RE: recurve vs longbow?
As said above (hows it been AP) long bows with lots of reflex deflex are almost equal to curves as far as speed. I shoot a 45lb bear griz recurve and a 60lb long bow with lots of R and D, it is so much faster then the curve. I can pick up the bear and shoot tight groups at 15 yards, they dont hit were I am looking but they are tight. With the long bow I have to work at it, if I drop the bow get a bad release I can tell, but on the other hand I can take the long bow and send an arrow from 35 yards and some howhit what I want to hit. I never could do that with a curve, or even a compound.
I think it is all up to you, see if you can find an old curve and try it out for a while.It is easyier said then done but it is the best way to go. I wish I would have tried some bows before I bought mine, not that it is bad I just wish Icould saythat it is the best for me.