RE: Compound or Recurve
Hi Joe
Basicly the biggest advantage that a compound gives you is the let off in the vertical bows (very big advantage) so you do not need to hold the full draw weight of the bow. But in a crossbow that advantage is not required.
Compound Croosbows
Advantages
- little shorter in width
- drawing string is lighter at the top when cocking
- speed /poundage ratio is better
Disadvantages
- heavier
- the balance is usually more front loaded
- more moving parts (cables, pullies)
- dependant on a shop for maintaince or repairs
- Chances of surviving a dryfire are slim to non without damage
Recurve crossbow
Advantages
- usually lighter
- slimplistic design.
- can do the maintaince and repairs yourself
- Usually will survive a dryfire (with quality bows and not single limb bows)
- Balance is usually better
disadvantages
- a little wider in width
I hope this helps you understand some of the differences between the two bows. I know that I missed some differences, but these are the most prominent.