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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: threeunder on April 05, 2015, 08:11:00 PM

Title: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: threeunder on April 05, 2015, 08:11:00 PM
Okay guys.

I'm thinking I may get rid of all my recurves.  Really having a hard time picking one up over a longbow when it comes to hunting.  I don't shoot 3D or anything. Really just hunt.
Over the past year or 2, I've dabbled in Recurves.  Also delt with twisted limbs and torquing issues.

Looking for reasons not to get rid of most of my recurves and reinvest that money on a couple of longbows and some hunts.

Thanks for everyone's input.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: Biathlonman on April 05, 2015, 08:18:00 PM
Nothing wrong with your approach especially the spending money on memories.  I shoot 50's style curves. Not yet found a longbow with the good manners and performance of my recurves and I've tried more then a few.  Whatever turns you on, you don't have to make us happy!
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: dbd870 on April 05, 2015, 08:23:00 PM
I've only shot 2 long bows, both high end custom ones and really hated them both. You sound like you are just the opposite - don't see anything wrong with that. Shoot what you enjoy
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: Robert Armstrong on April 05, 2015, 08:31:00 PM
Save a couple to get someone new started in shooting. 2 years ago my nephew wanted to give it a try and it was well worth giving a bow away. I was with him when he took his first deer and that was cool. Also just got a friend started who could not afford a bow at this time. Sometimes the worth of a bow is greater than money.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: The Night Stalker on April 05, 2015, 08:35:00 PM
I shoot both but lately I tend to lean more towards the longbow for the reason of weight. It is easier for me to carry the longbow in the elk woods for that 10 days each year when every ounce counts.  My favorites are the Centaur and the A&H.
 
I would keep a recurve, every once in a while you want to shoot something different .
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: LongStick64 on April 05, 2015, 08:35:00 PM
I've been back and forth with the same issue but in reverse. Longbows always appealed to me with their simple lines but my shooting was always better with a recurve. We are all wired different and that difference is what makes the challenge of finding what works for us so frustrating at times.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: Bladepeek on April 05, 2015, 08:54:00 PM
I like 'em both and am at a point where, if I want to get another bow, I have to sell one of the existing ones. Can't pick one I'm willing to part with.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: Bowwild on April 05, 2015, 08:55:00 PM
This is one of the most basic decisions for me. I would still be shooting compounds if not for the beautiful lines of recurves.

I choose a recurve over the longbow for nostalgic and aesthetic reasons. As a matter of fact, I like the more massive (relatively speaking)recurve risers than say the "50's" style.

For me this is primarily because of the amount of beautiful wood that can be in the riser and limb veneers. Secondarily it is the mass in the bow. I like a heavier bow.

I know some prefer the LB as much as I prefer the recurve and that is terrific.

The last thing I want to do is offend here but I am drawn so strongly to the recurve that I:

1. Won't even open a thread about longbows.
2. I won't open a classified about longbows.
3. Revealing my nearly irrational position, I won't shoot a LB for fear I might like it. If a longbow cut my groups in half, I still wouldn't shoot it.  I will never know.

My apologies to the LB folks.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: on April 05, 2015, 08:55:00 PM
The only reason I own a recurve is to be able to shoot another class at the 3D shoots!

Bisch
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: Cavscout9753 on April 05, 2015, 08:57:00 PM
Nothing wrong with picking up a long bow over a recurve. I've settled on AFL long bows but I too keep some recurves waiting to go to a good cause. I did find that for myself, I had to devote myself to the longbow (Hill style not R/D's) in order to see and maintain progress with them. Once the longbow clicks, you may find them hard to turn away from. But, everyone is different and there is no "better" or "worse" style bow - some just work better for different people.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: Cootling on April 05, 2015, 08:58:00 PM
I can't think of a single reason to shoot a recurve if you feel more like shooting a longbow.

Myself, I keep a favorite of each around and switch the one that is my "main bow" back and forth, every couple of years.  No problems with durability (knock on wood) or performance with either style.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: nineworlds9 on April 05, 2015, 09:22:00 PM
I like all styles of bows but will always style myself a longbow and hybrid-man.  I like the lovely curves of a nicely styled recurve and the different draw feel is neat, as well as the raw speed and power of some of the more aggressive ones.

For me to keep a recurve for any length of time requires it to be pretty special, aka a good all-rounder, with the right balance of ease of shooting/smoothness, speed and above all quiet relative sound level.

So far only a few recurves have fulfilled this for me.  I won't rank them them but I will say the Chinook, Rose Oak Heritage, and Bob Lee are my overall favorites for being well rounded.  Some are faster, some are arguably prettier.

Toelke Chinook
(by far the quietest recurve I have ever shot, just a joy to shoot with classic 50's styling, and with a more longbow style grip it bridges the gap for those on the fence IMHO.  I hope to own a 2pc someday)

Rose Oak Heritage
(New model from Brandon.  Wow.  Just wow.)

