Hello everyone.
On my current playthrough, I've been using a crossbow (enhanced dwarven) and it does 112 damage at Epic level with perks and an enchant. On top of that it ignores 50% armor and has the chance to use exploding bolts.
Today I created a Nordic Bow cause I love the look of it and wanted to start using bows sometimes. I used a 20% smithing gloves and a blacksmith's elixir and it got to legendary with 69 damage. Can anyone please explain me what the ... Happened? I mean the damage on the bow is sooo inferior and it doesnt even ignore armor!

First of all, is this normal?

Second, which one should I use?

Thanks

Enhanced Dwarven Crossbow is the most powerful of the Bows and Crossbows.

Maybe you had enchanted gear that improved the crossbow.

Then is there any reason at all to use any bow over it?

1. A dwarven crossbow is about the same a an ebony or dragonbone bow.

2. It depends on what you like. The crossbow has a better velocity, slower reload, and less range.

Yeah I just checked and with the same exact stuff, the crossbow (epic) has 91 damage without bolts and the bow has 69 (legendary).

Should I go for the bow? Or is the crossbow just that much better?

A Bow fires faster and with the right perk you can stagger an enemy with a quick tap of the trigger/button.
A crossbow takes longer to load and fires at full power.

I have all the perks amd archery at 100. I was actually playing a combat archer but it got a bit boring so I added one-handed and block.

I prefer speed over power but still..

There are more powerful bows out there that will approach the Dwarven Xbow stopping power.

And they look pretty good when enchanted. You didn't mention if you had enchanted your Nordic Bow or not so just making that point.

Daedric is higher-up on the food chain and looks awesome with Fire Damage.

As well as my personal favourite for the weight-to-damage ratio - Enchanted Ebony.

Arrow selection will also boost your stats. That-oh-so-sweet Daedric Arrow will fell a Dwemer Centurion Master in (No spoilers) two shakes of a Lamb's tail.

But I guess my real question would be is changing from Xbow to Bow right for your character?

As each type of weapon, from RL experience, involves a different mindset.

Dragonbone bow with legendary and perks can get over 100, is fast and powerful. My personal favorite bow. If your personal bow favorite is nordic then you will have a faster bow that has less of a punch. It's up to you to decide which you prefer to use.

This guy knows his stuff^^

Personally I prefer the bows over the Xbows, their more subtle and agile, you have more control over the power of the shot and distance. The Xbow packs a punch and will stop just about any foe dead in their tracks but it's slow when reloading, you can't control the power behind the shot, and the range is less then that of a bow. But that's just my opinion, ignore 50% of armor or not I'll rely on my bow

Honestly I hate anything Daedric. It's just too ugly and it's kind of too evil for me I guess? xD

RP wise, well, I am a mercenary so it wouldn't really change that much. I started just with a mercenary Neutral mindset but I'm getting attached to my character she is awesome and really good looking. I may start a backstory for her. (kinda late as she is level 32, but still xD)

Dragonbone I may like, honestly I haven't even seen it yet!

Thanks