I've primarily always shot longbows. I'm getting a itch to try a recurve. Will consider a one piece it will be used for 3-D and hunting. I draw my longbow at just over 29". I am really looking for a three piece. So many choices with not much experience shooting recurves. So help me out models, riser lengths and limb lengths. Pros and cons of the different lengths of riser and limbs.
Basically what are you shooting and why. What do you like about it and dislike about your recurve?
Give me your opinions on bows that you prefer. If you can share a picture of your bow that would be great. Looking for options. Also some hunting will be in a stand or blind but also stalking.
Personally I do not find much difference between the longbow or recurve. I shoot a 60 Kodiak, 68 Grizzly and a 59 Kodiak Replica.
I have shot many others as well and think as as long as the bow fits you, you will be fine. I like the Kodiak and the Kodiak replica because the grips are pretty similar to my long bows.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Bow%20Pictures/60k_zps6b44a779.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Bow%20Pictures/60k_zps6b44a779.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416017284.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416017284.jpg.html)
I will add that I have shot Many other recurves and they were nice.
Since you are looking for a 3 piece, I will say I was pretty impressed with the Big Jim 3 piece Recurve and Also Stalker's performance.
I love bear curves
What bout the bear take down? I've never shot one myself but I hear it's about the best take down system there is. Only 3pc recurve I've shot was a black widow pch but I'm not exactly a widow fan. To me they are over priced for what they are and they ain't inherently quiet. I'm sure someone will be along shortly to tell me I'm wrong lol
Of all the 3 piece TDs I have owned, I have one left--one of the new Bear TDs. Fred knew what he was doing on that one.
The only 3 piece recurve I ever owned was a Keith Chastain Wapiti. That was a very fast and hard hitting bow. I wish I had one like it in the low to mid 50's instead of the 63# it pulled. I have shot vintage Bear curves the last several years out of nostalgia.
We are a funny bunch. I am trying to switch to the longbow. I have been shooting recurves for a very long time. I have had some good ones. Blacktail, Tall Tines, Kota,Bear, Shakespeare, Cheetah amount them. They were all good. Mostly it
is all about the grip for me.
I think the longbow is generally quieter. I think it may be faster to shoot accurately for me.
The recurve, Especially three piece bows
Are easier on my shoulder, due mostly to weight. I tend to be a little slower in shooting recurves.
My Tall Tines 55# recurve is faster than my 54# Rampart, but the Rampart is an enjoyable bow to shoot as well.
Good luck and take your time,
Gary
When you say longbow, are you talking Hill style, R/D hybrid style, or what? I have a R/D longbow and several older recurves. I find it pretty easy to swap from one to another. I've never shot a Hill style, but it may be a tougher swap from one of those because of the greater difference in the feel. I personally don't care for 3 piece bows because of the weight. The only reason I could see getting one would be if I traveled with it a lot. Having said that, there are a few companies that build takedowns that have pretty short and slim risers compared to the few takedowns I've shot. I might like one of them if I ever tried one. There's a 53# Hornes TD on rmsgear.com right now that might fit in that category. It may have a more similar feel to a longbows ham most recurves.
Lots of good TD recurves out there. I've come to really like Bear TDs. Greater choice and availability of riser and limb length combinations than any other takedown.
For a 29-inch draw, I'd recommend a bow in the 60-64-inch length range.
I've never shot a Bear take-down, but currently own a Blacktail and an RER 3-piece. My advice would be to hold off just a bit until you can get to a large shoot, or LARGE dealer who would have a variety you could try. Everyone seems to have his own preference. Shouldn't be too big a trick in CA, unless the fires get in the way.
If I did the takedown I would choose the shortest riser then whatever size limbs to make the length you want. The no tool system is sweet.
The 59 kodiak is to me, one of the best feeling bows. I dont know why I dont have one.
Depending the type of longbow you shoot, you may not notice any difference. My hybrid longbow pretty much has the same handle as the recurve I own.
Other than the weight difference, I think they shoot identical
As far as working curve designs I would suggest at least a 60" bow if going with a shorter riser say 16" and at least a 62" bow if going with a 18 or 19" riser. Some semi forward handle 3pc bows like Bob Lees 60" would be fine. Static tip 3pc designs you would probably be comfortable with a 58" short riser 3pc if you wanted to go shorter.
My personal recommendations would be to check out 3pc offerings from Stalker, Wes Wallace, Bob Lee, Schafer ...and Blacktail (especially if budget is not a major constraint. Blacktails are just awesome) Big Jim also makes a sweet 3pc curve if you want a more longbow style riser. And then there's offerings from Dryad, Black River Bows (a new discovery for me), and the list goes on...
Check out Stalker Recurves . South Cox is top notch and has some great looking stock bows.
Bob Lee.
Black Widow, something to think about :goldtooth:
I don't spend much time with recurves, but I have a 58" Red Wing Hunter that I like. The old gent I bought from said he got it new in 1959. If vintage is the way you want to go, this or some of the old Bear types would be solid choices. For newer stuff, a Black Widow is hard to beat. I have never owned a Widow but have shot a bunch. If I were to leave the longbow, these are the paths I would explore.
I shoot a lot of different recurves , one piece, 2 piece, 3 piece, short, long, every decades starting with the 1950's, etc., and if I had to keep just one, I'd keep the Dryad Orion.
Straightforward, not too heavy, shoots where I point and pretty darn fast, and its seems like other folks can shoot it okay, too. http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=90;t=000600
Plus you can also shoot their wicked fast acs carbon longbow limbs with the same riser.
I own 2 Widow takedowns and they are both whisper quiet !! They can be made that way with the right string and silencers !! I bought one new and will agree they are expensive, but worth every dime on my opion. The other i picked up second hand and very reasonable... i also own a Bear takedown and will say it is one of the finest takedown bows,i have ever owned.... the choice is,yours my friend !!!
Thanks to everyone who has responded. Any other opinions appreciated.
I wasn't sure if your longbow was a 3 PC or 1 PC.
If its a 1 piece and I was looking for a 3 PC recurve I would probably opt for one with a shorter and streamlined riser and pair it up with some limbs that would handle your 29 inch draw.For example a Morrison Archery A sized riser and size D length limbs.Or a Widow PCH in 60 in ch length with a low grip like most longbows.
Another option in a T.D would be a 2 PC. 50s style recurve.They have a riser similar to slimmer longbows.Something like a Fox Breed,Toelke Chinook or Great Northern Ghost.Thier are other very nice ones
I like these 2 PC recurves alot
I have a new custom predator take down. 46# @28 and it shoots faster than my 52# great plains and just as fast as my 3 piece Bob Lee 50# recurve. Its pretty unbelievable but chronos do not lie. Also my predator is by far the smoothest bow I have ever shot or owned. And I have shot many. Almost bought a Bear take down instead but the guys at 3 rivers talked me out of it. They say the predator is better and I agree after shooting both