Longbow questions

[ScooterB3]

I have been shooting a dreamcatcher for awhile and  want try longbows..but I have few questions: 1. Due to grip, does you draw length get shorter when using a long bow? 2. Why would and can two long bows pull/feel differently? I pulled a 54 pound Big Jim Buffalo bow and 55 pound Martin Savannah. The Savannah felt real hard to pull the Buffalo bow didn't pull as hard and didn't feel like a 50+ pound bow. (Both were rated to 28")
Thanks Scooter

[MikeM]

Depending on the style grips your draw length on the longbow may be shorter. I shoot a straight grip and a locator grip on my longbows and my draw is about an inch shorter than my draw on my medium wrist recurves.

As to the feel when you pull them back it depends on the design of the bow. Sometimes the difference in overall length creates a different feel e.g. longer overall length often fells smoother. Sometimes with different limb designs there will be a difference in feel e.g. between a straight end vs. a mild R/D vs. a radical R/D.

[cbCrow]

Scooter, you will probably loose about an 1/2" of pull due to the fact that if you shoot a normal low wrist grip you will be palming the bow more than a recurve. The difference with pull was probably due to what kind of wood was used in the limbs and how the final shaping was done. Wider limbs easier, narrower a little more stout.

[Bowtie]

Overall, the longbow draw should be shorter.  Difference in smoothness of draw, really depends on the type and style of limb (reflex/deflex vs. D style. I have a 62" and 64" longbow, same bowyer, same poundage.  The 62" pulls just a bit smoother... can't explain why.