How much am I really losing?

[Sam McMichael]

I am an average tall guy with a short draw of 25 ". I see stuff all the time stating the recommended length bow for this draw length is quite short, more in the 60-64" range. However, all my Hill style bows are 68" long. So, how much am I really losing in terms of efficiency? I feel that my shooting is solid and all seems "powerful" enough. I feel good about my stuff but just wonder from a mechanical efficiency standpoint if I am giving up anything significant. I have 5 HHA bows and 2 NM bows. Right now, I am most interested in how my draw length affects my 68" NM yew Shelton at my 25" draw. It is rated at 53# at 28". I know that some poundage is lost, but loss of velocity and trajectory are also of interest. I know that the arrow plays a role in this. My arrows are cedar and rated at 50/55#. I shoot them long at about 29" with a 125 grain point. Thanks for any info you can give. I am definitely not well versed in math or engineering principles, so please keep it simple. Keep in mind that 23 and me DNA service said I have more Neanderthal traits than 55% of their participants.

[McDave]

My understanding is that bow length is a more important factor for recurves than for longbows.  With a recurve, you want to be able to bend the limbs enough to work the recurved ends of the limbs; otherwise, you might as well be shooting a longbow.  With a longbow, the force-draw curve is pretty straight until you hit the stacking point of the bow.  I'm sure you lose something by shooting longer longbow limbs than you need because of the extra weight, but you also gain from having less finger pinch, etc.

[BAK]

This is one of those questions that is really hard to address adequately without seeing how you hold your bow and shoot.  I have to say 25" is very short for someone who is average tall as you say you are.

[Trenton G.]

The way I would look at it is with a longer bow and a shorter draw, you would not be bending the limbs as much as you would with a shorter bow and a shorter draw. With a longer bow you might not be getting the full power stroke of the limbs, whereas with a shorter bow designed for your draw length you would be. With your 53@28 bow, with a 25 inch draw you would probably be pulling closer to 44-46 pounds right? I would think that a bow designed to be 44 pounds and at full draw when at your draw length would be more efficient than a bow that is being pulled to 44 pounds but not being pulled to its full potential.

[Wudstix]

 

[ron w]

Well Sam, I can’t really answer your question technically! But I can say that I have shot with you and You seem to have no problem hitting your mark !! If it ain’t broke leave it alone !!!

[the rifleman]

At my 26.5" draw, ive come to like r/d longbows in the 56" range.  I believe ( but can't prove) that this length performs a bit better at my shorter draw, but my main reason for liking this length is its compactness in the tree or blind plus it fits behing my truck seat.  Is it enough to matter?  I seriously doubt it.  I shoot a 62" longbow also ( both Toelkes) and get pretty similar speeds w like gpp arrows.
Shot a couple super curves and found out with them that i needed a shorter set up to open the limbs up--- but they're a different animal.
Now that 68" bow is interesting and I'll be finding out a bit more on that soon--- just bought a HH Big 5 and should get it soon.
As said--- I'll take an accurate arrow from a shorter draw length over an erratic shot from me stretching beyond what my form will bear.

[Silent footed]

Not enough that I'd be worried, considering what McDavid said. I shoot a 68" with a 69 pound draw and a 26ish" draw length. You might have cause for concern if your poundage was close to the 35# minimum for hunting bows. Efficiency carries a lot more weight when your poundage is approaching the minimum.

Right now I wouldnt worry. Enjoy the increased stability from the longer limbs. The only thing I'd be concerned about with a 68" bow is whether you can maneuver into a clear spot in the brush with those long limbs for a shot at game. This is more of a problem if you are a heavy cover still-hunter like I used to be. It's less of a problem for ambush hunters since they are able to nip brush ahead of time.

[mec lineman]

Interesting fact that came from a very well respected bowyer of the ASL variety.  A majority of folks who have a 28 ish draw length with a pistol grip recurve/hybrid will end up with a 26ish draw length on a straight handle bow. Now that I think about, two different bowyers told me that.

[Todd Cook]

Sam, I would guess you're around 46-48 pounds at 25" with that bow. My good buddy Crispin kills a pile of animals with a very similar setup/ drawlength. If you went to say a 62" Hill style you would possibly pick up 2 or 3 feet per second but it wouldn't be much different. A very efficient string might pick up 2 or 3 more.

I love a straight limbed bow too. Especially selfbows. But I've got a metal riser ILF setup that will leave everything else I've got in the dust. I don't like it so I rarely shoot it, but if someone with a short draw/ lower poundage wanted to maximize their bow's power, they can't be beat, IMO.

[SlowBowKing]

I’m interested in this conversation, since I also have a 25” draw. Though I’m 5’7”, so it would be expected for me.

I’m shooting a lighter poundage bow, but planning to move up in weight some before hunting season.

[Tradcat]

Hey Sam, I completely agree with what Trenton G said earlier.   Tradcat

[JohnV]

If you are happy with your current bows and shoot them well I would not worry about it too much.  Perhaps one of your buddies will let you “test drive” a shorter length bow of similar poundage so you can see how it compares to your longer length bows.

[Sam McMichael]

O.K. it seems that all I am really missing by this loss of efficiency is several fps in the velocity department. I am all right with this if no other significant shortcomings are in play. I have no problem shooting from my 68" bows from my ladder stands, but I had to train my right butt cheek to hang onto the edge of the stand while my left side hangs off the seat just a bit. AS BAK alluded to, I do have a rather short draw. I am 5'9" tall and have arms like a T-Rex. That is what got me to wondering about bow length, because I have read of other people referring to short bows to accommodate their short draws. Thanks for the responses.

[GCook]

Engineering and physics aside it doesn't sound like you're "missing" anything.
Sounds like you are "enjoying" all of it.
Shoot on!

[Rob DiStefano]

My take on stickbows in general is ... all that matters is if a bow will "work" for me.   

If it feels good in the hand, draws smooth, shoots smooth, and gives me the confidence that allows for consistent accuracy at hunting distances, in hunting venues, with at least 10gpp shafts, I could really care less about bow length or fps or whatever. 

This has caused me to avoid bows where I really Really like their looks and aesthetics, but they just don't deliver for me the consistent accuracy feeling I require.