limbs mounted on the front vs limbs on back of riser

[RodL]

I have only owned 2 recurves, both of them were takedowns that have the limbs mounted on the front of the riser. I'm considering purchasing a new bow this year and have been looking at recurves with the limbs mounted on the back side of the riser Black widow style, I have been in brief email contact with George at Rainy Day Bows and was wondering if anyone has changed from the front mounted limbs to the rear mounted ones and what your thoughts were about the two different styles.

Rodney

[ishoot4thrills]

I've had both and could tell no diff.

[snapper1d]

I think its just personal preference.To me the limbs mounted on the belly side makes a gawkey looking bow and thats just my personal preference.I am not much on take downs either I would just rather have a regular boy.

[habujohn]

I like the feel at the shot with the belly mounted limbs myself.

[Orion]

If you have a long draw, belly mounted limbs will cause less finger pinch because the limbs aren't flexed as far at a given draw as are back mounted limbs.  For the same reason, they are usually a little slower because their power curve is smaller, i.e., the arrow isn't on the string as long at the shot. These aren't big differences, and other design and material factors can mitigate these features somewhat.