draw length vs bow length

[Chub]

this may sound dumb but here goes.current bow rec 60 inch 45 at 28 the bowyer told me i should use a 58inch bow my draw is 26.25 would the 58inchdraw easier for me or the way im thinking 45lbs is 45lbs!please set me straight with information

[flinthead]

At my 271/2 to 28 in. draw bowyers reccomend a 58 inch bow . I find a 60in recurve and 62in longbow best for my shooting. My 3cents worth. Roy

[KentuckyWolf]

Some say that a shorter bow paired with a short draw length (or vise vesa) is more efficient (i.e. within the most efficient part of a force curve), thus a longer bow is "wasted" on a short draw length, and a long draw on a shorter bow loses efficiency (can lead to stacking and finger pinch also).

But at you draw length I dont think there would be much difference between 58 and 60in recurve.

[wildgame]

Originally posted by flinthead:
At my 271/2 to 28 in. draw bowyers reccomend a 58 inch bow . I find a 60in recurve and 62in longbow best for my shooting. My 3cents worth. Roy

same here!

[crotch horn]

The idea as I understand it goes like this. To get the most out of a bow the goal is to get the limbs loaded into there "sweet spot" You accomplish this by drawing the bow, so the shorter the draw the shorter the limbs. Long limbs with a short draw don't have to load nearly much so you lose strength & speed. Overdrawing a bow stresses the limbs and can cause damage as well as finger pintch or stacking. This is how it was explained to me anyhow.

[Bjorn]

At your 26.25 inch draw you will be unable to notice the difference between a 60 and a 58 inch bow, made by the same bowyer with the same design-
at least that's my opinion.

[Tulku]

I like what crotch horn said
 
From what little experience I've gathered so far and from speaking with bowyers who's bows I've enjoyed;
The overall length of a bow does not determine it's optimal draw length.
Rather it's the composition of the limb that determines were the "sweet spot" occurs.  
Limbs can be tuned to most any draw length by tapering and/or varying the thicknes of core laminations.
A knowledgeable bowyer can lay up a set of limbs that will build a force/draw curve to suit your personal preference
regardless of that bows overall length.

Kindly,
-Joshua-

[Hud]

It depends on the bow design, riser length and limb length. A 60" bow may give the best performance at 28-29" but at 30" a different limb may be best. For example look at Morrison's, website and the handle/limb recommendations for his Cheyenne recurve. It would help to go try a few bows that you like and see how they shoot. Then, ask the bowyer for more information, I am sure he will oblige.

[highplains55]

also your true draw is from the string to the notch in your bowhand,some people think that their arrow length is their drawlength. i also
agree with bjorn and tulku!

[legends1]

Im going to 2nd.what Bjorn said.He is right.There is very little diffrence between the 60" and 58".If the way i understand you have 60" recurve now.That is fine for you.I wouldnt spend the money on a 58".The bowyer may have meant that you would get a little more out of the limb in the shorter 58".But dont worry.Its not enough to change over.Just enjoy your 60"

[sw]

What bjorn and legends said  

[Rob DiStefano]

imo, what matters to me about stick bow length is the bowyer designed-in brace height, as that greatly determines how the string will feel on the string hand.  

it's a high brace height that allows a super short longbow like a scythian or shrew to not feel string hand finger pinch.  

most far longer longbows will have lots lower brace heights.

[KentuckyTJ]

Bjorn has it.

My draw length is 26 1/2" from the nock to the back of the riser. I like a 58" bow in most models. As many have said you will be drawing it closer to or to the proper place to get the most out of the limbs.

[rustyspike]

My draw is 26". I hsve bows ranging from 56" to 64". Last year I bought a 60" 3 piece long bow.
Seems like a perfect fit.

Rich K

[craig1955]

I agree with what Bjorn said, but think the 58" would probably be more efficient just not  noticeable.

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by craig1955:
I agree with what Bjorn said, but think the 58" would probably be more efficient just not  noticeable.

imo, longer is always better for performance.