longbow and recurve whats the differences

[lunchbucket]

Hey gang I was wanting to know the pros and cons of these style of bows?The reason I ask is I was going to buy a Samick Deermaster 3pc t/d to start out with mainly because I could get it with light weight limbs and then later buy heavier limbs at a decent price.Then I read some threads on here about Maddog bows and his prices are very reasonable I could buy light poundage midsize longbow and later on buy a heavier pounage and still not brake the bank.Keep in mind I'm just starting out and have no preference between a longbow or recurve.If there is anyone living in southern KY that could help out that would be great.Thanks again fellows.

[Stumpkiller]

This used to be an easy answer, but now we have hybrid longbows and so much overlap that there can be recurve-like longbows and longbow-like recurves.

Generally, for a given draw weight, a longbow is lighter and more forgiving while a recurve is faster but more demanding of proper form.  But I have a one-piece recurve that is lighter than a take-down recurve handled longbow, and long recurves that are pretty forgiving and stable.  Then you get short longbows like the Shrew that have recurve speed without the curves.  

It can boil down to which appeals to your eye.  

I don't know Samick or Mad Dog except what I see in ads or websites . . . but personally I'd put my money on Mad Dog.

[Rob DiStefano]

in the very long run, you'll need to wrap yer mitts around examples of each.  also, as charles as stated, unlike most recurves there are vast differences in what most of us consider to be a "longbow" - that is, a stick bow where the string loops only touch the bow's limb nocks.

most of us longbow folk like the inherent stability of both hill style and mild r/d longbows.  aggressive r/d longbows are closer to recurves and most of those lose that warm 'n' fuzzy "stability".

[lunchbucket]

Wow I did not realize there would be that many variations.Maybe I could find someone in my area that has some different traditional bows to steer me in the right direction.

[Bjorn]

Shoot as many as you can, several bowyers offer trials too. The differences between RC and LB are very fuzzy today.

[7 Lakes]

One of the reasons I like the longbow is the limbs are narrow and thick.  This means if you forget your stinger you can still go hunting.  If the bow came off a good form you will never have to worry about limb twist.

The second reason is a longbow just plain looks and feels like a bow.  I grew up reading and looking at pictures of every Medieval, King Arthur, Robin Hood book in the Altahamaw Ossipee elementary school.  I never saw a recurve until high school PE class.

[highelk]

Personally I started with recurve and went to longbow. I did this for a couple of reasons. I guess I, like 7 lakes, love the appeal of a longbow. after getting one I found that I just plain shoot better with it.
You will find all sorts of different opinions on this but the bottom line is you shoot what you like. either way good form and practice is what will make you a good shooter. All I know for absolute sure is that this called traditional archery is a blast and no matter which bow you choose there is nothing like a clean release and watching you arrow fly to the mark!