Recurve vs Longbow - What's the Difference?

Learn what is a recurve bow and what is a longbow. What makes them similar and what sets them apart as traditional bows. We start with what makes a recurve bow, then transition to the modern longbow. Hopefully we cover it all for you, but if not, please leave a comment and we will answer it as soon as we can.

[@warlock.420]

You get straight to the point, you don't waste time with turning information into a drawn out topic. Thank you for that. To many people have way too much to say without ever getting to the point. You have a new subscriber my friend 👍👍

[@michaelcervantez3570]

Exactly!

[@patrickperico589]

The way you speak, the quiet environment, it's very tranquil and yet also super educational. Keep it up. Will recommend channel to fellow archers.

[@michaelseymour9199]

Perfectly concise and informative videos. No time wasted with long, loud intros and trying to be something you're not. Thank you so much - bored with my rifles and looking into traditional archery for hunting so I've got a ton of different questions that have been answered by the videos on your channel. Thank you so much for such quality content.

[@dancoughlin9328]

I've been shooting and hunting with the same Bear 56" recurve since I was 16 years old. Bought it from a guy in high school for $15. His Dad was MAD. Glad I didn't give it back.

[@vaiterius]

selling your dad's bow for $15 is crazy

[@MrFreeGman]

What I love about longbows (and trad recurves) is the history behind them. Our ancestors were killing big game with those things for hundreds of thousands of years. If they were good enough for them, then they should be good enough for me. Anything more than that is just a crutch in my view, where you're trading off some amount of skill and practice for more ease of use. For those of us who are into archery for personal betterment, I think the trad bows are the best choice for that reason. It might be more difficult to consistently hit the bulls-eye with, but that's kind of the point. If you're using a compound, why not just go further and use a rifle? If you're using an olympic bow, well, you're stuck shooting static targets for the rest of your life.

[@loosesurfer]

So true and there is something so beautiful and satisfying about firing and old bow

[@hurpaderpp]

do you light your cigarettes with a bow drill too?

[@baraksinz]

Thank you for your videos! They are very informative and concise. Great company you run as well. Keep up the good work!

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

The horse bow has always fascinated me. They seem to have several elements of recurved bows. It was hi-tech many centuries ago, and has interesting peculiarities. I would like to hear your thoughts on horse bows and their development.

[@greeneyesfromohio4103]

The Mongols main weapon the horse bow! That’s why they were pretty much unstoppable.

[@steveg8322]

All you need now is a horse 🐴

[@staffordsanpei7804]

I have a custom made 62" recurve take down bow I have a set of longbow limbs that can can be put on.They came with the recurve. With the long bow limbs on. Is this bow now classified as a long bow?

[@3RiversArchery]

I would classify it as a longbow if the string is not touching the belly of the limbs yes. Some will say the shelf cannot be cut to, or past, center to be a longbow, but most would at least call it "modern longbow."

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Great break down 👍🏹

[@Иванпонимаете-г4ш]

Whats more durable? I need a bow for shtf

[@MontanaTactical]

Great video! Thank you.

[@tomfilipiak3511]

Great company great people bought a tomahawk diamond long bow 50lb. Smooth as silk been hunting traditional 40 plus years went to their store in Ashley Indiana last October walked out with the afore mentioned long bow .These people know traditional archery. Tom Filipiak Palos Hills Illinois

[@gregcrispell7843]

How the Oberon recurve for smoothness shooting and would it be better hunting then the long bow

[@skdrcr]

What would be the ideal choice for someone with a 32" draw that will using it for hunting. Take down style isn't necessarily high on my priorities

[@3RiversArchery]

I would suggest shooting a bow less than 64", and I'd lean towards 66" or more. The Apache longbow may be a good first bow option. www.3riversarchery.com/apache-longbow.html

[@BriIsTheFinestCheese]

these videos are so helpful I'm going to buy from your website if I can!! just cus i appreciate the help so much 😅

[@MikeArchery29]

Perfectly said no time wasted ☝🏻 thank you very much for this video I am about to buy new limbs for my bow!

[@lisajames8013]

I love your videos keep what you're doing

[@ronbrott]

Love you videos. Great info and you are easy to listen to. I have a quick question. I have decided to take up archery more seriously than in the past. I wanted to do barebow archery with a recurve. In the past I have used cheap bows from a department store and not really worried about size, draw weight etc... It seems that many bows I see advertized are just around 62 inches but according to onlne bow size calculators I should be using a bow that is around 66-68 inches. I'm not an overly big person, compared to the average guy, so are people just using smaller than normal bows or am I missing something? Just for reference, I am aobut 5'10", 220 lbs and I have a draw of a just over 28 inches. I would love to hear what you have to say. thanks again.

