Shooting a Longer Bow

[fedora]

Guys, I come to the mountain for answers.  I currently shoot a Blecher Patriot Recurve with SSR limb that is a 56" bow.  I shoot it well but at 56# at 28 it is getting a little heavy.  I am going to have Jim make a new set of limbs and will probably go to a 50#@28" with a 60" or 62" bow.  Can you tell me what the difference is in shooting the longer recurve bows.  Less finger pinch I expect, but what else?

[McDave]

I'll have to leave it to someone who is more of an expert than I am to say why, but I believe it is more than just finger-pinch.  I shoot longer bows significantly more consistently and accurately than shorter bows.  It would be hard for me to tell the difference in one shooting session between a 60" and a 62" bow, but I can tell the difference between a 60" and a 64" bow.  But I have to believe the difference is cumulative, so I'll bet if I kept statistics, I'd shoot better over the long haul with a 62" rather than a 60" bow.  I would never pick a shorter bow over a longer bow (within the normal ranges) unless I thought I would be disadvantaged in a particular hunting situation with the longer bow.

[Wapiti Bowman]

I believe that the longer bows are more forgiving of inconsistencies in form. This, as I understand it, has to do with less reaction to the inconsistency by the longer limbs. Its just the physics of the inconsistency being smaller over a longer length. Of course, my information is all based on longbows, but I'm assuming the same dynamics would hold true with longer recurve limbs.  

[SOLDIERII]

More forgiving of poor release and form

[Horney Toad]

The very best thing to do is to try out some different bows. A 56# and 56" bow may stack for a long draw length.

[stevewills]

youll also get more dynamics out of the limbs,i shot a 58in.for a long time now i shoot 62 and love it for the stand and ground,for my blinds i put the 58s back on my curve

[gorillabows]

"The long length means less error in the trajectory of the arrow. This is simple geometry. The more acute the angle, the more deviation at any given distance. No release is s ever perfect, and in bow hunting the release must often be hasty or unorthodox. Consequently, with a longbow, my arrow, though not released perfectly, may still strike the chest of an animal, whereas that same release from a shorter bow could mean a miss   there could be as much as a foot difference at 30 yards."
-Bob Swineheart-
A matter of simple geometry......That is why I believe a 66 inch bow is about perfect for hunting.....gives you the forgiveness one would like, coupled with the maneuverability of a shorter "longbow". 70's shoot better, but it is just getting too big for the woods.

Hope this helps.

[PEARL DRUMS]

I went to 62"+ recurves and wont look back, so smooth, quiet and easy to shoot. I think in order for a longer bow to transfer energy it needs to be drawn longer as well. I draw 29.5".

[Blood Trail]

I always thought 58" was the best bow length for me. At 66 yrs. old today, I think 62" is the best. The longer bows are much easier (more foregiving) to shoot accurately. I only reget that it took so long to make the change to a longer bow.

[Firstlight]

I like a longer bow for many of the reasons already posted.

My main hunting bows are at least 62 inches.

I don't generally care for the feel of shorter bows, they seem to stack up to much for my taste...

[Roy from Pa]

I have recently switched to a 66 inch bow over a 62 inch. Made quite a difference in my accuracy.

[Carbon Jack]

Put me in with the longer bow equals greater accuracy group. I would not own a bow under 60 inches because I have not shot one yet that is not twitchy at times. My form is rough and shooting longer bows seems to be the crutch I need.

That said, I know many shooters who do fairly well with short recurves. (under 60") I always figured they were just better shooters than me because I tend to throw too many fliers with short bows.

Short longbows under 60" are the worst offenders for me. I simply cannot group with some of the more popular short straight bows now in vogue. 62" is as short as I can go and feel like the bow has some inherent stability. (I draw 27")

Jack

[longbowguy]

Longer is sweeter, and more consistant. Many top hands agree. lbg

[DBinAlamo]

A longer bow is just more forgiving to me,for how I shoot.  I dont miss my shorter bow...DB

[bowrocker07]

I shoot bows with long limbs.  I usually prefer to pair these with a longer riser, as to stress the limb a little more and get a little more performance.  With a typical 28" draw length, a shorter limb will PERFORM better, but not necessarily SHOOT better.  If you're looking for performance, draw length and limb length go hand-in-hand.  Longer bows are more forgiving, but there are benefits to both ends.  

As many have said, shorter bows magnify the imperfections in your shooting form.  However, a shorter limb will stress the working portion of the limb more and make for a more efficient bow.  This being said, Jim's bows perform really well, so although you may notice a few FPS difference (if you're meticulous and chronograph your arrows) and possibly a cast difference, but chances are you will shoot the longer limbs better.

Good Luck!

[arrow flynn]

hhill  i believe used bows that were 69 to 70 inches long and i dont think he drew 28 inches bob wesley ordered me a 70 inch bow a hhillbig 5 and i draw 27.5 he stated it would shoot better for me and he was right we are talking d bows of course

[njloco]

If I am not mistaken, a shorter bow will also seem to be a heavier draw due to the extra pressure against the fingers, in other words the brain will interpret the extra pressure on the fingers, due to the angle of the string on a short bow, as being a heavier pull and hold.

I think I stated that correct ???