Why do you hunt with a recurve rather than a longbow ? I've heard so many say that it is because they are more consistent with it , but that questions why as well.
Personally I'm really drawn to a longbow, a one piece rather than a 3 piece takedown heavy riser " longbow" and I've spent a lot of time shooting and hunting with them taking quite a few animals. But over alot of time and many different longbows ,I can look at my overall shot placement and the vast majority of perfect or close to it shots are with a recurve, for me I think it's a matter of grip placement being consistent on the recurve vs the longbow but I'm curious if I'm alone on this. As much as I love shooting and hunting with my longbows I feel I should hunt with the bow i shoot the best and for the record I'm currently shooting a standard grip widow PL longbow and a PSA widow recurve. Thanks Dave
I regularly hunt with a Black Widow PCH with a Marksman Quiver on it, and I also regularly hunt with ASL's.
The recurve is definitely easier in some ways.
- Much easier to grip it consistently.
- Much heavier in the hand so it holds steady better. The extra weight also makes it more dead in the hand at the shot.
- Shoots an arrow faster than my longbows.
- Shorter N-N so I can get through brush with it in some ways much easier.
- Suits a bow quiver so I don't have a back quiver or side quiver dangling off my body.
- Despite not being as quiet as my longbows, it's definitely a quiet bow (62# draw and a 600gn arrow).
- I can shoot it accurately a little bit further than my longbows.
I do love the longbows for other reasons.
- Despite being harder to shoot for this reason, I love how light they are in my hands.
- Quieter.
- Even though they're long, sometimes they're better in thick brush because the profile is skinner.
- I'm actually happier, or I 'feel cooler' when I carry my longbows. :biglaugh: I'm a history teacher so I love thinking about English longbows and things like Agincourt.
When I say I hunt regularly, I mean I walk around regularly. We can hunt 365 days a year here but I'm still new to traditional archery so I'm enjoying both kinds of bows equally. I also don't hunt from a treestand so anything I hunt is taken from the ground, usually in a spot and stalk situation.
I find myself grabbing my black Widow when things seem more critical and I need to be more confident I can shoot out a little further if need be, but I take my longbows when I'm a bit more relaxed and I'm not as fussed with taking game as I am with having a good time in the bush, either by myself or with friends.
The same can be said for the target stuff I've been trying lately. Longbows and wood arrows for fun and shooting closer distances, and recurve with carbons when I'm really trying to push myself.
Just my take on it.
The only reason I could see myself having a recurve as my main hunting bow would be for the extra umph. As I am getting older, I am having to drop draw weight to keep the same level of accuracy. As this happens I want all the umph I can get. That is the reason I am now looking at supercurves. Have not bought one yet, and would surely rather have a superlongbow if there was such a thing!!!!
Bisch
Not trying to start a debate or argue, but things I have learned over the last 47 years....
Accuracy is all up to the shooter and their form.
""""The recurve is definitely easier in some ways.
- Much easier to grip it consistently.
No, not nessesarily.
- Much heavier in the hand so it holds steady better. The extra weight also makes it more dead in the hand at the shot.
Nope, dead in the hand is all up to the design. Holding steady is up to the shooter
- Shoots an arrow faster than my longbows.
I own longbows that shoot faster than many recurves
- Shorter N-N so I can get through brush with it in some ways much easier.
Again, not necessarily
- Suits a bow quiver so I don't have a back quiver or side quiver dangling off my body.
I hunt with a bow quiver on ALL my longbows
- Despite not being as quiet as my longbows, it's definitely a quiet bow (62# draw and a 600gn arrow).
You want a 'longbow quiet recuver', easy, B50 and Bowhush wrap
- I can shoot it accurately a little bit further than my longbows.
I shoot both the same, and have made many of my 'best shots' with both. Longest shot with a recurve, longest moving shot with a longbow. All my pheasants were with longbows. 80% of all my kills where with longbows and distance was never a concern of whether I needed a recuve for 'that shot'. I did however go back to the truck once to trade my 60# longbow for a 70#er after I saw the saddle bags on the 'Beast of Paradise'. That was a good move.
