Take Down Riser Angle of Degree

[sidebuster]

I have built my take down bows using the Bingham Kit and instructions.  The degree of angle on the riser per the Bingham instructions  for the limbs is 21 degrees.

How does less or more angle on the riser  affect the bow overall? In particular how does the angle of degree affect the ease of pulling back the bow?

Is there an optimum degree of angle that bowyers have come up with that is the best degree to use?

[ChuckC]

I am thinking that there is more to it than the angle of the riser, because the wedge on the limbs can and will alter all that.  The total bow is what is important.

ChuckC

[Orion]

The less the angle, the more pre-load on the limbs all other things being equal.

[Pheonixarcher]

This would be a good question for the 'bowyer's bench'. That being said, I agree with ChuckC.

It will really all come down to the limb design, and the desired draw length. For a given riser length and limb design, you can optimize the working limb by changing the wedge thickness, length, and taper rate. Also, by changing the stack formula (glass to wood ratio, core thickness and or taper rates, core material, number of laminations, etc.), limb shape and profile, and by using tip wedges. There are so many variables to consider, it can easily cause confusion.

But for example's sake, if your current design will draw smoothly without stacking, past your draw length, AND likes a higher brace height, then reducing your limb pad angle would most likely be of benefit to you. If your brace is already on the lower side, then shortening your overall limb length, and adjusting your stack thickness for draw weight would probably be your better option.

I'm no expert, but in my experience, this is what I have come to believe. My logic may be flawed, as I'm still learning and experimenting myself.

Hopefully the pros will chime in soon, as I would like to hear their take on the subject as well.