Recurve or longbow?

Kopper1013 · June 22, 2015, 09:39:00 AM

My father would like to get into traditional archery and would like me to build him a bow. I'm currently a recurve shooter and have never shot a hill style longbow but I've heard great things.

My question, which style bow recurve or longbow do you think is mor forgiving and easier to shoot?

Again not really looking for brands or anything cause I'll be building the bow. But if you wanted you could add by saying wether you like string follow, forward Handel hill, deflex, straight limb any info is great

Thanks guy

LBR · June 22, 2015, 10:33:00 AM

I didn't answer the poll because it's too vague. I like longbows, but I like a particular style longbow.

Tuned properly, the right length, the right arrow, learning to shoot, etc. all contributes more to forgiveness than longbow or recurve...in my opinion.

GreyGoose · June 22, 2015, 10:37:00 AM

I'd recommend you to go with him to go to a shoot or show where he could pick up and shoot a few, and get a sense of what feels good to him. If there's anything true for all of us in traditional archery and bowhunting, it's that our preferences are remarkably personal. Best of luck, and happy shooting with your Dad!

ed cowden · June 22, 2015, 10:44:00 AM

Just curious how many bows have you built so far?
I have been to 2 or 3 bowyers shops and most have enough equipment that I think you could buy a good bow for that much money to set up a small shop. To each his own, that maybe what you want to do. I know a flat Hill type bow would be the easiest to build, but hardest to learn to shoot.

Kris · June 22, 2015, 10:58:00 AM

Most new trad shooters find a recurve easier to shoot I believe.

Kris

David Mitchell · June 22, 2015, 12:16:00 PM

I agree with Kris, but would throw in an option you did not have and should maybe have included. I have found the RD (hybrid)longbows with more recurve like grips are both good performers and easy to shoot like a recurve. I checked "Recurve" even though I mostly shoot Hill style longbows. I think recurves are the better choice for a new shooter, but the hybrid bows are a great middle ground and are lighter in mass weight as well. I think your dad would adapt well to one of them.....and good on you for wanting to make dad a bow.

Wandering Archer · June 22, 2015, 12:20:00 PM

I voted longbow, but I would specify a R/D with locator grip. Could be mild or hybrid. Just my opinion.

goingoldskool · June 22, 2015, 03:29:00 PM

I started with a longbow, so I'm probably a little bias..... although it was a r/d with a locator grip just like wandering archer said...

Good luck and God bless

Rodd

Jon Stewart · June 22, 2015, 04:12:00 PM

A longer lighter weight recurve will be easier to shoot.

I would advise you two to go to a trad shoot and speak with a few vendors and try a few out first. Myself, I would never buy a bow to keep and use unless I shot it first. You can spend a lot of money on something you don't like or can't use.

June 22, 2015, 05:07:00 PM

I voted longbow, but I am an R/D longbow guy. I can't stand the grips on Hill style bows!

Bisch

mangonboat · June 22, 2015, 06:36:00 PM

I've really been impressed at how smooth some of the new R/D longbows draw and shoot , so much so that I toy with the notion of finding a vintage R/D bow, like a 1958 Bear Polar or Alaskan, and see if they deliver that same smoothness, although I also like the modern "hybrid" grips. I have a state-of-the-art static tip recurve that shoots guided missiles but you better mean business when you draw back...easing up from full draw is a new experience that I wouldn't recommend to my Dad. .

The Whittler · June 22, 2015, 08:46:00 PM

Has he shot your recurve, did he like it, did he shoot it well. That should give you your answer. Just keep it low poundage and he will enjoy it and you may have a shooting partner.

Kopper1013 · June 22, 2015, 09:38:00 PM

He has not shot my recurve do to the fact that I'm a lefty, we really don't have any shops out here that cater or carry trad equipment but I bet I can find a few bear grizzly to sling some arrows but hill style will be a little harder to get. I've been building hybrids and like them but though if I started him with a hill he wouldn't really know any different and would adapt to it, having not shot one I really don't even know what they feel like in the hand...I'm by no means a very good bowyer hahaha but he wants to hunt with something I have built for him, it's kind of a sentimental thing you know? hunting with something your son built special for you

McDave · June 22, 2015, 09:47:00 PM

R/D longbow would be my first choice. Hill style longbow would be my last choice, with recurve somewhere in between.

June 22, 2015, 10:06:00 PM

If you really want to build a longbow, start with a Hill blank. I voted longbow, either mild deflex/ reflex or a Hill. I have to say if anyone wants to shoot a longbow of these varieties and has no experience with them, the way to start is to watch the John Schulz videos and Howard Hill videos available on utube. It helps a lot to develop the form that matches the bow. If that shooting style does not look appealing, a recurve is the way to go. It may be better either way to get a lighter poundage ready made bow to start.

old_goat2 · June 22, 2015, 10:10:00 PM

I love my hybrid longbow, recurve style riser with ACS limbs, best of both worlds.

**DONOTDELETE** · June 23, 2015, 12:40:00 AM

I voted recurve, but really it doesn't make a bit of difference at all. it's most important to have a grip that is compatible with your shooting style..... or.... a grip shape that is comfortable enough to shoot without "Gripping" the bow at all... "Gripping" the bow is a no no.... it causes torque.

Check out Arnie Moe's videos or Jimmy Blackmon....Both long bows and recurves are used in those film clips.

Cyclic-Rivers · June 23, 2015, 07:29:00 AM

I agree with the R/D long bow opinions of many here. Your suggestion of the grizzly is a good one.

Get him shooting first, then build a bow.

I just want to throw in a scenario..... You build him a beautiful Hill style bow.... He turns out to be one of many who cannot tolerate the handle/ grip/hand shock whatever..... He will feel obligated to keep shooting it because you made it, yet not fully enjoy actually shooting the bow besides it being from your creation.

Eventually, His interest may wane for shooting.

Best find out what he likes then build it.

On the poll, I voted LB, for me its a R/D Long Bow. I've had first time shooters use My old Recurves and they did great. The nice thing about a locator grip is its easier to duplicate hand placement and Grip without thinking about it. New guys have enough to think about.

Michael Arnette · June 23, 2015, 09:53:00 AM

I started with a hill bow, shot it for one year and then got into R/d longbows and then recurves. I second what cyclic rivers said.

Get him shooting first, then build a bow.

I just want to throw in a scenario..... You build him a beautiful Hill style bow.... He turns out to be one of many who cannot tolerate the handle/ grip/hand shock whatever..... He will feel obligated to keep shooting it because you made it, yet not fully enjoy actually shooting the bow besides it being from your creation.

Eventually, His interest may wane for shooting.

Best find out what he likes then build it.

On the poll, I voted LB, for me its a R/D Long Bow. I've had first time shooters use My old Recurves and they did great. The nice thing about a locator grip is its easier to duplicate hand placement and Grip without thinking about it. New guys have enough to think about. [/QB][/QUOTE]

Michael Arnette · June 23, 2015, 09:54:00 AM

Oops, didn't quite correctly somehow. I have shot Schafer and TallTines Recurves for years now.