I do love the longbows for other reasons.
- Despite being harder to shoot for this reason, I love how light they are in my hands.
- Quieter.
Yes, I agree for the most part, some recurves have longbow type risers and grips
- Even though they're long, sometimes they're better in thick brush because the profile is skinner.
Yes, I have found it about equal, but longbows always seem easier to navigate through really this stuff
I'm not dissing recurves, but I do not have one at the moment as I didn't like keeping up with a stringer and as I said in the other thread, longbows are a little more 'bruteish' in the woods. I'm actually strongly considering buying a take down at the moment, a 2 piece.
Please remember, my comments were not to start an argument, just to say that 'one size doesn't fit all'. :campfire:
I believe what complicates the age old argument of recurve vs longbow is the addition of the hybrid longbow in the mix and toss in the selfbows. The variance among longbows is very diverse so it really is hard to make a general comparison. I shoot both and hunt with both but prefer the longbow because that is what I feel most confident in.
I have liked recurves better in 3D shoots for the reasons of I tend to shoot them better overall and especially at longer distances. And that is with one that the limb sets use the same riser.
I kill with both recurve and longbows. Terry is the second person to suggest the B50 so I need to order one and try it. I already use bowhush style string end silencer. Quiet but not longbow quiet.
I prefer my longbows for overall shooting enjoyment and hunting in general. And this year I've been able to step up my accuracy and increase my range.
That said range is an issue. Longbows of equal poundage to recurve bows generally not near as much zip so I have to give the recurve the thumb up on that.
But I hunt close.
Along with the things already mentioned, I would like to add the force-draw curve. The force draw curve on a longbow is steeper for most longbows at a normal draw length than for most recurves. Much steeper than for super-curve recurves. This means that the effect of any error one makes in coming to full draw with a longbow will be greater than the same error with a recurve.
Obviously, the solution is to always draw to a consistent draw length, but that is easier said than done, even with a clicker.
If the recurve does not have any inherent advantages, then there is no need to have a separate longbow category in competitions.
Theory aside, the only real solution is to shoot both, and see which one works better for you. There are longbow shooters out there who can shoot better than all but a handful of recurve shooters. So if you're not among those elite few, it really comes down to your own personal preference.
I hear ya Dave, I don't know about target archery unless the target is breathing. :biglaugh:
Quote from: Terry Green on June 22, 2022, 05:12:05 PM
Not trying to start a debate or argue, but things I have learned over the last 47 years....
Accuracy is all up to the shooter and their form.
Please remember, my comments were not to start an argument, just to say that 'one size doesn't fit all'. :campfire:
Absolutely mate, in the same way that my post is directly related to my experiences with my bows and I can't speak for anyone else.
WELL......
I just seem to shoot my recurves better? :dunno:
I have a Howard Hill "Mountain Man" longbow that I just LOVE!!!
I get that bow, put my Hill back quiver on, at a 3-D shoot.... Dang I look COOL!!!!! :archer:
BUT, I honestly can't hit a bull in the a$$ with that bow!!
I really think it's the dished grip. I just can't seem to "heel" it like I should? :help:
I have a couple hybrid longbows with recurve style grips, and I shoot them just fine.
I have a number of recurves. Aside from one that is set up for bowfishing, I never shoot them. I've been shooting and hunting with a longbow for the last 42 years. I don't seem to notice any of the supposed cons of a longbow as listed above. I love them and they are what I like to shoot. Since I shoot them as well or better than most of my friends who use recurves, I figure I'm doing ok.
A longbow is lighter, easier, and it's simple form is more appealing to me. Also a 3 piece longbow with a recurve style handle is not a longbow. Now that should generate some comments.
