What's the major differences between a Longbow, a Recurve, and a Flatbow? Here's what i know already.
Recurve: These are usually shorter than the other two, almost never stacks (if made right), is faster than the other two and can be a bit noisier because the string will slap against the limbs.
Flatbow: Is usually roughly the same length as a longbow if not just a touch shorter, the limbs aren't put under quite so much stress as a longbow, usually has the same general brace height as a longbow, is quieter than a recurve, and the limbs are usually wider (toward the riser end) than the riser it's self.
Longbow: This bow is typically quite long with a very low brace height, is prone to stacking unless made very well, is very quiet, the limbs are usually under more stress than any other limb design, is slower than other bow types, and this bow type invokes more nostalgia than any other bow design.
What are the other differences? Which bow has the most/least hand shock? Also, I've always understood a flatbow to be the same exact thing as a longbow except that a flatbow's limbs have a rectangular shape to them whereas on a longbow either the back or belly (can't remember which) is rounded. Are they actually that much alike or am I simply out to lunch on that?
Recurve: These are usually shorter than the other two, almost never stacks (if made right), is faster than the other two and can be a bit noisier because the string will slap against the limbs.
Flatbow: Is usually roughly the same length as a longbow if not just a touch shorter, the limbs aren't put under quite so much stress as a longbow, usually has the same general brace height as a longbow, is quieter than a recurve, and the limbs are usually wider (toward the riser end) than the riser it's self.
Longbow: This bow is typically quite long with a very low brace height, is prone to stacking unless made very well, is very quiet, the limbs are usually under more stress than any other limb design, is slower than other bow types, and this bow type invokes more nostalgia than any other bow design.
What are the other differences? Which bow has the most/least hand shock? Also, I've always understood a flatbow to be the same exact thing as a longbow except that a flatbow's limbs have a rectangular shape to them whereas on a longbow either the back or belly (can't remember which) is rounded. Are they actually that much alike or am I simply out to lunch on that?