riser length and shooting accuracy/smoothness

[targets3D]

I had a question riser/limb relationship and how it relates to smoothness, forgiveness and speed.

1. I am considering a Hoyt Gamemaster II or Dorado. I understand they differ in riser length - GM being 21" and Dorado 19". I am a 26" draw and was wondering what would be a smoother configuration for shooting?

I guess this also relates to completely configurable setups such as the DAS Dalaa where one can choose from 17" and 21" risers as well as different length limbs - so effectively you can have 2 configurations of bows at the same both length. For example 17" riser and long limbs= 62" bow, as well as 21" riser and short limbs= 62" bow as well. For a 26" draw which is better?

[The Butcher]

Lets say you were shooting the bow with the 21" riser.  and you put limbs that were 20-1/2" long.  you'd end up witha bow that was 62" long.  you put the same limbs on a 17" riser, and you have a bow that is 58" long.  Put an arrow in each, and 62" bow shoud feel smoother, as it is longer, and less finger pinch.  I like a longer bow, some like shorter bows.  Given the choice you are asking, I'd take 17" riser with the longer limbs = 62"  Should not stack with longer limbs.  I'm shooting a 60" bow, and wish it was a 62"  Personal prefrence, but longer limbs in my opinion are usually smoother.

[jonsimoneau]

Mostly a personal preference thing.  I prefer bows that are 60 inches or longer.  Some guys like shorter bows.  The shortest bow I ever owned was 58 inches.  That is about as short as I would go.  I just shoot longer bows better.

[RocketDog]

Most bowyers will tell you to go with the longest bow you are comfortable with.

[bsigal]

I agree with the butcher with stacking and smoothness of draw with the longer limbs.  The shorter limbs, of the same weight have to flex more and may feel heavier at the same draw length.  They may also increase arrow speed due to the additional flexing.

[Ssamac]

Target bows have a massive riser and shorter limbs in realation to other bows. The big riser/shorter limb combination provides a lot of stability and accuracy.
Notice I'm saying relatively "shorter" limbs, not "short" limbs

Sam