Longbow vs Recurve in spine ranges

[Bill Tell]

So I have a recurve that is 40 pounds at my draw length and a reflex deflex long bow at 50.  I have a set of arrows that are matched well with the recurve but when I shoot them with the long bow they group to the left indicating they are stiff for this heaver bow.  Are recurves really that much better at transferring energy to the arrow that at even 10 pounds less it takes that much more spine?  Both bows are cut to almost center with the shelf.  Both bows have the same string material.  Both have the same Bow Hush products.  Just curious.

[WidowEater]

[stickpig]

Bill-

If the recurve is cut to center and the longbow is not, this could be the reason for your results.....
Pig

[Curtis Haden]

Originally posted by Bill Tell:
Are recurves really that much better at transferring energy to the arrow that at even 10 pounds less it takes that much more spine?

My gut instinct is to say, "no", but I'm interested to see responses from some more experienced and knowledgeable folks here though.

IF you had said both bows shoot the same arrow well, THAT wouldn't have surprised me as much...  Is it possible you're gripping/shooting the longbow differently and inducing some arrow flight issues???  Also, I wondered if you actually measured the degree of center-cut on both risers, or just visually estimated it?

Not trying to be contrary, but with today's efficient limb designs, I would expect the longbow to actually require a stiffer spine at 10 lbs. heavier. (Again, assuming the degree of riser center-cut is the same.)

[Arwin]

Do you tend to shoot your longbow like your recurve with less of a cant? I know if I shoot my longbows too straight up and down my arrows will float to the left.

[Arwin]

Here is how I shoot my longbow:
 

[Don Stokes]

That could easily be the case, especially if you have dacron on the longbow and low-stretch on the recurve. My 40# Quillian Patriot and my 50# Quillian r/d longbow shoot the same 65-70# Superceder arrows, using the same type strings. If I put dacron on the longbow it would need 5# less and the recurve arrows would be too stiff.

There's enough variation in bow designs that it's not out of the question in your case, even with the same string type. Use what works!

Don

[Don Stokes]

PS- It's also common to draw a recurve a little farther, which adds to the energy significantly.

[aromakr]

Bill:
Spine is not only about bow weight, as "stickpig" said the depth of the shelf will also influence the spine. a bow with a deep shelf will need a stiffer spine than a bow that is less than center.

I have to disagree with the cant issue, I don't care how you cant a bow, spine is still spine and a stiff arrow will still act stiff. Canting or not canting will not change that.
Bob

[James Wrenn]

Centershot and string material makes more difference than anything else.Given enough room to tune my having more centershot you can shoot a pretty wide range of arrows from most bows.

[Bill Tell]

Well I went and shot it again with more cant to it and it just shot high which I would take as it being stiff.  I think that Don hit it right on the head that I am able to pull the recurve back a little further.  With my recurve I shoot with a pretty high grip with the bow in the thumb pad but with the long bow I move my hand around it and bend my elbow more.  I have too or the thing knocks my fillings out.  I am always amazed at what arrows do and how they act.  Thanks guys everyday on here I learn about 50 things.

[Arwin]

Originally posted by aromakr:

I have to disagree with the cant issue, I don't care how you cant a bow, spine is still spine and a stiff arrow will still act stiff. Canting or not canting will not change that.
Bob

Different strokes for different folks brother. Just something I noticed from my own shooting.