Va, I agree with Chris AND your last statement. My first custom bow was a 3-piece "hybrid" (radical deflex/reflex) longbow. Great shooter, great bowyer (he still is), but it just wasn't the bow for me. Felt/shot like a recurve.

This is just my opinion, so take it for what it's worth. I don't like 3-piece longbows, especially the really radical ones. I don't see the point--might as well just shoot a recurve. I prefer a mild to moderate deflex/reflex design in a one piece or two piece longbow. I like the lighter mass weight, they still maintain the feel of a longbow, but with better performance and without the hand shock of a Hill style.

I also prefer a grip that fits my hand, not a grip I have to make my hand fit.

Finally, if youthink you will ever shoot in a tournament, 3-piece longbows aren't legal for the longbow class in most--you'll be put in either the recurve class, or some have a "modern longbow" class.

The Hill style longbow (straight or mildly reflexed limbs, straight grip) would probably be my last suggestion for someone swapping over, because they feel different in every way. You might like it though--I wouldn't take them off the list until you try one.

Good luck!

Chad