary Avar horse bows of the Early Middle Ages. Designed for mounted archery, traditional archery, field archery and instinctive shooting, these handcrafted horse bows combine authentic historical design with durable fiberglass construction, premium leather and hardwood components. Whether you are searching for an Avar bow, Avar recurve bow, traditional horse bow, Asiatic bow, horseback archery bow or a reliable traditional recurve bow, our Kassai Avar bows offer outstanding craftsmanship, smooth performance and long-lasting reliability. This collection includes models suitable for both beginners and experienced traditional archers.

