Logbow and recurve of the same poundage

NW Jamie · January 30, 2009, 10:21:00 PM

I have been looking at some of the archived post and found formula for kinetic energy (KE = M x v2 /450,240) and it seems that if you want more energy you increase either weight or speed, or both. The question is assuming no favoritism between longbow and recurve, and that both would have exactly the same accuracy and same poundage (pull exactly the same); is there an inherent advantage between these two great styles of bows?

Benny Nganabbarru · January 30, 2009, 10:28:00 PM

Nope, it really depends on what you like to shoot, what feels right, and what you like the looks of. Many of us enjoy shooting and hunting with both, although some favour one over the other.

Buckeye Trad Hunter · January 30, 2009, 10:29:00 PM

I don't know if there is an advantage one way or the other with the newer bows as far as speed or kinetic energy if draw weight is the same. However the recurves are a little more forgiving of a poor release because of the wider limbs. You can get away with a little bit of a string pluck with a recurve.

LKH · January 30, 2009, 10:59:00 PM

Sometimes the added length of a longbow can be a bit of a problem, but you get used to it and don't really notice after a while.

30coupe · January 30, 2009, 11:08:00 PM

There are more variables than the type of bow. Two bows can have the same draw weight, but cast an arrow at different speeds. Limb weight and design makes a bigger difference than longbow/recurve. Limb material also makes a difference.

As far as longbow vs. recurve, I like both. Longbows tend to be lighter, so if I'm doing a lot of walking, I'll take a longbow. In a stand/blind either one is fine.

January 30, 2009, 11:11:00 PM

I say no. Some bows have better designs which allow them to transfer the energy to the arrow better, which means alittle more speed, which means a little more KE. That is why one bow that is a certain poundage at 28" will shoot faster than another bow that is the same poundage at the same draw weight. For the most part, whether you choose a longow or a recurve is personal preference. Some people like the feel of a longbow handle while others prefer a recurve handle

Ssamac · January 31, 2009, 12:04:00 AM

Longbow is definitely lighter and over time on a 3D course or a day hunting that starts to become valueable. Today with the technology, materials and designs a longbow of equal weight and length can be as fast and powerful as a recuve. And they don't have to be super long anymore. But I would say that dollar for dollar, to make a quality longbow, it will cost more

Dartwick · January 31, 2009, 01:33:00 AM

Traditional longbows(D shaped) transfer less energy to the arrow than most recurves.

Modern longbows(hybrids) are comparable to recurves in efficiency.

Leland · January 31, 2009, 11:40:00 AM

I would say all things equal,it would be a matter of which one felt better in your hand.I personaly struggle with a recurve,but pick-up a longbow and it all falls into place.Once that arrows hitting the spot it does'nt matter what style of bow sent it there,the end results are the same.

Leland