What's smoother?

[DanielB89]

I am curious to as which one you guys think is smoother, a recurve or a longbow.  I do understand that there are a ton of variables, so please keep this as simple as possible.

In your opinion, are recurves or longbows smoother?  Specifically a R/d longbow and neither of the bows stack at your draw.

[Shadowhnter]

Daniel, I think this is really kind of a loaded question! Its going to be very subjective as far as answers. As you stated, there really are so many variables, and that, being mixed with each persons own personal experience and preferences. Why dont a person just make up their own mind, by shooting a wide variety of each. Sure, it will take time to do in order to get a true and good broad scope, but its really the only way to know what feels best for one's self.

As for myself personally, I like the r/d longbow.

[damascusdave]

Yes

DDave

[katman]

Tough question, depends on design and build of each of the choices. If your defining smooth as the feel of the draw cycle I would say the super recurve with its lower pounds per inch in the back half of draw.

Heck DDave said it much shorter than I.

[Paul Cousineau]

In my experience, some longbows are smoother than some recurves and vise versa. But the smoothest of smooth are always recurves, at least of the bows i've shot.

[BWallace10327]

What's smooth? Please give an operational definition.  The 2 types of bows can be very different but still fun to shoot.

[ron w]

Longbows only because most times they are longer. But design and other things are all factors.

[monterey]

Well, I voted Longbow, but to further define, my "smooth" bows are ASLs.

And, I second BWallace when he questions what is "smooth".

What's not smooth is a bow with a draw weight beyond my comfort zone and/or a bow that stacks.

[BWallace10327]

I checked the draw force curves for bows that I have owned or am still shooting.  On paper, a recurve looks to be smoother every time, but when one is being drawn, the early draw weight of a recurve sure feels less smooth then a r/d longbow that starts low and gradually builds.  SO In my opinion, a recurve DOES draw more smoothly but a r/d longbow FEELS like it has the smoother draw.

[Soilarch]

I've "known" less than a half dozen bows. I didn't vote because I think it is all in the building of the limbs. My heaviest recurve almost feels like it has a let-off.  (An old Pittsley Predator) the two longbows I have jump from cheapo mass produced to a Gary Sentman. Completely different draws. Just to many variables like you mentioned.  Strangely, the Sentman doesn't "start slow" like you often hear of...at least to my uncalibrated shoulder-o-meter it's a heavy D/R that starts out of the gate like a thoroughbred on clenbuterol!!!

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Originally posted by katman:
Tough question, depends on design and build of each of the choices. If your defining smooth as the feel of the draw cycle I would say the super recurve with its lower pounds per inch in the back half of draw.

Heck DDave said it much shorter than I.

Yes.... i voted RC, but there are some nice smooth R/D LB's out there too....

Then again its a matter of perspective. I've known some guys that love the feel of a string follow bow that has very little preload and draws real steady from the start of the draw and steadily increases......

[CRS]

Here is my two cents.
Recurves are smoother to draw and softer(mushy) at the shot.

Longbows are firm on the draw and authoritative at the shot.

There are exceptions and variables of course, but that has been my subjective opinion for awhile now.

[Zradix]

with such a generalized question I can only give a general answer....the longest one.

[Rob DiStefano]

there are far Far FAR too many mitigating factors.

it's an impossible choice because either bow geometry style, AND dimensions, can be smooth as a baby's pitoot or stack like it's lifting a battleship's anchor.

[Tree Killer]

I have a metal plate in my left arm just above the wrist. I shoot right handed. I can "feel the shot" in my wrist with all my longbows. This doesn't happen when I shoot my recurves.  So for me, recurves are smoother!

[atatarpm]

My recurve is softer and my long bow is authoritative. Both are smooth.

[Bladepeek]

Which is nicer to drive -  Chevy, Ford, Dodge, or import? Define "nicer to drive". Good luck  

[Sam McMichael]

All my longbows are around 68" long, which contributes to a smooth draw. I don't consider "smoothness" to apply after the string has been released, it just never crossed my mind. I seldom shoot recurves, but in all honesty, smoothness with them has never been a problem, either.

The charts that I have seen, if they are accurate, seem to put Kirkl's static tips about as smooth at the end of the draw that anything can get.  I guess it all depends where one wants the smooth to be at.  i prefer it at the end of the draw, even though I hunt mostly with reflex longbows, that is mostly a grip/balance/handling issue for me, besides my 1/2" variations in my draw length.

[Stump73]

I voted for longbow. But I don't have any problem with any bows stacking at my 25" draw weight.