Need Tuning Help...

[DMaster]

I am shooting a 58" recurve that is 45# @ 28" and my wingspan is 77" giving me a draw length of 30.8"and my problem seems to be this.

The bow seems to be stacking on reaching about 30+ inches when drawn. The brace height was 8" or more measured from center of grip. I unwound the string and set the bow free and now it is not stacking. The brace height is now about 6".  

Will there be any repercussions while using the bow at this low brace height or should I trade this bow for one that I can realize my almost 31 inch dl with?

[cyred4d]

How does the bow shoot for you at that brace height? If it is working well and your arrows are matched to the bow I don't see any problems.

[hvyhitter]

Personally I'd go for the much longer bow. You may be suprised at the difference in feel with a 62" or longer recurve. I draw a normal 28 and really dont "LIKE" the feel of a 58" bow. Longer bows are much smoother and let you get a cleaner release. This gets more noticable when shooting all day at one of the bigger shoots. After the first 150 shots a short bow can have your fingers screaming where a longer bow wont........You will also have much more latitude in tuning if the bow isnt stacking at your draw and a normal brace height.

[DMaster]

cyred4d, I just unwound the strings last night maybe I will get to shoot it this evening and find out. I am just wondering if there might be any gotcha's involved.

hyhitter, I have suspected that I might savor the flavor of a 62" recurve, then I could use the 58" for friends that would like to try their hand at shooting. I have been anticipating the acquisition of even a long bow thinking there I might find hog heaven.

[Bjorn]

It is very likely you will be unhappy with the bow and the arrow flight having made such a big change in brace height. A 62 or 64" bow will be much more satisfying to use by someone with your draw.

[cedar]

With your long drawlength, you should be shooting  a 64" or even a 66" recurve.  You will be surprised how finger pinch will be eliminated. 6" brace height on a recurve is low, most longbows are 6 1/2", 8" to 8 1/2" would be better on a recurve.

[DMaster]

Bjorn & John49, I started looking and found some bows listed @ 64" although in a dream in a land not so far away is a bow around 75" long made just for me, lol.

[Bowmania]

DMaster,

Smoothness and finger pinch are two of the problems.  Just think of the angle differene on the string to your fingers between a longer bow and what you have.  With that short bow you have more string on your fingers makeing your release more critical.  You can have a perfect bow arm and make a release mistake - you've missed.  The longer bow makes the release less critical - less string on the fingers.

You need 64 to 66 inches.  You'll shoot more accurately, makeing the smoothness and finger pinch pale by comparison.

Bowmania

[Cherokee Scout]

If the brace is too low, you can possibly damage the bow. A low brace can allow the limbs to go too far forward when shot. Be careful.

[michbowhunter]

As the others said, you may damage the bow.  Odds are you will find the bow shocky and loud.  This is caused by excessive string slap at low brace...not much fun to shoot!
The longer string is just going to drop the draw weight a bit at full draw and make it feel like it is not stacking.

[paperenginner]

One big concern with low brace height is for string slap and noise when shooting.  If it is still quiet I would look at going lower and finding that sweet spot.

[ammoeater]

Be careful that string doesn't come apart on you taking that many twists out.

[highPlains]

A lower brace height will also make bow torque a bigger problem. Since the arrow is contacting the string for a longer period of time, follow through is of much more importance.

I would definitely suggest a smoother drawing and/or longer bow if is within your means.

[Shawn Leonard]

I also don't think that the wingspan and draw length equation is accurate. I mean it all has to do with whee you anchor,how you grip the bow and angle of your arm. Just put a clothespin on an arrow and draw the bow and anchor how you are comfortable than let down and measure from the valley of the nock to clothespin. Also there are bows out there, actually quite a few that will handle 31" draws without stacking or pinching that are only 58"s. I shoot a 54" recurve that has no pinch at 30"s and does not start stacking until 31"s or more. So I disagree with everyone saying you "need" this orthat length bow. Shawn

[michbowhunter]

Originally posted by Shawn Leonard:
I also don't think that the wingspan and draw length equation is accurate. I mean it all has to do with whee you anchor,how you grip the bow and angle of your arm. Just put a clothespin on an arrow and draw the bow and anchor how you are comfortable than let down and measure from the valley of the nock to clothespin. Also there are bows out there, actually quite a few that will handle 31" draws without stacking or pinching that are only 58"s. I shoot a 54" recurve that has no pinch at 30"s and does not start stacking until 31"s or more. So I disagree with everyone saying you "need" this orthat length bow. Shawn

Agreed!  I also have a longer draw and love the shorter recurves. Limb design plays a huge part in stacking and finger pinch.  Don't get me wrong, a longer bow would more than likely fix your problem but with the wrong limb design will also stack up at 30-31".  I would try and get to a shoot this summer that has some vendors (bowyers) and try out some different bows...long or short, you should be able to find one that fits.