Meta Title: Range of Recurve Bow and Longbow
Meta Description: Find out how recurve bow and longbow are different from each other and which of the two has the best range.
Meta Keywords: recurve bow vs longbow range
Image Text: A bullseye
Alt-Text: Arrows on a bullseye
Image Description: An image featuring arrows shot on a bullseye
If you are fond of archery, you must know about the longbow – the thing that was used by Robin Hood to hunt down outlaws in the old age. Armies also used longbows during battles against their foes. While this type of bow was popular in the past, archers today prefer recurve bows. Recurve bows are different from longbows as they have curved limbs. The curve that the limbs form is known as recurve, and it stores and provides more power to the arrow. We will discuss the differences between recurve bows and longbows to help you determine which one is right for you.
Recurve Bow vs. Longbow Range
Longbows are available in a similar range/power to the recurve bow. The recurve on the limbs of the recurve bow can store more energy than the D-curve on the longbow. Thus, in a shoot-out between a recurve bow and longbows of the same draw weight, the recurve bow will deliver a much faster arrow than the longbow. This means that a recurve bow is more powerful and has more range than a longbow.
Recurve Bow vs. Longbow Aiming and Shooting
A recurve bow is less forgiving than a longbow. The riser of the longbow is thicker in cross-section while the limbs are deeper than a recurve bow. While this makes the longbow heavier and bigger, it also means that there is a lesser probability of torquing in the string when the arrow is released. Sideways movement or torquing of the string will throw off your aim, affecting your accuracy.
Recurve Bow vs. Longbow Size
A recurve bow is shorter than a longbow. A 60 lbs longbow may come in at 64-inch in length while a 60 lbs recurve bow would only be 58-inch long. The recurve in the recurve bow’s limbs make it better at storing power, which is why they don’t have to be too long.
Recurve Bow vs. Longbow Noise
Longbows generate very little noise. On a longbow, there isn’t too much contact between the limbs and the string, which means that if you have a good setup, you won’t be making too much noise while shooting the arrow. On the other hand, when you are shooting with a recurve bow, the string comes in contact with the limbs at several places, which makes it a little noisy.
Recurve Bow vs. Longbow Portability
Most modern recurve bows are takedown, and the limbs of the bow can be removed and taken down into three pieces for easy storage and transportation. While takedown longbows are also available, you won’t be able to find them on the market easily. A longbow is generally a one-piece bow, which means that there isn’t any way to take it down. This means that recurve bows are more portable than longbows.
Recurve Bow vs. Longbow Adjustability
Neither recurve bow nor longbow is adjustable. However, limbs of a recurve bow can be purchased separately to decrease or increase the power. The same can be done for takedown longbows, but these aren’t too common. As most longbows are single piece bows, you can’t decrease or increase their power.
Recurve Bow vs. Longbow Cost
The cost of recurve bows and longbows is identical.
Recurve Bow vs. Longbow Maintenance
You can restring both longbow and recurve bow on your own. However, a broken one-piece longbow cannot be fixed. On the other hand, a recurve bow can be broken down into pieces to replace the limbs.
Recurve Bow vs. Longbow Accessories
Both recurve bow and longbow accept all kinds of accessories, including limb dampeners, string silencers, stabilizer, quiver, arrow rest, and a bow sight.
Recurve Bow vs. Longbow Availability
Recurve bows are more widely available than their alternative longbows. These bows are also standard for club archery, tournaments, and Olympics. Longbows aren’t as prevalent as their recurve counterparts, which is why they aren’t widely available in the market.
Recurve Bow vs. Longbow for Target Shooting
In target shooting competitions, both longbows and recurve bows are used. However, most competitions have made recurve bows standard owing to their impressive shooting power and range.
Recurve Bow vs. Longbow for Hunting
Recurve bows are much more suitable for hunting than their alternative longbows. Due to their smaller size, it is easier to carry a recurve bow around the hunting sight. Not only that, but this bow shoots with more power, which guarantees a kill upon hit.
Recurve Bow vs. Longbow for Beginners
Longbows are ideal for beginners because they are more forgiving than recurve bows. Once you have gotten the basics right with a longbow, you can switch to a recurve bow to improve your aim and shoot with greater power.
Final Thoughts
Both recurve bow and longbows are great archery bows. Longbows were more popular in the past, but today’s archers love recurve bows the most. If you are getting started with archery, a longbow would be more suitable for you as it is more forgiving than a recurve bow. On the other hand, if you need a bow that delivers impressive power and has a long range, then we recommend that you opt for recurve bows. Recurve bows are powerful and have a good range, which means that they can also be used for hunting. Now that the difference between a recurve bow and longbow is clear, pick a bow that suits your needs. If you have any questions or in case something is unclear, feel free to write us a query. We will be more than happy to help you out.