Do Recurve Bows Outperform Longbows?

ByWei Yang

Longbow offers a gentler learning curve with its easier handling, while the Recurve stands out with its power and precision, particularly over long distances

Comparing recurve bows and longbows is like deciding between a sleek sports car and a classic sedan; both have their allure, but your choice depends on what you’re looking for in your archery journey.

According to the National Field Archery Association, over 70% of target archers lean towards recurves for their precision and adaptability, highlighting modern design advances.

Yet, there has been a constant surge in longbow popularity in the recent past, captivating those drawn to tradition and simplicity.

Recurve Bows are versatile tools. You can adjust their parts like the riser and limbs to fit you just right. They’re great for beginners and pros. They’re shorter, which makes aiming and moving in tight spots easier. For aiming, they come with sights and use mechanical releases. Plus, they’re faster, sending arrows flying 10-20 fps quicker than longbows. They’re the go-to for competitive archery.

Longbows are usually made from a single piece of wood, making them simple. They tend to be over 6 feet long, which gives a smoother draw but can be a handful in cramped spaces. Aiming is all about instinct; no sights. You’ll release the arrow using your fingers, feeling every part of the shot. They are not fast as recurves but are a good starting point for beginners.

How to choose between recurve bow and longbow?

If you are just starting out, a longbow could be your go-to. It’s simpler, straightforward, and a bit friendlier. While recurve is more suited to experienced archers, eyeing at competitive targets or even hunting.

We will discuss more as we proceed. For now, I have listed below some of the major differences between the two bows so you can get a basic idea. 

FeatureRecurve BowLongbow
SpeedFasterSlower
AccuracyMore accurateLess accurate
Ease of learningMore difficult to learnEasier to learn
NoiseMore noiseQuieter
ManeuverabilityMoreLess
TuningMore complex to tuneSimpler to tune
WeightHeavierLighter
recurve bow vs longbow comparison chart

Design & Structure

If you look at the design of these two bows, you’ll notice some differences that could sway your choice, especially if you’re new to archery. Let’s discuss the key design and structural differences that sets these bows apart.

Riser: With a recurve, the riser is typically shorter and has a defined grip, guiding your hand to the perfect position every time. This is a plus for beginners, making it easier to hold and aim. Imagine holding a tool that just feels right in your hands—that’s what a well-designed riser does.

On the flip side, the traditional longbow’s riser is longer and straighter. You can try different hand placement to figure out what works for your. 

Limbs: Recurve’s limbs curve away, creating additional tension for a more powerful shot. This design makes the recurve a top pick for target archery or hunting smaller game.

Whereas, the longbow has straight limbs and offer a gentler draw cycle which results in less power but a smoother experience. 

Draw Weight: Recurve offers a variety of draw weight options for every strength level. This versatility means that whether you’re just starting or packing some serious muscle, there’s a recurve bow that fits your physique.

Longbows, though, tend to offer a narrower range of draw weights. They require a bit more muscle, particularly suitable for those who appreciate the traditional draw experience and the physical challenge it presents.

Bow Length: The length of the bow can significantly affect your shooting experience. Recurve bows are generally shorter, which makes maneuvering in tight spaces easier—ideal for hunting.

Traditional English Longbows stretch over 68 inches with greater stability but you would have a hard time moving in tight spaces or brushes. 

Your body type also play a role in selecting a type of bow. Those with shorter arms may find the compact design of a recurve more comfortable, while the draw weight aligned to your strength to maintain proper form. So, if you’re looking for a bow that’s easy to handle with quick learning, a recurve could be your go-to option.

Aiming and Shooting

With a recurve bow, you get the advantage of modern sights, like pins or peep sights. This tech leads to tighter shot groups and simplifies hitting long-range targets. On the flip side, the longbow use instinctive aiming. 

Mechanical Aid vs. Finger Strength

The recurve allows for a variety of release aids, including mechanical ones, which are fantastic for minimizing hand movement and boosting consistency in your shots .

The longbow, keeping with tradition, usually involves a direct finger release. It’s all about feeling the string on your fingertips, drawing, and letting go. While it offers a raw and authentic experience, it requires strong fingers and might be tiring over long shooting sessions, so keep that in mind.