Agreed, Dan!!! :readit:
Like I said, I LOVE my Hill longbow!!! Just can't seem to shoot it good, LMAO :banghead:
(and the hybrids collect dust, lol)
I go back and forth. I have hammered 4-6 shots down range in a better group w a rfdf longbow than any other. But I have also had frustrating flyers with that same bow. I shoot the Black Widow recurve first shot best. So that is what I'm using now. It could change tomorrow. I'd like a Toelke longbow and a big jim thunder child. Use both!
Tedd
[attachment=1]
Thanks guys , I think my biggest issue is a proper repeatable grip with this particular bow right now. And I don't want to worry about that hunting. My PSA is as quiet as about any longbow I have had. I'm a real stickler for that and have sold several nice bows that I couldn't get quiet. So B50 is unnecessary plus I don't like the feel of it. I'm not saying a heavy riser recurve style straight limb bow isn't a longbow, but it's just not for me, I'll just shoot a recurve.
Keep em coming, I appreciate it
Pretty well said by Terry above.
I have shot longbows and recurves about the same amount for hunting.No clear favorite for me.My longbows are both hybrid types and more traditional.I like the variety of both types and they both look good as Art pieces on the wall where thier at most the time.
I have not really found recurves noisy personally.Some are as quiet as any longbow.I have been shooting B-55 alot in a 12 strand more recently.Prior to that almost all FF type strings.These are well made strings in the perfect length without much silencer.Very Small puffs.Anyway all the recurves I have are really quiet and the shooting qualities are just fine for me with B-55.I like it.I would definatly try it if you find a curve is on the noisy side and see if it quiets down.
A guy may shoot one better than another because thats what thier dialed in with,prefer and shoot much more overtime and really get the feel of a particular style bow really ingrained because of that.Some guys can shoot anything about equally well.
I still have several recurves but very seldom shoot them. I am just less accurate with them, possibly because I don't practice with them. To me the longbow is "just more funner". Some of my friends who shoot curves are mighty fine archers, so I know they are a good platform. Just as I can't do as well with the recurve, I guess they can't feel as comfortable with the longbow. Lucky is the man who does well with both. The funny thing is that I loved the recurve before I tried the longbow.
I shoot and hunt with both. Never really paid attention as to which I killed more critters with or whether I made better shots with one vs the other. However, I do tend to be able to shoot the recurve accurately at a little farther distances than my longbows. My comparison is to ASLs though. I think a lot of the "longbows" folks are talking about in this comparison are really hybrids with severe r/d and pistol grip risers. Those are much closer to a recurve than a longbow IMO, and the differences would be slight if any at all.
I appreciate everyone's perspective on the subject. One thing that is great about traditional archery/bow hunting is the experience is very personal. Each of us will have our own preferences based on what we personally enjoy and find a measure of satisfaction/success with. I've found that to be the strength of this community, no one person has it all right. You learn from a wide variety of people from different areas and backgrounds, and you grow in knowledge and skill over time by trying out different things. (Like different styles of bow.)
Terry, I appreciate all of the work you have done over the years on this site and your willingness to share your insights. And I want to convey this in a kind way, no disrespect intended. On this post earlier you had a member take the time to share his own perspective and experience. You then went point - counterpoint with him. I don't see how that encourages people to feel comfortable with posting or sharing if the person that runs the site will pick apart their views. I know if someone did that to my post I would feel bad and that my thoughts aren't valued.
To answer the OP. I shoot a recurve because it has more zip than my ELB. It's super short and maneuverable too. (Recurve is 50" and ELB 70") I love longbows too though, I just use what I'm in the mood for that day. Variety is the spice of life.
Granite,
So sorry I challenged anything with my 47 years of experience. My appologies. What was I thinking? :knothead:
I generally agree that grip placement maybe one of the reasons people struggle shooting longbows well. I tried about seven longbows and struggled with that. Locator grips may help.
But then I found a straight gripped longbow that just plain works for me. It is a gem.
I also shoot recurves as well, I suppose because I grew up shooting recurves.
As mentioned several types of 'longbows'.
Grip and mass I feel add to a recurve having potential to be more accurate for us nonperfect humans.
