A longbow, also called a war bow, is a bow made for a long draw. It should be at least the length of the archer when standing upright.
The limbs are barely curved, which means the bow will have a D-shape when drawn. The limbs are at their widest at the arrow rest and become progressively narrower toward the tips.
Longbow draw weight
Important for every bow is the draw weight. The draw weight determines how much force you need to pull the bow all the way back. This draw weight is measured in lbs, English pounds (1 lbs = 0.454 kg). The heavier the bow, the more weight you have to be able to pull, but also the faster the arrow will be when it's released.
The draw weight of a longbow can vary. Medieval longbows had a draw weight of 80 - 110 lbs, but modern longbows generally have a draw weight of 60 lbs or less.
Longbows are very lightweight compared to recurvebows. They're also quick and simple to get ready for shooting. Because of the length of the bow, there's less pressure on the arrows, which makes it easier for them to fly free. They often have no arrow rest or sight marking.
The longbow is made of wood, though the type of wood varies from bow to bow.
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