Assumptions on recurve vs. longbow

[P7rancher]

Greetings to all, my first post on this great site!  

Finally, are there hard cases for one piece recurves like the PTF?  The PL longbow comes with a hard case.

Thank you for your help!

P7rancher    

[Orion]

All other things being equal, and they usually aren't, recurves draw a little more smootly because of the configuration of their limbs.  Compared to longbows, they start the draw a little heavier and don't build weight as fast near the end of the draw.  That's because the recurve tips open up, keeping the limb tips from being drawn closer together, which is what causes stack or increased weight build-up.  However, hybrid longbow limbs like the widow's behave almost like recurve limbs.  Because recurves have more mass in the riser, they absorb more of the excess limb energy yielding less hand shock.  Most recurves also have centershot arrow shelfs or shelfs cut past center, whereas a lot of longbows are cut 1/8 inch from center, resulting in the recurve being able to handle a wider range of arrow spines, making it a little easier to tune.  If you look at the scores at most trad shoots where they have recurve and longbow classes, you'll usually find more higher scores shot with recurves.  I find the longbow easier to put into action quicker for hunting and thus shoot longbows almost exclusively.  It's a personal choice thing.  You'll probably have to shoot for a while and shoot a few different style bows before you develop a clear preference.  Good luck.  

I believe Three Rivers offers a hard case for recurves.  Rifle cases are long enough to accommodate most recurves of 60 inches or less.

[TSP]

"My interest is in 3-D, target, and recreational shooting."

Having owned both a Widow longbow (LAG) and several Widow recurves I find the latter to be more comfortable and consistent re accuracy on targets.  That said, longbows in general have a high 'fun factor' once you get used to them.

Based on your interests as described above and your past experience, if it were me I'd opt for a TD recurve (allows trying different weights and easy to replace damaged limbs if that happens).  But of course, only you know what you like.

[HumbleHunter]

Howdy and welcome to the site, this place is awesome. I've never owned a BW but I'd like to sometime. I like the recurve better over longbows myself. To me they just shoot smoother and faster with the same weight (Normally). Seems to be easier to get hand to eye alignment. I'd go with the recurve. Plus what you said as far as hand shock go. Just my two cents, please take with a grain of salt. I've never owned a LB but I've shot a couple and just didn't like it. Anyways, welcome to the sight, have fun, take care! HH

[McDave]

I have several BW recurves and a BW longbow.  I think you can learn to shoot either one as well as it's possible for you to shoot.  I usually end up shooting the recurve, a PMAV.  Why?  It just enters my mind that that's the one I want to shoot.

Seriously consider forking over the extra bucks to get the ironwood with bamboo laminations in the limbs (the V).  I'm no expert shooter, but I can tell the difference in the smoothness of draw, plus the bamboo laminations adds some speed over the standard limbs at the same weight.

I chose the one piece longbow, just for the sake of being trad, I suppose.  But all my BW recurves are takedown.  They pack great, they shoot great.  YMMV, of course.

[P7rancher]

Thank you for all the replies.  Orion, your explanation was very helpful as well as the other replies.

In my very limited shooting experience, I shoot a 41 to 43 lb. bow the best.  When I go to 50lb.+ my shooting is OK for about 8 to 10 shots and then things begin to deteriorate.

My question, is there a reason to order a bow with a draw weight above 45lb. for my intended use of the bow (3D and recreational)?  I know I will get stronger as I shoot more.  But, will I give up something in competition with a bow weight of 45lb.?  Is there too much arrow drop with a bow of 45lb. in weight?  Should I work to build up my strength to a heavier bow weight?

Bottom line question is: What is wrong with a lighter bow weight like 45Lb. for my intended purpose?  It is much more comfortable to shoot.

Thanks in advance to all the wonderful knowledge on this board.

P7rancher      

[bgram]

Shooting 55lb longbow over and over at 3D, I'd gladly like to have a 45lb version.  You can find a lighter arrow, like a Easton Excell around the 600 or maybe 500 spine (at 41 or 43 500 would be stiff), and shoot with no added weights to end except field points.  Your arrow weight would probably be around the higher 300 or lower 400 grain average, which should be a steady arrow with weight.  In 3D, I believe that a lighter bow is the right choice.  45lb is adequate for hunting most critters.  Lighter is better for 3D and recreation.  If I can get my hands on a 45lb Bear Montana, you'll probably hear me all the way to Missouri.  You can work your way to heavier bows, but with the lighter bows that you can control, you will benefit so much from because you can work you form easier and more constitenly over time.  If you get a BW recurve or longbow, if you get a takedown, you can always get extra limbs made for hunting season.  This is just my thoughts on the subject, but sounds like you already know what feels good to you.

Bobby

[TSP]

A 40-45# bow would make an excellent target bow.  Matched with a quality arrow (a 2013 size would be a good one to try for that weight) you should have a fine setup.

[LCB]

Shoot what you like, Shoot what feels right. I got a few bows that are gathering dust in my basement since I got a TFII. I've shot a couple PL's over the last year and IMO the are not any harder to shoot than a recurce, but they just don't shoot as well, if that makes any sense. I just spent my evening in the back yard shooting a handfull of different bows, and while each has some good characterists, none of them compare to my widow. I also think a 45 lb bow is plenty for what you want to do. Just my 2 cents. Just one more note.

[R H Clark]

You have to make the decision however the 3 piece recurve will give you more options of different limbs if you want to change something later.Also it won't be trash if something bad happens to a limb.

[Snakeeater]

p7rancher,

Lots of good advice here. There are lots of factors that go into things like shootability and hand shock that have not been discussed here. I am PM'ing you my phone numbers in case  you would like to call and talk back and forth about it.

One of the nice things about BW, and some other bowyers, is that they have a "test drive" program. You can basically rent a bow and try it out for a few weeks to see if you like it. I would suggest that you do this with a recurve of similar weight to see if you like it better than the longbow. With that information you can make an informed decision. Just give them a call and ask them about it. Here is the URL that talks about it.

  http://ns1.bowsite.org/acb/webpage.cfm?WebPage_ID=9&DID=9  

BTW, a 45# bow will do just fine for what you want to do, it will even do for hunting deer WITH A WELL PLACED SHOT. Most folks should start out on a relatively lighter weight bow anyway to help avoid developing form mistakes. We can talk more about that if you decide to call.

Regards,

Larry Schwartz

[P7rancher]

Thanks to all who replied.  Thanks to Larry for the great information I received from our phone conversation.

I will be attending my first 3-D shoot this weekend and look forward to learning a lot.  I will have more questions.

Again, thanks to the members of this great site.
P7rancher

[Frank V]

P7rancher, I will try to explain the grip taught me by Bob Burton. He said Howard Hill said to grip a longbow as you would pick up a heavy suitcase. This puts the thumb joint on the center of the bows grip for me not the web of the hand. Lots of people say the Howard Hill bow has lots of handshock. I shoot a 60lb HH & have no handshock. I suspect the widow will respond in the same way. This grip actually puts your forearm farther from the string too & I dont' hit my forearm with the string if I have gripped the bow properly.Hope I have described this grip properly & hope this helps try it it may work well for you.Do not be afraid of a longbow they are lots of fun & welcome to Trad Gang. Frank