I shot a Bear Kodiak Hunter for 10 years, then shot a Howatt Hunter for years. Bought a Black Widow longbow in 1993 and have shot longbows since. Have the Black Widow 66", a Howard Hill 68", Have made about a dozen selfbows, and am currently shooting an old Root longbow made in about 1956. My recurves have been collecting dust for quite a few years now. I like the lightweight of the longbow in hand, and haven't had any problems with the length. Most of my selfbows have been 64 to 68".