I want to put the compound down and try traditional. What would be the best to start with a recurve or a long bow. I draw 29" with my compound, 6ft tall. THanks for any suggestions
scott

Hi Scott,

There have been a lot of posts lately just like yours, so I'll just give you the basics. You'll probably be around a 28" draw with trad. Try to get a bow that is about 45#'s at 28" for your first. If possible, pick up both styles and see what you think. I don't believe that you'll be able to make a real educated guess at first though until you get into it a little. Don't beat yourself up on whether to get a longbow or recurve. If you absolutely can not make up your mind, then I'd get a recurve. You may want to go the used route at least for your first one. Older Bear recurves make real nice beginner bows.

I’m in a same position as Scott. What are the main differences between a Recurve and a longbow?
Scott- I hope you don’t mind me butting into your post.

Jim

Just the basics (these are in general):

What defines them are whether or not the string touches the back of the limb while the bow is at brace. Longbow does not touch and recurve does. Selfbows are like longbows but are made from one piece of wood.

Longbows are usually quieter, weigh less, have narrower limbs, have a bit more hand shock.
Recurves are usually faster, more stable, heavier, cut to center, and louder.

Grips are also usually a bit different between the two. In general, the longbow is shot with a low grip and the recurve with a high.

First I have to say is, pulling a traditional bow back is a lot different then pulling a compound back. How much weight are you pulling with your compound? That would help with how many draw back pounds you need.

Ditto on everything that Bob has said.

I will add just 1 thing for a beginner stay away from anything under 60" get your form down first then try out smaller bows.

Good point Kanga. And to tell you the truth, I still personally would not go shorter then a 60" recurve or 64" longbow.

Me either Bob

The shortest LB I have is 64" and thats only because at 66" it did not make the desired draw weight.