Mild hybrids are my favorite. A little softer on back end of draw and still quiet, excellent compromise.
Why do some like a Ford....or a Chevy....or a skinny gal....or a fat chick?
Ya likes what ya like......
I've come to believe the grip is about 90 percent of why a bow shoots well for you.
I love the no stringer needed and quiet of a longbow but love the grip shape of a curve so I built one , used it for 4 years and decided I wanted to camo paint one so built one as close as I could to it. Then thought I'd make one 3 lbs lighter for cold weather . It came in same as the other but my son cabbaged onto it so all good.
They are plenty fast and still quiet.
[attachment=1]
Dave, this is actually a pretty good question. I have not read the other responses but I will add mine. I was initially drawn to the recurve very early more so to it's appearance. I thought they looked cool when I was a kid. As I got to shoot them I found that I shot a mass heavy recurve better than a longbow. And when I say longbow I mean a D shaped HH style. I also think the grip played a big part of it as well. I do own an older Robertson Mystic and I shoot it pretty well, especially with a bow mounted quiver. But I still shoot mass heavy recurves much better.
Quote from: GraniteStater on June 23, 2022, 10:04:27 AM
Terry, I appreciate all of the work you have done over the years on this site and your willingness to share your insights. And I want to convey this in a kind way, no disrespect intended. On this post earlier you had a member take the time to share his own perspective and experience. You then went point - counterpoint with him. I don't see how that encourages people to feel comfortable with posting or sharing if the person that runs the site will pick apart their views. I know if someone did that to my post I would feel bad and that my thoughts aren't valued.
I appreciate the insight mate, but it's all good. I'm not particularly active here but I've hat a few PM conversations with Terry and he knows I'm new to the game. I also have fairly thick skin so it takes a lot to annoy me. Having said that, my experience is limited compared to most people here and while I back up everything I say based on my experience, it's interesting to see others have had different experiences.
I don't necessarily agree with everything Terry said, mainly because my experience has been different, but that doesn't mean either of us are wrong. I've heard that some modern longbows can be quicker than some modern recurves for sure but my ASL's aren't going to win any speed competitions compared to my Widow. At the same time, while I'm still trying to work on my form and there are things I need to improve with my bow arm, holding my Widow steady on target is much easier than my longbows and that's just the way it is.
Different opinions being discussed is always going to be a good thing if everyone is respectful.
You'll never see me shooting B50 or B55 though. :biglaugh:
Sean, thank you, it seems most of the replies are from longbow shooters who really aren't answering why they shoot a recurve as their primary hunting bow And Terry, I know there's several here with 40 plus years of experience but I do respect your thoughts as I do the others , Thanks guys
I've hunted with and killed stuff with ASLs (2 year commitment) and hybrid type longbows (4 year commitment), but I always went back to my recurves. And I'm back there now. Just so much easier for me to shoot. Grip, mass weight, draw cycle (ie "feel"). I had to try hard to shoot a light mass hybrid well. Had to try REALLY hard to shoot an ASL well. The recurve just feels natural to me. Been shooting since I could walk, and I'm 48, so I guess that's probably 6 years longbow vs 39 or so with recurves for me.....maybe that has something to do with it :goldtooth:
I'd have no issue hunting with any of the 3 types if I was required to.....however if given a choice of only 1....heavy mass wt recurve, 64 or 66 inches long, 1000%.
R
Mr. Greene has enough experience and kills to just dismiss his input and advice out of hand. I respect those who have something to show in kills or buckles or . . . A lot of guys talk, some walk the walk. So even if I don't quite agree with him or Bisch or one of those killers, I listen and consider what they have to say and why.
However as said it's a very personal journey.
My PT three piece has longbow and recurve limbs that came in less than a pound difference, 50@27. I shoot the same anchor point and same draw length for both. Bareshaft testing has me shooting 400s with 150 grains up front and the recurves 340s just a touch longer with 150s up front. Which btw is the same as my two piece PT longbow that is 55@28. My favorite bow as well.
