Well Ive seen some BEAUTIFUL longbows and recurves and shot both but have always wondered what really is the biggest differnce. The one that comes to mind is speed, I have heard on multiple occasions that recurves will give more speed and also that longbows can be more forgiving. So help me out here....what really is the reason that makes people choose between a longbow or a recurve?....besides personal prefernce of course.


Thanks all!

Most modern longbows are just as fast, if not faster than recurves. I shoot both equally well and swap year to year on what bow I shoot. This year it will be the longbow.

So when you are shootin both side by side...what are some of the things you notice between the two?

Longbows are generally quieter. Lighter. Longer. They are less susceptable to limb twist, so I think that makes longbows more durable and reliable.

But heck. You can't make wide generalizations any more because now we've got longbows on recurve risers, recurves on longbow risers and everything in between. It's one of those things where you pick what works best for you. On the other hand, I've always questioned how anyone can really live a full and complete life without keeping at least one of each on hand at all times.

Yea that would be nice but I dont think that will happenwith a 15 year olds budget....

side by side difference would be grip and physical weight.

Ok cool...so in performance is there much of a noticable differnce?

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

The the Bear, Montana Longbow a reflex deflex bow that is pretty good?

I haven't had my hands on one in years. I picked up one or two when they first came out, and I hated the grip so much I didn't even shoot one. I think that's changed now. They get good reviews, from what I've seen.

Chad