Recurve vs. Longbow

[six]

I'm looking to get a traditional bow. I haven't shot traditional in over 30 years. My first bow was a recurve and I actually killed a couple kritters with it. (chipmonks and squirrels) My son is just starting to shoot archery and I thought it would be a great time for me to go back to the ol stick and string. I really like the looks of the longbow. Are there any advantages on one over the other.

[Toby]

I have shot both, like both equally well, currently shooting ILF recurves. I switch around a lot, just enjoy experimenting with different bows.

I love the carry of a longbow, so light and sleek. Some longbows perform as well as recurves. I believe that the straight Hill type do not perform as well pound for pound.

Best advice is to go somewhere and shoot a lot, trad shoots are a good place to go.

If you are just getting back into stick bows I strongly suggest that you start with a very light draw weight, like 30#'s and develop proper form. Most guys start with too much weight and never achieve their potential.

[Ben Nicholson]

A lot of people switching from compounds find recurves feel most natural to them. I know that was the case for me. I'm not sure where in Michigan you are, but there is a big traditional show in Kalamazoo at the end of this month. I would be a good place to try out a bunch of bows. Also, I'll echo what Toby said. Start with low poundage. It will help you develop good form.

Good luck,
Ben

[Kleinpm]

I have hunted with both. What I disliked about the recurve was the amount of grass/sticks/leaves that get stuck between the string and the bow limb where the limb curves. Maybe it was just me. I have never heard anyone else complain about it. I much prefer straight limbs.

Patrick

[ElkNut1]

I've shot both as well but when two quality bows of the same poundage, bow length & same draw length I've found the recurve to be much smoother & easier to draw. Actually it's a very noticeable difference! They are definitely two different animals. It's most noticed in the draw then the stacking of the limbs. This has been my observation.

ElkNut1

[poisonarrow]

I shoot a Great Plains Swift recurve. I love that bow, a sweet shooter for sure.

[Toby]

I've shot both as well but when two quality bows of the same poundage, bow length & same draw length I've found the recurve to be much smoother & easier to draw. Actually it's a very noticeable difference! They are definitely two different animals. It's most noticed in the draw then the stacking of the limbs. This has been my observation.

ElkNut1

I agree. I was really in to longbows for a while, picked up a recurve for a couple shots, big difference in the draw. But, I am sure there are some smooth drawing longbows as well.
Toby

[six]

Thanks a lot guys. I'm leaning toward a long bow. I guess it just looks more traditional to me. I've never shot one tho so things could change.

Ben how would I find out information on the trad show at the end of the month? I'm a couple hours away, but the wife has been bugging me to take my son to Airzoo for a while. Maybe we could make it a weekend trip.

[Tim in Wa.]

I've never used a longbow but the three things that appeal to me are :
-They are almost completely silent to shoot
-simplicity ! The take downs are typically Two pieces versus a recurve is three
-leaves and twigs don't get jammed up in the tips
Tim

[Ben Nicholson]

Here is a link:

http://gnbco.com/expo_kalamazoo.php

I believe there is a good selection of used bows there too.

Good luck,
Ben

[G Posik]

I shoot both. My recurves and longbows are all within a few pounds of each other. My recurves are faster with the same weight arrow. My long bows are quieter. The long bow does not need a stringer so that makes it one less thing to haul around. I will say my favorite bow to shoot is one of my recurves. I find I am the most consistent with this bow. At the end of the day it all comes down to which ever bows feels the best to you. most of the traditional game is mental.

Glenn