Recurve or Longbow…

[lyagooshka]

#2296

Hello all,

Here is another issue I am pondering and I would like to pick your collective brains about… I am really new to traditional archery, but I know I will not go back to any other hunting (save an occasional meat hunt with the boom stick). I have a 45# 56” take down recurve and I love it. What’s more, my 4-year-old loves shooting with me in the yard and he constantly asks when I will give him my “big bow” (his is a tine compound with a 10# draw, but at 4 it works for him). I can’t wait until the first time he will be able to pull it back and loose an arrow at a target. It will be years, but I look forward to every day of it. But, I now have a dilemma. I will eventually need to upgrade to a heavier draw if I plan to go after large game. I am sure I can get away with my bow for whitetail, but anything larger (like the DIY elk trip I hope to do in the upcoming years) may require a bit more power.

So, because of that I am wondering if I should just get a heavier recurve or try a longbow. I have a longbow at home (55# at 28”, although I tend to pull farther). I cannot say I am all that good with it, but the bow was always more of a plaything than something I would consider a hunting weapon. I got it back in my days of the compound. Needless to say, I was much more accurate with the compound than the long bow so that is what I concentrated on. I think the lack of accuracy was due to the bow being 55#. I think I was a bit “over-bowed” for a starting out traditional bow. I believe my compound is 60#.

So I am looking to the future and trying to figure out a game plan. I like the recurve’s added power at a shorter length, but I like the ability of the longbow to be shot from more than just a vertical position. I am also wondering if the 3-under hold would work on a longbow as the bow is canted while shooting. What about arrow spine? It’s not as important with the recurve, or is it? What are the thoughts out there? I know there are many people who absolutely love their chosen bow, be it long or recurve, and can give my great advice and plenty to think about. The only thing I need the bow to be is a take down. I know both longbows and recurves come in take down, so that shouldn’t be an issue.

Thanks for your help,

Alex

[Arne Moe]

#7978

“(like the DIY elk trip I hope to do in the upcoming years)”

You don’t say how many years BUT… I think you are laboring under a lot of false impressions! For example, longbows are shot differently than recurves; recurves are shot straight up and down and long bows are canted; Spine to bow configuration just to name a few. You say you are “I am really new to traditional archery” so I suggest that you SLOW DOWN. Shoot with your son for a while, like for at least the rest of the summer and just enjoy him and your learning process.

Find a coach if you can or lacking that, read all you can, ask questions here and anywhere else you can and keep shooting what you have. Do not rush into buying a heavier bow for a planned hunt that is a “few years down the road.” As you get closer to that day, you will have more experience and be better able to make a choice that fits you better than just what you THINK you need today. You may even find that your 45# bow is plenty for elk.

[David Petersen]

#8191

I agree with everything Moebow has to say, except the final sentence. Exceptions make the rule. But with the right arrows (heavy) and broadheads (heavy) you certainly don’t need a heavy bow. So far as longbow vs. recurve, with the advent of deflex-reflex longbow limbs, most of the advantages of the recurve are history, with great little longbows down to 52″ (like Shrew)that don’t stack and are as forgiving as much longer Hill style (straight) longbows, so that mostly it comes down to personal preference.

[Arne Moe]

#8205

David, I was just trying to slow him down a little. I did say that he “MAY find.. ” not necessarily that is WAS enough. I meant to imply a difference but probably could have said it better.:D

Arne

[gigglemonk]

#8208

A 55# longbow is not a play thing. Unless of course the elk are playing back!

DP brought up the reflex/deflex design (and i think he meant longbow vs. recurve), which is my personal favorite. And slowing may be a good idea but….. making a hunting weight reflex/deflex is a fun and rather straightforward project. Moreover, making your little one a personalized bow from dad would be pretty sweet. And you can do it for pretty cheap.

I guess what Im getting at is that archery has many facets to explore. It is totally possible to experience for yourself what a 65# r/d longbow feels like without dropping a good deal of coin.

Anyways, have fun!

[skifrk]

#8334

One thing I would encourage is to take lighter recurve and work on correct form until the shot is a natural sequence. Maybe even looking at some of Moebow youtube videos they helped me. Once you are comfortable then you can try and step up to a heavier weight bow. Have fun with the journey

[lyagooshka]

#8827

All,

Thanks for the replies. I knew I would get enough to think about for a long time. I agree with everyone’s opinion about going slow. I don’t plan to go out in the next weeks to get anything. I was just thinking that if I will make the switch, should I continue taking the time to practice. Honestly, I am more inclined to keep shooting the recurve. The main reason is technical. Canting the bow while shooting to compensate for windage and looking closely at spine because you are shooting off center all add a technical aspect. Anyway, I appreciate the replies. I will definitely be shooting my recurve for a long time to come. I was just worried that 45# is a bit “light”. I understand that a moose can be taken with a .22LR, but a 45-70 is much more ethical. Lastly, I am using Simmons Sharks. I believe they are 175 grain screw-in and I have them on aluminum shafts. Definitely need to get them razor-sharp, but I still worry about the draw weight. The last thing I want to do is wound any animal. I hope to be out for whitetail in a few months, so I will see how it goes.

Thanks again,

Alex

😛

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#9993

Alex –

I’d highly recommend seeking out an opportunity/s to try as many different bows as you can. Are there any trad gatherings happening near you this summer? Also, some bowyers allow you to ‘try before you buy.’ All the chat board advice in the world (while high quality and useful) is no substitute for shooting a bunch of different bows and seeing if there is one style or anther that you might naturally gravitate toward. More than just recurve vs. longbow, and poundage, there are many other variables to consider – grip style? length? weight? Sometimes you just pick up a particular bow and it feels right in the hand and puts an arrow right where you want, and that’s a highly personal thing.

