How short is too short and how long is to long?

[CoastalHunter]

First let me say hello to everyone. My name is Sean and I've been lurking in the shadows for a few weeks now reading posts and trying to learn all I can about traditional archery and bow hunting. I haven't bought my first bow yet but I am leaning towards a Internature Viper (mainly due to price) but I am also open to recurves. Seeing as I have no experience with either type of bow I haven't formed an opinion one way or other. I guess telling you guys what I plan on using it for would be a good idea then you can give me an idea what to look at in a bow. I live in SE N.C. on the coast and plan on hunting Whitetails and small game. The woods around here consist of Pine forests choked with underbrush, cut downs choked with underbrush and thick swamps so shots are usually close even with a rifle and traveling through it is slow going. Most of the time you cant see 10yds in front of your face on the ground but from a tree stand you can see 30 to 50 yards. I need a bow short enough for getting through the thick stuff and shooting from tree stands but long enough to be forgiving and smooth. My draw length is between 27" & 28" and my first bow will be 45# (minimum # allowed for traditional gear in N.C., training wheel guys can shoot 40#  :confused:  ) So what is the shortest I can go in a recurve or longbow but still be forgiving and smooth enough for a beginner to learn on? Also any opinions on bows in the under $200.00 range that would be good to start with would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Sean

[Kip]

I like short bows but I use a 58"(still short) now for most of my hunting and think it is about just right for my style of hunting and areas I hunt.Quinns bows look good in 60" for your price range.Kip

[Golden Hawk]

I have a 28" draw and find that I really like a 56" or 58" bow in both recurve and longbow. There are some really well made shorter bows out there but for a starter I'd go abit longer Until you get your form established. Then you can drop in length. Shorter bows are a bit more touchy to shoot for beginners.

[mcgroundstalker]

Welcome Aboard!!!... :D ...

Try to find a used Bear Grizzly Recurve...58" bow, 45 or 50 pounds...Might find one on this site for $100-$150...

But if you are new to trad bow shooting you "should" learn with a lighter draw weight...

Good Luck!!!

... mike ...

[Orion]

I've never found that very short bows were any advantage in thick cover.  A 58-60-inch recurve or 62-66-inch longbow would work well at your draw length.  Lots of old Bear, Pearson, Shakespeare, etc. recurves available in the $200 and under range.  Good luck.

[DEERSLAYER1961]

I agree with Orion.  I shoot a 64" longbow in some very heavy cover, and have no problems, and they work just as well out of an open front hang on stand.  I would start with a lower poundage bow if you can afford it, but if this will be the only bow you can get, and plan to hunt with it than get one that is your states minimum in poundage.  

I prefer a longbow, and find it more foregiving to a not so clean release.  You can find a nice starter bow right here in your price range.

>DEERSLAYER---->

[James Wrenn]

I like a 60" recurve and 68 -70" longbows.I can slip a 70" longbow through the thickest stuff as easy as with the shorter recurve.The recurve is short enough if I need to hunt in a blind I can.That is the only good reason for needing a bow that short.

[Bard1]

I respectfully disagree with Orion and deerslayer.  I have found that a shorter bow is much easier in thick cover and makes shots from sitting or kneeling MUCH easier.  That being said, shorter bows do tend to be much less forgiving and thus more difficult to learn to shoot with.  I would recomend you try something about 62 inches, give or take a couple inches.

[Slasher]

Originally posted by mcgroundstalker:
Welcome Aboard!!!...  :D  ...

Try to find a used Bear Grizzly Recurve...58" bow, 45 or 50 pounds...Might find one on this site for $100-$150...

But if you are new to trad bow shooting you "should" learn with a lighter draw weight...

Good Luck!!!

... mike ...

I totally agree!!! I've had 2 bear bows... and got more out of them than I had in them... before moving up to something nicer...

I would say DO IT!!! You will not regret it!!! By the third tim shooting, you'll be in-love... the first or second can be a lil discouraging though...

[30coupe]

My 62" longbow gets anywhere I do and also works out of my ground blind and tree stand. I like 60" recurves. Mine has been through some really nasty stuff. We have multiflora rose here. If you have never experienced that, imagine moving through hooked razor blades...that would be a walk in the park compared to MF roses.

While Bard likes the shorter bows, I have no trouble shooting any of mine sitting or kneeling and I am only 5'9". He is right about longer bows being more forgiving. This starts becoming a factor when you get under 58 inches. Finger pinch and stack can also increase as bow length decreases.

Another thing I find more forgiving is cedar arrows...they smell nice when you make or break them too! I have tried about every combination of weights and feathers, but can't seem to make carbons shoot like cedars. I like the toughness of carbon, but can't shoot them as well. Aluminum arrows fall somewhere inbetween for me. If I had to choose just one arrow material, it would be Port Orford cedar, hands down.

I am partial to the old Bear bows, especially the Black Bear. The length and slender grip make them easy for me to shoot. Grizzlies are easier to find though and make a fine bow that will last a lifetime with a little care. I am sure there are others that are fine as well, but I have more experience with Bear. Herter's had some good bows, but they aren't quite as fast shooting as the Bears.

Welcome to the fold. A word of warning: this can be very addictive!  

[CoastalHunter]

First thanks for all the input. You Trad Gang guys are some of the nicest most helpfull people I've found on the web. It looks like I need to keep my eye out for recurve in the 58" plus range or a long bow in the 62" plus range. I have looked at a lot of bows on that outher auction site but I am a little leary about trusting the sellers there seeing as I dont know what to look for and look out for in a used bow. Any tips? Mcgroundstalker I know your right I really should start about 10# lighter but I honestly cant afford to buy two or three bows to get one I can hunt with. I will just have to keep my shooting sessions short and stop when I feel my form falling apart. Also what is the most cost effective arrow choice both in cost and durability wood, alluminum or carbon?  Thanks Sean

[Shawn Leonard]

Yup, 60" bow owuld be a great start. If ya look at the classifieds everyday you will find some nice bowsa round that $200 mark. I have seen Mahaskas and Bears and martins go for that price and less. I think you will do fine with 45#s to start. Carbons are the best way to go, but some guys say they are tricky to tune. When ya get your bow, PM me and I can get ya the right crabon for your set-up!! have fun and keep an eye on the classifieds. Shawn

[CoastalHunter]

Thanks for the advise Shawn. I will definately take you up on your offer when I find a bow. Speaking of finding a bow has anyone heard of a bowyer named Cliff Cole who is from Otter Lake, Michigan. If so what do you think of his longbows? Sean