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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: PaulDeadringer29 on October 14, 2014, 06:37:00 PM

Title: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: PaulDeadringer29 on October 14, 2014, 06:37:00 PM
Why do some of you guys choose LB limbs over recurve limbs on a t/d bow that uses the same riser? (Stalker, TT, Schafer, Timberghost). I'm sure there are some good reasons, but I don't have a lot of experience with LB's, so enlighten me. Just seems to me, the main attraction of LB's is the physical lightweight of the bow, so I'm not sure why one would want a heavy risered LB. What are your reasons?
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: McDave on October 14, 2014, 06:48:00 PM
I got longbow limbs on my Toelke Lynx takedown bow because I wanted a super accurate longbow to shoot in the longbow division of tournaments.  I believe the extra weight improves accuracy, as well as the 66" length, compared with my one-piece longbows, which are 64".

Aside from the reasons I got the Lynx, a hunter might get a takedown reflex deflex longbow for the convenience of being able to pack it, and because many people believe a reflex deflex longbow is the best compromise there is between the advantages of a recurve and a longbow.  It has almost the speed of a recurve, doesn't have much if any handshock, and has little or no risk of limb twist that a recurve might have.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: Joe2Crow on October 14, 2014, 07:07:00 PM
There are other advantages to longbows: they are usually much quieter, often smoother drawing and more forgiving (stable). Did I mention they are quieter? A longbow with R/D limbs that approaches the cast of a recurve without all the noise is a beautiful thing. I find them to be more enjoyable to shoot - not as "violent" upon release as the high performance recurves.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: overbo on October 14, 2014, 07:18:00 PM
Recurve limbs usually have less finger pinch w/ the same length limbs. Like any design some are touchier to shoot than others in both regards.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: ChuckC on October 14, 2014, 07:37:00 PM
I just prefer a longbow over a recurve.  I have both limbs for my RER so that settles that !
CHuckC
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on October 14, 2014, 07:38:00 PM
I can slide the Longbow limb into my boot and have the bow at ready at all times. Recurve, not so much.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: PaulDeadringer29 on October 14, 2014, 07:47:00 PM
I have a t/d bow being built soon, and really want to go with the LB limbs just to have something a little different. Help me solidify my choice :-)
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: nineworlds9 on October 14, 2014, 08:31:00 PM
Honestly a recurve has to be pretty special now (like the double carbon Schafer I just reviewed not long ago, or the Cari-bow Tuktu, or Toelke SS) for me to take any interest in it vs. hybrid longbow limbs.  R/D limbs may give up a few fps in speed depending on the design/make/model but they nearly always make up for it in reduced noise level, more linear draw feel, and more stable shooting.  That to me is why the hybrid longbow is the ultimate hunting bow.  That and if you forget your stringer its still pretty easy to string most of them with a push-pull.  Can't beat it.

I still like a few recurves.  Its mostly about looks with them.  Love a handsomely designed recurve bow, the curves are just sexy.  I'm a big fan of statics too.  For me they bridge the gap for guys who are on the fence.  

Honestly, you need to shoot both styles and see what you like.  Two different flavors.  You should go with the one that feels the best and yields the best shooting results for you and the one that when you look at the strung shape it just calls out to you.  For me that is r/d and hybrid longbows.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: stujay on October 14, 2014, 08:43:00 PM
Quieter...according to my ears.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: bigbadjon on October 14, 2014, 08:59:00 PM
I would say the main reason is torsional stability.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: ron w on October 14, 2014, 09:03:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by stujay:
Quieter...according to my ears.
With out a doubt........
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: Orion on October 14, 2014, 09:24:00 PM
Most risers that accept both longbow and recurve limbs are better suited for one or the other.  If the riser and thus usually the limbs are wide, and the limb pad angle is rather large, recurve limbs are usually better.  If the riser is narrow, and accordingly the limbs are narrower, and the limb pad angle isn't as great, longbow limbs work better, IMO.  

