Longbow Vs War Bow: What's The Difference?

Longbows and war bows are not the same thing. A longbow is a type of tall bow that makes a long draw possible. It is not significantly recurved, and its limbs are relatively narrow and are either circular or D-shaped in cross-section. Longbows have been used for hunting and warfare and were made from many different types of wood in many cultures. On the other hand, a warbow is a bow of historical design specifications and historical, military draw weight. Warbows are defined as bows with a draw weight of over 70 pounds for bows intended to be used on horseback, and over 100 pounds for bows used on foot, such as the English or Welsh longbow.

Longbows are generally slower than recurve bows

Longbows are also slower because they are longer than recurve bows. The longer length of a longbow means that the energy in the bow is spread out along the length of the bow, resulting in a less speedy shot. The shorter length of a recurve bow means that the energy in the bow is more concentrated, resulting in a faster shot.

The speed of an arrow depends on several factors, including draw length, poundage, bow construction, and material. However, the design of the bow is the most important factor in determining its speed. The recurved tips of a recurve bow allow it to store more energy and release it more quickly, making it faster than a longbow.

Longbows tend to be quieter than recurve bows because the string does not touch the limbs at any point but the ends. This lack of contact results in less string slap against the limbs, creating a quieter shot. The shape of a longbow also contributes to its quieter shot, as the string barely touches the limbs of the bow.

While longbows are generally slower than recurve bows, they have some advantages. Longbows are more forgiving than recurve bows because the grip design and straight limbs make it more difficult to torque the bow. Longbows are also easier to shoot for beginners because the thicker body of the bow makes it harder to twist the limbs. Longbows are also lighter and easier to carry than recurve bows.

Longbows are more forgiving than recurves

However, longbows are generally slower than recurves. They are also less powerful, as the additional curve in the limbs of a recurve allows them to store more energy, resulting in a faster arrow. Recurves are also shorter, so they are easier to manoeuvre in a stand or blind, and they are easier to transport.

Longbows are quieter than recurves

Longbows are also quieter because they are longer and have thicker limbs, which makes them more forgiving and less susceptible to user error. The longer length of a longbow reduces string "pinch", ensuring that the string comes off the shooter's fingers more smoothly.

Longbows are also quieter because they are simpler in design, being made from a single piece of wood. The limbs of a recurve, on the other hand, curve towards the archer at about mid-limb, then curve away towards the tips. This additional curve in the limbs allows them to store more energy and results in a faster arrow than a longbow, but it also makes them more prone to string slap and thus noisier.

Longbows are harder to transport than recurves

The ease of transportation and repair offered by recurves is particularly advantageous for hunters, who often need to travel long distances through varied terrain. Recurve bows can be easily stowed in small cases or backpacks, making them ideal for hunting trips that involve hiking or travelling by horseback.

Additionally, the shorter length of recurves makes them more manoeuvrable in tight spaces, such as hunting blinds or tree stands. They are also better suited for shooting from a pop-up blind or a tree stand, as their shorter length makes it less likely that the bow will come into contact with the surrounding structure.

While there are some takedown longbow options available, the majority of longbows do not offer this feature. As a result, archers who prioritise portability and ease of transportation are often drawn to recurves.

Longbows are more difficult to repair than recurves

When it comes to maintenance, both types of bows are easy to re-string by hand. However, when it comes to more complex repairs, recurves are the easier option. Their customizability means that you can buy new limbs if needed, whereas with a longbow, you may need to purchase an entirely new bow.

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