Quote from: Dave Lay on June 23, 2022, 06:10:23 PM
Sean, thank you, it seems most of the replies are from longbow shooters who really aren't answering why they shoot a recurve as their primary hunting bow And Terry, I know there's several here with 40 plus years of experience but I do respect your thoughts as I do the others , Thanks guys
ive been at this well over 30 years and I've tried a bunch of different bows along the way. But a mass heavy recurve is what suits me best.
Most of my sticks are 60". My main Big River recurve is lower mass weight like a longbow, but with Ziricote in the handle. D/R longbows are probably my favorite, although my D-Shape Kota rocks. My main personal design thing is heavier mass in the grip area, all my custom bows have Ziricote or purple heart in the handle or grip area. That weight helps me to shoot more consistently.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
I love longbows and hybrids. I have both. All my longbows and hybrids are quite. I shoot them just as well and killed my first deer with a longbow.
Recurves more accurate than longbows?..
If memory serves me right, at the TN Classic this year, the highest scores was posted by longbow users...
I shoot both of these bows every day. Bear Grizzly Recurve and a Martin Savannah Stealth longbow. There isn't a nickel difference between them. One thing I will add is I can't shoot a longbow with a straight grip.
I really don't have a great deal to add as my own thoughts are recurves usually have more mass and the grip tends to enhance consistent hand placement....all that leads the recurve to be more accurate for an average shooter. While exceptions do exist, recurves usually shoot a little faster; but I don't think that aspect is a major issue.
If your a shooting machine, your not going to see a great deal of difference between longbows and recurves. Yet, for us mere mortals among the shooting elite, the recurve is more pleasant to shoot with a higher degree of accuracy.
I also can't dismiss that I just like the aesthetics of the recurve better. I grew up watching the "American Sportsman"...every weekend seeing Fred Bear drawing his recurve and shooting at the pheasant; with the feathers exploding and the bird falling. These things are pretty impressive when your 9 years old and shapes your thoughts for decades to come. Sometimes you make decisions in life that aren't made with the simplicity of a plus or minus ledger
Stringwacker..... Great Stuff!!! :campfire:
Good stuff all around. I agree, its certainly not a one size fits all sport. I'm glad to see some things brought to light. I remember hearing over and over and over that if you bend at the waist your shorten your draw length. Well, Terry blew that myth out of the water with his shooting segment on the magic T in the Bowhunters of Tradgang dvd. I was glad to see someone address that fallacy for once.
Lots of time people just repeat what they have heard, not what they have actually experienced. I'm not saying that is the case here, but it is a case none the less.
I shoot both about the same as well. I shoot what ever based on my mood at the time. I like it that way.
Well a lot has been said here so far and a lot of great points and aspects in support of each, longbow and recurve, to ponder. This may be a stupid kind of answer but I'm gonna say it ...... longbows are just cooler to me and that's why I love to shoot them and hunt with them. I've had several recurves over the years, but always gravitate back to the longbow. Everything about them is just top of the cool factor scale to me and maybe just because of that, I've spent the most time with them and they do everything I need as best I could ask for. I'm a longbow guy without question.
If you have any of them pesky longbows laying around cuz they don't shoot and you want to be rid of them, let me know ..... :goldtooth:
I have recently become a convert "ground-pounder" and hunt from a portable seat now. Using my Grizzly or Kodiak Hunter can become quite the chore if trying to shoot while seated, and easing up vertically to get the shot can have adverse results...and usually does. My one R/D bow is definitely a stand-up only type of thing, but none of this is an issue if I'm shooting my K-mag, which at 52" is very flexible for standing or sitting. As such, it's become my go-to bow for hunting.
That, and the fact that recurves just appeal to my eye a whole lot more. I know that has nothing to do with how they shoot, but might as well come clean about it. :)
Captain*KirK, no need to get all vertical about it.... :goldtooth:
[attachment=1,msg3003994]
Just lay it over......