For example, I have a Morrison Shawnee.  IMO, the riser is much better designed to accept and get better performance out of longbow rather than recurve limbs. On the other hand, the Morrison   Cheyenne riser gets more out of recurve limbs than longbow limbs.  In the looks department, too, longbow limbs on a Shawnee riser and recurve limbs on a Cheyenne riser just look better than their counterparts.  That's my experience and perception.  I'm sure some would disagree with me.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: on October 14, 2014, 09:25:00 PM
Cause longhbows are just sexy!!!!!!

Bisch
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: Red Beastmaster on October 14, 2014, 09:42:00 PM
I have often wondered the same thing. I want my longbows to be slender, light, wands of death.

Putting longbow limbs on a big heavy clunky riser is like petting a dog backwards. It gets the job done but it just ain't right.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: JDunlap on October 14, 2014, 09:50:00 PM
My RER XR [recurve] limbs are actually quieter than my longbow limbs...but the longbow limbs are more forgiving to shoot; I get a little more consistent arrow flight with them. I think that is the greatest advantage. But...I still like my XR better!
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: Wannabe1 on October 14, 2014, 10:00:00 PM
Quote
Cause longhbows are just sexy!!!!!!
 
While I will not argue this point, my new Bighorn from BigJim gets my juices flowning.   :D
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: BigJim on October 14, 2014, 10:45:00 PM
I can't seem to decide what bow I shoot the best...seems I shoot them all the same.

Once I pick up a bow and get ready to shoot, I quit thinking about the bow.

Bigjim
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: Piratkey on October 15, 2014, 12:27:00 AM
No matters for me, I think if you have a good form and a good release you can shoot them both accuratly,in other way i never see a olympic target shooter shooting a hybrid bow !!!!
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: damascusdave on October 15, 2014, 12:46:00 AM
Have to agree with Big Jim...I could never tell the difference between my RER LXR with the recurve or longbow limbs...that is probably the most consistent bow I have ever owned which of course means I traded it away...so many bows and so little time

DDave
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on October 15, 2014, 12:53:00 AM
There are a bunch of generalizations being posted here that i completely disagree with.  Recurve limbs can be just as quiet as long bow limbs if they are designed correctly and you use decent hunting weight arrows.

The statements being made that recurve bows are faster than long bows is an old school way of thinking. There are many R/D long bows being made  today that are just as fast or faster than the average recurve bows.....

The hybrid long bow limbs are my favorite for hunting because they slide through the brush easier, can be push/pull strung in the field easily, and torsional stability is much higher with no worries of ever popping a string off if you were to get tangled up in the brush.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: Matt D. on October 15, 2014, 12:53:00 AM
I prefer a heavier bow. I find it easier to shoot well. Some of the longbow limbs made now shoot as fast as the recurve limbs, and you get the advantage of a quieter bow. The only negative, in my opinion, is a slightly longer bow.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: Pheonixarcher on October 15, 2014, 01:26:00 AM
Well put Kirk. I agree.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: DaveT1963 on October 15, 2014, 07:55:00 AM
Of all my bows I believe my bruin bow might be the quietest - possibly only second to my Berry Vixen.... so I agree with Kirk that a well-made recurve limb can be every bit as quiet as a longbow.  My Thunderhorn takedown longbow is not my quietest bow in the stable either.... however,, pound for pound, it is definitely right up there in speed with any of my recurves.  Then there is my BW which to me is loud despite trying to quiet it down.  All this to say that each bow has its own characteristics and you can no longer generalize that longbows are quieter and recurves are quicker.... it just ain't so these days.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: Flying Dutchman on October 15, 2014, 08:09:00 AM
Well said, Dave and Kirk! My 3 pce Whippenstick recurve is more quiet then most longbows and my one pce Cari-Bow is faster then most recurves   :)  
Both are a joy to shoot!

I agree that nowadays modern hybrid longbows and recurves are very close, old days are over!  Just try each bow because after all it is up to you to decide what shoots the best for you!
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: rlc1959 on October 15, 2014, 08:36:00 AM
A set of Centaur Long Bow limbs on my 17" Dalaa Riser is my choice at this time. Very quite and forgiving. Almost as fast as my Borders. Smooth draw .

