Which feature characterizes a recurve bow?

A recurve bow is specifically designed with tips that curve away from the archer when unstrung. This distinctive shape allows the bow to store more energy and deliver arrows with greater speed and efficiency when drawn. The curved tips also help in reducing the overall bow length while still maintaining power, making it a popular choice among various levels of archers, from beginners to advanced competitors.

In contrast, other options do not accurately describe a recurve bow. For instance, straight limbs are characteristic of longbows rather than recurves. While some recurves can be made up of multiple pieces, this is not a defining feature of all recurve bows, as many are composed of a single piece or a simple assembly. Lastly, recurve bows are not exclusively for novice archers; they are widely used by archers of all skill levels in different forms of archery, including target shooting and field archery.