[@3RiversArchery]

Those lengths sound like target bow lengths. Where the longer the bow the better. You can shoot though, but you would do just fine with shorter bows as well. I'd say there are even 58" recurves that would shoot good/smooth at your draw length, but I like at least 60" for your draw. If looking to hunt, having a shorter bow is beneficial, and you also get more performance out of the limbs (though that has a balancing point on how long the limbs are). Feel free to give us a call during the week, or drop us an email and we can discuss more in detail.

[@ronbrott]

@@3RiversArchery thank you

[@ThirdLawPair]

What model is that longbow? It is beautiful.

[@3RiversArchery]

This is a Tomahawk Deluxe longbow.

[@hardbuzzcompany8282]

Cool video.

[@jean-micheltanguay8664]

For material, would you suggest wood or synthetic for a first traditional bow or it boils down to personal preference ? The bow is going to be a learner bow intended for small game hunting.

[@3RiversArchery]

It would come down to budget for what material is best. More exotic woods and high performance limb core material will cost more. You could get by with a more basic looking bow and wood core limbs just as easily with a starter bow though. So don't sweat it too much on the first bow, as you will want a new bow once you get settled in on how they shoot and get more into the sport.

[@mcgym]

Greetings, John. What is the brand of your recurve and longbow? Thanks

[@3RiversArchery]

The recurve is a DAS Dalaa, and the longbow is a Tomahawk longbow (older Deluxe model that is no longer made).

[@JWolff-md3ij]

So my daughter turns 15 this May. We are thinking to get her a bow and arrow set.. She's about 5'5" and 110lbs. But not allot of muscle to her. She only wants to shoot at targets. I'm trying to figure out the right size and pound range for her. What would you recommend? I had a fiberglass long bow as a kid. It was very basic there was nothing really to learn about it. Things have changed allot though and here I am... Would appreciate any pointers you could pass along for choosing something. She is not going to want to shop around for this, so I will just have to pick something affordable for her.

[@3RiversArchery]

An adult bow would be your best option at that age. If you need a complete kit, I would suggestion this one: www.3riversarchery.com/adult-recurve-bow-kit.html as a 62" recurve should be plenty of length for an enjoyable shooting experience. As for weight, start with the 29# @ 28" limbs and as she gets more comfortable you "could" buy new limbs later to up the weight. I say could as not required. Just comes down to what distances she would be shooting as more weight makes it easier to aim an arrow at further distances.

[@stefanhansen5882]

Thanks for this. Why the longbow for competitions? Is it more accurate? (Newbie here)

[@3RiversArchery]

A longbow's limb tipss are more stout, so less impacted by plucking the string and other release issues. So that can be a benefit.

[@stefanhansen5882]

@@3RiversArchery Thanks. So more forgiving, and therefore less risk of inaccurate shoots?

[@Greenfarmer2025]

@3RiversArchery I'm getting a bow that has the handle of a recurve bow and the limb of a long bow(kinda)what type of bow is that?

[@3RiversArchery]

That would still be called a longbow. The grip doesn't play a part in the definition of the bow. Now, some would take the center cut into consideration, but as for the grip, just design.

[@Bearsfan871]

Do you guys sell that bow hanger!? I want that!

[@3RiversArchery]

We used to sell this bow rack, but afraid not any more. You can see all the bow display racks here: www.3riversarchery.com/buy/bows/bow-accessories/bow-cases-display

[@wvlfboyy]

Hey, I am a lefty but my right eye is dominant. I've tried shooting right handed bows but it really doesn't do it for me. It just feels very off and I can't get used to it at all. However, as my right eye is dominant, aiming over the tip a lot more complicated. I unfortunately cannot close my right eye either. It's not like I am not hitting my target, but it takes an annoying procedure I'd really like to drop. I only see two options here: One would be to simply get used to the right-hand bow, the other one using a eye patch (AHOY!). Both sort of bother me as I really prefer to shoot with as little extras as possible but I also struggle hard with even drawing the righty bow properly. Is there a third option, or do you have any ideas or suggestions? In case it matters, I shoot recurve bows. Thanks a ton for the help, I appreciate it!

[@3RiversArchery]

I would suggest to try learning to shoot with both eyes open and instead of using the point of the arrow as a reference, Try to shoot instinctively! If this is not comfortable for you then I would lean towards the eye patch to train yourself. You will likely be able to take the eye patch off and shoot eventually once you trained yourself to shoot without the use of the right eye.

[@jamesbarber8789]

What's the difference between a longbow string and recurve string?

[@3RiversArchery]

Normally a recurve string has a larger upper loop compared to a longbow string. This allows for it to slide down the side of the wider limbs when the bow is unstrung.

[@EA.Outdoor.Adventures]

3 Rivers Archery, where are you located

[@3RiversArchery]

We are in the north east corner of Indiana, in the city of Ashley.

[@jonathanyunger7306]

Thanks for this video! Question: if I have a recurve that 62 inches over all in length. Should I be getting a long bow in that same length?

