What would be better?

Question:
What would be better, a longbow or recurve for hunting deer, small game and bowfishing? Is 55 pounds a good all-around weight for the hunting indicated? I have a 31″ draw with a compound (measured by someone who knows). Using your tip of the day I also measure around 31″ Does this seem correct to you? Do the Martin bows you offer have a 31″ draw available? Do bows with fiberglass laminate retain their strength longer than those without? — Burnham Tanner

Answer:
We definitely feel that for the novice traditionalist a recurve (check catalog for details is a better purchase. They are slightly easier to shoot well because they draw more smoothly and typically area a bit faster. Now for draw length: rarely will the same draw length you use for a compound bow translate equally to a traditional bow. Most bowhunters find that they are one to two inches shorter with a recurve than with a compound. That’s because a recurve is shot in more of a compact position – you don’t stretch all the way out. We recommend that you purchase a bow that makes the 55 pounds you desire at 30 inches. That would likely translate into a bow that makes 50 pounds at the standardized draw length of 28 inches. By drawing it one to two inches longer you will actually achieve the 55 pounds you desire. By the way, 55 pounds will work fine for the type of hunting you plan to do.