Which is more forgiving?

[Medina1]

I've been looking around for a new bow and I'm having a hard time deciding between a recurve or longbow. Which would e more forgiving of form errors? A recurve, R/D longbow, or a D shaped longbow? Which do you guys prefer and why?I know it's mostly personal preference but I'd like some different opinions. Thanks!

Caleb

[Alexander Traditional]

I've been shooting recurves,and had never shot a longbow. I just recently got a new R/D longbow and like it better than any bow i've ever shot. It seems way smoother and quieter to me.

[Cherokee Scout]

I have shot about everything out there. If you have decent form, it does not matter.

[Rick Richard]

I like both which is why I own both.

[rbcorbitt]

Love my R/D longbows!

Also love my static tips recurves!

Both designs, are in my opinion, the tops for smoothness and shoot-ability!

Love em all    

[SS Snuffer]

Both
Look at my 2 favorites.
1 Recurve Kota Killum
1 RD Longbow Kanati
Please don't ever make me choose!!!  

[twistedlim]

I am a prime example that bad form does not distinguish between tools.

[Pat B.]

Once a fella "gets" a Hill style longbow they're hard to beat..

[atatarpm]

Long bows are more forgiving of string torque

[Bow man]

A longer longbow 62" and up with longer riser

[30coupe]

I've had just about every type. I consistently shoot best with my Kanati, but my static tip recurves are a close second. There are very few bows, when used with properly tuned arrows, that aren't capable of better shooting than the guy holding them.

Pick the one that feels best in your hand. A good, repeatable grip is critical.

[NBK]

Whichever bow you've shot the longest.

Good shots can shoot any bow very well, (I'm not one of them).  That Tall Tines in your signature is pretty forgiving in that it has a decent brace height, great mass weight and stable limbs.  I've shot some recurves that had pretty whippy limb tips, i.e. you can twist them with your hand, which makes string torque more critical.  A Hill style bow in the right hands is as stable as it gets, but you have to master it first.

[Jim Wright]

Since the question referred to "forgiving of form errors" I would suggest you twist the limb tips of a longbow and a recurve with your hand. Try it with the bows strung and un-strung. The stability advantage with the longbow will be evident. I would add that there is no substitute for proper form and technique and that there are many excellent recurve shooters but under less than ideal conditions and positions longbows are a bit more "forgiving".

[Bjorn]

I think you are really talking about personal preferences and there is no 'best'. Each of those groups ( R/D RC Hill) have plenty of dedicated followers.

[Flying Dutchman]

Most unforgiven I know is my wife when I bought another bow....  

I think it comes down to what you are asking the bow to forgive. If it is an imbalance of the release fingers, a heavy longbow. If it for variance in draw length, an extra long Hill style bow if it has a long limb action can lose efficiency at a long draw because of how much more limb it has to move and thus shoot closer to the same arrow. That is not true with a trim fast shooting AFL. A long recurve like my old 70" Bear Kodiak Special is probably the most all around forgiving bow I have right now. For myself, a
Stotler longbow is most all around accurate and forgiving hunting bow. Problem is I do not have one at the moment. I tend to prefer bows that have crisp handling for hunting, so it a trade off and a compromise for what I can get by with to what just plain shoots more accurate with a careful shot.  Shot timing is still more difficult for most, 'you ain't going to hit anything if you don't get some wood in the air'.

[Moots]

Ad,
You took the words out of my mouth!  My wife is the most forgiving.

[johnnyk71]

like 'em both and own both.

currently, I am really enjoying my static tip recurve.

[gordie]

" Forgiveness is in the arrow,
not the bow "

         Jim Ploen