66" Or 68" Length Longbow

[Night Wing]

Well, it looks like I'll be ordering a Belcher/Massie "Longhorn" hybrid longbow next week. With my long 30" drawlength, I've tentively chosen a 66" length, but the "Dark Side" of me is trying to seduce me to a 68" length. The longbow will be 41# @ 30". I don't hunt from treestands. What would you choose?

[Gordy]

I draw about 29" and really love my 68" Dwyer. So smooooooooth.  

[Dave Worden]

I built a 68 incher for my 30 1/2" draw.

[bowquiver]

I shoot a 64" Massie Longhorn with a 29 1/2" draw.

[LBR]

Depends on the bow.  My #1 for the last 10 or 12 years has been a 66", but I've shot bows I liked in the 64" to 72" (the 72" is a selfbow--longest laminated bow was 70").  I draw 30.5".

Chad

[Steelhead]

I draw 30.5 inches or so night wing.Most the longbows I have had are 64 to 68 inches.Currantly shooting a 68 inch Liberty contender.I had a 66 incher as well.Anyway if i had to pick one for shooting comfort and accurracy I would go for a 68 incher.A tiny bit smoother and a tad less finger pinch.If it was primarily a hunting bow I think I would shoot a 66 inch or even 64 for the covenience in the woods.Either bow should suit you well at your draw.Belcher Longhorns are very nice bows by the way.good luck with it.

[bowquiver]

If it was me and my draw length was a little longer i might get a 66" bow. I don't see any need in going to a 68" in a Massie longhorn unless these new bowyers have changed Jeffs design.

[Mike Orton]

I own one of the very few and rare 68" Black Widow LongBows.  It's a two piece to boot!   If I were having a custom made Longbow I'd go with 68 or 70 inch.  Since you don't hunt from where the squirrels live it shouldn't be an issue.

The best part I like about my 68" longbow is when I stand up in normal posture I can lay my Binocs on the top tip of the bow and have a steady rest to view through the binocs.  

[Deadsmple]

I only draw just over 29" but I prefer any bow 66" or more. Longbows should be long imho.

[BobCo 1965]

I draw 29" but still love longer longbows. My favorite being 70". Personally, I'd go with the 68".

[jwingman]

I have a 30 inch draw like you. I have shot a lot of recurves and longbows over the years. I haven't found one yet that gets better by shortening the length. If space to shoot is a concern as it is with some people, then the shorter bows have there place. If not using one in a treestand, then go for the length and the smoothness of draw is my vote. There are several 66 inch bows I have and like but if they had been offered in 68 inch length, I would have opted for the longer bow. Good luck with your new purchase.

[Night Wing]

Thanks to everyone for their opinions. From the comments on this thread and from another forum on another site, it looks like I'll be ordering my new Longhorn in a 68" length.

[bayoulongbowman]

I shoot a 44# massie its 64 inches I LOVE THIS BOW!!!IT SHOOT LIKE 50 # BOW!...                  :D            

[kennym]

Heck,I've killed quite a few deer with a 68" lb from a treestand,with a draw that long,longer is better! JMHO

[bentpole]

I think  alot has to do with the make of the bow also. With my 27" draw length Mark Horne recommends a 64" Traditionalist Longbow. My Turkeycreek is 62"s. My Horne's Brushbow is 58"s. I would ask the bowyer and see what he recommends at your draw length.

[Night Wing]

Well, yesterday I talked with Jim Belcher and with his recommendations and it coincided with the comments on this thread, I ordered a 68" length Longhorn. I should have it around August 5th.