60" Morrison Cheyenne RECURVE. :campfire:
Quote from: Terry Green on June 24, 2022, 03:09:28 PM
Captain*KirK, no need to get all vertical about it.... :goldtooth:
[attachment=1,msg3003994]
Just lay it over......
60" Morrison Cheyenne RECURVE. :campfire:
Now why didn't I think of that? :knothead:
Quote from: Stringwacker on June 24, 2022, 10:04:26 AM
I really don't have a great deal to add as my own thoughts are recurves usually have more mass and the grip tends to enhance consistent hand placement....all that leads the recurve to be more accurate for an average shooter. While exceptions do exist, recurves usually shoot a little faster; but I don't think that aspect is a major issue.
If your a shooting machine, your not going to see a great deal of difference between longbows and recurves. Yet, for us mere mortals among the shooting elite, the recurve is more pleasant to shoot with a higher degree of accuracy.
I also can't dismiss that I just like the aesthetics of the recurve better. I grew up watching the "American Sportsman"...every weekend seeing Fred Bear drawing his recurve and shooting at the pheasant; with the feathers exploding and the bird falling. These things are pretty impressive when your 9 years old and shapes your thoughts for decades to come. Sometimes you make decisions in life that aren't made with the simplicity of a plus or minus ledger
Thanks Mark, I was hoping you'd chime in and I have to agree with ya and yea, that pheasant shot was way cool !
I shoot a Border, so the performance is well beyond what I can get from a longbow. But the biggest thing is that I cannot get used to the longbow grip styles. Even the semi-recurve ones. I was looking at recurve ILF risers and straight limbs, but this doesn't seem the same as a one piece longbow.
As most items that compare/contrast these two types of bows, the choice generally come down to preference. Some perform better with one, while others perform better with the other. That is what generally settles the choice. This began as a request for an explanation as to why recurve shooters prefer these bows. Naturally, it has somewhat evolved into the "this versus that" debate. That is okay with me, because each side is given something to think about regarding their choice. Some are eye opening, and some are just repeats of what has been said before. While I am a longbow guy, I still like to hear the recurve shooters speak.
I shoot a recurve because that is what I started with in about 1970 and never seen a reason to change. Plus longbows don't feel right. I've tried shooting longbows but never liked them well enough to buy one of my own. I think it goes back to seeing the nice recurves in the shops when I was a kid and thinking the black phenolic Super Kodiak was the coolest bow ever.
Quote from: last arrow on June 27, 2022, 04:20:50 PM
I shoot a recurve because that is what I started with in about 1970 and never seen a reason to change. Plus longbows don't feel right. I've tried shooting longbows but never liked them well enough to buy one of my own. I think it goes back to seeing the nice recurves in the shops when I was a kid and thinking the black phenolic Super Kodiak was the coolest bow ever.
That's a great reason. :campfire:
I love all my bows ! Recurves, a flatbow, and a hybrid .
But , in keeping with the spirit with the intent of the original question, I generally take my recurves hunting . Only reason is that my first "cold shot " of the day is usually "on" with my recurves , as opposed, to needing a few warm-ups with my flatbow. My hybrid has a similar riser as my recurves so it's usually a similar result. Even if I shoot my flatbow daily , I still need some warm-up shots. If I wasn't prone to hitting my snooze button in the morning , I could probably get a few shots in . That's on me .
1. you don't need an instruction manual to find out how to properly hold it. :jumper: I personally find a consistent grip better and more instinctively with a recurve.
2. mass weight-- I like it.
3. sight picture---I know that a lot of modern longbows are near center cut, but they didn't used to be that way and that is a big reason why I originally gravitated towards recurves.
4. So I can argue about whether recurves are better than longbows.
Hey Gregg, I don't even notice the difference in the site picture of either. Luv ya bro. :campfire:
Talking to a gentleman tomorrow about a TD recurve, and I'm not worried about the site picture... :archer2:
I hear ya! But I'm just a mere mortal. :biglaugh:
Quote from: gregg dudley on June 28, 2022, 10:47:43 PM
I hear ya! But I'm just a mere mortal. :biglaugh:
You weren't at Solana!