Bob Lee
 (just a sweet all-rounder that is one of the best balanced (shooting qualities) recurve bows available IMHO and the legacy is obvious)

Whippenstick Phoenix
 (brutal performance, very quiet, craftsmanship to rival all others)

Schafer Silvertip double-carbon
 (just a superlative hunting weapon)

Robertson Fatal Styk
(possibly the best standard pistol grip on a recurve I've ever felt, prolly tied with the Bob Lee)

RER XR
(right up there too, really really sweet and very quiet)

Saluki Ibex
 (pound for pound the blazingest leanest lightest nasty shooting machine I've sampled, unconventional and not for the casual shooter, a real Ferrari)

Java Man Helms Deep
(Short and made to hunt!)

Cari-bow Tuktu EX
(Classic and radical all at once, a real shooter)

Habu Vyperkahn
(the real Rolls Royce of the group and truly a special shooting experience, IMHO much like the Saluki, a bow you need to try before you die!)
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: Wudstix on April 05, 2015, 09:58:00 PM
See my specs at bottom.  Recurve is just about a 3-D ride only anymore.  May hunt it some this year.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: halfseminole on April 05, 2015, 10:27:00 PM
I like the ease of long draw from my static recurves.  I own a long bow, but it's not my favorite.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: JD Page 1965 on April 05, 2015, 10:31:00 PM
Never shot anything better than my Schafer ST Recurve! To each his own..
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: Pointer on April 05, 2015, 10:34:00 PM
I don't get it...why keep bows you don't want? Shoot what you shoot best and why care what anyone else thinks? I shoot both but prefer recurves because I tend to shoot them better.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: R. W. Mackey on April 05, 2015, 10:41:00 PM
Totally worthless, you need to get rid of all those ugly, slow,
Pathetically noisy and totally unforgiving monstrosities. Just
Give me first choice when you do.     :thumbsup:  

RW
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: Bud B. on April 05, 2015, 10:58:00 PM
Yeah...they're no good. Get rid of'em!

(you're a lefty...right?  ;) )
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: MnFn on April 05, 2015, 11:09:00 PM
Like my Blacktail recurve, but I have a Liberty longbow that promises to be a great shooter when I find the right arrow and devote enough time to it.

So far the Blacktail is my favorite.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: M60gunner on April 05, 2015, 11:21:00 PM
I say what ever trips your trigger. Only I would wait and see if used prices go up a little. I like shooting bows. I have only recently had an issue shooting a bow. My ASL has some thump in it (shock) that has started to bother my hand, darn old age, so am shooting my recurves more. If I was down to only one bow and one use (say hunting) I would lose interest in archery.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: RecurveRookie on April 05, 2015, 11:23:00 PM
I started out shooting a beginner's recurve, then my first "nice" bow was a reflex longbow. I was hooked!But I keep them all for "just in case" or fishing, or whatever. Keep them! Can't tell you why. Lol
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: BHTGdogs on April 06, 2015, 01:04:00 AM
I love longbows, but I have a 50s' style recurve now and I love that bow!
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: Flying Dutchman on April 06, 2015, 01:50:00 AM
I don't like classic D-shape longbows. But I love hybrid longbows and recurves. I settled down on two bows now. One 3 pce semi static recurve and one 1 pce hybrid longbow. On the longbow I use woodies.
I have one bow on order: a 3 pce hybrid longbow. That might be my holy grail.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: Trond on April 06, 2015, 03:40:00 AM
I have done the transition form recurve to longbow, and not once have I regretted. The Cayuga has a moderate R/D, narrow limbs, light in the hand... Just love it.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: zepnut on April 06, 2015, 07:59:00 AM
Started with the longbow. Got the collecting bug and now shoot mostly Bear recurves.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: bowtough on April 06, 2015, 08:51:00 AM
Original Paul Shafer 62" recurve. "Ahh, sweet mercy".    :goldtooth:
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: Orion on April 06, 2015, 09:08:00 AM
Over the last 50 plus years, I've gone full circle several times, i.e., recurves, then longbows, then self bows, then recurves again,etc. Have been mostly shooting longbows and hybrids for the past 20 years, but a short recurve is still my turkey hunting bow.  It's all good.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: Mint on April 06, 2015, 09:20:00 AM
Twisted limbs would turn me off too. I've never had a recurve with twisted limbs or a torqing issue either. maybe you need to fix that first and you will like the recurves better.

For me the take down recurve is just so much easier to travel with when flying on a plane. My short draw of 26" is much more suited to a 58" recurve and in tune is much faster than my longbows.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: TradBrewSC on April 06, 2015, 09:22:00 AM
I like them all! Cant really choose one over the other, as I like to play with different things.

Although the Hill style bow are fun to shoot, I prefer a shorter faster hybrid or recurve for hunting & shooting the majority of the time.

Different strokes for different folks!
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: ProAlpine on April 06, 2015, 09:54:00 AM
Make the switch! And sell your recurves to those of us that are still hooked!
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: LBR on April 06, 2015, 10:27:00 AM
I was longbows and wood arrows only for 10-15 years, then I got into selfbows.  The last year or so I bought the cheapest recurve I could find to test a new string material...now I rather shoot it than any of my other bows.

I'll eventually get back to my longbows and selfbows...but I also see an ILF recurve in my future, probably a metal riser style.