Arrow Speed

Recurves are about 10-20 feet per second faster than longbows (on average) of similar draw weight. This speed translates to flatter trajectories and could mean less wind interference, especially vital for hunters.

Modern Applications

Recurve bows are allowed in Olympics and according to the National Field Archery Association (NFAA), they dominate in competitive archery as well. Longbows have limited classes but it doesn’t mean you should count them out. It has its place in traditional archery.

For those interested in other types of archery situations like bowhunting, field and 3D archery, the choice between these two types of bows can lead to different experiences.

A recurve bow is well suited for moving targets and the dynamic environments of 3D archery. Meanwhile, the longbow, with its larger frame and smoother draw is easier for someone with less experience.

Maintenance & Care

Once you have made your choice, taking care of your bow becomes paramount to ensure its longevity and performance. I’ll walk you through the basic requirements and how they differ from the other.

  • String Waxing is a critical for both bow types. Regular application of wax to the bowstring keeps it from drying out and fraying. For a recurve, you’re looking at waxing every 30-50 shots, given its string bears more load. Longbows have a bit more leeway, with waxing needed every 50-100 shots. A well-maintained string is key to consistent arrow flight, so make sure to take care of it.
  • Limb Inspections are crucial, especially for the curved bows. You should be inspecting these limbs each time the bow is strung. On the other hand, the simpler structure of longbow limbs means they need checking less often, making them slightly less demanding.
  • When it comes to Bowstring Replacement, recurve bows, interacting with more complex limb dynamics, see their strings retiring sooner—every 2-3 years or after 1500-2000 arrows. Longbow strings, however, stretch their service to 3-5 years, thanks to their simpler design and function.
  • Storage Options also differ subtly. Both favor cool, dry places to prevent damage. However, recurve bows, particularly those with detachable limbs should be disassembled for storage to relieve stress on the tiller. Longbows are one piece and are more straightforward. They ask for nothing more than a safe, dry spot.
  • Lastly, Bow Tuning is where there is a significant difference between the two. Recurve bow being more complex demand more frequent tuning. This might even take professional help or specific tools. Longbows, in comparison, are more set-it-and-forget-it. Their tuning needs are far less frequent and easier to manage.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bow comes down to what feels right in your hands and matches your style.

If you like customizing your gear and love the idea of a faster arrow, the adjustable and speedy option of recurve bow might be your pick. It’s great for both learning and competing, offering sights for precise aiming.

On the other hand, if you’re drawn to simple design and tradition, go for a longbow. It’s longer, demands instinctive aiming, and offers a smooth draw, making it ideal for those who appreciate the basics.

Keep practicing, and you’ll find that either bow can help you hit your mark.

FAQs

Recurve bows can shoot arrows faster, with speeds over 220 FPS. This means they are great for hitting targets far away more easily. Longbows, on the other hand, might be quieter and lighter, making them easier to carry around.

Shooting a longbow can be a bit tougher at first because you need to be really precise. But, its simple design helps you learn the right way to shoot. Over time, you might find it takes more practice to get really good with a longbow.

Yes, they can shoot about 10-20 fps faster. This speed difference makes recurve bows better for aiming accurately at targets that are further away.

Longbows tend to make less noise. This is because their strings don’t touch the limbs as much, so there’s less vibration and sound. If being quiet is important for your hunting, a longbow might be the way to go.

You can use wooden arrows with both types of bows, but remember, some recurve bows might need arrows with a specific stiffness to shoot well. Always check to make sure your arrows match your bow’s needs.

Longbows are great when you need to be quiet, like when getting close to animals in open spaces. They’re also lighter, which is handy if you’re moving a lot or hunting from a treestand, where their shorter length makes them easier to handle.

Recurve bows shine in situations where you might need to make longer shots, thanks to their higher arrow speeds and accuracy. They’re also good if you need a bow that’s easy to carry or store.

Wei Yang, from Huntsville, Alabama, loves archery, especially with recurve bows. He's practiced for over five years, joining many tournaments. His passion for archery is about more than just competition; it's a source of joy and dedication.

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