Can I break a bow?

[Whitetail Chaser]

I normally draw about 29 inches, and I love short bows.  Sometimes those two things don't go together well.

My question is this: Do you think that I could break a short bow by drawing it too far?  

(I'm not a big and strong guy, just average 180lbs.)

I am talking about laminated fiberglass recurves and longbows, 56 inches or less in length.  I have never had a short bow break on me, but I was just wondering what some of you thought about the matter.

Brett

[Kingstaken]

I've seen one break that had a fracture in it.
I wouldn't try.

[BobW]

Having exploded a vintage Red Wing when I pulled it to 32", YES, you can!

But then again, I now am hunting with a 56" Shrew Classic Hunter and drawing 32"+.

I'd stay away from older bows, and discuss it with bowyers on newer models.

[Chris O]

i'd suggest asking the bow maker what draw length it can handle. I pull my 54 inch curve to 29" no problem, but only cuz Mr. Fedora said so

[DeerSpotter]

I will be pulling my new whisperstik " 58 " to 29" and that is the bow JD recommended for me, it is one of the quietest and smoothest short bows that I've ever had.  I have had both 58 "
And 60 " this will be the first " custom " 58" I will of head from JD, and this one will be the third whisperstik I owned.

Make sure whoever you are having make your bow, let them know your concerns.  J.D. is great to work with.  And he make sure he gets exactly what you want.


Carl

[Earl E. Nov...mber]

A bow might break at any time, but a long draw is unlikely to hurt a laminated bow.. If it starts stacking bad you'll know you have exceeded it's design criteria.

[Brian Krebs]

I was just watching Byron Ferguson shooting a robinhood; and noticed the fistmile on his bow was really high. How does that effect the chances of breaking a bow ( I shoot 31 inch arrows)...

[JEFF B]

all i can say is have a bow made with your draw length.  

[Bill Skinner]

I watched John Sullins draw a short bow to 32" to demonstrate that short bows can be drawn further than 28".  He pulled the string off the bow.  Something to watch for.  Bill