Short Riser Recurves

[Echo62]

I have no experience with 3 piece bows, and I'm thinking about getting one. What are the advantages/disadvantages of a short riser (13" on a 60" bow)? Thanks in advance.

[Kip]

I have a Bob Lee 15" riser with 60" longbow and 56" recurve limbs.The longbow limbs shot better for me than any bow I have or had.The longbow limbs blew out on me last spring.I had Rob make another set of longbow limbs and sent the broken limb as a pattern and wgt.Rob made them wider than the old ones totaly did not balance well and no good for me.To answer your question I like a short riser with the longer limbs but can still have a short bow.Kip

[Sean B]

For me theres no down side. I have a very high anchor so I don't need much sight window, and inj a 58 or 60" bow, the shorter riser allows me more working limb.  I have a PCH, a KB and had a Morrison Cheyenne with a 13" riser.

[Sixby]

I cannot imagine the combination having an advantage unless you have a 34 in draw.

This said I like short riser bows . I have a 12 in riser with Talon 11 top mounted limbs that is one of my favorite bows. It makes a great 52 inch three piece bow. Sure does not have a long sight window though but its sufficient and makes a great blind bow.

God bless, Steve

[ksbowman]

I prefer short sight windows as I don't use sights on a bow anyway. This only works if you shoot with both eyes open, because you will be looking thru your upper limb at close range. Close one eye and you can't see your target.

[Bill Howland]

Originally posted by Echo62:
I have no experience with 3 piece bows, and I'm thinking about getting one. What are the advantages/disadvantages of a short riser (13" on a 60" bow)? Thanks in advance.

Advantage would probably be a stronger riser, less flex in the riser being so short. Long limb combination would normally mean a very smooth force draw curve.

Disadvantage would be a very short sight window. If you anchor under your eye for example it shouldn't be that big a deal. But if you anchor with your index finger in the corner of your month you might not see what you are shooting at unless you cant the bow. Which that will put torque on the string and I would not recommend that. The other is having enough room for your hand in the bow. Most men need at least four inches for the grip. Then you still need to mount limbs on the riser, that normally takes about 3-1/2 inches total that up and you have 11 inches. Which then gives you a 2 inch sight window.

In a recurve depending on your draw length I personally would opt for a longer riser with a shorter limb set up to obtain your preferred 60 inch length recurve. You'd probably get better performance from a shorter working limb.

Then if it were me I'd opt for a longer riser & longer limbs giving you a longer bow. Easier to shoot more stable and less finger pinch.

Hope that helps in your decision making.

[sidekick]

I have a 19" Titan III riser and 40# short Extreme BF limbs, making a 60" bow. Drawing 28", it is one sweet shooting setup for me.

[ron w]

A short riser most times gives you a longer working limb, to me that is a good thing. I consider short risers 13"-15".

[AR RidgeRunner]

I like short bows which is really why I started building bows. My long riser is 13" and the short is 11". They're probably not for everybody, depends on shooting style. I think most people that cant the bow don't need as much sight window. Longer limbs with a short riser allows for a relatively short bow that still has a smooth draw and with the right tapers, good string angles and performance.