• Help Support TNDeer:

Recurve or Long Bow

R

roadracer

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2005
Messages
283
Location
Maryville, TN
I just bought my son a Browning Wasp and have been shooting it a little bit and am getting the bug to start shooting traditional again. I used to shoot a bear recurve (about 20 years ago) and have never shot a long bow.

Wondering if I should give the long bow a try? Any big advatages one vs the other? Just form the ease of finding something recurves seem to be every where so I am leaning in that direction. Price is an issue so that also seems to push me in the recurve direction.
 
Is one more forgiving than the other? I heard once that long bows are a lttle more forgiving. Also what poundage should I get. I draw 62 very comfortable with my compound so I was thinking 50# at 28".

Any recommendations on brands long bow and recurve?
 
roadracer said:
Is one more forgiving than the other? I heard once that long bows are a lttle more forgiving. Also what poundage should I get. I draw 62 very comfortable with my compound so I was thinking 50# at 28".

Any recommendations on brands long bow and recurve?
Click to expand...
Roadracer,

I have just gone back to a recurve myself, after shooting a compound for about 30 years. (I did make my first few bow kills with a recurve.)

I'm not to be considered an expert on this, but since no one else has answered, here's my take.

I believe the recurves are generally more "forgiving" than the longbows. However, any bow that's longer will be more forgiving than that same bow in a shorter length. I think the main reason many longbows are so "long" is in part to make them more forgiving.

I was shooting about 67-68 lbs on the compound, and the new 53-lb recurve is pretty hard on me. I'd recommend getting a cheap lower poundage bow to get started (and build your strength, as you're using different muscles than with the compound). I've just picked up a 2nd recurve that's in the low 40's so I can work up to the 53-lber. Don't underestimate the importance of being able to EASILY pull your bow back --- it can get much harder under actual hunting conditions that include heavier clothing and colder weather --- you get weaker when you get cold.
 
roadracer, there are many traditional shooters that enjoy shooting both longbows and recurves and rotate them out. I suggest you try to go to a tournament or event where a group of traditional shooters are present. I would imagine most any of the shooters present would let you try out their bow. Pick bows that are comfortable in weight to shoot and just see which is more to your liking. Tree stand hunting with a longbow or 64-66 inch recurve can have its own set of challenges and will require some adjustments to get used to shooting from the small platform with possible obstructions. The Howard Hill/Jerry Hill and other such style longbows require a different hand grip, a broken wrist with a "heeling down" on the handle. Many modern longbows have a modified grip(hybrid bows) that is much like the recurve grip. These are shot much like compounds, with an open grip. Old Bear recurves were notorious for "stacking" which was stonewalling past the AMO 28 inches. Again, find an inventory available to shoot and decide what YOU like and enjoy shooting. Who really cares about anyone else--you're the one that's going to be playing with the toy!!
 
I just got my son a Browning Wasp #23 52" and have been playing with that and I just found another Wasp 56" 50# for $80 so I picked that up to start with. I figured my son would think it was pretty cool that we both have the same bow. I don't think I will use it for hunting but the boy and I can have fun shooting in the yard while we both build some skill.
 
From a treestand my 68" Big Five. From the ground my 68" Big Five
If you practice from different positions it is not a problem.
 
Thanks guys. Just want to be armed with as much knowledge as possible and make sure I can be as an effective hunter with a stick bow as possible.
 
Maybe one of these:

Brack.jpg



Actually all but 2 of these have been traded off.
 
How many bows can one man shoot! Are you keeping the last two for yourself? How do you like the take downs? Do they shoot the same as a one piece.
 
hehe I shoot all of my bows. The ones traded off have been replaced with others. I like trying different bows, but have favorites that I hunt with. Right now I plan to hunt with a 62", 64#@27" BW takedown PLX longbow.

I shoot takedowns as well as one piece bows. Recurves as well as longbows. Lots of people prefer one over the other. I like takedowns because they are usually a little heavier, and they are easier to travel with. You can also change limbs withoug having to buy a whole new bow.

Anybody want to guess what the pictured bows are??
 
Recurve, longbow, recurve, longbow, recurve longbow, which is better? Whichever one YOU shoot better. Some folks shoot recurves better, while others do better with a recurve. Bow selection is very much a personal thing. Truthfully, there's very little difference in overall performance between a good high end recurve and a good high end r/d longbow/flatbow. The last few I shot side by side through a chrono with the same arrow, shot withing 2-3 FPS of each other. So, get out and shoot as many different bows as you can get your hands on to get a feel of what you like and dislike. You'll eventually gravitate towards what you suits you best.

I prefer the longbow. Just a more traditional "feel".
Click to expand...
1132504485-5.gif
 

Latest posts

Back
Top