A question about r/d bow compared to straight limb

[Ari_Bonn]

So this question came to mind when i was looking at the new northern mist "the american"  which has 2" of back set.   In terms of speed...   I would imagine it would be just as fast as r/d   just without the deflex for stability?

If one were to do a forwards handle with that much reflex I would imagine it would handle very similar to a r/d?

[PEARL DRUMS]

I can speak only of self bows. Assuming all things are equal an RD will out shoot a straight limb reflexed bow every time, with a few anomalies tossed in for good discussion.

[kennym]

As for reflex making a diff, I added an inch of reflex to my d/r 64" bow and it gained 5 lb of weight with same stack and upped speed by 6 FPS with a 10 gpp arrow for each bow. YMMV

Never say never, R/D has the potential for a faster arrow, but variables can make a lot of difference.

[Orion]

The greater set back should give it more early load and increase the speed.  

I don't think deflex does much for stability. Deep, narrow core limbs add stability.  Deflex aids in permitting longer draws before stacking.

Only way to know whether it performs with an r/d bow is to test it.  I've seen some straight and slightly set back longbows shoot as fast as some r/d bows, but that's generally not the way to bet.

[nineworlds9]

Ari,
the backset preloads the limbs at brace, which will give it a little more oomph for a given length, but I can't see it ever being as efficient in energy storage as a good D/R ratio.  Like with anything, there are pros and cons depending on the goal in mind.  I would imagine Steve's latest version shoots sweet because of a few tweaks and things they may not have known about back in the day that Steve is able to apply along with the backset, and/or improvements in glass and consistency in materials and glues now, who knows.

[M60gunner]

I read where he took 5 of those bows to Kalamazoo and sold them right away. One review I read claims little or no hand shock. I am afraid I would have to try before I buy.

[Hud]

I have a several of Robertson Stykbows and Herb's Pronghorns, longbows by three good bowyers and one of my own. The R&D bows always take a stiffer arrow, shoot further and faster.

[monterey]

My 60" RD 41# sends a 600gr arrow at 158 fps.  My 68" ASL with 1" of reflex sends the same Arrow at 137 fps.  It's an apples and oranges thing.  You decide what you want the bow to do for you and go with what will do it best.

Two inches is quite a bit of back set.  I'd want to shoot it first too.

Steve makes really good R/D bows as well and will give a straight forward answer concerning the performance differences.