[@3RiversArchery]

Not required that you match the length, but if you like a longer recurve it would cross over to liking a longer longbow as well. You can try a shorter longbow, as with the stocky tips it will be a bit more forgiving on shooting accuracy. Just as an option for you. Feel free to give us a call or send an email to discuss in more detail.

[@KorokHaze93]

I encourage trying various lengths throughout. I used to only use longer bows cause...idk...compensating?🤷‍♂️ Then I got a short 50 pound recurve and holy crap man that little thing is insanely fast for a 50

[@saclark1963]

Would a one piece recurve be better than a 1 piece long bow?

[@3RiversArchery]

In what way are you meaning? In general, a recurve wouldn't be better than a longbow. One-piece or takedown.

[@erichildenbrand1643]

What models are you using in this video?

[@3RiversArchery]

The recurve is a DAS 21" Dalaa riser with bamboo core limbs, and the longbow is a Tomahawk longbow.

[@Liboo52]

Thank you!

[@gunarsmiezis9321]

A longbow is a long bow, you can have a recurve longbow. What you mean is whats the difference between a recurve bow and a straight bow, I think.

[@autonomousindividual7780]

Ok.

[@bogdansilyuk9684]

The recurve is so sick, I want.

[@joeblowjohnny2297]

Awesome video boss ! I'm searching for the best bang for the buck longbow 45# in the range of 60" inch cause I'm a short guy at 5'4" . Price range under $ 100 AND $ 150 . Thank you for helping in my selection.

[@3RiversArchery]

I'm afraid we do not currently sell a longbow that would be less than $150 USD. The PSE Terra would be the lowest price one we have right now: www.3riversarchery.com/pse-terra-longbow.html

[@lenmajuskin]

Great device

[@WeShootBack1776]

What about a horsebow compared to those 2 ?

[@steveruis1055]

You are describing the difference between a three-piece recurve bow and a one-piece longbow. Take that recurve riser and put longbow limbs on it (which you sell!) and most of the advantages you mention disappear.

[@dormantmenace]

I believe that would be a hybrid ... wich he does mention. And says... puts it toe to toe with modern recurve

[@ImaOkie]

Then it would be a long bow !!

[@juliusdro]

I'm a gun guy but interested in bows I'm 70 and 5'8" 165 pounds any suggestions would be appreciated hanks for the video take care

[@3RiversArchery]

If just looking to target shoot, I'd suggest a 60" or 62" bow with 30# of pull. Light weight to be able to shoot for longer periods of time, but not too much weight where your form will suffer. As for what bow to go with, we have lots of options, but feel free to call us during the week and discuss with our techs and get you set up right.

[@jacobwilliams5271]

Why is it hard to make a takedown longbow?

[@3RiversArchery]

The forms for the different sections and then alignment. Connections like ILF help with this, but longbow risers are at a different limb pocket angle then recurve, so most builders go with the more popular recurve set up.

[@jamesasmith2494]

There are many boyers that make a 3 piece and a two piece longbow. It isn't hard to make a three piece longbow.

[@8-ke2qt]

thank you good videos！

[@jamesbarber8789]

Tillering question. Why is it when I'm tillering my wood bows the limbs bend just fine but as soon as I put an actual bow string on the bow the limbs bend funny and end up breaking? Frustrated bowyer!!!

[@3RiversArchery]

Sounds like hinges in the limb. Use a tool like a tillering stick (www.3riversarchery.com/bow-building-tillering-stick.html) and a tillering string, to set the bow at gradually increasing draw lengths (don't go past the bow weight you want or the draw length you are aiming for), and step back from the bow to view at it from a side profile. Some folks will have a wall with grid pattern on it so they have a reference point to see how the limbs are bending in relation to each other. As you get the drawing further back, you should see the hinges showing in the limb(s) that you can then shave material off to correct. We do have a good selection of books and DVDs that cover selfbow building to help with the process. www.3riversarchery.com/buy/books-dvds/dvds/bow-building-dvds Plus, always free to give us a call or send an email.

[@jamesbarber8789]

@@3RiversArchery I've watched a lot of videos of Clay Hayes making bows. I made a tillering tree stick out of a 4x4. I use a tillering string and the limbs look fine. I get the bow ready for a bow string and when I string the bow it looks funny. I pull on the string and one of the limbs breaks. String is 3 inches shorter than the bow nocks. I could be putting a hinge in the bow when I'm stringing it. Maybe the wood isn't dry enough? Strong until I bend it to string it?

[@utonevvezereknev1586]

That is not longbow. Longbow length is about 6 feet 6 inch or about 2 meter.

[@3RiversArchery]

American longbow :D

[@petermost4421]

Was that Sam Elliott?

[@3RiversArchery]

We asked the same thing when we first heard it, but have been told it is not.

[@kborak]

Im not trying to be a pain, but a flatbow and longbow tend to mean different things in someones head.