Personally, I wish traditional bows were judged ONLY on their shooting characteristics and would like to see labels like longbows and recurves would disapear. I say this because there are SO MANY variables that seperate bows. I have seen some recurves that shoot like longbows and some longbows that shoot like recurves...especially given the modern r/d longbows that are being made today.

With today's synthetics and superior glues we are able to create bows that redefine traditional archery performance.

That said, I like good traditional bows (meaning bows that do not have wheels, pullies, or locking devices).

I myself would probably have to pick my my beeler hybrid longbow, the speed equivalent of my RER by much lighter, i like the weight in the hand for some circumstances but then again i like being able to stalk the woods for hours with out and hand fatigue

A lot of guys who say "they shoot longbows" have high grip risers and pretty short over all bow length. I shoot low grip hybrids 90% of the time and a 66" D-shape  "real" longbow the other 10%. Calling a hybrid a longbow to me just isn't right.

I shoot R/D bows. Like the recurve but there's just something about the R/D. I call them Shortbows.     Calling a Hill style longbow isn't right either. Check out a real English longbow. Maybe we should call them American style flatbows like the rest of the world does.  

I shot recurves for over thirty years, and was introduced to longbows by a bowyer. I've switched to the LB and it's my primary hunting bow the past two seasons. They are easier to make quiet, and fit me well.

I shoot both and I like both. I like a bow with a large rigid riser and a long overall length because it suits my style and taste. However I killed a deer with a trim little Great Northern longbow this year and did not feel the equipment was a tradeoff or handicap. Your best bet is to just pick the bow style that most appeals to you.