Longbow vs. Recurve techniques.

[Tim27]

#4697

Hello all. First post here so bear with me. What is the difference(If any)in technique between shooting a Longbow vs. a Recurve? I have heard it is somehow different between the two. I just don’t see how.:D

[Col Mike]

#33006

Tim27

Well first welcome aboard. You are likely going to get more info then you can imagine from many who know what they are talking about. In the end most of it will be your personal desire. Shoot both then decide, I started with recurve then went to longbow just because I wanted to try–and never looked back. One of the most concise demonstrations of both is in Fred Asbell’s video Instinctive shooting. http://www.gfredasbell.com enjoy the ride and it is addictive.

Semper Fi

Mike

[David Fudala]

#33065

Welcome Tim! Enjoy the ride! I’m still quite new to shooting traditional myself and as Mike stated, Mr. Asbell is the proven authority on instruction. I primarily shoot longbow but recently a friend gave me a ’66 Bear Kodiak for helping him move. I have decided to make that my sentimental opening day bow. I don’t know how to describe the difference in shooting styles but it is there. I can’t shoot the recurve and then just pick up the longbow and be right on. I have to take some time to “retrain” my form to the longbow and vice-versa. It can be done, it just seems to take some time. Hope that helps? Dave.

[Tim27]

#33076

Thanks for the welcome Mike. Thank you also for the valuable link if I have any questions after reading that I will of course refer back here. I already purchased myself a Samick Sage with #35 limbs. I have only loosed maybe 100 arrows so far. As of right now I have no “real” preference for either type of bow. I chose the Sage based on reviews, recommendations and price. Shout out to Twig Archery http://www.twigarchery.com/ (where I bought my bow)for great prices and service. Buying online can be tricky but it is the cheapest I could find at the time. Thanks again.

[Tim27]

#33077

Thanks Dave.

[Fallguy]

#33078

Hi Tim and Welcome. From my experience from shooting a recurve and then a longbow back to recurve and back to longbow. It boils down to personal preference. Some have tried to say one is easier or one is more accurate. I believe it is come down to what suits you and your style best. Some people like the high wrist of a recurve others prefer the low wrist of the longbow. Both require a steady bow arm and smooth release to be consistent / accurate. And both require practice. The one you enjoy shooting the most is the one you will practice with the most.

[Tim27]

#33091

Thanks Fallguy. I guess I will have to find a longbow to shoot now to see if I like it as well as already like my recurve. I am taking a break from shooting out in my backyard at 15 yards right now. I could shoot out to 20 but I would have to clear some stuff out of the way for that. Yes, I have a small yard.:P

[paleoman]

#33830

I’ve shot both, and to me anyway, it’s like comparing writing with a pencil to a pen. I’m sure there are differences but if I get all analytic about it messes me up if that makes sense:wink:

[Arne Moe]

#33992

I’m agreeing with everyone above. A bow grip presses into the hand, the upper and lower limbs bend, regardless of the “geometry.” I see NO difference in technique between the recurve and longbow. Yes, the grips MAY be different, but with a decent grip technique, that shouldn’t matter at all.

What you like is what you like — what fits with your own self image.

I’d advise not to try to shoot them differently, shoot them how YOU shoot and enjoy.

Arne

[Tim27]

#34052

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I love the look of a lot of the longbows I have been seeing on the forums. So if I decide to be a longbow kind of guy there shouldn’t be too much re-learning involved? Oh heck I like all bows, maybe I should just have both.:D

[Ralph]

#34219

Welcome:D

I shoot both, I prefer longbows but I’m happy with either in hand. I just grab’em and shoot’em and think naught about it.

How’s it go, “Variety is the spice of life”?

Enjoy, it’s worlds of fun and challenge.

Ralph

[Tim27]

#34306

Ralph. I agree. Variety is the spice of life. I was definitely feeling the challenge tonight. I was shooting at a mere ten yards and was pulling a lot of my shots low left. I am trying to figure out what I am doing wrong:oops: I can keep it all in a four inch circle just not where I am “aiming”.:roll: Oh well. More practice!

[robbin68]

#35066

I grew up with a compound and then switched to trad gear. While shooting compound and recurve it is an extremely rare occurance for me to hit my arm with a string. I have only shot 3 different longbows and it seems that I hit my arm every time with one. I always assumed this was from difference in grip style. Aside from hitting my arm with the string, I enjoy shooting both longbows and recurves. As far as shooting low and left, I would recommend slowing your practice session down. Shoot only one arrow at a time and focus on good form during every shot. I sometimes shoot left when I shoot a lot of arrows at a time, and I can feel my bow arm sort of “pull” that way. Slowing myself down seems to help. Good luck

[Tim27]

#35085

Thanks Robin. I will keep that in mind. I was probably at almost 200 arrows by the end of last night. I am a little over eager at times.:oops:

[robbin68]

#35111

I have the problem because shooting trad gear is addicting!! And that makes it hard to balance the eagerness to shoot with maintaining good fundamentals. 200 arrows might help break in your upper back muscles, but 50 or less arrows with attention to form will help develop the fundamentals and consistency.

[Ralph]

#35186

Some people say to hold your arm this way or that way, twist this, twist that in order to keep the string from hitting your arm. There’s nothing in the world wrong with shooting with your arm extended and wearing an arm guard. Arm guards have probably been around since the first dude went crying back to the cave with a multi-colored welt on his forearm.

I can see where if you hold your bow straight up and down that your arm might be a more attractive target for the string but canting the bow it looks less so. On my arm anyway. I have “popeye” forearms and I get ticked by the string enough for it to get irritating. That’ll make you “gun shy” after a bit.

I think Mo has said on here before, put on an armguard and shoot your bow.

Long sleeves will mess with you anyway.

Another factor to consider is to think about what’s the first place debris is going to contact if an arrow comes apart?

If your arm is already sore from string whaps, that arrow debris is really gonna make a grown man cry. 😉

[Tim27]

#35275

I already have an arm guard. I have also learned the joys of string connecting with flesh. LOL!:D I will always wear a guard. I had my brace height set a little low I think and got myself right above the crook of my arm:P. I have to rotate my arm just right to not hit it it would seem. I am sure I am doing something wrong form wise but I am VERY new to archery. Maybe someday I can get together with somebody who has some experience and get some pointers. Until then I have Youtube and the forums. Thanks again everyone for your replies.

[WyoStillhunter]

#35604

My 2 cents (and it may not be worth anything):

Since you have the recurve and arrows concentrate on mastering that bow (recurve). Commit to the recurve that is already paid for and put longbows out of your mind. This might take several months (years?).

Until you really learn the gear you already have you are asking trouble by switching back and forth. I know this. I have wasted lots of time by goofing around with various bows without mastering any.

Commit. Persevere. Master. THEN sample other options.

I know…”what’s the fun in that?” 🙂

[grumpy]

#17868

I’ll agree with WYSTILLHUNTER.

Get good with the equipment you have, then try the new stuff. When you are trying to get better form, make sure you change just ONE thing at a time. If it works practice it till you don’t have to think about it, then consider other changes.

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