Quick Answer
Short answer: Longbows and recurves differ in their bow limbs' design, with longbows featuring a single, continuous limb and recurves featuring two limbs that curve back towards the archer. This curvature increases the recurve's draw weight and arrow speed. Longbows are often simpler to craft and maintain.
Limb Design and Performance
The key to understanding the difference between longbows and recurves lies in their limb design. A longbow’s single limb is typically between 20-40% of the bow’s overall length, while a recurve’s limbs can be as short as 10-20% of the bow’s total length. This shorter limb length allows recurves to store more energy, resulting in a faster arrow speed. For example, a 60-pound longbow might reach arrow speeds of 150-160 feet per second, while a 60-pound recurve can reach speeds of 170-180 feet per second.
Shooting and Technique
When it comes to shooting, the recurve’s design encourages a more vertical shooting style, with the arrow nocked closer to the bow’s riser. This can be beneficial for instinctive shooting, as the recurve’s shorter limbs make it easier to judge arrow flight and compensate for wind resistance. In contrast, longbows often require a more horizontal shooting style, with the arrow nocked further back on the string. As a result, longbows can be more forgiving of minor aiming errors, but recurves reward more precise shooting technique.
Arrow Selection and Handling
Trad archers often choose to shoot wooden arrows, which are well-suited to the draw weights and arrow speeds generated by recurves. When selecting arrows, it’s essential to consider the bow’s draw weight and arrow speed to ensure a safe and accurate shot. For example, a 60-pound recurve shooting a 350-grain wooden arrow at 170 feet per second will generate around 30 foot-pounds of kinetic energy, making it suitable for hunting small to medium-sized game.
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