My thoughts on the long bow limbs

Take care, Randy
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: MnFn on October 15, 2014, 09:42:00 AM
My experience is of the eleven bows I have owned, my current hybrid is the quietest, but heavier wood arrows have quieted my recurve bows down considerably.  

I also have popped a string off a recurve limb while hunting. Also, I like the ease of stringing longbows compared to recurves.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on October 15, 2014, 12:46:00 PM
Comparing "Recurves" to "Long bows" to "R/D long bows"  is like comparing cars to trucks to sports cars... They all come in different shapes and sizes with different amounts of horse power and different suspension.  There are many different makes and models of bows that have many different attributes that different archers love....

The one thing that i see a lot with archers in general is that they all have a preconception of their "bow set-up" regardless of which bow they are shooting.... Type of string material used and finding the best possible brace height for any bow  plays a HUGE part in how that particular bow feels & performs, and how noisy it is.

Every bow that is built is a little bit different, and if discriminating archers would take the time to find the sweet spot in their brace height and match the arrow weight correctly. They could change a noisy bow that has a bit of vibration to an excellent shooting quiet bow.... To do this i recommend playing with your brace height using a lighter weight arrow with no string silencers first.... once you find the proper brace that produces the least amount of buzz feeling in the grip & noise level. THEN put your string silencers on and increase your arrow weight until she stabilizes.....

For example:  You hear a lot about Black Widow recurve bows and their noise level being unacceptable. I think you'll find if you run your brace height up to about 8.5" on those bows you'll find an incredible difference in not only sound, but performance as well.... Each different bow design has its optimum brace height, and each bow has a little different sweet spot....

I hope this info helps a few folks out... Kirk

BTW... always check with the bow manufacture for their recommended brace height on any bow first, then play with brace higher and lower from there.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: Charlie3 on October 15, 2014, 02:04:00 PM
I had the oppportunity to shoot 2 Habu Vyperkahns side by side a couple months back. They had the same riser design, but one had recurve limb and the other radically reflexed longbow limbs. If you put a blindfold on me I could not tell the difference between the two as far as feel. The bowyer claimed the recurve was 1-2 FPS faster. Both bows were very silent, the longbow miiiiigghht have been a little more quiet according to my ear. I ordered the longbow for three reasons:

1. I do not have one and thought it'd be cool to shoot both recurve and longbow divisions at tournaments.

2. Even though I could not tell much of a difference in noise, the longbow is supposed to be a little quieter.

3. The longbow just looked cooler. I've shot a Black Widow recurve for 10 years and the Habu recurve looks and feels so similar. The longbow was something different.

Not too long ago I thought longbow limbs on a "recurve hande" was the worst of both worlds. When I shot a quality one my mind changed. Try to shoot one yourself and see what you think!
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: PaulDeadringer29 on October 15, 2014, 03:52:00 PM
Like I say, I have one being built soon and really want the R/D limbs. I'm not as concerned with speed as I used to be, the more quiet a bow is, the better. I shot at a deer a few weeks back and the arrow went high, the deer never really ran off as he didn't know where the arrow came from. I didn't miss the 2nd time :-) and that was with my PCH. Thanks for the replies, more are welcome too....and Kirk, love your bows man, can't wait to get my hands on one of them one day.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: Charlie3 on October 15, 2014, 04:18:00 PM
That's funny Paul, I've had it the same thing happen twice with my PSA in the last year. One with a turkey and the other a whitetail. Kinda felt bad for getting the 2nd shot, not very fair. OK so I didn't feel bad haha  :)
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: Bladepeek on October 15, 2014, 05:52:00 PM
I'll go with Bisch and JDunlap. I got an RER XLR that I am more than a little fond of.

Sometimes I shoot the longbow limbs and sometimes the static tip recurve limbs. If I blindfold you, I defy you to tell me which set is on the bow if you draw it.

