I'm with bigcountry, it's the grip. Ishot a recurve LONG time ago. When I got back to trad stuff, I went with a long bow almost for no particular reason as i shot both when I was looking. BUT after a while of shooting, I realized I didn't really like the grip on a traditional longbow. SoI went to start looking again at recurves. Then out of chance I shot the bow I currently have. Its a reflex/deflex longbow, but the grip is very similar tothose found on recurves. Its got performance, quietness and a grip that I love....so I am really happy with it.