Recurve/Longbow Difference (seriously)

[toot]

On the serious side..

Why does a person shoot a longbow??

Is it nostalgia?  (traditional)

The reason I shoot the recurve I have, is simply cosmetics.. It's the coolest looking recurve I've seen..   ((TO ME))!!!!!

Or is it just differences in what looks better..

((One person likes stainless steel appliances.. Another likes dark colored appliances.))

I've never shot a longbow, and as you can probably tell. I "just" started shooting a recurve..

My guess is that it's a traditional "choice."

""PLEASE-PLEASE""  Do not make this a ..

One is better than the other, pissin' match

((It doesn't seem like that happens here as much as other places, anyhow))

I'm just ignorant on the "why" of the choice..

Now, I will know.........

Just so you know. I tried a search, and could not word my keywords for a proper search..

Thanks, Toot

[TradOnly]

I have both, but I shoot my longbow a lot more.  It's mostly because I'm better with the longbow.  It's more forgiving, quieter and the smaller shelf yields a quicker recovery and smoother arrow flight.  The poundage at my draw (30") comes out to about the same.  I could prabably get better with the recurve with more practice and I'm dedicated to taking big game with both next season.  For now, I'll just scare the rabbits and squirrels.

[horatio1226]

Longbow just feels better to me. Recurves have nice lines that I love, but I just like longbows better.

[bmfer]

For me, if I think traditional archery, my brain sees a longbow. I think its the short riser and long limbs that makes them pretty to my eye. Unfortunatly, I am much more accurate with my recurves, so for now thats what I hunt with. The real funny thing is, during bow season, I took 2 shots, killed a doe with my longbow, and missed a slam dunk on another doe with my recurve! Maybe you can figure it out.....

[Van/TX]

We would first have to define "longbow"        ...Van

[Jeff U]

I think there are three main issues:  Looks, accuracy, and noise.

Looks:
It's a lot about looks.  You will be happier with, and it makes sense, to shoot the look you like.

Accuracy:
Many will find they shoot a recurve better.  Why, much seems to be related to the heavier riser found on most recurves.  The heavier riser helps stabilize the bow arm making for a more accurate shot.

Noise:
The longbow string does not slap the limb after release so the longbow tends to be quieter.

minor issues:
Longbows can take more abuse.  It's much more difficult to twist a limb.


Some of the fastest, best performing bows are hybrids longbows.  Some will call them longbows while the longbow purists will see them more of a recurve in drag.  (The best of both worlds?)

[wingnut]

It's an eye thing.  One bow will fit your eye and it will be the one.  Performance can be achieved with either so that's not a factor.  And the hybred bows have nearly bridged the gap.

I like the feel of the recurve on the draw when the mechanical advantage of the curve goes into effect.

I like the look and shootablity of a longbow.  They fit my eye.

Mike

BTW Van - a longbow by definition (mine) the string terminates on the nock and does not touch the limb.

[imskippy]

I have only shot recurve until a few months ago. I took a chance and got a "hybrid" longbow from a friend who builds bows. I love both bows equally. I try to shoot one as much as the other and find I shoot them both fairly well. Although I believe the longbow feels naturally more comfortable in my hand, it's lighter and quieter too. I plan to hunt with both depending on the area and terrain as the longbow I feel is harder to maneuver in tight quarters. Thats my .02 Skippy

[Gordy]

What Van Said !  

Also, if you find the recurve enjoyable to shoot and a challenge now .... then maybe someday you will find the longbow enjoyable to shoot ..... and if you're anything like me, you'll find it to be a HUGE challenge.    

There's something of great difference in hitting the target with a self-built wooden arrow and a longbow VS a recurve and composite shaft.

Of course in between those two scenarios is a plethora of options so why bother trying to sort it all out in neat little compartments.
Shoot both !

[drewsbow]

For me its the lower mass weight. I shoot both well but the extra weight from a curve out on the end of my arm hurts my shoulder after the shot. Drew

[toot]

Very well done people..

Thank you, Toot

[JCJ]

I like both styles but really prefer the inherent quietness of longbows. I also like the lightness. On the other hand, when shooting on the range in a non-hunting setting I on average shoot a little more consistently with a recurve.

[Killdeer]

Toot, here is a link to my inital query on Google, longbow versus recurve.

  Search results~ Google  

You can throw this screen up and be entertained while untangling fletch tape. (I still chuckle over your tale! You have a way with words as well, friend.     )

Killdeer

[jm62]

For me the principal advantage of recurve it's his better efficiency and stability.Nevertheless,i find the longbow more instinctive

[John3]

I do love both types of bows. Recurve's are just curvy and "shaped" correctly.. You know kind of like a woman... Is that sexist??? Maybe, if so sign me up... LOL

Longbows are simple, beautiful, quiet, lightweight, and deadly.  With practice you can shoot either bow very well. It is all subjective.

John III

[30coupe]

I like the light weight of the longbow. I like the R/D (hybrid if you will) because it eliminates the hand shock and smokes an arrow. It feels good in my hand. It is much quieter. I think I shoot longbows better. If I want more mass, I just hang a bow quiver on the side.

I practice more without the quiver because I think it makes me concentrate more on my form. I grew up on recurves, but gradually I am moving more and more to longbows. I haven't found a bow I like as well as the Kanati by Jason Kendall. Much to my wife's chagrine though, I keep trying.

Two recurves I'll probably always have around are my Black Bear and the one I built 40+ years ago when I was in high school. Neither would win any beauty contests, but they both shoot pretty well. The Bear is my fishing bow now.

They are all good! I like the longbow better, but I won't say I'd never buy another recurve.

My wife doesn't visit Tradgang.  

[Izzy]

I like em both equally.

[bentpole]

All good stuff right here.I have shot and owned all three types of bows over the years. Just something about a Longbow for me. Light weight, forgiving, quiet, good speed [newer ones,with their design  are actually faster than some hybrids and recurves] and fun to carry.  Some folks just can't shoot a Longbow because of the lower brace heights and grip. Longbows do it for me.

[Van/TX]

BTW Van - a longbow by definition (mine) the string terminates on the nock and does not touch the limb.  

You can put that type of limb on a 3 pound machined aluminum riser, but is it a "longbow"?         ...Van

[JAG]

I just like building and shooting "Selfbows"!
Spirit / Character Bows are the most fun!
JAG/Johnny