Question about traditional

[jwo]

Would like to know the difference between a recurve and a longbow.
Just trying to get started

[huntinpool]

Mostly personal preference. Recurves tend to have a larger sight window and are gererally a little faster at equal weight to a longbow.

[Deb]

Recurves curve and turn out at the ends. The string touches the limbs. A longbow does not curve and the string does not touch the limbs.

[grunt]

Typically the shelf is different between the 2 styles. The recurve shelf is cut past center and the long bow is only cut deep enough to rest an arrow shaft. Not always the case but that difference is typical.
Just getting started a bow with the shelf cut past center is more forgiving and easier to get correct arrow flight.

[stick'um]

Recurves also tend to be a little heavier through the riser and wider limbs witch lends itself to smooth draws and less hand shock. Although slot of longbows out there have all fixes the hand shock deal. Recurves also tend to put your wrist in a higher position closer to that of a compound, but there are recurves with longbow style grips. Most of it is just what fits you best. Both are loads of fun (and frustrating) to shoot.