long bow vs. recurve

[RustyOlRanger4x4]

ok i looked through ya`lls post which there seem to be very few of. is this a newer forum or are there just not many traditionalist? ive been around here awhile but never really look at the bow section so i wouldent have noticed. but im curious what would the advantages or disadvantages be of the recurve or the long bow? does one shoot faster, or better, or harder? or is it all just personal choice? I wanted a long bow but ive never really even shot one so im mainly basing my purchase on looks i suppose. but i do have a recurve and im getting to like it but im in the market for a new bow here in the next few months. so ya`lls input will definatly help with my decision on what to get. thanks,sean

[Arthur P]

It's mainly personal choice. There are so many varieties and hybrids today that it's hard to characterize them into specifics any longer. Some longbows have recurve attributes; some recurves have longbow attributes.

If you compare a recurve to the straight limbed, Howard Hill type bows, then the recurve will shoot a faster arrow. It will have much less shock or vibration than the longbow. The recurve is more centershot than the longbow, making it easier to match arrow spines. The recurve would be more pleasant to shoot.

But with reflex/deflex designs, 3-piece takedowns and such, many longbows are every bit the equal of recurves in almost every way.

I feel like I must have both. Some days I shoot the recurve better. Some days I shoot the longbow better.

I know that sounds like a longwinded cop-out for an answer, but it's the truth.

[RustyOlRanger4x4]

thanks for the reply but whats " matching arrow spines"?

[Arthur P]

It means matching the stiffness of the arrow (spine) to the bow. A bow with less centershot will generally need a softer spine - and be more picky about different stiffness arrows it will shoot - than a bow with more centershot.

[RustyOlRanger4x4]

does that only apply to wooden arrows?

[Arthur P]

No. To all kinds of arrows. Getting the arrow stiffness matched to the bow is one of the key elements of getting an accurate traditional setup. The reason so many guys have started shooting carbon is because the smaller diameter and greater spine range make them less critical.

[RustyOlRanger4x4]

how do you tell what stiffness you need? ive never noticed them selling arrows in different stiffnesses at the local shop or in cabelas

[lcoast]

Rusty, I got a rusty old Ford 4x4 too. I love it.

Actually Easton provides spine charts for their various arrows as i guess the carbon jobs do also. Spine becomes more important the further from center the arrow is. The arrow bends somewhat as it leaves the bow and a non-center shot bow needs an arrow with more bend.

I have found I prefer shooting the longbow. i don't think I am any more accurate than with a recurve but then again I don't think I am any less accurate. For hunting situations the long bow seems to point better for me and faster and it just feels good.

If I was only allowed one bow, it would be a long bow.

There are other trad sites out there. I would like to see more activity here as well. There is a fair amount of knowledge on this site.

=keith=

[Longbow Bowhunter]

The type bow is really a personal preferance, I started with a recurve then shot my first longbow, and loved it, so i bought one. Just like the way they shoot and look. OH Longbows Rule