I am debating on whether to buy a 62" longbow 30@26 or a 60'recurve 32@28. I have no personal preference as to longbows or recurves and shoot both. I have been told that recurves are more efficient than longbows. So I am wondering if both these bows will shoot the about the same or will the recurve, because of its limbs, out do the longbow? I pull 261/2 inches. Which bow would you select and why?

It's a difficult question to answer, because while recurves will out-perform longbows in general, certain longbows will outperform certain recurves.  Also, longbows don't usually have certain problems that recurves might have, like limb twist.

I like both, and will shoot either one, depending on my mood.  But I shoot recurves much more often than longbows, so when the chips are down, like a chance to hunt with one or the other, I pick a recurve.  Probably if I shot longbows more often, I would pick the longbow.

Modern reflex deflex longbows have a lot more in common with modern recurves than they do with more traditional asl longbows.

One piece of advice I will give you is that if your goal is to shoot as accurately as possible, whether with a recurve or longbow, go in the direction of one that may be a little longer length rather than shorter length.

If you really don't have a preference, the most common choice these days by a factor of about 2:1 would be a recurve.  I would imagine that most people who would choose a longbow already have some preference, whether based on knowing someone who shoots one, the influence of history and literature, or some personal reason.

Quote from: McDave on May 24, 2026, 04:20:48 PMIt's a difficult question to answer, because while recurves will out-perform longbows in general, certain longbows will outperform certain recurves.  Also, longbows don't usually have certain problems that recurves might have, like limb twist.

I like both, and will shoot either one, depending on my mood.  But I shoot recurves much more often than longbows, so when the chips are down, like a chance to hunt with one or the other, I pick a recurve.  Probably if I shot longbows more often, I would pick the longbow.

Modern reflex deflex longbows have a lot more in common with modern recurves than they do with more traditional asl longbows.

One piece of advice I will give you is that if your goal is to shoot as accurately as possible, whether with a recurve or longbow, go in the direction of one that may be a little longer length rather shorter length.

If you really don't have a preference, the most common choice these days by a factor of about 2:1 would be a recurve.  I would imagine that most people who would choose a longbow already have some preference, whether based on knowing someone who shoots one, the influence of history and literature, or some personal reason.

Thank you. Much appreciated. That is some very thoughtful advice. Many thanks.

Good advice McDave. And, I was swayed by my father and uncle who both shot recurves.
However as the years have gone by, I've been drawn to shooting longbows. Maybe because I strictly use bows for hunting; no interest in target shooting, or competition.

I have both but am starting to really prefer longbows.

Quote from: Target Panic on May 24, 2026, 03:21:19 PMI am debating on whether to buy a 62" longbow 30@26 or a 60'recurve 32@28. I have no personal preference as to longbows or recurves and shoot both. I have been told that recurves are more efficient than longbows. So I am wondering it both these bows will shoot the about the same or will the recurve, because of its limbs, out do the longbow? I pull 261/2 inches. Which bow would you select and why?

With few exceptions they will not shoot the same. Recurves are more efficient than longbows in general. Regardless of what style longbow you consider I think it should be at least 64" long. Longbows shorter than 64" can be shot well but you'll likely find the longer length a bit easier to shoot consistently. But there is more to consider. Do you want a straight grip longbow or a locator grip? A locator would likely be easier to shoot well at the start but a straight or slightly dished grip is my preference. Do you want a reflex/deflex longbow or more of an ASL style with string follow or backset limbs? Each style has advantages in their own way.

Even though I prefer ASLs, given the weight you are looking for I'd suggest a recurve. The recurve would give you a little better performance, would be more center shot and would have a bit more mass.  All these would combine to a more pleasant shooting experience.

Easy question to answer - acquire whatever aesthetically makes you feel best.

Seriously.

They're both fine.

Only you will know what's "best" for you.

YES, that may mean trial and error.

It is what it is.

 

As a bowyer I would recommend a R/D long bow, or hybrid long bow design. Light weight RC designs are prone to lateral stability issues. (limb twist)

With your short draw length, and ultra light draw weight, I'd recommend a 62" Flatliner, or a Sasquatch hybrid in a 58-60" length.   

Both of these designs can be built with a comfortable grip, and cut past center for ease of arrow tuning. 

 Kirk

A host of good replies. Tough call, everyone ought to have two or three of each 

Thank you for all the information. It is much appreciated. I am still undecided.

A hybrid longbow offers the best qualities of each.  A recurve style grip and riser couple with stable longbow limbs that have exaggerated reflex/deflex for speed.  Smooth draw.  OST are just as fast as a recurve.  You need to try out some bows and see what you like.

I've been shooting predominantly Black Widow bows -- two models in particular -- over the past 20 years.  One is a 64" recurve, the other is a 66" longbow.  Most recently, I've begun shooting their PSR model, which is a shorter recurve with a longbow grip.  As much as I love my recurves, there's something about the draw cycle on the longbow that feels more satisfying to me.  I also like being able to string/unstring the longbow without a stringer, and I like the thump that the longbow makes when I release.  To me, longbows seem to be more stable.  If I could only have one bow, it would be a longbow.

Quote from: Archie on May 26, 2026, 03:03:08 AM...there's something about the draw cycle on the longbow that feels more satisfying to me.  I also like being able to string/unstring the longbow without a stringer, and I like the thump that the longbow makes when I release.  To me, longbows seem to be more stable.  If I could only have one bow, it would be a longbow.

Yup, I prefer longbows for just those reasons, plus one more important one - longbows can't ever have the limb slap noise of a recurve on release.

If I was only drawing 26.5", I'd be looking at 58" bows.   Maybe even a 56.   On 60+" bows, you're barely pulling into the working portion of the limbs.

It's all personal.  But I do prefer a good mild to radical D/R longbow to a recurve.  As mentioned above the performance varies from bow to bow.  None of the bows I now have and shoot are made any longer.  So no recommendations from me.  My draw is between 27.5 and 28" so I prefer 60" bows, but my current bow is a Moosejaw Razorback 66".