Which is more powerful?a longbow or recurve bow?

Question

using a general 50 lb. recurve bow and a general 50 lb longbow both being the exact same otherwise(brace height,bow length,draw length etc.)

Answer 1

I think that a longbow is better since its longer however the recurve will be lighter but the longbow will be harder to pull back so it must have more power.

Answer 2

They both have the same "power" as they are the same poundage. However recurves would generally shoot a given arrow 'faster' as there is more energy stored in the recurved tips. This, of course, depends on many factors such as, bow design, quality, materials used etc.....

But all things being equal. I'd put my money on a recurve delivering the arrow a few feet per second faster.

Answer 3

They are both 50 lbs. and thus the same.

Answer 4

Im gonna say recurve, the reason being, there is more snap from the limbs on the recurve coming forward. The Mongols decimated armies in part because of powerful recurve horse bows. By them being the same draw weight id have to say recurve hands down. I do have some experrience with bows as well, been hunting with them since I was 14. Just going on logic on your question though.

Answer 5

Stocky and targetbutt have the right answers- it will be the recurve that will shoot a faster arrow- this is why.-even though both bows have a 50 lb draw weight, the recurve, through a more improved design, will be more efficient then the long bow, imparting more of it's power into the arrow then the long bow. Even among long bows of equal draw weight, there will be some that are more efficient then others, giving them a little more speed, which all other things such as draw weight and weight of arrow being equal, the speed will translate into more power for that particular bow.

Answer 6

With a 50-lb draw weight, a longbow, recurve, compound or crossbow will have equal power.

The draw weight is the determining factor, not the type of bow.

Doc

Answer 7

A recurve, more compact, more efficient... it is the natural evolution, first longbow, then the better, stronger, recurve

Answer 8

By design the recurve will have more cast.  The recurve tips act as lever arms, in fact it works in a similar fashion to compounds, without the benefit of the let off.  If you've ever pulled a mongolian recurve, with it's massive recurve, actually at full draw you do feel a very slight let off.