questions on bow length, performance, and draw weight

[Itazipa]

I have a couple of questions I've had trouble researching. Can anyone help me?

I'm considering a new longbow, 50# or 55# @ 28", and I'm trying to decide on bow length of 58", 62", or 64". My draw length is 27". I want to get the best performance out of the bow, but also want to hit what I'm aiming at. I understand the longer bows would be more forgiving, but with my relatively short draw, won't I be missing a lot of arrow speed (and umph!) with the longer bows? Secondly, and I know this sounds rediculous but would really appreciate your patience --- given two bows with the same draw weight, 55# @ 28" for example, would a longer bow (64") be easier to pull than a shorter bow (58") because of increased leverage of the longer limbs? Thanks for your help in advance.

[Orion]

You're probably considering a hybrid, right? a bow with a lot of deflex/reflex.  If so, something like a 58-inch Shrew would work real nice at your draw length.  Personally, I'd go with something in the 62-inch range, but I'm biased toward longer bows.  There's a lot of stuff that impact a bow's speed and ease of drawing other than length; and design and construction are two big ones.  Regardless, there really isn't going to be much difference in speed between the bow lengths in well made, well designed bows.  55# is 55 pounds and you'll need to pull it either way, the longer bow will likely draw a little smoother, which many people translate into easier drawing, but you still have to get the same weight back.  Best thing to do is try a lot of different styles and lengths before buying.  Good luck.

[Overspined]

good advice orion. also, your draw length is your draw length, don't sweat it. just find a bow that shoots with the feel and accuracy you are looking for and go with it. The longer bows give you less finger pinch as well which can be nice for release. Ken Beck at Black widow said their longer longbows performed better than the shorter ones, so length alone is not a good indicator of speed. Just ignore that more or less.

[vermonster13]

Speak to the bowyers of the different models you are considering. Length doesn't have to be the deciding factor in preload/performance for your draw length. Design can cover that and there are a lot of great bowyers on here that can set you up right. Like Orion said though, try everything you can to find a grip, style and feel that fits your shooting/hunting style.

[crotch horn]

I have a 26" draw and like the shorter bows myself. It all depends on what feels good to you so like stated earlier shoot as many as possible and find what you like. Then talk to the bowyer and they will do you right. Chad from Lost Creek makes some great shorter bows as well as normal lengths. Might check him out.

[BCWV]

I'll second what crotch horn said. I have 2 Lost Creek longbows. One is a 56 inch, 46@27 and one is a 48@27, 60 incher. I have a 26.5 inch draw. I shoot the same arrows out of each of them and can shoot either one the same. The 56 seems to point better for me though.
 Give one a try if you can.

[Blackhawk]

Most bowyers have designs that are unique to them.  Some have shorter bows (56"-58") that perform well in the speed and accuracy department while others may perform better with 62"-64" bows.  

It cannot be stressed enough that one should shoot as many different bows as possible and then talk with the bowyer before ordering.

[MercilessMing]

 It all depends on what feels good to you so like stated earlier shoot as many as possible and find what you like. Then talk to the bowyer and they will do you right.

Ultimately it's the one behind the bow to judge and to decide.  Local archery club members are usually friendly enough to lend their bows for few shots if you explained to them your intend.  You should try best to test a bow before you order one.  I ordered my first longbow before even shooting any longbow.  Although the bow turned out to be better than I expected, I suffered months of worries.

Some bowyers offer test drive for their clients to take advantage of try before buying.  Even the bows from the same bowyer may shoot and feel very differntly.  I have two differnt models of JD Berry longbows which are same length and same draw weight.  After a few of my archery club members tried both bows, it was interesting to see how they feel differently and shot differently on each bow respectively.

[lpcjon2]

For looks you shouldn't buy a bow taller then you...LOL You should try and shoot some long ones and short ones and choose it for comfort and performance.If you are not comfortable shooting it you wont enjoy it and most likely you wont shoot well with it.

[Bjorn]

'Short bow-short draw' sounds like it should make sense; but it doesn't follow. What makes more sense is how are you using the bow?
Treestand and pop-up blind-short bow. Spot and stalk-medium bow. Targets and 3D long as you want.
Where the bow powers up is dependent on design and tiller not limb length.
Shoot as many bows as you can. Take advantage of 'try before you buy' programs and find the bowyer and bow tha't right for you.

[BobW]

geometry (design) is a big part of the equation.  Which ever length bow it is, its the string angle approaching 90 degrees at full draw where you are getting "the most" out of the limb.....

by design, this can happen on a short or long dimensioned bow.

All of the above mentioned is important too.

Shoot as many as you can to see what works best for you.  And talk to the bowyers.

BobW

[8Charles]

Also, be aware of riser length. It too would have an effect Example, compare two  58" bows.  One with a 14" riser and one with a 16" riser.  The one with a 14" riser will have limbs 1" longer each on a given 58" bow.  As BobW said, geometry (design) is a big part of the equation.

[684Kevin]

I prefer the longer limbs and their feel.  Hunting with the longer bow may cause some clearance implications whether in a ground blind or tree stand.  I shoot thousands of shots practicing to one shot while hunting.  Comfort of draw and a consistent shot is much more important to me.  I usually can adjust the tree stand/blind when setting up to accomodate the longer bow.