Originally Posted by Kae

Bamboo backed bows are by far some of the fastest bows you can buy.
Like any other boy, try before you buy, and try talking to a couple of experienced bowyers about different bows before you choose.

a rule of thumb, is that you can handle a longbow between 15-20# heavier than your recurve (this doesn't apply to compound for obvious reasons).

Often its not about the poundage, but the speed of the woods and the design.
For example, a bow with a more procounced D section is faster than one with a flatter section, unless its much thicker etc.

It's difficult to explain, but easy to demonstrate.