I'm sure this quest. has been asked b4, but I am new so... what are the pros & cons between a recurve and longbow?? I want to buy a bow ( which will be my first trad bow) so this would really help. Thanks for all your help!!
There are numerous reasons for each depending on who you talk to and what they prefer. Both will do the job quite well.
Personally owning both, I find the LB is a tad quieter, while the recurves are a tad faster. Other than that, I think it is pretty much your own preference. Get your handson a few of each and shoot em. You will figure out what ya like pretty quick.
Because of their limb design, most recurves draw a little smoother. Most have larger, heavier risers, which reduces the hand shock a little more. Recurve limb design also contributes to a lessening of hand shock. However, in my opinion, hand shock isn't something to worry about much. All bows have some. It's hardly noticeable after one has been shooting a while. Most recurves are also centershot, or have their sight windows cut past center, which means they'll generally accept a larger range of arrow spine weights, i.e., easier to tune. Generally, recurves can be a little shorter for a given draw length, which makes better suited to use in portable blinds. On the other hand, to me, recurves feel a little mushy, and I prefer the lightness of longbows.