I'd say it depends on the person and the situation. I've seen folks take to a longbow like a duck to water, and I've seen folks really struggle. I know I can make some shots with my longbow that I couldn't consider with a compound.

If you get right down to the basic stand-up, shoot down an open lane at a broadside target at 30 yds, the compound is easier. It's easier to hold, with lots of gadgets to compensate for your mistakes. With a beginner, it's generally easier to hit a dot with a compound. Moving targets are usually a whole different deal. Several years ago, I worked a 12 hr. night shift--we got off work at 7 a.m. Some of the guys would come over and shoot their bows with me--they were all compound shooters. One of them couldn't hit a barn from the inside with a recurve if the target was sitting still, BUT.........I got him to try flu-flu's on aerial targets, and after a few shots he seldom missed!

Everyone is different--but if you enjoy archery, I think you will love trad bows.

Chad