Curlew Question

[Rick Wiltshire]

I have shot longbows for many years - I love them.  I have shot a few recurves over the years, but never been impressed (but a Dryad recure did perk my interest) with them - until now.

I just picked up a used Toelke Curlew and find the bow to be fast, quiet, and the bow I bought has a low wrist grip similar to many longbows.

Sooooo the question - what brace height do I start from on this bow?  Any longbow and I would have no problem but, to this 61 year old guy, the recurve is a new and different animal and I need some advice.

Rick

[Tutanka]

Anywhere between 7 and 8.  I find most of Dans bows end up around 7 1/4 to 7 1/2, for me anyway.  His Curlew really is a great bow, I'm always surprised more people don't shoot them.

[Biathlonman]

I agree.  I'd start at 7" and work my way up until it spoke to me.  I've been wanting to try a curlew, but I'm addicted to his Chinook!

[Yellow Dog]

Rick, great bows. I have two Curlew's and an older DL. The DL was Dan's pre Curlew takedown, very similar with a little different limb design. All shoot the best for me around 7 1/2 to 7 3/4. I shoot 9 to 10 grains per pound so I have to brace them a little higher to keep them quiet.

[Jim Wright]

I shot 11 1/2-12 grains per pound draw weight arrows through mine and 7 1/8" brace height. You are going to get some varying personal preferences here on brace height and it was my personal experience that the Curlew liked a bit stiffer spine than I expected.

[Rick Wiltshire]

Thanks guys.  I was impressed with the shooting characteristics of the bow.  I had it at about 7 1/4 and thought that might be a bit low.  I hope to get to play with it more today to see what works best.