Recurve vs Longbow

Right handed - I swing draw, bite into my anchor and release in about one second, my most accurate and powerful shot. I cannot get a recurve pointed with that tempo. Left handed- I can shoot slower, aim longer and release with a recurve and do well enough. However, when shooting a longbow I shoot them almost the same as I do right handed. It is important when shooting with that swing draw tempo, to intentionally practice your anchor and follow through separately from trying to hit something.  Developing a weak anchor is a common problem with that Hill like form.

[threeunder]

I shoot both.  I'm more consistent with my recurves, but really enjoy shooting a longbow.

[Brazos]

My vote goes for Hill style longbows.  I like their simple beauty.  Which ever route you take don't overbow yourself.

[stujay]

Really just depends on the bows. For me I like both. I have each. My long bow is hard to beat. TT Titan with carbon master LB limbs...best bow I've owned to date.

[stickum]

Other than personal preference, what are the attributes of one over the other,  Longbows more stable and forgiving of form errors?  Recurves store more energy and cast an arrow faster? Or does it really just come down to which style of grip fits your hand better? Thanks.

[Sam McMichael]

I like longbows more, but can't give any reason that it is better than a recurve. As so many say, it is a matter of personal, b ut inexplicable,  preference. I still take out my recurves from time to time, though.

[wapitirod]

to this point of the two I've only owned recurves.  I've only shot one longbow and it belonged to a guy at an archery shop I was in.  He put a copenhagen can on the target at their 15yd indoor lane and I was hitting by the second shot.  The bow was just a Martin but it was a nice shooting bow.  I'm pretty sure when I'm ready to buy another bow it will be a longbow but I'll still keep shooting my recurves too.  Basicly I like anything that sends a projectile downrange.

[BowMIke]

I have both, but have come to prefer the longbows.

[TxAg]

As much as i love the look of recurves, i just cant make myself enjoy shooting one.  The limbs always seem so thin and fragile, you have to use a stringer, even the quiet ones are louder than my longbow, the grips usually feel funny. I could go on....just personal preference.  At the end of the day, i'm a longbow guy.

[Schafer]

I have more recurves then longbows, but I prefer a longbow. I don't know why, I just do.  

Schafer

[Feather Flinger]

I have both and tend to enjoy shooting my longbow more but my recurve performs much better.

[Nakohe]

I have owned both, but only have longbows now because I shoot them better.

[Bjorn]

Can't really tell the difference anymore with RD longbow and recurve. It comes down to riser preference. Try out a bunch! Many bowyers will send you a trial bow.

[maineac]

Same here as many others.  I started with a recurve and can shoot it really well (at least for me).  Got some R/D longbows and love them as well. The long bows are lighter and have a quickness to them that is not a measure of arrow speed, just how they handle.  I really like my short longbow, but found it takes more focus, which makes my form better.

[moleman]

I can see a lot of opinions coming at you on this question. Im a longbow fan at heart, basicly because of the very simple design of the bow, but I enjoy my recurves as well, Its kinda like comparing apples to oranges, theres no right or wrong choice just personal preference. My best advice would be to try as many of each as possible before buying as stated above.

[jwhitetail]

Maineac and Feather Flinger Flinger about sum it up for me...
JW

[JamesKerr]

I'll take a Tomahawk longbow any day and every day! They are light weight, fast, no handshock, and beautiful what more can you ask for.

[Gdpolk]

I prefer longbows, particularly the reflex/deflex styles.  They are just simpler and more stable to me.  The only big benefit to recurves for me is that because they are shorter, they can be fit in brush better when hunting.  However, I've not had that much of a problem with my longbow fitting.

[PaddyMac]

I shoot and like both. I think my longbow is much less forgiving of sloppy form and is very sensitive to hand pressure. Too much finger on the back of the handle and I shoot right. Too much heel on the palm swell and I shoot left. And it really makes me focus. But I notice that after shooting longbow for a couple of days, I'm much better with my recurve.

[Andy Cooper]

I tend to like hybrids...