Short Draw...Long Bow

[Mountain_Man]

I've been thinking... (insert jokes here..lol)
I am wanting to get a new Deflex/Reflex Longbow. With a 24in draw and being Left Handed, I am pretty limited in finding a bow that suits me. I was told and had originally thought of buying a more common draw with a higher poundage in order to get the poundage I need at 24in. But, after thinking about it a bit. I am afraid that I would not get very good performance out of the bow. Four inches (compared to 28in) seems like alot of limb action/string travel, thats goin' to see no action. What are some thought on this?

Also, I have been thinking about the length of a bow. Will a shorter longbow be more appropriate for a short draw? Would a custom 58in bow made for a 24in draw give equal performance of the same 58in bow with same weight made for a guy with an 28in draw? It seems like ole long arms is getting more action out of the limbs. Is there a limit in the length of a bow for a 24in draw? Am I going to get the same performance out of a custom 66in long 24in draw, as an custom 58in in same weight and draw? Are custom bows made to suit a draw length? Or just made to hit a certain poundage at that draw length?

Or is the design of the bow so forgiving that a few inches in draw isnt going to affect the performance as long as its in the desired weight at your draw?  Whatchall thank? ...Jason

[George D. Stout]

I would discuss this with a prospective bowyer.
They can perhaps design lamination setups that will enhance your short draw on a given bow length.   I'm not smart enough to figure that out, so let it to the ones who do that stuff for a living.  8^).

[JEFF B]

i also have a short draw. 26" and i have a longbow that a buddy made me it is a 58" longbow and 45# @26" and that is just great for my short draw so a custom 58" bow will be just dandy for ya no problem. and i cant see any differince between a 58" with a 28" draw and one with a24" draw if they are the same poundage they should shoot the same. just my 2 cents worth  

[freefeet]

I believe Jim at Centaur bows has a short draw himself.  Could be worth a chat there.

I seriously thinking about buying a Centaur myself.

[hvyhitter]

Sometimes it is better to match a short draw to a proper bow. I had picked up a 68" longbow for my daughter. With her 25 inch draw it was just at the edge of the power stroke of the limb. If she pulled to her full draw it shot pretty good,if she was just a little short the arrow barely left the bow. Bought her a 58 inch recurve of the same weight, problem solved.

[wingnut]

Jason,

We designed and built a bow the Phoenix for shorter draw lengths this last year that you might want to take a look at.  We also have a Lefty in stock.  Our $75 off and free shipping applys to this bow so it's $585 to your door.

LEFT HAND NEW! Phoenix - Texas Ebony riser and tips. Tonkin Bamboo limbs with Spalted Myrtle veneers and clear glass.  54" nock to nock, 49#'s @ 28"  

For the pic go to:

 http://www.dryadbows.com/instock/instock.htm

Mike

[Pete W]

A longer draw will always out perform the same weight in a short draw in the same model bow.The longer power stroke is a big advantage when it comes to performance.
 Some  bowyers can optimise the limb for your draw length, but it will never make up for 4" of draw length.

Pete

[Mountain_Man]

Thanks fellers for the replies.

freefeet, yes I have been looking at centaur bows.. very sweet lookers. And yes I saw where Jim shoots a 25in draw. His 52lb 25in draw Double Carbon shoots 188fps in that broadhead video he done with I think an 490gr arrow. I will definitely give the centaur some serious consideration. I could at least be confident that he can make a nice short draw bow..lol

Mike, great looking bows! .. The one in stock, isnt going to work for me though. Going to need at least 55lb @ 24.. but, thanks for bringing my attention to your site.. another one to browse..lol

Pete, I think I'm with you on that.. but...
now I am curious as to matched length of the bow to draw length. I see most bowyers suggest their shorter bows for shorter draw, which makes sense. Now I'm curious how the shorter bow matched to shorter draw would compare to longer bow, longer draw of same weight and model.
Again, thanks for the info and replies so far.. do we have any physics majors here?  

[katie]

Jason-
I have been up and down this road with my 23" draw.  Right now I am shootin a JK Traditions Kanati for my longbow.  It is 56".  I got it used.  It was made for a 28" draw but I get great power from it.  I have had 58"-60" longbows that I just did not get much out of.  I feel that you have to go with short limbs when you have a short draw.  I also have a longbow and recurve from Maddog.  He makes a midsize bow for people withshort draws.  Had 2 arrows go straight though a whitetail with a 51" Maddog longbow mad for my draw!  Yeah, it was $150 new  
Good luck-Katie

[Chortdraw]

Know what you mean cuz I have a 24 inch draw myself. I build my own bows and played around with limb styles and lengths too. I shoot the best with 56" in both recurve and long bow. Also have 54" longbow that shoots good but like 56-58" for most of my shooting. I just built a 56" static tip recurve that shoots quite fast with my short draw. You have to make those work at your draw!!................Chortdraw