Either one is just as traditional as the other so don't base your decision just on that! Like most of the folks are saying stick to a lower poundage bow to begin with so you don't create some bad habits that are a real pain to get rid of. I made that mistake by getting a way to heavy (Draw weight) of a recurve when i first started traditional. If you can, try getting a bow that doesn't stack so much too. What i mean by that is the last few inches your pulling the pounds really increase. Try and find something the is smooth the whole way while drawing it back. They all stack a little, mine stacks terribly the last 2 inches. These are all things i didn't know when i purchased my first recurve. My next one will be better with the knowledge i've learned myself and from the knowledge of others as well.

Everything is give and take depending on what you are looking for. For instance, take a Howard Hill Longbow strung and try to twist the limb tips. I bet you can't. Now do the same on pretty much any recurve. I probably wouldnt enter any of my HH's into a "dead in the hand" contest though.


For the person moving from compound to traditional though, it does seem like a lot make the transition easier with a recurve. But choose the one you want to shoot. There is no right/wrong answer here. Eventually, you'll probably end up with both.

Ive always found a recurve to be a little easier to master.

start with a 45lb at full draw,,,plenty for deer.....jpw........placement is upmost in traditional..........jpw