I just started shooting trad 2 years ago,and switched to longbows last winter! I like 50lb Longbows I draw almost 30in kinda a good overall weight for me, there are also other factors to consider on Longbows such as straight limbed D style types or the Reflex/Deflex Style Longbows! My advice would be to find Trad event or a bow shop and shoot a few of them if that is possible and then make your decision!

I wouldn’t say easier persay, I shot a recurve real well! the longbow just feels better in my hand, I just never liked the bigger riser on a recurve, mine were take downs! The one thing that you will notice right away is the Longbows can be a lot more jumpy or handshocky especially the D style types! The reflex/deflex longbows virtually have no handshock! As to whats easier you will find everyone has an opine on that subject, for me it was a natural switch and now longbows is all I own! Never heard anything bad about the Montana longbow it has a good following, ask on the the forums for feedback lots people shoot that bow!

I would also recommend going to a trad shoot and shooting different ones.

I would start with something in the 50lb range. I would tell you to shoot whatever you can get your hands on – but I just jumped in without looking. lol

Thought longbows would be a “fun excursion from my recurve”.

I haven’t shot a recurve since.

hey bunnybuster.

a good bow for starting is the montana. i`ve startet too with this bow. its easy to hold in place . you find fast the right way tho shoot. the tuning is simply to do by your self. its not the fastest bow, but its verry easy to handle and its a bear!!!. when you buy it used, look that the owner has ca. the same drawlenght as you, and not much longer. draw wight i think ca. 50# its enaugh, or less. i have shoot 80# with my compounds and i startet with 60 with my longbows and it was lot to much for learn the handle with a traditional longbow.
have funn greetz steff

nice to hear 😀
i was stumping too, with my best friends…. its one of these things thats bring a big fat smyle in your face 😉
good luck with your new bow and welcome to the traditional way of life.. 8)

Stump Thumper, welcome. One thing I’d suggest is just coming from a compound, don’t pick a bow that’s too heavy. A 69lb compound is way different than a 69lb trad. bow. I’d start at 50lbs & work up. When I went from a compound to a recurve I started with a Martin X200 @ 50lbs. It felt pretty heavy for awhile, but I got used to it after several months of shooting. A 50 lb bow will take almost every game animal anyway. I’d start there. Let us know how you do.
Frank

Stump Thumper wrote: I picked up a laminate maple takedown 39# at 28″ Frank. I love it it light enough I can shoot allot and work on my form without fatigue. Once I learn the basics, tuning and such I will spend the money on a 55# or better. This little bow is awsome in the woods after rabbits and stumps.:P

Stump Thumper, that’s great I know you are going to love it. Starting a little low is a really good idea. You can develop form as you said, & confidence. You’ll start hitting way sooner with a lower poundage bow & everyone wants to hit. It’s fun, then you shoot more because it’s fun hitting what you shoot at. Then later you go up in poundage & still hit what you shoot at. It’s a fun sport!
Keep us informed about how you are doing. Did you get a longbow or recurve? Sounds like you are on your way, & the 39lb bow will take small game reliably, it’ll be fun!
Good shooting!
Frank

Stump Thumper, sounds like a nice bow. It won’t take long & you’ll get it all set up & running. They are fun to shoot & you’ll be surprised just how quickly you catch on.
Good shooting.
Frank