In my opinion, limb material makes no difference in a glass laminated bow as it is the glass thats really doing the work.  What does make a huge difference in feel, draw, speed etc. is how the bow was designed and crafted regardless of materials used.  Knowing how to best utilize the materials one is working with to acheive the results that the buyer wants is what a master bowyer does.  The bowyer makes the bow perform how they have designed to be.

The mechanics of the recurve vs. longbow have zero to do with why I prefer recurves.  I just like the looks of the curved limb tips and mass in the riser.

A friend told me he is now making longbow limbs for his recurve riser. Guess that solves the "mass in the riser" issue for me but I still can't go without the curves. I won't even try em.

I guarantee there is a difference in the PERCEPTION of the draw weight between various bows, even where the holding weight is identical, but that final weight is the same regardless of the archer's perception, as stated by Patrick Kelly (PDK). A bow with relatively long limbs, a weight versus draw length curve that is linear, and a higher initial draw weight that increases gradually will usually have a lighter perceived feel than other bows.

Allan

Kirk, I get your analogy, love your thoughts on design, and can't wait to talk to you and shoot one of your bows at Baltimore.    

Could be titled "Enjoyable vs. More Enjoyable"

The differences in performance can be great either way and depends on the design. Many times the difference in performance is negligible.

What is more enjoyable to you personally is the bottom line. No one can tell you which is the best choice. A great choice for one may be an extremely poor choice for another.

Hey Doc Nock: You described me to a T! I shoot the Bob Lee longbow limbs with their Recurve risers, they are sweet shooters and as quiet as a mouse. I've got a couple of my Recurve risers down there right now, am having longbow limbs fitted & built. I also like the extra mass and bit of weight as you do. They have a recurve riser with long bow limbs on their bow to go page right now. Frank M if your looking for a new bow, you would do yourself a favor to at least give JJ at Lee bows a call & converse! DK.

All good info. Thanks!