The long and short of it

[COLongbow]

I always thought a shorter riser and longer limbs made it possible for a long-draw guy like me to shoot a shorter bow with good efficiency.

Recent posts have shown some love for a long riser and short limbs being awesome.

Any thoughts on this subject?

Could have some impact on my bank account.
   

Originally posted by COLongbow:
I always thought a shorter riser and longer limbs made it possible for a long-draw guy like me to shoot a shorter bow with good efficiency.

     

I always thought so too but there is more to it than that..

At least ten years ago I bought a BW "MA".  Shot it for a year and got a an "SA". The SA had longer working limbs coupled with a shorter riser, the MA just the opposite.

Both bows felt much different at my then 31" draw but the MA (longer riser) seemed to be much more stable - I could shoot it much better with the MA.

Before you drain your bank account, I would suggest shooting a bunch of each variety so you can make an informed decision based on what works best for you..

[Night Wing]

I'm just the opposite. If two bows are of the same model; 66" in length with the same poundage at my 30" draw length, I'm more accurate with the bow which has a 19" riser and 23.5" limbs than I am with a bow which has a 21" riser and 22.5" limbs.

Originally posted by Night Wing:
I'm just the opposite. If two bows are of the same model; 66" in length with the same poundage at my 30" draw length, I'm more accurate with the bow which has a 19" riser and 23.5" limbs than I am with a bow which has a 21" riser and 22.5" limbs.

Yep - that is why I suggested to take some time to decide what works best for you...especially true in this case.

[cyred4d]

I personally find the longer limb to be smoother, but also find the shorter limbs to be quicker.

[Orion]

Total bow length is probably more important than riser/limb combinations.  If you have a 30-inch draw, for example, you'll probably shoot a 62-64-inch recurve better than you will a 58- or 60-inch recurve, regardless of the riser/limb length combinations.

Of course, riser/limb length characteristics do have an influence.  Larger riser bows may be a little more stable due to the greater mass in the riser. The additional weight makes them a little easier to hold on target and/or they're affected/thrown off a little less by poor releases, etc. On the other hand, they're bulkier and heavier, and not everyone wants or needs the additional weight.

And, of course, personal preference comes into play as well as far as what one likes to look at and carry.  Tradeoffs, tradeoffs. Good luck.  

[Bowwild]

I was using #1 limbs on a Bear A MAG for a while which makes a 56" bow.  Then I acquired some Rose Oak #3 limbs for this bow (makes it a 60").  I have only a 26" draw length but I much prefer the feel of the longer limbs on this short riser. I've also decided I like the A riser more than the B risers (A is shorter).  Of course, if unlike me, you are a full-grown person, you might like the longer riser/limb combos more.