Bow Length = Forgiveness

[ripstik]

Do you think two inches will make a difference?I am considering a 58" bow vs a 60" bow.I know the theories that go with shooting longer bows,but at what point do you measure?I have a 48" and a 60"bow and I can't really tell much difference between the two.What are your feelings and opinions please?

[Uncle Buck]

what is your draw length?

[Ragnarok Forge]

I think you will find a larger difference in shootability in the shorter bow lengths.  I cannot tell any difference between a 66 inch longbow and a 68 inch longbow.

[Don Stokes]

Two inches can make a big difference, but probably not in bows.      

Most folks find that longer bows are more forgiving in general. It depends on factors like your draw length and shooting style. I can't shoot anything under about 58" worth a flip.

[Jedimaster]

58" is my compromise length. Typically I shoot 62" or longer recurves better (I guess that means they are more forgiving) but I can do as well at 58" as I can with 60".  I like short bows for hunting but less than 58" and my consistency begins to decrease to a place where my confidence suffers.  YMMV.

[ripstik]

I am short and stocky.My DL is 28".I shoot my 48"bow well at less than 20 yards.Works well for turkeys and blinds.I am going to order a new bow and thought maybe 58" might be the deal for me.I wanted to feel you guys out and hear what you had to say.I will be using my new bow for deer hunting.

[snag]

It really depends on the bow. Some designs are just more forgiving. Whereas, some are not!

[stickbowmaniac]

Go with the 60" would be my decision.My draw is also 28".

[hunterbob]

I use to shoot a widow longbow 66" but now I am shooting a Beeler at 56" and it is real forgiving and feels alot like the 66" widow.I thought for sure when I ordered the Beeler I would'nt be able to shoot it.but its the best choice I ever made.I am ordering another one in 56" from Dave for my hunting bow in alittle more weight and keeping the one I just got two months ago for my 3D and back up hunting bow.at 56" and a 28 to 29" draw you get no finger pinch at all.and they are real lookers also.

[Bowferd]

My draw is 28.5+ on most bows. They actually draw a bit different.
I shoot between 58" and 68" on my current bows.
More forgiving, more consistent?
Seems to me you can learn to shoot a good bow no matter what the length.
Personal preference seems to have a lot to do with automobiles, bows and women, in alphabetical order.
If not convinced, please press shuffle.

[Night Wing]

Bow design makes a difference also. My 68", 41# hybrid longbow is not as smooth drawing as my 66", 42# recurve even though the recurve is 1# heavier and 2" shorter. The longbow feels heavier in draw weight too.

[skarcher]

My previous experience was longer bows seemed smoother and more consistent UNTIL I got my 58" Kanati. Don't know how Jason did it, but it draws super smooth way past my 28.5 DL, and I shoot it more consistently than the vast majority of the longer bows I've owned.

Bottom line - I believe bow design and bower skill is a much greater factor than length of the bow.

[BWD]

Not all bows are created equal. I've shot both short and long bows that were forgiving, and some that were better forgotten.