Longbow length

[Trad Whitetail]

I have a question concerning longbow length.  I have shot recurves for a number of years (actually have a picture of me at three years old flinging arrows!) before switching to compounds    :rolleyes:  for a while.  I came back to recurves and killed a deer and some small game with a 62", 55# Howatt hunter last year and am hooked (again).  I have shot recurves as short as 58" and did not really notice a difference in shootability, other than they were not quite as smooth as the Hunter at my 28" draw.  I recent was given an older 70# 62" Bighorn take down longbow.  At first it was difficult for me to shoot compared to a recurve, but I have put hundreds of arrows through it over the past month and am shooting it as good as my recurve now.  I am wondering if the shorter longbows (62" and down) are less forgiving than a longer (66") longbow.  I know that is a loaded question, but I am speaking in generalities here.  I have some relatives that I am starting on traditional archery and while I have a lot of recurve knowledge longbows are new to me!

[Rob DiStefano]

imo, and in generalities, a longer length bow (longbow OR recurve) will typically be smoother drawing, with less finger pinch of the bow hand.  some really shorter longbows, like shrews, were designed to feel like a longer bow, through riser and limb design (and higher brace heights).

there's almost always that compromise, of sorts, for a hunting stick bow - shorter bows are just more maneuverable in the air, in blinds, and stalking through the bush, swamp and timber.

my first mohawk longbows were 64", as i thought that length would best accommodate my 29" draw length.  had an opportunity to compare those bows against a 62" 'hawk and found absolutely no difference.  i switched over to 62" 'hawks, i'll take short bows as an advantage any day.

though i've had a gaggle of 60" longbows, and that's about the shortest i'd go, not as comfy on the draw hand as a longer longbow.

i did get to pull string on a 56" shrew and that felt just like a good 62" longbow.

lots to consider, lots to try out, the fun never ends ....   :D

[Apex Predator]

Definitely yes in straight longbows.  The bow's design makes a big difference though.  For me, the more curves a longbow has, they easier the shorter ones shoot.

[azhunter]

I prefer R/D style longbows. I prefer longbows 60 inches and less.  Personal preference. You will get all kind of opinions. I think it comes down to the design of the bow. Some of the what guys call hybrids or highly R/D styles are made with shorter risers and longer working limbs. My 54 inch Shrew classic hunter feels smooth and stable at my 28 inch draw. Your right that the fun never ends. So many great bowyers with many different designs.

[Cool Arrow]

I have a 64"Bamboo Viper that I enjoy shooting at 3-d shoots, but I much prefer my 58" shrew for hunting. Works better in blinds, trees, and I'm not continually getting hung up on brush etc.
Kinda considering a shorter shrew

[Rob DiStefano]

it all comes down to draw length, bow design, and what feels acceptable at full draw and release to you (not me).

[HATCHCHASER]

I draw a fuzz over 30" and I like a 64" or up longbow.  I have shot a few 62"ers that I could shoot ok.  My favorite is a 66"er. ymmv.

[Rob DiStefano]

i LOVE a 66" longbow for my 29" draw ... not practical for some hunting, like tree stands and blinds, though.

[Crash]

As already stated, the design of the bow plays a huge factor in the comfort level in regards to bow length vs draw length.  I currently have a 60" Griffin, 58" Centaur and Thunderstick Mag and a 54" Shrew Classic Hunter.  I feel comfortable with all of them and while they may not be as accurate at long distances, within 30 yards, it's hard to tell any difference.  If you get used to carrying a short bow and try to go longer, you will have problems.  Once you learn to carry the longer bow, you won't notice as many problems.

[Near Miss]

Its all a matter of bow design, and personal preference.  In Hill style bows, longer length is always smoother IMHO.  With my Shrew bow, however, shorter lengths are fine (I am currently shooting 60" and am looking to "go shorter") because thats what the bow was designed for.

[Trad Whitetail]

Thanks for the responses.  I figured the R/D longbows could generally work well at shorter lengths than a straight longbow and it sounds like that is true.  It looks like for my beginning archers the longer length is the way to go.

[scottm]

It very much depends on the bow.Im 6'4".I have between a 29 and 30" draw depending on the situation.I like my 66" mohawk.But I also like my 58" hybride striker stinger longbow .Both draw very smooth,neither has stacking or finger pinch at my draw.It really depends on how the bow is made.Ive also got a whisperstick recurve thats 62" long thats the same way.Depends on the bow.Ive had 64 and 66" recurves that didnt draw as smooth as the 62" whisperstick.I had one  hybride longbow 62" that stacked horibly past 28".Just depends on the bow.Im not advertising but you might want to give rick a call at striker bows .great guy and his 58" bows shoot like a 66".Just my 2 cents worth.Hope this helps.

[GREASEMAN]

I think it's a matter of personal preference.The new 62" and shorter Hybrid longbows are pretty smooth with little to no finger pinch or hand shock and are extremely fast.But,if you love the romance of lonbows,it's hard to beat the the 64" to 68" Bows for smoothness and tradition,especially ones with R/D.

[Jerry Jeffer]

Every one has some input on this type of question. It really comes down to what you like, want etc. I hunted this past year with a 70" yew long bow. I sit on the ground, I hunt a lot of thick stuff... I had a time getting used to dealing with the length, but it shoots sooooo sweet! It's just a matter of what you are willing to deal with.If I like a bow, I'll make it work for me. some times it just means tough hunting situations, but I like that.

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by Jerry Jeffer:
Every one has some input on this type of question. It really comes down to what you like, want etc. I hunted this past year with a 70" yew long bow. I sit on the ground, I hunt a lot of thick stuff... I had a time getting used to dealing with the length, but it shoots sooooo sweet! It's just a matter of what you are willing to deal with.If I like a bow, I'll make it work for me. some times it just means tough hunting situations, but I like that.

+1        this is subjective stuff and jerry's post sums up the answer perfectly ....

[amar911]

I have longer (64" and 66") heavier longbows down to shorter (54" and 56") longbows that are both heavier and lighter. There are always some tradeoffs in the designs. If it would shoot the same, I would like to have a bow that is one foot long and weighs one ounce, because it would be so handy and easy to carry around with me. But such a bow will never exist. As Rob says, a Shrew Classic Hunter is both lighter and shorter than most longbows and yet feels and shoots very similar to a much longer bow in most respects. On the other end, my Brackenbury Non-Typical hybrid is 66" long, weighs more than twice what the Shrew does, but is exceptionally smooth, stable and accurate. For 3D shooting and more open country hunting the longer, heavier bows have advantages. For hunting from treestands and blinds or hiking long distances over demanding terrain the shorter, lighter bows have advantages. In between, there are bows like my Morrison ILF with the Mini-14 riser and "C" length longbow limbs that make a 56" bow that weighs more than the Shrews and less than my longer three piece longbows, but still has the compact length that is so nice to have in treestands and pop-up blinds. All of these bows shoot great and are built by incredibly talented bowyers who produce beautifully crafted products. You can't go wrong with any of these bows as long as they fit you and your shooting needs. I have them all and many others and think they are all great.

The comments by others here on this subject are very good, and I can't disagree with anything that has been said, especially that this is very subjective stuff, hence the many kinds of bows.

Allan

[the longbowkid]

I shoot a 58-56 in longbow, because you get a more efficient bow at shorter draw lengths, like my 25 in. draw length. if you have full draw(28) then I would shoot any length you like the looks of, if the poundage of the longbow is 40# and up
just my advice