My answer isn't technically based at all... in fact, I'd say I like my recurves better BECAUSE i've never been able to perfect my form. I think the R/D and extreme examples like the Shrew and Thunderchild are the coolest looking bows on the planet, but I've never put down the funds to own one and try one. I've bought a handful of various long bows over the years and always end up selling them. I simply don't shoot them as well as my recurves. I've got 5 or 6 recurves still fully set up of all varying brands - and I can pick up any of them and go shoot and be zoned in from the first shot or 2. With the longbows I've had, I simply wasn't consistent - again, I'm sure it was my form, not the bow. The fact is, that's my valid answer of why I shoot recurves.
I'm still looking though - I still love the look of a sleek R/D or hybrid long bow. I don't like the traditional D-shape at all from a pure aesthetics perspective. One day I'll find that perfect radical longbow with a recurve beefy grip that fits perfect and gives me the best of both worlds.
What last arrow, Greg and Cook said plus...I love lots of beautiful wood and long bows just don't have that much compared to a recurve and I love curves.
[attachment=2,msg3004435]
When I first switched to a recurve I overbowed myself...a lot! I'd been shooting compounds in the 85#-90# range so I figured a 72# recurve would be just right. Never killed anything and I realize in hindsight, I was never in control of the bow. Went back to a recurve in '88 with a 55# Widow MA. Took my time and worked on form and began to have some success.
Switched to longbows in 2005. I enjoyed my time with them and the lighter mass weight, but never put the recurves down entirely. Stumbled onto the Widow PTF a few years back. It is Widow's lightest mass weight recurve with more of a classic riser style. Maybe because I started this journey with a recurve there is an emotional attachment of some kind? I will still shoot longbows, but if I had to choose one bow, it would be a recurve.
Sounds like im not alone on this, and I'm in no way bashing longbows, I own more longbows than I do recurves and can shoot longbows well but I have to think about the grip and watch my form more with them. I guess the heavier riser than on my one or two piece longbows as well as a very consistent grip are a couple reasons, after reading these great responses I can throw in the fact it's cut farther past center making it more forgiving on arrow spine as well. People say a longbow is more durable than a recurve , that may be true in some cases but Ive put my bows through a lot from dropping em out of trees to them sliding down a mountain side , I've scratched em up but never damaged one enough to affect its hunt ability , I once dropped one out of a tree, it landed on a limb tip, relaxed the limbs enough where the string wrapped around the bowquiver twisting both limbs sideways , I was able to unstring it and hand twist the limbs back in position restring it and it was fine. That's tough enough for me.
I do love longbows and will will continue to hunt with them but I think a recurve will always be my go to hunting bow.
I was first drawn to Traditional Bows back in the mid 80s, specifically the Black Widow Graybark leaning against the tree in the Outdoor Magazine Catalogs... Pretty sure it was an MAII Always wanted one and finally saved up for one. Figured out real quick that I couldn't afford it so I settled on an all Black HS60 60" Recurve 57lbs @28".... I was hooked and proud of that bow... Still have it and she's all prettied up with Diamondback skins and blond maple exposed with black riser... I hunted with it til 2012 when I got my first ordered Black Widow. I realized that the longer bows give me trouble in the treestand at close range. I was deadly from 15-22 yards but the closer they got and the higher in the stand I got it was problematic. I tried all kinds of recommended form changes and it just preoccupied my mind. I'm 5'10" short arms, bigger chest so it is what it is...When Black Widow came out with the KB in 54" I was all in... Went to Kazoo and made sure, yep all good... Bow on the way! I like mass weight & short bows so the recurve is the best fit for me. I can shoot longbows fine from the ground and I do like them. In fact I can shoot any Black Widow and it will hit where I'm looking... The PL though is not a short bow... I've always wanted a Centaur and that's the closest shorter FAST longbow I've found. Guess what, light as a feather and I like mass weight so I'd need to add a quiver and maybe some day I will or do dark matter and options to bring the weight up. But, that's to have a longbow for longbow sake cuz I likes what I likes and the Black Widow KB or the new Africa PCH I own are stone cold killers, with the right amount of mass weight... And they're short so I don't even think about gyrations in the stand, just stare and shoot :archer2: :goldtooth: :campfire: :saywhat:
I'd have to agree w both Mark & Ryan. I'm closing in on 60 yrs bowhunting. I've had a couple R/F-D/F longbows. Both were custom made with more of a Recurve style grip modeled after the Bear #2 grip.
