Like Art said--there's so may different ones that use a little of both it's hard to make a comparison.

Sticking to the more strict definitions of "longbow" and "recurve", the longbow will be slower and have more hand shock, but will be quieter and more forgiving. Recurves generally have more mass in the riser also.

I prefer a deflex/reflex longbow--gives me the best of both worlds.

Chad