curious about the 3pc recurve and longbow..  I have a sitka on order its getting close to the deadline I can change my mind on anything and Im starting to wonder about the 3pc longbow,  should i stick with the recurve or go for the longbow,,,,, has anyone shot one? im wondering if its the same as the other modern 3pc longbows using the same materials.

I can't speak for the longbow because I've never had one from Norm, but I've had lots of time with a 3 pc Blacktail Elite recurve. Very fine bow, a hunting buddy of mine bought it from me when I was going down in weight and he liked it so much he bought two more new ones. 

Never had the pleasure but the craftsmanship is top notch.

I had a 60" VL 53# recurve with Birds Eye maple limbs. It was very smooth and a very consistent shooter for me. A beautiful bow to boot.

I have had a few Blacktail mostly 1 pc recurves. But I do have an Elite 3 pc that I shoot a bunch. Last year I got a new 3 pc longbow as well.  For one thing, the riser on the longbow is much smaller and more refined than the old Elite.  Probably closer in size to the Sitka riser.  I really like it.  It doesn't have the mass or size of the Elite, but still feels stable on target.  The guys at Blacktail have everything dialed in on their CNC machines and the fit and finish are excellent.  I feel like the real difference is in the limb design.  Do you prefer the recurve or RD longbow feel?  The recurve has more zip pound for pound.  But the longbow shoots very well, quick and forgiving.  I think it comes down to the style of limb you prefer to shoot.  The risers are all based off of Norm's original design, adjusted for the width of the limbs.  The original Elite riser was reduced an inch or so.  Then they came out with the Sitka which is smaller still.  The longbow riser is more tapered or slimmer still as the limbs are a good bit narrower.  I was surprised at first by how much smaller it felt compared to the old Elite riser, and definitely weight reduction. But that is the nature of the difference in a recurve vs. longbow limb.  Depends what you are looking for.

My blacktail

I have a sitka on order gaboon ebony riser with reddish cocobolo, matching cocobolo limbs, 44@28 60" high wrist which will be the first bow i ever ordered with high wrist, i have a month to change anything i want.

I've liked all of mine!  All my recurves have been 62 inch bows.  Currently have a one piece and a takedown.  Started with a one piece that I no longer have.  Have not shot the newer longbows.  I would consider a takedown longbow if money were no issue.  Choice is yours to make.

A better photo of the riser. It's the middle one, flanked by a couple of Tall Tines. I always appreciated the artistic flow of the bow from riser to the limbs.

The riser is noticeably longer than the other two. In looking back I was very consistent with this bow, once I figured out how to grip it.