Besides, I just like being able to say "yeah, I have matching (plug in whatever is not on the bow) limbs too".   :)
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: DaveT1963 on October 15, 2014, 06:40:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kirkll:


For example:  You hear a lot about Black Widow recurve bows and their noise level being unacceptable. I think you'll find if you run your brace height up to about 8.5" on those bows you'll find an incredible difference in not only sound, but performance as well....
Sorry Kirk but I disagree with you here.   Ben at this over 30 years and I know how to quiet and get performance out of a bow.   The black widow is just a loud bow.  Ive taken the bow from 8 to 9 1/4 inch brace height and it doesn't help it.  There is a reason there are 100s of posts asking how to quiet them.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: Charlie3 on October 15, 2014, 07:59:00 PM
Dave, if you see 100 posts on how to quiet a Black Widow and 2 on how to quiet another semi-custom, that's a wash per capita. There are tons of widows out there.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on October 15, 2014, 10:39:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by DaveT1963:
 
Quote
Originally posted by Kirkll:


For example:  You hear a lot about Black Widow recurve bows and their noise level being unacceptable. I think you'll find if you run your brace height up to about 8.5" on those bows you'll find an incredible difference in not only sound, but performance as well....
Sorry Kirk but I disagree with you here.   Ben at this over 30 years and I know how to quiet and get performance out of a bow.   The black widow is just a loud bow.  Ive taken the bow from 8 to 9 1/4 inch brace height and it doesn't help it.  There is a reason there are 100s of posts asking how to quiet them. [/b]
Well you may be right as far as getting them as quiet as a lot of other bows that are designed with more preload brutha.  The point i was trying to make is that you need to find the right brace height where the tension on the string at brace is the highest..... once you've found that sweet spot, that is the max you are going to get out of that design all the way around....... I've had several Black Widows in my shop and i tested them at different brace heights, and the best performance was around 8.5" to 8.75" on both of them..... I was just using BW bows as an example.
Your milage may vary with different limb designs.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: Archie on October 15, 2014, 10:46:00 PM
My BW recurve was loud at the wrong brace height, but all I had to do was find the right brace and now it's "thump", with nothing but their spider silencers.  And I'm no bow guru like alot of you guys are!

But to keep with the topic of the thread... I sure like being able to string my longbow without a stringer!  I never string or unstring my recurve without one, and it's just one more thing to fuss with.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: Stumpkiller on October 15, 2014, 11:21:00 PM
Send all those horrible, unloved recurves to me.

I much prefer them.

Longbows sexy?  I guess if you prefer starved, anemic models.  But I like curves.  ;-)

And most of what folks call "longbows" are nothing of the sort.  American reflex/deflex flatbows with recuve risers.

Just admit you want a recurve and join us . . .

Join us  . . .
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: beaunaro on October 16, 2014, 03:12:00 AM
I have both the RER XR and the LX and I agree with JDunlap.

I used to shoot recurves exclusively.

Just now enjoying the differences with a couple of new short R/D longbows.

Lighter, more forgiving, and quieter.

A joy to carry.

Good looking.

Actually, I like shooting a quality recurve too. EX: RER, Zipper, TimberGhost, Dakota.

It's all good.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: Brianlocal3 on October 16, 2014, 07:42:00 AM
No need for A stringer...... That's the ticket for me. I won't own a bow that needs a stringer.
Title: Re: Why choose LB limbs over recurve limbs, on the same riser?
Post by: DaveT1963 on October 16, 2014, 07:47:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Stumpkiller:
Send all those horrible, unloved recurves to me.

I much prefer them.

Longbows sexy?  I guess if you prefer starved, anemic models.  But I like curves.  ;-)

And most of what folks call "longbows" are nothing of the sort.  American reflex/deflex flatbows with recuve risers.

Just admit you want a recurve and join us . . .

Join us  . . .
:clapper:   lol post made me smile.  I am not sure what to call most things now as everything changes way to fast   :goldtooth: