D shape or reflex-deflex longbow

Michigan Man · August 13, 2011, 10:52:00 PM

I've always shot recurves and would like to buy a longbow. I like the looks of both the d shape and the r/d hybrid type longbows. Can I get some opinions on what I can expect from each type of bow, such as accuracy, smoothness of draw, handshock, etc? Thanks, all answers will be appreciated.

Orion · August 13, 2011, 11:01:00 PM

Accuracy is in the shooter, not the bow. In the same length and materials, you likely won't notice any difference in smoothness between d-shaped bows and moderate r/d bows. D-shaped bows may have a little more hand shock, mild R/D bows will be faster. Severe R/D hybrid bows will be faster yet and draw a little smoother at the end of the draw, or,stated another way,can be drawn further before they stack as much as D-shaped or moderate r/d bows. Severe r/d hybrids are more likely to have recurve type grips and feel more like a recurve when shot.

Ragnarok Forge · August 13, 2011, 11:03:00 PM

R/D bows are faster at the same weight and draw length. A well designed R/D longbow is smooth on the draw and will not stack.

A D type bow can have some hand shock depending on design. The grips tend to be thin at the back of the grip but this is a generalization and not a rule.

If you like tradition go with the D bow. If you like speed and a modern grip design go with the R/D longbow.

ermont · August 13, 2011, 11:21:00 PM

I have shot many bows and in my opinion, it is the guy behind the bow that matters. One good day I can shoot lights out, the next day with the same bow I suck. Pick a decent bow, tune it and don't look back.

Shakes.602 · August 13, 2011, 11:29:00 PM

I am a BIG Fan of D-Shaped LongBows, Pretty Much as Long as I am Tall too!

I agree with ermont, "Pick It & Stick With It!!" NONE of its Easy, as you already Know!! Just something Really Personally Rewarding about Shooting a Wood Arrow out of a Centuries Old Designed Bow and Hitting what Your Looking At!!

Rob W. · August 13, 2011, 11:38:00 PM

My r/d longbow has a grip similar to my recurves. The only major difference is the longbow is very quiet.

August 13, 2011, 11:46:00 PM

If you are not sure, split the difference and get something like a Robertson longbow and have the better aspects of both.

m midd · August 14, 2011, 01:13:00 AM

I like them both, maybe the D shape a touch better because of how it looks strung and how whisper quiet mine are.

GRINCH · August 14, 2011, 02:10:00 AM

I like the r/d longbows they seem to shoot better for me.

Plumber · August 14, 2011, 05:58:00 AM

go to northernmist.com look at the superior that has both reflex with still retaining the'D' shape plus he is in your home state.
It may be northernmistlongbows.com

Rob DiStefano · August 14, 2011, 07:26:00 AM

taken from the article TRADITIONAL ARCHERY ~ for bowhunters ...

There are essentially two types of longbows - straight and hybrid.

"Straight" longbows have limbs that are basically straight or perhaps with a bit of overall tapered reflex ("back set") or string follow ("belly set"). These are "classic" longbows that form a "D" shape when braced. Think: English longbow, American flat longbow, Howard Hill longbow.

"Hybrid" longbows have both reflexed limb ends and deflexed risers. This improves the overall efficiency of the bow, for faster arrow speeds, while still imparting a large measure of bow "stability" during the shot. Mild r/d longbows typically have that "D" braced classic longbow limb look when braced. Aggressive r/d longbows will typically show some reflex near the limb tips when braced, and allow even faster arrow speeds. The milder r/d longbows are typically somewhat more stable than the more aggressive variety (aggressive hybrids are closer in performance and aesthetics to recurves - and some will outperform recurves in the speed category).

Stick bows have a number of measured qualities, such as "stability" during and after the shot, "energy/speed" imparted to the arrow via the limbs, "noise" created during the shot, and "hand shock" after the arrow clears the riser.

Stability - the ability of the bow to remain as neutral as possible in the bow hand after the string is released.

Energy/speed - how much energy is imparted to the arrow as transmitted via the bowstring and bow limbs.

Noise - the decibel noise level after the string is released and as the arrow clears the riser; recurves typically have limb "slap", since the bowstring makes contact with the reflexed ends of the limbs, longbows don't have that issue.

Hand shock - any amount of energy that is not transmitted to the arrow is absorbed by the bow limbs and riser, and is transmitted to the bow hand.

horatio1226 · August 14, 2011, 07:27:00 AM

Could go slight r/d thats d shaped when strung...

Swamp Yankee · August 14, 2011, 07:30:00 AM

Northern Mist Superior and Mohawk longbows have just enough r/d in them to practically eliminate any shock, yet retain the classic look of a D bow. I also like the look of a 68" or longer bow, so smoothness (lack of stacking) is not an issue. Personally, I just don't like the look of the high r/d bows with recurve grips. They seem to be the best of both worlds with the speed of a recuve and quietness of a longbow, but just don't look "right" to me.

Rob DiStefano · August 14, 2011, 07:34:00 AM

there are a number of trad gang sponsor bowyers that offer mild r/d longbows that brace to a "D" shape. vince @ mohawk longbows is one and he currently has a new beauty for sale at the sponsor\\'s classifieds ...

Rob DiStefano · August 14, 2011, 07:40:00 AM

my thoughts and observations on longbow handle shapes ...

the classic american flat longow ("howard hill") has a straight handle. these handles are meant (and tillered) to be gripped with nearly full vertical pressure - that is, from the web of your thumb/forefinger to your palm and to your pinky. that's a LOT of surface pressure that if not administered and controlled correctly can vertically torque a released arrow.

most of the hybrid longbows, and even most american flat longbows, offer a small locator handle that allows the grip pressure to be concentrated at the web of the thumb and forefinger (the base of the thumb's fleshy part). this makes for a much smaller pressure point area and for more control of the release. you can read more about this in fred asbell's new book advanced instinctive shooting for bowhunting

Mudd · August 14, 2011, 08:23:00 AM

The Mohawk Rob directed us to is a beauty.

Nice work Vince!

So many bows,...... so little money...lol

God bless,Mudd

Lamey · August 14, 2011, 09:00:00 AM

so far my favorite bows are the very mild R/D longbows that string up as a "D", like the Mohawk, Crow Creek Dalton, NM Baraga, Liberty Contender etc.

For me they are the best blend of performance, silence, and just feel right.

Rob DiStefano · August 14, 2011, 09:39:00 AM

i think these mild r/d longbows are a very good compromise of both performance and aesthetics.

WESTBROOK · August 14, 2011, 10:34:00 AM

From 1 extreme to the other-

left to right
56" shrew Classic hunter Hybrid
62" Northern mist Baraga Mild R/D D
66" Robertson Mild R/D D
68" Northern Mist Classic straight limb D
68" Northern Mist Shelton String Follow D

Like Rob said, the mild R/D are probably the best of all the worlds, just depends on what Butters yur Bisquit.

Eric

RLA · August 14, 2011, 02:19:00 PM

Great picture, really shows the differences.