Bows explained?

Can someone please explain the differences between ranger bows? I have some vague idea (Flatbows are faster but shorter range than longbows? Short bows are faster attack speed?), but I really don't know the details. I would be grateful if someone would explain the differences to me so I could start playing ranger builds with at least some effectiveness by knowing what bow to choose for what build.

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/content...ies-id1092.php
enjoy.

Major thanks.

Shortbow: Short range. Mediocre accuracy, but it's compensated by the fact you're, because of its range, close to the target (so you probably have the same accuracy than a recurve bow at max range of both bows). Fastest refire rate (with flat bows). With a vamp string, it's perfect when ennemies are close and you're ok hp-wise. It can also be used to interupt, provided the target is at range.

Recurve (composite) bow (and dead bow): Medium range. This bow has the best accuracy. It's perfect for interupting, or even as a default bow if you dont like the inconvenients of the hornbows and don't need to stay miles away from your target to stay alive. Basically, for a comon use (not interupting), if for you accuracy > damage, go for this bow - otherwise, go for a hornbow.

Hornbow (and shadow bow, ivory bow): Medium range. It has the slowest refire rate, and a poor accuracy. However its strengh lays in the 10% armor penetration of this bow. On a side-note, AP don't stack, so if you add a sundering string, you won't have 30% AP but 20% at most.

Long bow (and stormbow, platinium bow): Long range. Slower refire rate than a flatbow, but better accuracy. Same comment than for recurve and horn bows. If for you accuracy > (potential) damage, then pick a long bow. Otherwise go for a flat bow.

Flat bow: Long range. Very poor accuracy. Fast refire rate. The inacuracy of the flat bow can be compensated by a preparation like read the wind, or a spirit such as favorable winds. Mobs in PvE wont try to dodge your arrows so it's not a big deal. However keep in mind if you target a grasp rushing upon you in the tombs, you will most likely miss with a flatbow (even with FW), while you may hit it with a longbow.

I would also look at the bow class article on Guild Wiki.

just a note, Ivory Bows are hornbow class not recurve.

Oops my bad - I had dead bows in mind. Fixed.

I'm really confused when I see Storm Bows classified as Long Bows...My Long Bow has a noticeably longer range in any situation...Storm Bows seem slightly less, like at 80' maybe, I don't know. All I know is that My Long Bows DEFINITELY have longer range than my Storms, in any situation.

Stormbows are longbows. They have the same range, and yes I've tested them myself. Sure it isn't an Eternal bow?

I have read that storm bows get more critical hits than other bows.... is this true??

2 letters: no.

Critical hits depends on the difference of level between you and the opponent and the number of attribute points you spent in the weapon attribute. There is no such a thing as a bow doing more critical hit than other bows.

Quote: Originally Posted by Sir Mad

Quote: Originally Posted by chris_nin00

But still, using the word accuracy, instead of the terms you gave(flight time and flight arc), was very misleading for me, since 'normal' people don't normally associate those two terms.

As stated before, I do get the concept. I would know.

How do you tell what category they fall in for things like a Composite Short Bow (which I have)?

Go to the isle of the nameless, go up to master of bows, and check the range. If it hits the recurve bow target it's a recurve bow, if it doesn't reach it's definetly a shortbow.

Quote: Originally Posted by Sir Mad Shortbow:Recurve (composite) bow (and dead bow): Medium range. This bow has the best accuracy. It's perfect for interupting, or even as a default bow if you dont like the inconvenients of the hornbows and don't need to stay miles away from your target to stay alive. Basically, for a comon use (not interupting), if for you accuracy > damage, go for this bow - otherwise, go for a hornbow. Sir Mad, don't you contradict yourself in this statement? You start by saying this bow is perfect for interrupting and then in the next sentance say it is a common use bow (not interrupting). Your first statement is actually correct though. It has a flight time of .5 sec, which does make it a very good bow for interrupting. You could also through in the Eternal Bow, which has the same refire rate, rang and flight time. Happy Hunting

Not really.
He says that this bow is ideal for interrupting coz of it's great accuracy.
He also says that for a common use, given that you prefer accuracy above damage, you should go for this one
He just wrote (not interrupting) to emphasize the 'common' use.

PS... don't you mean 'throw' instead of 'through'?
Lol, ignore that last. Just nitpicking here, I'm a forum troll

^

Yes that's exactly what I meant.

Concerning the "accuracy" of the bows, Loki perfectly explained it. Yes I can understand the word "accurate" may be confusing. Indeed, it only applies to moving foes. You won't miss foes standing at the same place even with a bow with a high arc (flatbows). Shorter arcs make your bow more accurate for moving foes. I think i'll still keep using this word however since it's also the wording used by the bows guy in the Isle of the Nameless I believe.

EDIT - Indeed I didn't include the eternal bow and probably many others - I wrote this list quickly; users willing to learn more about bow types can check the "Bow" article of guildwiki where all the bows of the game are listed by category.

on the subject of bows..... i would like to see a bow gallery , containing new bow skins, is there one about