If you’ve been linked with archery for a long time, then you might know about the difference between Longbows vs. Recurve bow vs. Compound bows; however, if you are a newbie and find difficulty in choosing the perfect bow, for you.
Well, you don’t need to worry even in that case because we have reviewed and differentiated well between longbows, recurve bow, and compound bows.
To find out the major and minor differences among them, scroll down!
But, before we go into the details. First, let me tell you what, in fact, longbow, recurve bow, and the compound bow is!
Table of Content
Longbows:
When it comes to archery, the longbow is the oldest and traditional tool used for archery. It has a simple shape, and it is the shape that comes instantly to your mind when you talk about archery and traditional bows.
Moreover, the name somehow depicts the design of the longbows, i.e., they are pretty long and slim. Therefore, they are somehow less or equal to the height of the user. Though, they don’t have a proper recurve of the shape and size.
Apart from this, the longbows have narrow limbs to look like D shape when viewed from a side angle.
Longbows are the most simple, easy to make, and easy-to-use archery tool. Thus, they are considered the best for beginners.
Apart from this, the most significant advantage of using this archery bow is that it enables the user to take a long draw from the bow.
Moreover, they are also taken as the perfect ones when it comes to the shooting. Because shooting with longbows is relatively easy and allows you more sideways. This is also a reason why beginners prefer longbows.
Recurve Bow:
Recurve bows are a bit more complicated and tricky than traditional bows. Firstly, it comes in a “3” shape design. This bow’s main features are that its limbs are specifically designed to curve away from the hunter/user.
Apart from this, the bow is named after the limb curves. However, the design of this bow allows the user to shoot with more accuracy and power. However, as it requires more power and aiming with this bow can be a bit tricky, it cannot be the best choice for beginners.
However, you must’ve heard that practice makes a man perfect, so to use this bow correctly, you need to do practice before.
Compound bows:
Compound bows are the most complex and complicated bows, and the hunters mostly use them.
Firstly, when it comes to the design, it is equipped with small wheels at the ends of the limbs, which compounds all the forces held in the bow when it is drawn. And this is the point from where it got its name too.
However, they are not as complicated to use as they look. This bow allows you to aim ideally without putting extra effort into it. Lastly, it offers excellent power during shooting and maintains accuracy.
Longbow vs. Recurve bow vs. Compound bow – Similarities and differences:
We have provided you with the basic knowledge that you need to step into the archery world. However, only this is not enough to choose the perfect bow for you. You need to know more!
Let’s jump in depth!
First of all, it is better to understand the significant similarities and differences between longbows, recurve bow, and compound bows. Following are the main differences and similarities between the bow models as mentioned above:-
Differences:
Here are the major differences between the Longbows, Recurve bow, and Compound bow:-
1. Structure:
The first and the foremost distinction between the three models is the difference in the design and structure. Based upon the structure, they have different features while having the same purpose.
The longbows have a long and slim design. They have a circular or D-shaped design, and they are the easiest to use. Apart from this, they are the oldest and the traditional tool for archery. Moreover, the ends of the limbs are toward the user, and they are only curved from the middle.
Secondly, we have recurve bows. They are complex than longbows. The limbs are designed according to the shape of the number “3”. The limbs of this bow are curved from the ends. Thus, it has two curves, which means that it is curved from the center and the limbs.
Now, we have compound bows. The compound bows have the most complicated and complex structure, and it can’t be compared with any shape or number.
Moreover, the compound bows don’t have curved end limbs, but they do have wheels. The wheels enable the user to shoot with force and accuracy.
2. Power, aiming, and shooting:
Your whole shooting experience depends upon these three features. Thus, these three factors can be the basis of your entire shooting experience. They decide, either you’re going to have an incredible shooting experience or not.
Firstly, when it comes to the longbows, they are not that powerful. Moreover, they are the traditional and widely used bow during ancient times, but they are not used widely during the current era because of the lack of power.
However, it can prove to be a good option for beginners when it comes to convenience and aiming. Lastly, it is not difficult to shoot with the longbows because they don’t require much precision.
Secondly, after longbows, we have recurve bows. And, they are more powerful and complicated than the longbows. As the recurve bows have curved limb ends, they store the force, and when drawn, the arrow is shot with more power.
