Author Topic: recurve vs longbow (Read 1764 times)

TScottO · « **on:** October 06, 2004, 04:17:34 PM »

Been thinking about buying a 3 piece long bow from this guy: http://www.bowmaker.net/

Or finding a nice recurve somewhere. Whats yalls opinions on a 3 piece longbow vs a quality recurve.

I figured the 3 piece would be better due to a more massive riser and the ability to change limbs out as I progress.

Thanks and be safe,
Scott

Woodbutcher · « **Reply #1 on:** October 07, 2004, 09:55:54 AM »

Dear LS:
Been there, asked that, tried it....No solid decision yet. Tried a bunch of bows at a "traditional" store, and came away with the idea that if it felt "good" I was happy. Some didn't feel as good as others, and it didn't matter whether recurve or longbow.
Went and got a nice recurve and a longbow of the same drawweight, and they're both fine. One is longer and the other is louder. The pistol grip seems to help with hand placement, but if I'm tired the straight grip seems easier. Think the whole R vs L thing ain't worth the effort now.
Truth is, I can miss real good with either one. I figure that shooting the equipment before I buy it answers the question for me, and that any extra features must be considered after the tryout.
Ya know, I don't know which one I prefer now!....Woodbutcher

myronman3 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 07, 2004, 11:27:32 AM »

i have to encourage you to find a bowyer in your area. pick up a edition of traditional bowhunter magazine and find someone close to you. call them. if you like them, continue forth. if not, find someone else. chances are you will strike gold with the first call. make arrangements to meet with one or more of the bowyers. they will be able to help you figure out what works for YOU. there are alot of guys down that way, so it shouldnt be too hard.
the important thing here is that you understand that you will be paying alot, and you will be far better off to get with a bowyer to help you get want you want right out of the gate. if your going to spend this much, do it right. the web is great, but nothing can substitute a chance to meet these fine folks and shoot their bows. keep us posted...

Mac11700 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 08, 2004, 07:17:07 PM »

I'm not a big fan of the take down long bows...but am of the take down recurves...but both would serve you well...provided you enjoy them...

Mac

TScottO · « **Reply #4 on:** October 09, 2004, 10:09:15 AM »

I believe traditional bow hunting would be exciting and Ive all ways had the interest its just hard to find the time with all of the other things going on. Hopefully after the holiday season Ill be able to pick up something and be ready to try for next year. Ive shot several of my friends compound bows and one or two production model traditional bows. On thing is for certain, my muscles are not use to being used that way. It would certainly take time to condition myself.

Thanks and Be Safe,
Scott

myronman3 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 09, 2004, 01:04:37 PM »

as far as hunting goes, i bowhunt more than anything else. gun season i use my pistols. once you start, it just gets worse.

captainkirk · « **Reply #6 on:** October 11, 2004, 03:43:13 AM »

Well, you are looking at what most consider to be the "best of the best" when it comes to modern longbows there. The ACS and ACS CX are some of the fastest out there and will hang with most any recurve. However, OL is not currently taking orders and the waiting list is over 2 years right now. If you are new to this type of bow I would pick up a good used recurve (local is best so you can handle it) or off ebay. A good (bear, martin, wing, browning, shakespeare, etc. ) 60 inch or so recurve in the 45 pound range makes a great starter bow and will help you build strength until you decide what you really want. Another route is to go with a Check-mate falcon which can be had NEW for around 200$ and is a solid, good looking bow of very good quality.

Here are a few links

http://www.archerybymail.com/

http://www.recurves.com/

I shot a 70 Lb compound in high school and when the trad bug bit me last year I bought a 52# Falcon. It was a bit heavy to start out with so I bought a 42# Browning Safari 1 to work on my form, and it has helped a lot. I have right at $300 invested in total for both bows. I am not knocking buying one of OLs bows, just know what you want before you spend the big bucks. If you could go to a traditional shoot in your area I'm sure there would be many folks willing to let you try their equipment.

Enjoy, the journey is a fun one.

captainkirk

captainkirk · « **Reply #7 on:** October 11, 2004, 03:47:24 AM »

PS Don't be surprised if it takes you longer than from january to hunting season to get familiar enough with a trad bow to actually take it hunting. It requires constant practice if you are trying to shoot instinctive. A compound with sights, stabilizers, etc. won't take as much time, but I noticed you mentioned you had many interests in your post. The time required to get proficient is substantial, but worth it.

captainkirk

myronman3 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 11, 2004, 11:46:27 AM »

"Well, you are looking at what most consider to be the "best of the best" when it comes to modern longbows there. The ACS and ACS CX are some of the fastest out there and will hang with most any recurve"

if you onsider speed to be "the" issue. most that are into longbows couldnt care less about speed. if it is a concern, longbows arent your answer. i aint goign to endorse any maker, because there are plenty of good ones out there.

