Recurve Vs Longbow

[TreeStandBowHunter]

First let me say, It doesn't matter what you shoot alright. Don't feel the need to defend which bow you shoot.

I want to know the difference between them and I am not talking about the look either. I know a longbow doesn't have the curve at the end. I guess the answers I am looking for is...how do they differ from shooting and what makes one better then the other aside from the fact that you own one or the other. What advantages does one have over the other. What features does one have over the other. I am looking at getting one just to play with but I am having trouble making my mind up.

Also, what is a good length for someone who has a 28" draw on a compound???

[JimPic]

Re: Recurve Vs Longbow

Some of the advantages of a recurve is usually they are a little more quicker(not always the case,tho).For most people,a recurve is easier to shoot than a longbow because it has more weight and mass than the LB.It's also a bit less critical of arrow spine being that the shelf is more cut to center than the LB allowing you to shoot a wider variety of shafts.Recurves are generally shorter,although I've owned long recurves and short longbows,making them more manageable on the ground or in treestands.Recurves also generally have less handshock-again,not always the case.Alot of the hybrid longbows have the performance of a recurve yet still maintain the looks and lighter weight of the longbow.If possible,try to shoot some differant bows and you'll find what works for you.Also,if you're drawing 28" with your compound--you'll draw at least an inch shorter with a stickbow.

[TreeStandBowHunter]

Re: Recurve Vs Longbow

Thanks, that's what I am looking for

[VTbowman]

Re: Recurve Vs Longbow

Well said Jim.

I can't add much to that but will try anyways. LOL

If your interested in a long bow then try to get one with reflex/deflex. This basical makes a long bow look somewaht like a recurve when unstrung. The advantage to a recurved bow is that it does not loose any of its poundage or strength from rest (strung) to full draw. At rest its still under an amount of "draw" over what its like unstrung.

With a long bow its not as efficient unless made with the reflex/deflex like I said earlier.

It breaks down to design of each in concerns to more complicated lingo that I care not look up again out of my bow making books. LOL

If your interested in shooting trad bows then I would suggest you start with a recurve too. About a 45# draw. Believe me, 45# at full draw feels like twice that of any compound bow at full draw so don't feel your not being macho going for a higher poundage trad bow. Most of my shooting buddie all sport 45# to 50# bows.

I prefer more for hunting, but a backyard shoot will be nice at 45#. Especially if your just getting into it.

JMO

[Tominator]

Re: Recurve Vs Longbow

One of my phys. ed. classes on college was archery, and from what I remember, the recurve's limb shape stores more energy because you're in effect bending the limb twice. I may be wrong, but I think I remember that pound for pound, the recurve is a little faster than the long bow.

[VTbowman]

Re: Recurve Vs Longbow

Yep your right Tominator. Thats what the reflex/deflex I was talkin about on long bows is for. Kinda, not entirely, but kinda acts in the same manor as a recurved limb.

Heres a pic of real good reflex/deflex on my long bow.

The bows front side, or side that is facing away from you, more technically called its back, is facing up. Its hard to see in this pic but the grip is actually a 1/4" off the railing too.

(The inside curve, or side facing you is its belly just in case you wanted to or did not know.)

It makes more sense when you call it the back and belly. LOL

[TreeStandBowHunter]

Re: Recurve Vs Longbow

That looks like a sharp bow. Ok, so what I gather here is that the recurve is a good starter traditional bow right? It is usually a little faster right? Ok, got it...I think

Thanks Realtree Gang..as always

[Tominator]

Re: Recurve Vs Longbow

[ QUOTE ]

That looks like a sharp bow. Ok, so what I gather here is that the recurve is a good starter traditional bow right? It is usually a little faster right? Ok, got it...I think

Thanks Realtree Gang..as always

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep, if I was looking for a starter non-compound, I'd go with a recurve. Smaller, and more powerful.