A bow that Fits.

[HcSmitty]

So here i am wondrin bout some things.  Im gettin more n more addicted to trad archery.  Im really, really wantin to improve my shooting.  Right now im shootin a 62" recurve from Hummingbird bows.  But im only 5'6" and my draw length is 24"(ime currently workin on my form to maximise my draw).  Ive been told that a 58" bow would fit me better. And that i would be working the limbs more, thus improveing arrow flight and maybe accuracy.  Do u think this would feel better for me?  All u guys tell me how tall u are n what size bow u shoot and how well it feels to you and how it performs.

[Dick in Seattle]

I am also 5'6".   I have a 25" draw.. when I hit full draw 8^)    The Hummingbird is a great bow, and that length should be very good for you.  Beginners often fall into the trap of thinking that a different bow is going to make them a better archer.  As someone who went through some 70 bows in a matter of a few years, let me say that it isn't how well the bow you shoot shoots, it's how well you shoot the bow you shoot.   (Love saying that!)  

Seriously, a 62" RD is a good length for a short draw person, and should provide (usually) a smoother draw and be a bit more forgiving.   I no longer shoot R/D bows, but straight longbows, and my "optimum" length is 66".    However, I comfortably shoot bows to 70" and down to 60"... and 60" is a very short straight longbow.  

The advantage of shorter is not in accuracy. Generally, most folks will shoot a longer bow better.   Most of the great old trad target bows were very long.  The short bow is handier for hunting and is a bit faster, all else being equal.  

Example:  As stated, my optimum or favorite length is 66", but I'm finishing a new hunting bow right now (second coat of TruOil went on this evening).  I wanted it for travel, so it's my first take down, and is 61" long.  I won't take a shot over 20 yards, so I am not concerned about it's short length.  It'll handle well and pack small.  That's why I built it.    For local 3D shooting, where there are longer shots, I'll stick with my 66" bows.

The bow you have is a good one, and a good size for you to learn form on.  Form is more critical on a shorter bow.  I'd stick with it.

[bowmofo]

The biggest thing to worry about is weight I find shooting a bow that I can easily handle improved my shooting more than anything. I'm sure Dick would agree     Mike

[R H Clark]

I Agree with the above.Some of the best bare bow target archers in the world are shooting 68" and 70" recurves.

I think it would be a lot easier to get a bow too short for you than too long.Just work on all aspects of form before worrying about the bow.

As said above a bow too heavy would be a good reason to get another bow but too long would not be a consideration for me unless I needed it for clearence in a blind.

[Sixby]

Something being missed here is that a shorter bow can be more easily maximized to shoot better for your short draw length, Built properly it will put more power into the arrow than a poorly flexed bow that is not using its limbs. A 62 in bow can be built to shoot more efficiently at 24 inches but most 62 in bows are designed to be efficient at 28 or even 29 inches, not at 24. A longer riser or even power lammed limb would be a more efficient bow for you at 62 in than one designed to shoot at 28 inches. The truth is that you would be getting more power on the arrow with a properly designed 58 or 60 in bow set up for a 24 in draw than you probably are now.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I'm 5'7" and I have a 27.75" Draw w/My Selfbow I made. It's a long bow and it's 70"N2N (72"T2T) I've been hunting with it for 1 year and have taken deer from Ground & Tree.

[Brandon Stahl]

[Frisky]

If you like to hunt, I'd go with a shorter bow. I shoot bows to 58" really well and plan to get a 55-56"er. I currently spend most of my time with a 60" bow. I'm 5' 11" and draw 28". I hunt low to the ground and even see big advantages in 48" bows. With your short draw, I feel you likely would have no problem with a 58" bow. I recommend 58" as the best all around hunting bow. Target bows will be longer.

Joe

[sw]

I spend alot of time with short bows and i have found that if you tune your arrows carefully, are consistant in your draw and release AND have a poundage you can handle very comfortablly - a short bow can be very accurate.

I agree however that a short bow is less forgiving of archers error - i shoot 68" longbows to 125 yards at human cardboard targets at faires and hit consistantly - but with my faster and flatter shooting custom magyars - im not nearly as consistant unless i really tone down and pay attention.

[R H Clark]

Sixby
You mention a 58"-60" bow that is set up to maximize a 24" draw.The only way that would be possible is to set the limb pocket angles so that the bow would be at max and start to stack just past 24".I don't know of any bowyers that make a 58"-60" bow that is not rated for draws past 25".I suppose it could be done but it would drastically cut down on the sales from that form if it wouldn't handle at least a 28" draw.