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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: wv lungbuster on February 14, 2010, 02:38:00 PM

Title: Narrow limb or wide-Longbow
Post by: wv lungbuster on February 14, 2010, 02:38:00 PM
Whats the difference with the design besides size when shooting.
Title: Re: Narrow limb or wide-Longbow
Post by: straitera on February 14, 2010, 02:56:00 PM
My handle is bigger on the wider flat limb LB. I can't tell a difference shooting. Prefer the thinner Hills.
Title: Re: Narrow limb or wide-Longbow
Post by: Jeremy on February 14, 2010, 03:19:00 PM
The stiffness of a material is influenced by how wide and thick it is.  If you make a limb 2x as wide it'll be 2x as stiff.  If you make it 2x as thick it'll be 8x as stiff.

When properly made, a narrow-limbed bow will have outer limbs that are lighter.  Lighter and stiffer tips are two of the hallmarks of a great performing bow.  Some of my favorite recurves to shoot have limbs that are narrower than many of the longbows being made today.
Title: Re: Narrow limb or wide-Longbow
Post by: wv lungbuster on February 14, 2010, 04:31:00 PM
Thanks for the help guys, can one design be more forgiving over the other or feel smoother drawing.
Title: Re: Narrow limb or wide-Longbow
Post by: wv lungbuster on February 14, 2010, 10:31:00 PM
^^^^
Title: Re: Narrow limb or wide-Longbow
Post by: Rob DiStefano on February 15, 2010, 06:44:00 AM
wide limbed longbows are typically called 'flatbows', the narrower limbed longbows are typically considered 'american longbows' as opposed to the narrow "D" sectioned english longbows.

in bowyer's bible II, there's some great reading on board bows and how wide and tapered limbs are more functional.  dunno how this translates to wood/glass bows.