To answer your questiton as to my own preference I have only experienced a few recurves and two long bows but I prefer the lighter long bow for its draw cycle. To me it feels like less wear and tear on my arm when I draw and I find im able to shoot for longer periods and hold at draw longer (compensating for the added effort to aim). It just so happens that in my case that long bows are lighter but my preference has nothing to do with the mass weight. Theres other reasons such as sound, looks, grip, etc that I like them but I know there are curves that offer all these same things, it just so happens that I find a mild R/D LB has everything im looking for. I use a bow quiver and I also find that helps with adding a little mass to the bow, but again its a preference that is coincidental and has little to do with weight.