Bowyers tweaking bows

[longshadow]

I would like to find out if there are any bowyers out there that tweak or build their CUSTOM bows for best performence(stability,smoothness, accuracy, speed, quietness) at a specific draw length and weight. Custom order bows, not bows from inventory. Most of the bowyers I talked to, build their bow at a certain poundage at 28". Example 60# @ 28 then they mark/sell them 54# @ 26 or 57# @27, which is accurate but will a person get the best performance from a custom bow that was built for a higher draw length and weight.
I have an older JD Berry Viper, bought new about 1994 61 @ 26 that was custom made for me at those specs, smooth, accurate and quiet, but it starts to stack at 27". I don"t care if it does, I only draw to 26".  That bow was built/tweaked to my requested weight and draw length.  Are there any other bowyers that do that anymore.

Thanks,  Al

[cacciatore]

Good question,I second it.

[Shaun]

Al, many bowyers will work with you on specific draw length/wt. I believe that the peak performance is achieved with a bow just below the stacking point at full draw - like the JD Viper you mentioned. This can be designed and built into a bow for shorter or longer draw lengths.

I  have a 50 year old Bear bow marked at 50# @ 27" and one newer recurve marked for 30" draw wt.

Can't think of many custom bowyers that would not be happy to talk about this subject with you.

[Gehrke145]

Thats whats so nice about the ILF setups.

[jhg]

The bowyer I worked with (and cancelled order) didn't want to/wouldn't and finally got insulted that I even brought it up. When I asked about trapping limbs it was the last straw...

 He makes his bows the way he makes them. End of story.

I know its an individual thing that varies from maker to maker but the experience really has made me gun shy about trying the process again. We all have our idea of a dream bow and working with a bowyer is part of  process. I got the one that was not  interested in any of that from a client aside from basic wood choices. length and #'s.

If you are interested in having a bow made that reflects more input than wood choices. length and #'s make sure to ask the bowyer up front if he is open to that. Of course he is not going to let you re-design his bows for him, but he might be ok with trapping them or making the nocks a little different or spine testing the glass to match.
Try to find a bowyer who already is doing what you want done to a bow.
Its not their fault if what they offer is not a good match regarding what you expect.

Joshua

[Bob Morrison]

Every bowyer knows where his bow works best. Some will push the envelope some won't. I'm sure the bowyer knows more than you do about trapping a bow for preformance or just looks. If your want a bowyer to do Experiments that you think may work better, get your wallet out and go for it. I believe your last 2 lines are right on.
Take a good look at the ILF systems.