It's all good.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: Sam McMichael on April 06, 2015, 11:31:00 AM
I seldom shoot a recurve, but I still keep them, just in case...
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: pinky on April 06, 2015, 11:50:00 AM
I just started shooting a longbow a year ago and i really enjoy it. I will mostly shoot my longbow this Spring and Summer too, i think, but when it comes to flinging arrows on a hunt I will probably have my Hatfield recurve with me. I have been shooting it for couple decades and i shoot it better. I also don't have to worry about scuffing it up anymore.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: Archer Dave on April 06, 2015, 12:35:00 PM
I have three recurves right now and have really found an interest in the R/D Longbows. I have a short Falco Storm on order that I am really excited about for stump shooting and woods hunting. My property is thick with underbrush so the 54" R/D will be great for this use.

I used to like the recurve profile better, but the R/D has really grown on me. We will see how I like this Custom Falco when they are finished making ti to my specs.

I started out in high school making longbows. That is what I really learned to shoot with. Then I took about 10 years off and came back to archery with a recurve. I have a pyramid bow that is almost finished. Just need to do the final tillering.

So I guess I am coming full circle back to longbows. I will still shoot my recurves though as I really like them too.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: Hoyt on April 06, 2015, 04:21:00 PM
My first bow was a longbow..back in the 50's. Haven't shot another one since, nor had a desire to. Just don't appeal to me.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: last arrow on April 06, 2015, 04:57:00 PM
My first bow was a recurve back in 70s.  I have shot longbows but never owned one, never wanted to.
 
I have come full circle on the recurves, I craved a Bear takedown in my youth when I couldn't afford one.  Have had many costume bows in the 80s, 90s and 00s. Now I am back to wanting a Bear Takedown, maybe it is time.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: Sixby on April 06, 2015, 10:48:00 PM
I have a new Steppe EAgle hybrid, A new Tribute backset hill style bow with straight limbs but backset. A reflex deflex foreward riser longbow and a string follow longbow. Must be something there for ya.
God bless, Steve
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: woodshavins on April 07, 2015, 09:11:00 AM
I have some empty pegs on my rack if you wanna get rid of those pesky re curves!
They are all great. Best advice I can think of is, shoot what makes you happy!
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: kat on April 07, 2015, 09:44:00 AM
Hey Woodshavins, Ken is a lefty. But then again I am sure you could adapt really quickly.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: don kauss on April 07, 2015, 01:53:00 PM
Seems like feel of the bow & aesthetic preference are my reasons, both of which are purely personal choices based on what you're attracted to, as well as what you feel is best for you and your shooting style/accuracy...

Interestingly related to this, albeit indirectly, is a recent study of food preferences; the study entailed people being interviewed extensively and in great depth as to what specific tastes they are drawn to, as well as why they prefer those specific tastes...the resulting data revealed that the #1 reason for people's specific tastes had very little to do with their tastebuds; the reasons were the EXPERIENCES they were engaged in at the time they ate those foods in their formative years; ie: if they were at Grandma's house as a youngster, and they had terrific, (nostalgic) experiences of Grandma making spaghetti after they played in the yard, with sunny weather and happy days on swing-sets--->they wanted their spaghetti to taste just like Grandma's did...if Grandma had a penchant for overkill on the Oregano, then that is how that person prefers their spaghetti to taste as an adult...
I suspect that a boy growing up with great memories of relatives/friends using recurves and Bear RaZorheads, he will most likely gravitate towards a recurve and Bear RaZorheads, simply because the good feelings he experienced as a youngster were imprinted in his mind, and the bows and broadheads trigger visual cues in his mind which take him back to that time (and those feelings)...and virtually all of it takes place on the subconscious level, so we may be consciously unaware of exactly why it is that we choose what we choose...
I thought it was interesting anyway...
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: dragonheart on April 07, 2015, 02:06:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by LBR:
I was longbows and wood arrows only for 10-15 years, then I got into selfbows.  The last year or so I bought the cheapest recurve I could find to test a new string material...now I rather shoot it than any of my other bows.

I'll eventually get back to my longbows and selfbows...but I also see an ILF recurve in my future, probably a metal riser style.

It's all good.
I am also shooting a recurve these days more than a longbow.  I had a great season with a recurve in 2014, total penetration on all game taken.  I shoot one better than a longbow, just the truth...
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: daveycrockett on April 07, 2015, 02:55:00 PM
Like others I'm drawn to a LB but I shoot curves better. The only LB I've ever shot well is the A&H 3 piece.  :campfire:
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: vermonster13 on April 07, 2015, 03:02:00 PM
I like them all and have a cellar full to prove it. Whatever my mood is at the time is what I take and sometimes a few of each.
Title: Re: For all the recurve shooters....why?
Post by: bow'narrow on April 08, 2015, 08:04:00 PM
Have been shooting traditional bows since 1946.  I have 37 of them, recurves and longbows - about half and half.  I have killed most of my game with a longbow, but sometimes I will go out on my range with a Tamerlane or Howatt Ventura just for the "zen" experience.   Keep all your bows.  Your grand kids will love you for it.