But as others have mentioned, today’s short, fast hybrid longbows address many, if not all, of the concerns you seem to have about them. I have a 56″ 53# Kanati that is very light, maneuverable, quick, and will throw a heavy arrow just as well as my #57 recurve. And many hybrids are available with recurve-type grips as well, if that’s what you prefer.

[lyagooshka]

#10045

Thanks for the reply. I was seriously considering a hybrid, but the one thing that keeps me leaning the way of the recurve versus the longbow is the increased technicality. I (probably more from simple paranoia more than any real-world event) just see myself forgetting arrows for my longbow on that once in a lifetime hunt and not be able to find any in the correct spine to match my bow. Recurves are easier to find arrows for as they can take a wider range of arrow spines. Might not be an actual reason, but it works for me. At least for now. I agree that shooting multiple bows is the way to go. Around me (Allentown, PA) traditional bows are somewhat of a rarity. Most mom-and-pop shops have little, if any, traditional equipment; nor do they have the knowledge to suggest anything. Places like Cabela’s have some factory made equipment that you can try, but it is more of a one size fits all thing. The big money is in selling the latest compound gadgets, so that’s where they concentrate. I’m still relatively new to all this, so I have a long way to go. The journey will definitely be fun. I am glad for these forums where I can get help from people with more experience and knowledge. Thanks again for the reply.

Alex

🙂

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#10118

lyagooshka wrote: Thanks for the reply. I was seriously considering a hybrid, but the one thing that keeps me leaning the way of the recurve versus the longbow is the increased technicality.

Alex – not sure what you mean by “increased technicality?”

I (probably more from simple paranoia more than any real-world event) just see myself forgetting arrows for my longbow on that once in a lifetime hunt and not be able to find any in the correct spine to match my bow. Recurves are easier to find arrows for as they can take a wider range of arrow spines.

Forgetting your arrows on a once-in-a-lifetime hunt? Really?!? 😆

Seriously, though, there are many hybrid designs out there that are center shelf-cut, making them just as tolerant as center-cut recurves when it comes to spine variation. I shoot the same spined arrows out of my #53 hybrid as I do my #57 recurve. So the spine thing really shouldn’t dissuade you.

[lyagooshka]

#10189

Smithhammer,

Thanks again for the reply. This is exactly where my dilemma is in terms of hybrids. If you have a center-shooting hybrid, do you still cant the bow to shoot? If not, what advantage do the straight(ish) limbs give you over the recurve limbs? The technical aspect I am referring to (again, it’s probably more lack of knowledge and ignorance on the subject of traditional shooting) is getting used to true instinctive shooting, canting the bow equally each time, worrying about spine (this includes broadhead weight, arrow, etc). I am sure all of this will become second nature with time and practice, but the center-shooting recurve seems a simpler start. Again, I could be wrong. Just something to think about. All this started because I feel my 45# recurve is too light for anything over whitetails. I figure it I go chasing the big’uns, I might as well settle into a bow that I will be using from now on and practice all I can with it. So this is the time to make the changes, when I am still in the crawl phase. I’d hate to get to the walk or run phase just to go back to crawl with another bow/style. Again, I really appreciate all the input. Definitely food for thought.

Alex

🙂

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#10195

Alex –

Despite what you’ve apparently heard, you can ‘cant’ any style of traditional bow – recurve, traditional longbow or hybrid. Or shoot them all vertically. In fact, practicing shooting any of these bows in a variety of canted positions is great practice for real-world hunting.

As far as the ‘advantage’ of hybrid limbs over recurve limbs, it really comes down to opinion and preference. Both obviously get the job done on a regular basis. Hybrids, because of narrower limbs, and (sometimes) more slender risers as well, tend to be lighter.

And there are a whole different set of opinions and preferences when it comes to ‘advantages’ of lighter bows vs heavier (in terms of overall bow weight, not draw weight). Some people love a bow that feels really light in the hand, others prefer heavier mass which some feel adds stability. I could go on, but that’s probably enough!….

[Arne Moe]

#10197

Alex, We are all trying to tell you that you are worrying for NOTHING! It really does not matter what the bow looks like! A bow is a bow and they shoot the same. That can be held vertically or canted regardless of what they look like!!! Spine is spine! Each bow will have an arrow spine that it likes the best BUT they ALL will shoot a range of spine rated shafts for a given draw weight.

IF you feel that a center cut (shot) bow is what you want than that is what you should have. BUT it will STILL like one spine over another BUT that is dependent on draw weight AND how YOU shoot. Two people shooting the same bow MAY have different spine rated arrows for that bow and their form.

What I tried to say in my first answer is just shoot what you have, learn to shoot it with what you have, AND just enjoy it! You are worrying about stuff that largely IS NOT A PROBLEM. Once you learn to shoot, you should be able to shoot ANY bow with whatever style you develop within a very short time. I still recommend that you find a coach/mentor. That will shorten you learning curve by many months!

Arne

[lyagooshka]

#10208

Again, point well taken. I don’t think I will be getting anything new any time soon (the Mrs. will actually make sure of that:(). As I get more experience, I meet new people at the archery club or during outdoor events, so I hope to have people who can give me some hands-on advice as well. Thanks again for the suggestions. Really big help.

[CarolinaBob]

#10380

Form is the most important thing to good shooting. You must come to the same anchor point EVERYTIME. Many anchor with their first on second fingertip in the corner of their mouth, doesn’t matter which finger as long as you do it everytime. Good form is more important than bow poundage.

[Stumpkiller]

#10623

I’ve tried a couple different traditional bows; and frankly I lose the fine distinction between longbow and recurve with the flatbows, hybrids, reflex/deflex, etc. I find I shoot best with a high grip recurve – so that’s what I shoot.

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