effect of draw length on bow

[Andy WJB]

I see a number of bows talk about a draw length of up to 30" what will happen if the bow is drawn continually back to 31" - 32"? will it crack and break or is this not really a factor in recurve / LB's.

[Snakeeater]

For a bow made with laminatinons of fiberglass it should not be a problem. With bows made of wood (laminations or a selfbow) it can be a problem. Selfbows in particular are made for a certain maximum draw length and if you go past it you can damage or destroy the bow.

[JEFF B]

im with larry on that one.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

When I started making a selfbow I pulled it .5" past my target length... BAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM It blow.

Like Larry said the others can be pulled back little farther so it's not a real big deal. With that said there is a limit to how far you can pull a bow back.

[robtattoo]

Honestly, it all depends on the design of the bow. I used to shoot a 52" Shrew classic hunter, drawing to 30" with no trouble at all. Conversely, I've blown up 3 longer bows so far this year that weren't designed for a longer draw. Don't be fooled by bow length either. A longer bow will often allow a longer draw, but not always. Speak to your intended bowyer & let him know exactly what your drawlength is. Don't exaggerate & don't underestimate either. Have it properly measured & then see what can be done to fit you. I've passed up on several bows I would've killed to have owned because the bowyers either couldn't or wouldn't build one they were comfortable could handle a longer draw. If you're looking at a particular used bow on the Classifieds & you're not sure whether it'll handle a longer draw, please feel free to PM me for any help I may be able to give. I've had experience with a good number of different bows & may be able to point you in the right direction.
You may also want to talk with BobW on here too. He's got gibbon arms & a 32" drawlength!

[Dave Worden]

Larry nailed it.  I pull 30 1/2" on a 54" Shakespeare.  It handles it just fine AND with no stack.  Many of the glass lam bows were tillered only to 28" and may stack past 28.  It shouldn't hurt the bow, it's just more work for the archer.  BUT remember what Larry said about all wood bows (even laminated, all wood bows).