However, due to the larger torque, the arrow can turn away from its aimed position a bit when it comes to the precision and accuracy.
When we talk about compound bows, they are considered the most accurate and powerful ones. The wheels at the end of the limbs, provide more significant force while shooting. Apart from this, with more considerable power and complex design, it is reasonably easy to use and aims accurately without any additional effort.
Similarities:
Now, it’s a turn of the similarities. Let’s have a look!
1. Style:
All the three mentioned bows have different designs. But, when you know how to handle them properly and use them. All of them look stylish and slim from the side. All of them look elegant and decent in your hands that exhibit your taste for archery.
2. Noise:
When it comes to noise production while shooting, the longbows are considered quiet from the others. However, the compound bows and the recurve bows produce extra noise during the shooting process. But, to lessen this noise, you can use bow silencers.
3. Construction:
Bows are made up of different materials. But, they are constructed keeping in mind the same strategy for durability and functionality.
Compound bows – Shooting tips:
Compound bows are quite complicated. Therefore, some of the basic facts about compound bows will help you get started with this bow.
1. Draw length:
Draw length is a crucial factor for successful shooting. The total length between the knocking point to the pivot point of the bow grip and when it is fully drawn, 1¾ inches is also added.
While buying, check the draw length because if it is too short, it will cause trouble for you by forcing you to bend your arm and cause fatigue. Similarly, if the draw length is too long, there will be no energy stored in it.
Thus, always go for the one with adequate draw length.
2. Target distance:
The total distance between you and the target depends on your experience, but bows can also play an important role. Compound bows have more force. They are easy to aim and shot. Therefore, there won’t be any problem if you hit from farther.
Recurve Bow – Shooting tips:
There are some things that you need to keep in mind while shooting with recurve bow. And, here they are!
1. Strength:
Usage of a recurve bow requires a lot of upper body to shoot correctly. Moreover, there are no cams and wheels in recurve bows to distribute the weight, and it’s you who have to maintain the total weight. Thus, if you pull it better, an arrow will draw with more velocity and power.
2. Shooting distance:
As the recurve bow requires more force and energy to remove, it will not be a good idea to shoot from too far. Moreover, you’ll have to get closer to your prey for hunting, and in that case, you’ll also need camouflage for your safety.
Longbows – Shooting tips:
Longbows are best for beginners because of their easy and straightforward design. However, some tips make you the master of longbow shooting. And, they are following!
1. Size:
The first and foremost thing about a longbow is its size. As the longbows are somehow equal to the height of the user. And they are also curved from the center and are quite slim. So, it requires a lot of effort to draw the arrow.
2. Draw length:
The longbows have a fixed draw length, and it cannot be changed. The size of the longbow matches your body size, so the length is also the same, and it cannot be changed.
Best pick – Longbows vs. Recurve bow vs. Compound bow:
Longbows are pretty old, and they also don’t generate force for shooting. So, the main competition is between the compounds and recurve bow.
So, for the beginner, a compound bow is not the right choice because of the complex design and functionality that is hard to understand. For beginners, a recurve bow is the right choice.
However, if you are in this field for a long time and you’ve practiced on these bows before, then you can choose the one that suits you the best. Lastly, the compound bows are best for professional shooters and hunters because of their accuracy and power.
FAQ’s:
1. How can we store a compound bow?
Firstly, it is crucial to keep your compound bow away from direct and sharp sunlight. Therefore, you need to keep the bow in a case in a horizontal position for its protection.
2. How far can a compound bow shoot?
A compound bow can generally shoot up to 40-60 yards.
3. How to know if a compound bow is left-handed or right?
Well, a compound bow will be right-handed when it will be drawn with the right hand, while the arrow will be on the left side. Similarly, a compound bow will be left-handed when it will be drawn with the left hand, and the arrow will be on the right side.
Conclusion:
Archery is a great and entertaining sport not only for the professionals but for beginners too. The type of bow you use during a shooting/hunting trip has a significant impact on the bow’s performance.
If you want to have the best archery experience, check the facts and figures of each type and then finalize.
In case of any queries and suggestions, comment below!
Read More: