Longbow or Recurve?

[sweeney3]

1) Bear Kodiack Hunter.
2) Bear Montana.

There, you've got a recurve and a longbow for a total of half what you're looking to spend.  Spend the rest on a couple of books and on properly matched fixins, and maybe grab the check at lunch when you find a local trad guy to coach your form and shooting.  Enjoy!!

[Danny J]

I agree with David. G. Fred
Asbell really helped me as a beginner with his instintive shooting books/video.
As far as longbow or recurve you could grab either one and it wouldnt be the wrong one. Everyones taste is different. Try both and choose for yourself.
Which is the right answer. Less filling or tastes great.

[Kip l Hoffman]

I will say one thing for you.  You sure came to the right place to start with.  I just recently found this site and trust me there is more good information here on this site then any place i know.

Start with a light weight bow. 35-40# and get  properly spined arrows.  You need to be able to come back to full draw and hold there for a second with your thumb locked behind your jaw bone.  Practice for several months with a target that has no scoring rings on it.  

As your form and natural style come into being, you wil lean to a long bow or a recurve.  What ever you like best is the one for you.

[flycastr]

I started with trad archery in the early 70's, converted to compounds and then came back to trad bows four years ago.  For me, although I love longbows, a recurve is easier to shoot well.  I would also go light for the first one, but not too light.  I think the guidance of 45# or so is good.  I would also strongly suggest you take Rick Welch's class in Arkansas--he will help you develop good form from the start.  It will be much harder to get rid of bad habits later!  At some point, you might want to consider a takedown bow and two sets of limbs--one set for form development and practice, and one a bit heavier for hunting.

[Cootling]

I've often suggested to folks that they pick up a lightweight used recurve and replace it after they learn to shoot.  The problem with that advice is that few used recurves shoot like really good modern recurves, which has implications for enjoyment.  Now that I'm shooting an ILF bow, that advice has changed.

I'd buy a good ILF riser and a cheap set of limbs.  Upgrade the limbs as you develop as a shooter.  You'll have a great shooting bow from the start, you won't have to start over every time you upgrade, and upgrades will be relatively inexpensive!

[HATCHCHASER]

I have tried over and over to like recurves but they just don't "feel" the same as a longbow to me.  It is all subjective to what "feels" better to you.

You need to got to as many trad shoots and shoot as many bows as you can.  It will save you alot of money.

Contact Vermonster, David Knipes.  He's a good dude and probably might have a bow or two laying around that you could get up with him and shoot.

[Red Tailed Hawk]

I would not recommend starting with a 60# bow. I started with a 45# and it was just about right. You will need to learn good form and that needs to be done at low weights.

[BowMIke]

I have both recurves and longbows, but have started to prefer the longbows. I like them cut to center or past and with a medium grip.
Both are fun to shoot though.

[HATCHCHASER]

Get up with David Knipes, "vermonster".  He's a good dude and may live close enough to you that you could visit.  He has a few bows you might could shoot.

I like longbows but everyone is different.  I think there is a "feel" difference in recurves and longbows.  It is all subjective.  Save yourself some money and shoot as many as you can.  Check the classifieds for some good deals.

[jhg]

I suggest you choose the style that you like to look at and carry. For me its always been a longbow.
 Whichever you choose, you will learn to shoot it well.
 I don't believe one is easier to shoot than the other. Or that your ability to quickly adjust from compounds is faster with one over the other. Pic your weapon, develop a relationship with it, enjoy the journey.

Joshua

[Cootling]

I've often suggested to folks that they pick up a lightweight used recurve and replace it after they learn to shoot.  The problem with that advice is that few used recurves shoot like really good modern recurves, which has implications for enjoyment.  Now that I'm shooting an ILF bow, that advice has changed.

I'd buy a good ILF riser and a cheap set of limbs.  Upgrade the limbs as you develop as a shooter.  You'll have a great shooting bow from the start, you won't have to start over every time you upgrade, and upgrades will be relatively inexpensive!

[B/W lvr]

I would strongly suggest getting  G. Fred Asbell's book " Instinctive Shooting" and Jay Kidwells "Instictive Archery insights" Read them both several times and make your decision afterwards. I used to pull a 84# compound with 50% letoff and went to a 60# recurve and although I could pull it I was much more comfortable with 50#. With properly tuned arrows and razor sharp broadheads it will kill anything in N America. Full pass thru's on Roosevelts elk are no problem with even less. Enjoy your entering a whole new world. Frank