Shot game with both. Just like the versatility of the the Bear TD. I like a bit of mass weight too.
To each their own.
You caught me on a night that I was drawn and had time to post... Looks like in response to my own post :dunno:
I am of the school "It's the Indian and not the Bow"... I know what rock I'd prefer to pick up to get something done... Your rock may be different, but pursue the understanding or experience that let's you KNOW what rock you're gonna grab, of the available Rocks to accomplish your goals.... :campfire: Grab it, throw it, :archer2: and don't look back :pray: :notworthy: :goldtooth: There are other ways to optimize the harvest, a slope to never never land. No judgement, just sayin :campfire:
It is a matter of aesthetics for me. I like the look of a recurve much better than the longbow. I don't even like slim riser recurves.
I've only ever shot one longbow, one that was given to me. That longbow lives with someone in Alaska these days.
Yep Last Arrow I love me some curves too. Ladies got them and...why do think they call them Re-curves? Cuz to ME curves are sexier than a stick.
No offense meant to stick lovers. :bigsmyl:
I am shooting two recurves at this time, a Toelke Chinook and a Toelke SSLR. For years I shot only longbows and I love longbows and I plan on having another sometime down the line. The three bucks I've taken have been with Toelke ASL's.
I was actually thinking about selling my chinook but the only thing that is stopping me is finding a 6" diameter tube to ship it in! Lol. The recurves I own shoot faster than the longbows I've owned with the same draw weight and the recurves have felt easier to hold back at anchor. They feel smoother to draw. Aside from that, I think recurves are way sexier and now that we live back in Michigan, for some reason I feel they are more aesthetically valid thanks to Fred Bear. This is all subjective of course except for the FACT that they look way sexier with a Great Northern quiver on them then a longbow does! 😜
I mean COME ON!!! Look at the curves!!! If you think a longbow looks sexier with a Great Northern quiver on it then you are just wired wrong!!!!! :biglaugh:
[attachment=2,msg3005441]
Yes, I'll admit, recurves are defiantly sexier.
I love them both and shoot them both. When you say recurve for me, it either fits me or it doesn't (I have been known to modify the grip and the shelf to fit me better.) I have a 58" 45# Kodiak Hunter that just shoots like a dream for me. And like a lot of you, I have had a lot of recurves over the years. I shot a ton of fish with a recurve, an old Indian, as well as a lot of bullfrogs and snakes with it. But on the other hand, my first love has always been the string follow longbow like a HH style. I have made a lot of awesome shots with them and have made some of my easiest kills with one, even at night with no added light. I also have both recurve and longbow style selfbows that I have made plus one that was given to me and I love shooting them as well. At one time, I was pretty mean with a longbow on running targets and on hundred yard plus shots but those days are over. These days, it becomes more of a what can I shoot well with today and yes, some days the recurve shines better but not always. I catch myself dropping the bow some on some shots and have to make myself keep it up longer. I to favor the lighter holding weight bows like a fine flyrod. I have also backed down on the shooting weight, all due to various health issues. This getting older business is not for the faint of heart. These days are more about me adapting to what I am forced to do rather than what I used to do. Bows? Is there ever too many?
Quote from: tradslinger on July 13, 2022, 09:46:54 AM
Bows? Is there ever too many?
If there is, I haven't reached that point yet. :dunno: