Bow Length

[dhill1520]

I have 2 60" Recurves I shoot. I have been told that I should stick with either a 58" or 60" due to my draw length (27"). I have heard that longer bows tend to be smoother so what would be the draw back for me to shoot a longer bow?

[youngarcher1]

less limb action which will result in less speed. i have a 27" draw too, i was talking with dave beeler about maybe going with his 58" tracker model and he said to stick with the 56" otherwise I'm not utilizing the whole limb. hope that helps

[huntin_sparty]

More cumbersome to hunt with in my opinion, unless you hunt the open plains.  I shoot 52 to 58 inch recurves and for hunting ranges with a 28 draw I have had no issue.

[Gen273]

I draw 28 inches and I like a 56 inch bow.

[rastaman]

i have a 27 inch draw and i've found that a 62 inch bow works best for me. i am more accurate with that bow than the 58 inch or 60 inch bows.

[Lee Robinson .]

There are many things to consider. Under what conditions will you be shooting the bow? Do you want a light weight bow (short riser) or a bow with more mass (longer riser)? Do you need mobility in tight cover, or will you be shooting indoors at targets only? Etc.

(Performance isn't lost in a longer bow if the length is added by increasing riser length...within reason of course)

[Bjorn]

I draw 27 and find a 64" bow to be the best compromise. I hunt brushy areas and have never been denied a shot due to bow length.

[Night Wing]

If there's one thing I can't stand in a recurve or any bow for that matter, it's finger pinch.     :mad:    With my 30" draw length, I prefer a 66" recurve.        

I once owned a 64" recurve and I noticed a slight case of finger pinch if I shot it continuously for 45 minutes.

I can shoot both of my two 66" recurves for 3 straight hours if I want to and never notice any sign of finger pinch. It's one of the reasons why when I tell my wife I'm going to shoot (experiment) with one of my recurves for 45 minutes starting at 9am, the shooting (experimental) session sometime lasts for 3 hours. She always says, "See you at lunchtime".    

[YORNOC]

I much prefer a longer bow also. If the bow is made for your draw, you'll be surprised how close the speed will be..depending on the bow design of course.
I'm used to olympic bows and have hunted all over the US and canda with 66-70" recurves. No problems, its all how you hold your bow. The only time that I have seen a down side to a longer bow is a groundblind. I can shoot my 68" bows out of the nastiest trees and brush you'll find. My 70" did get caught up in the Newfoundland Tundra a few times, a 66" would have been perfect.
I'm 6" with 29"draw if shooting 3 under, 29.5 if split.
The thing I LOVE MOST about a longer bow.....you can hold at your draw a lot longer waiting for that critter to enter your shooting lane than with shorter bows.
My first custom was a 60" Silvertip, and I tried many 58".  Started shooting FITA target and saw the light! For me anyway, I know to each their own. Shoot 'em all and pick for yourself!

[Pat B]

I have a 62" Treadway longbow(old style R/D) that Mike made for my 26" draw and it shoots very well for me. I think if the bow is made for your draw length you shouldn't have a problem with performance.
  I build selfbows. Even though lately I've been building 60" static recurves I prefer a straight limbed 62" to 66" bow. I've never had a problem with these lengths and where I hunt is very thick.

[Bowmania]

"I have heard that longer bows tend to be smoother so what would be the draw back for me to shoot a longer bow?"

Less string on your fingers when at full draw with a longer bow equals more accruacy.

Smootheness or draw and less finger pinch are minor advantages compared to accuracy.

Bowmania

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

Originally posted by Protege Longbows:
Performance isn't lost in a longer bow if the length is added by increasing riser length...within reason of course

You can also just make your limbs thicker like Howard Hill bows do.

[paperenginner]

I have a 27-28" draw and shoot a 60" bow.  I don't have finger pinch but I have wondered the same question.  I will be buying another bow at 50# soon and have interest in this topic.  Is there anyone that shoots my draw length that found a specific bow length that does pinch their fingers?

[2 Barrels]

I draw 29".My favorite lenght is 62".I tried the 58" bows for a couple years.But i shoot the 62" bow's much better.I think alot of the shorter bows are falling out of vouge.As people strive to become better shots.

[dhill1520]

Thanks for the input guys... I'm new to this site but, finding it very helpful. Many good people here.

Thanks again!

[YORNOC]

As far as accuracy, you don't see anyone win olympic contests with short recurves.. period. All 66,68,70" recurves. Hmmmm, wonder why?

I know its not hunting,in fact not even close..I do both as often as I can and also shoot 3D. Just commenting on pure accuracy and bow length.
As said before bows to 48" all have their place and I couldn't agree more. Everyone should shoot what they shoot best. Just try 'em ALL first. Don't just jump to a "standard" length and assume its best for you.