Need tips for choosing bow for shorter draw length

[Brohawk]

My wife is now getting interested in a bow.  Since the standard for measuring draw weight is 28" and her draw is 24", I need some advice.

I think starting her at a 35# draw weight would be good.  She can learn technique, practice, and build her arm/shoulder/back strength.  The question is in choosing a bow that will be 35# at 24".

Is there a table that gives these values?  Any rules of thumb in determining the draw weight to look for?

Thanks much.  This site is a great resource.  I haven't posted a lot because I've been more busy reading.    

[tecum-tha]

This depends heavily on the design. Especially with recurve bows,24" may not be in the smooth zone yet. I would give Mike Mecredy from Maddog Archery a call, becasue he builds mainly bows for kids and people with short draw length. They don't break the bank either. Unless your wife is pretty strong, I would get her a 35#@28" or more like 25#@24"...
Plenty of choices around in inexpensive kids models like the Ragim Matrix etc.

[Brohawk]

Originally posted by tecum-tha:
This depends heavily on the design. Especially with recurve bows,24" may not be in the smooth zone yet. I would give Mike Mecredy from Maddog Archery a call, becasue he builds mainly bows for kids and people with short draw length. They don't break the bank either. Unless your wife is pretty strong, I would get her a 35#@28" or more like 25#@24"...
Plenty of choices around in inexpensive kids models like the Ragim Matrix etc.

Thanks for the tip!  I sent Mike an email through his website.

[Prairie Drifter]

X2 for Maddog!  

[Lee Robinson .]

Great Planes makes a small bow that is a copy of the 52" Bear Mag...but uses exotic woods like bocote. We have one that we are going to sell since I make bows, but it isn't likely it would do you any good as it is a lefty...sorry.

That bow sells for $325, which may seem pricy for a "youth" bow...but to be honest I hate to call it a "youth" bow as they are of excellent bows with very nice craftsmanship with just as much detail as an adult bow. IMO, they are simply nice bows (a step above most "youth" bows) for people that are done growing with short draws (as they won't outgrow the investment).

[Lee Robinson .]

Here is a 46" version of our "Little Hunter." We will be making a longer version of this bow 54-58" lengths for adults for draws of 23-28"...and a 60" bow for 29" draw lengths (which we may extend out to 30" after some testing to confirm suitability).    http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=48;t=001511  

 

 

The pink one is one I made for my daughter. Her's is 50"...but it isn't finished yet.

 

[blueslfb]

Look up Don Dow Stikbows. He offers a 54" model that will not break the bank.  I ordered one and with shipping it is only $310. As of 5-1-11 his prices go up $25 but they look to be good bows.  He is great to talk to as well. Good luck!

[Orion]

Brohawk:  At lower draw weights you can figure about 2-2 1/2# per inch less than marked at 28 inches.  Thus, to get a bow that draws about 35#@24 inches, it would need to be marked about 45#@28.  Good luck.

[kawika b]

If this bow won't be for hunting then she would might like the smoother draw from a longer bow... plus the longer length would make it more stable for her... imo... and regarding your question about draw weight... most bows will lose/gain 2-3# per inch depending on the bows total weight... something like bows 50# and under lose/gain 2# and bows over 50# lose/gain 3#... or something like that... I'm getting too old to be of any use nowadays, lol.

[MarkE2006]

Kawika, if we do this:

Nana ka maka;
ho`olohe ka pepeiao;
pa`a ka waha.

Observe with the eyes;
listen with the ears;
shut the mouth.

How do we ever get our post count up?  Lol.  

[kawika b]

I didn't say you couldn't type, lol.   :D