[dcwhite55044]

Just curious what benefits longbows have over recurves. I'm flirting with the idea of gettng a longbow someday and wanted to know the differences other then the physical characteristics. For example is one more accurate then another? Does one cast better then the other?

Any online articles regarding this subject?

 

[Sanvean]

I would say it depends on what you like. Recurves are definetly faster, and when cut over center, tolerate almost any spine. Longbows are seldom overcentered, so the right spine is crucial. In my opinion longbows are easier to shoot, but thats just personal opinion! After hours of waiting or walking through the forest I find it easier to place a good shot with a longbow. And it got that feeling to me...
Accuracy is a question of training, casting depends most on let-off. Try to shoot one somewhere, see how it suits you, see if you also get that feeling. I was immediately enchanted by the first longbow I ever touched. and though I own a recurve too, I will always prefer my longbow! I wouldn`t even consider the recurve for a hunting trip, it has to remain on the 3D-range.

 

[sswv]

longbows

hey Sanvean! you stated "recurves are definetly faster". I beg to differ here. Try one of the new R/D longbows. You'll retract that statement for sure. And yes' they're cut too and even some cut past center. I've shot a bunch of them thru my chrono with amazing results.

give any of these a try and you'll be shocked/impressed:

Wes Martin 'Mosshorn'
Kevin Termaat 'Vortex'
Chad Francis 'Lost Creek'
Gene Sanders 'Mantis'
Ron LaClair 'Shrew'
Duane Jessup 'Thunderhorn'
Casey Allen 'RainMaker'

these are just a sample of what I have personally experienced

 

[VA. Bowbender]

I have a question

I have a question:
If a longbow is reflex/deflex isn't it for all intents and purposes a recurve, just not as extreme?

 

[Farley]

Any of the R/D longbows with cut past center risers are highbreds and can't be directly compared to an "English" style longbow.

A run of the mill recurve will out shoot a run of the mill longbow. If you spend a pile you can get a R/D hybred that will out do most any "trad" bows. I think O.L. Adcock's bows oare one of the fastest and by far one of the nicers ones to look at. HUGE $$$$$ though.

 

[mopar23435_2413]

i can`t say which is better. but i, like others do have my preferences. i prefer my longbow due to the better penetration it provides. it also handles smoother than my recurve. your best bet is to go to your local archery shop and see if they`ll let you try out a long bow. thats what i did, and is the reason i now have a longbow.

 

[RHC]

There are exceptions to everything but in general longbows are more quiet and a little slower. Yes the RD longbows are so close as to not matter in speed. I always shot recurves but have been useing a Widow PL2 about 2 months and am shooting better than ever.

 

[bhtraditions]

Too much variation within recuves and within longbows to generalize. Two specific bows could be compared but its pointless to try to say "all recuves...." or "all longbows...". There are getting to be more and more R/D longbows out there and not all of them are high $. Personal preference is really the key. I have about equal numbers of recurves and longbows--as I've said before, why choose between MaryAnn and Ginger if you can have them both!

 

[alanraw]

Ginger is the one you take for a wild night out...Mary Anne is the one you marry.:wink:

 

[Jack NZ]

I think a lot of the new style of recurve/longbows out today are "neither" and should be considered in a catagory of their own.
There is simply no way some of the take down bows with Recurve style risers but straight limbs are longbows,no matter what the maker or owner wants to call them.
Try fronting up at a "real" longbow shoot with one and see what reaction you get from the purists.
Actualy I belive they represent where we would of been today had compounds never happened.
Doubt there's any of em' going to be as fast as my DAS when it gets here though.
Pretty only gets you so far huh.:wink:

 

[Farley]

Too much variation within recuves and within longbows to generalize. Two specific bows could be compared but its pointless to try to say "all recuves...." or "all longbows...". There are getting to be more and more R/D longbows out there and not all of them are high $. Personal preference is really the key. I have about equal numbers of recurves and longbows--as I've said before, why choose between MaryAnn and Ginger if you can have them both!

Best way of looking at it! :cocktail:

 

[Sanvean]

I have a question:
If a longbow is reflex/deflex isn't it for all intents and purposes a recurve, just not as extreme?

Exactly what I intended to say! The good old Hill-style bows are good (for their purpose), offer an enormous punch with heavy arrows, are nice to look at etc. They will remain my bow of choice, although my Braekeveldt "Sheetah" (very smooth R/D, if stringed you would take it for Hill-style) continues to shoot it`s way into my heart...

 

[Viper1]

VA -

I have a question:
If a longbow is reflex/deflex isn't it for all intents and purposes a recurve, just not as extreme?

Yup.

Viper1 out.

 

[sunaj]

Just getting into longbows, what I am finding is aesthetically the longbows are wonderful, they ar light, smooth, a heavy one shoots almost as hard as my recurves, however the longbow requires much more tuning to match correct arrow spine, whereas the recurve will shoot most arrows pretty well (centershot). S