Longbow question

[Jon Stewart]

When is a bow considered a longbow?  Wife has an older Bear Cub, shoot of either side of bowSER# VN721, 62" 31#.  When unstrung the limbs have a slight curve to them but when strung the string doesnot touch the limbs.  Is this considered a longbow?

[dad]

Generaly if the string when the bow is strung doesant touch the face of the limb. It is considered a longbow. Years ago they would have been considered a semi-recurve. If you are considering competetion you might write the organization to get their definations. Good shooting

[kurtbel5]

Dad,
Does that mean a D shaped bow is always a long bow? I think I have seen D shapes that just recurve the last 4 or 5 inches I thought those where semi recurves. I have no idea whats right, just trying to get my definition's straight.
          Kurt

[d. ward]

I believe(old school rules)if the string does not contact the limb surface while the bow is braced...it is considerd a long bow..if the string makes contact with the limb surface while braced it a recurve...But with that said...there are tons of guy's shooting new type bows with recurve handles and long bow limbs ??? center shot long bows ??? Then you have the none working static tip recurve kinda D-shaped or flat but the limb tips are stiff and do not unfold like a normal recurve ??? weird huh?? bowdoc

[hotfootTG]

What bowdoc said - as well as a ton of guys shooting longbows who's string DOES contact the limb surface while the bow is braced.

Here in the bay are of Ca., 3D Tournament officials are not very critical about it. Shoots here are pretty loose when it comes to equipment specifications. Focus is on fun more than who's Top Gun ........ the way it should be.

Btw, I once saw a youngster (maybe 10-12) walking across the field parking lot, head down after being turned away from the Texas State Longbow Championship because his bow didn't meet specs. He was toting an early 50's Bear Cub. Broke my heart.
Al