Recurve or Longbow

[bowhntrct]

I am considering buying a nice recurve I am watching the classifieds here on tradgang but I keep seeing these killer looking longbows and they make me want one is it hard to go from a recurve to a longbow? I used to shoot recurve's years ago but went to compounds now I want to come back. So I'm starting over.Wow the things you can forget. thanks C.T.

[Starkman]

My opinion is that it is not difficult to switch from one to the other.  Pick one and become proficient with whatever you choose.  I've tried recurves, but there is something alluring about longbows.  I think there is a big shoot coming up in Alabama, Howard Hill Classic.  This would be a good place to shoot a variety of bows and maybe get a good deal.
Bob

[bowhntrct]

Thanks Bob there is a shoot at tannihill state park april 21-22 I had planned on attending.C.T.

[Big'n]

I started out with recurves and switched to a longbow out of necessity (my recurve had a crack forming in the riser. Those darn exotics). I shot it suprisingly well but did not like the weight of it(I like a heavier bow). I couldn't figure out why I shot it better(more accurately) than my recurve, though. Then one day it dawned on me that it was the grip. My recurves had all had high wrist grips and the longbow had a low wrist grip. It just felt more natural. I guess, because I was used to shooting a compound for 20+ years. Now I've ordered a recurve with a longbow grip.

 You might want to give this a little thought. Anyway, I hope this helps.  DAVE

[JRY309]

It's a personal choice for me.I started out with a longbow and shoot a longbow better.I can shoot a recurve but it take alittle to get adjusted to the switch but always come back to my longbows.I like the looks of a longbow and prefer the grip whether it is straight,dish or locator.

[Stalker58]

Which ever you shoot best!!!
That's all that matters.

[Barney]

I've tried longbows on and off for 15 yrs or so. Just can't shoot em.

[30coupe]

I like both! As you can see from my signature, I have and shoot both. I have a Bear Black Bear recurve coming into the fold soon (60" and 45#@28"). Each had its own good and bad points, depending on how you plan to use them. My longbow works great for hunting on the ground or from my ladder stand. The shorter recurves are better in blinds. I love shooting all of them.

[Dave Worden]

Why is it recurve OR longbow?  Why not recurve AND longbow?  They certainly don't shoot the same, but I've got to believe that if you can shoot one, you can shoot the other.  Certainly hope so, I pick up my new longbow today.  That'll give me one longbow and (some would say) way too many recurves.  And I certainly will be shooting all of them!  Probably one at a time though.

[vermonster13]

There are so many choices now the only limits are the ones you put on yourself. You can get pretty much any grip made with any type of limb set. That being said try all you can get your hands on and shoot what fits you and your style. I like them all and shoot everything I can.

[Shakes.602]

I agree with Dave, Shoot BOTH!!! Each can be had for Decent Prices if ya Look Real Hard!!
 Ya can Always find a Bargain in the Classifieds!!

[woodchucker]

Yup,Just like Dave said!!!!!

If at first you don't succeed.....Try a differant bow!!!!!  

[Jon Stewart]

Own and shoot both.  Look around, stop to yard sales.  I bought a Shakespeare wonderbow at a yard sale for a quarter (.25 cents), made a string and shot a fox with it that year. Be patient the good deals are out there.

[mike g]

Longbow or Recurve is like asking Blonde or Redhead....
    To each is own....Go to the shoot and try some of each and then decide....(bows that is)
    As mentioned above, you can have both, just don't let one know the other....    
    I hvae only Longbows, Butt I do have a friends Recurve on the wall to shoot if I want to....

[Doug S]

C.T.
 Alot of the choice has to do with what you want to do with the bow. If you are going to hunt I suggest a longbow. If you just like shooting in the yard or competition or 3d ect.. Then either, or maybe I would favor the recurve a little. I say this because I believe the longbow has some advantages over the recurve if your going to be hunting. Everyone has an opinion and you'll get ones other than that. I shot both for years and primarily hunt. I have had less problems with deer jumping the string and make better shots when I am excited with the longbow. Buy 2 and test it out for yourself.  

[pistol pete]

I sot componds for many years then all of a suden the fun was gone. Went to shooting a recurve because everyone said they were easyer to shoot,then the old bug hit me for a Longbow,sold my recurve on **** and read as much as I could about longbows and thier makers. Finally settled on a Thunderstick MOAB its 53#"s of pure fun,62" in length and will take anything I hunt on the north american contenent.But what ever you decide make sure you like the grip of whatever you shoot and don't get overbowed,a 650 gr. aroow fling perfectly straight with a super sharp head and good placement will take down anything in the lower 48 and alaska,even if it's only going 170fps.    Pete

[bowhntrct]

Well there goes the kids college fund.Guess I better find another job.Soooo many choices.I can't wait for the shoot. Vermonster show that pic of your Palmer. If That bow shoots as good as it looks it's awsome.

[bowhntrct]

Pete the very first bow I had was a longbow a neighbor let me use when I was about 8 or 9 then he gave me a bear recurve I have had a Bear 76er still have a Browning Nomad Hunter and A Damon Howatt with several compounds in between I Just cant remember what the longbow shot like.... Gee I dont guess I should be surprised that was only 35 years ago!

[bentpole]

Yep personal opinion. I shot recurves, then recurves and hybrid longbows, now just hybrids. But I'm seriously thinkin about gettin a traditional longbow just to check it out.If you want to read a great article check out the latest issue of Traditional Bowhunter Mag April/May issue and read why the master Byron Ferguson shoots a longbow it might help you in your decision.

[xia_emperor]

try both. and then pick.