TScottO · « **Reply #9 on:** October 11, 2004, 02:04:55 PM »

I emailed O.L. and asked to speak with him on the phone. He returned my mail so I called him. Hes a real nice guy. He suggested for my height and suspected draw length to start with a 62 recurve in the 45# range. He was a lot more interested in me finding something suitable and giving it a try before I spent a lot of money on one of his custom bows. He actually suggested a Martin brand recurve and that I would be able to hit targets much quicker with a recurve than with a long bow.

You are correct that he isnt taking orders at this time but he did say he will be posting instock bows for sale on his web site. He talked like hes close to having a few ready to go.

I did some calling around to some local bow shops today and had one shop recommend a guy to me. This guy flyfishes, handgun hunts and longbow hunts so he cannot be too awful bad. Since he handgun hunts as well we struck up a deal. Sometime soon Ill make a trip to his place and let him shoot my bigbore handguns and Ill test drive his bows. He has several recurves and longbows ranging from 35# to 65#s I believe. Im looking forward to it. Thats a huge benefit when compared to having to do it yourself.

Be Safe,
Scott

captainkirk · « **Reply #10 on:** October 11, 2004, 03:35:04 PM »

Quote from: myronman3

"Well, you are looking at what most consider to be the "best of the best" when it comes to modern longbows there. The ACS and ACS CX are some of the fastest out there and will hang with most any recurve"

if you onsider speed to be "the" issue. most that are into longbows couldnt care less about speed. if it is a concern, longbows arent your answer. i aint goign to endorse any maker, because there are plenty of good ones out there.

I didn't mean to overstep by endorsing; there are a lot of other great makers out there. Mr Adcock has spent many years developing a limb design that is smooth, powerful and extremely efficient. My remarks were qualified by labeling it a "modern longbow" which to me means an R/D hybrid which is very near a recurve in several aspects anyway. True that many long bowers out there are after something else (ELB, Bamboo-backed osage etc.) and Mr Adcock is not catering to that crowd. The thread originator seemed interested in a three-piece for starters and has been shooting compounds, so performance seems to be part of what he wants.

myronman3 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 12, 2004, 12:20:36 PM »

i dont think you overstepped at all. my point is that speed isnt the name of the game with traditional archery. it is one of the LAST things on my list of prioritys. too many folks get caught up in that mindset; trad hunters and compound shooters alike.

TScottO · « **Reply #12 on:** October 13, 2004, 02:42:32 PM »

I dont know much about this type of archery and will probably be on my own while learning. I did a lot of looking around on the net and called a few bow makers. All I want to do is ensure a get a good quality product. Id hate to get into something and then start off with a bad product. I did that with semi-auto pistols and it sucks to start off with a piece of junk. It takes away from the experience and leaves a mark, especially for someone like me thats not good at forgetting.

Everyone Ive talked to about this is concerned more about me spending too much money to end up not sticking with it. This impressed me that these guys are more concerned about me enjoying what Im looking into than they are about me buying their product. I just want to start off with something of quality that I wont end up practicing a lot with and their be a problem with my equipment. The best way I know to eliminate that is to buy something good. It seems though, there are very good products for a lot less money.

Thanks for your help thus far and Be Safe,
Scott

mmwb · « **Reply #13 on:** October 14, 2004, 05:46:29 AM »

A lot of good advice. I've built both a take down recurve and a long bow (both Bingham kits) and am impressed that they shoot as well and in most cases better than most of the custom bows I've shot. I'm not suggesting you build one unless you are into that sort of thing and willing to do the work. It is not too difficult, but you would need some wood working equipment.

Shot a lot of garage sale bought Brownings, as well as some older Wings and Bear bows. All shot well.

Having hunted several years with the recurve, followed by several years with the longbow, I'll probably go back to the recurve for awhile. Not because one is better than the other, but I just like the feel and look of the recurve a bit more and most importantly, I shoot alot better with it. Just never could get as consistent with the longbow. As stated above, talk to people who build the things, and shoot 'em. Once you get hooked on traditional shooting, you won't want to go back to a compound. They're terrific fun to shoot!

Tuffcity · « **Reply #14 on:** October 17, 2004, 06:01:33 PM »

Scott,
Re: the above link of recurves.com The owner of that site (Chad) is located in Mississippi and would be worth while dropping a line to regarding any questions you might have- hell of a nice guy and probably has some bows you could try out if he's not too far away. If I remember correctly he's near Fulton(?).

RC