Composite bow Vs. Longbow: Speed, Draw Weight, Accuracy, Cost
The Longbow and the composite bow are two completely different types of bows with their own pros and cons. The Longbow has a more fantastic range than a composite bow. While both can be used effectively in hunting, they each have been designed with different purposes in mind, so determining which type of bow is right for you will depend on your preferred shooting style and whether you are right-handed or left-handed. Take into account the following factors when deciding between these two archery options.
Composite bow Vs. Longbow: Which one is suitable?
We will introduce both options, and you can decide which is better for you; a composite bow or Longbow.
The Composite Bow And Its Best Features
If you’re in the market for an archery weapon, one option that might not be top of mind would be the composite bow. This unique bow has some great features that make it stand out from the competition, but there are also some factors to consider before making your purchase. To get the most out of your time on the range, it’s essential to know as much as possible about this valuable tool, so here are five of its best features.
Specifications List
- The draw weight of the bow: 25-55 lbs
- Draw length: 25-29 inches
- Available in different shapes and colors
- Size of Bow: 20-25 inches
- Weight of bow: Up to 70 lbs
- Range: 400 yards
- Lightweight
One of the most notable features of the composite bow is its weight. Unlike a traditional bow made of wood, the compound bow is much lighter, making it easier to carry and use in combat. The weight advantage also makes the composite bow more accurate, as there is less chance of the arrow veering off course. Along with being lightweight, the compound bow is also slim. When drawn back for an attack, it only takes up about two-thirds of the length a wooden or metal bow would take up.
Strong
The composite bow is a powerful and unique weapon used for centuries. This type of bow is made from multiple materials, including wood, horn, and sinew, glued together and then wrapped in bark or leather. These bows provide the user with incredible power, making them an excellent choice for hunters on the hunt.
Versatile
The composite bow is a highly versatile weapon that can be used for hunting and warfare. In terms of hunting, the composite bow can take down large game, such as deer or elk. The bow can also be used for action, either as a missile weapon or in close-quarters combat.
Affordable
A composite bow is a weapon made up of several different materials combined to create a single, more powerful bow. This type of bow is often more
than other bows because the materials used to make it are typically less expensive. In addition, the composite bow is often lighter than different bows, making it easier to carry and use.
Recommended: How Long Can You Leave a Crossbow Drawn? Practical Guide
Longbow And Its Features
Longbows have been around in some form or another since the Stone Age. This weapon of war was used by the English and Welsh from the medieval period until the 17th century and then revived again in the 19th century to use in sports archery competitions still held today. While longbows haven’t been used on battlefields for centuries, their popularity hasn’t diminished among hunters and target shooters who appreciate their power and accuracy over short distances and their customizability. Here are five main features of longbows.
Specifications List
- Range: over 200 Yards
- Cost: $100 to $300
- Weight: 40-60 pounds
- Draw length: 28 inches
- Draw weight: 50-60 pounds
- Range
A longbow has a much greater range than a traditional bow, thanks to its longer length. This makes it ideal for hunting or for use in warfare, where you need to be able to hit targets at a distance. A typical longbow can shoot arrows over 200 yards. A shortcoming of the Longbow is that if the shooter is not very good with this type of weapon, it will take them many shots to bring down an animal or enemy because they have less accuracy and power than a more specialized weapon like a crossbow.
Penetration
A longbow’s main advantage over other bows is its incredible penetration. The long, narrow shape of the bow allows it to store more energy than a shorter, more expansive bow, making it more powerful. This extra power means that arrows fired from a longbow can penetrate deep into targets, making them ideal for hunting big game.
Cost
A longbow can cost anywhere from $100 to $300. The price depends on the quality of the materials used and the craftsmanship. You can find longbows made from wood, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is the most expensive option but also the strongest and most durable.
Flexibility
A longbow is a type of bow characterized by its length. This makes the Longbow more flexible than other bows, which can be advantageous in certain situations. The extra flexibility also makes the Longbow more challenging to use, so it is essential to know what you are doing before you attempt to use one.
Recommended: 4 Best Longbow For Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide
The Main Differences Between a Composite Bow and a Longbow
Here are the five main differences between these two types of bows.
Physical Appearance
Composite bows are typically made from wood, fiberglass, and other materials, while longbows are almost always made entirely from wood. This gives composite bows a more modern look, while longbows have a more traditional appearance. The way the string is held also changes between the two. With a longbow, you grip the rope with your hand and fingers to pull it back. You pull back on the string with a composite bow using both your fingers and thumb.
Speed
A composite bow is made from different materials laminated together, whereas a longbow is made from a single piece of wood. This means that a composite bow can be designed to be lighter and more powerful than a longbow. It also has the advantage of being less affected by weather conditions because it’s not as rigid as a longbow.
Draw Weight
One of the main differences between a composite bow and a longbow is the draw weight. A composite bow can have a draw weight of up to 70 pounds, while a longbow typically has a draw weight of 40-60 pounds. The longer length of a longbow makes it more challenging to draw. A longbow is easier to hold because it has less mass than a composite bow when removed, so less arm strength is needed to keep it steady.
Accuracy
A composite bow is more accurate than a longbow because it has a higher draw weight. This means that the arrow will have more kinetic energy when released, making it more likely to hit the target. A composite bow is also more accurate because it is easier to hold at full draw due to its shorter length. The shorter length also makes the bubble less likely to move when the arrow is released, which can result in poor accuracy.
Cost
The cost of a composite bow can range from $200 to $1000, while the cost of a longbow can range from $100 to $300. Although the price difference is significant, the higher price of a composite bow might be worth it because it will last longer than a longbow.
Quick Comparison Table
| Properties | Longbow | Composite bow |
| Physical appearance | × | ✓ |
| Speed | ✓ | × |
| Accuracy | × | ✓ |
| Draw weight | ✓ | × |
| Cost | ✓ | × |
Conclusion
Longbow and composite bow have their own specific pros and cons. The longbow has good speed, balance draw weight and affordable cost. While, a composite bow is good at its physical appearance and accuracy.
