Finding the correct bow length

[Venger]

First off, a question not directly related to the topic, but still needed to be known. What is the difference between brace height and bow length?

And the reason for this topic: how is a proper bow length, whether it be for a recurve, R/D, or longbow, determined? Through general info and hear say, I have surmised that a longbow is supposed to be as long as you are tall. Is this true? And while this might be true for long bows, who is the correct length determine for a recurve? Is there some sort of measuring equation, like determining proper draw length, that can be performed to find the correct bow length, for any style of bow?

AS always, thanks a bundle for your first hand knowledge and help. It is greatly appreciated.

-Venger

[Rob DiStefano]

a stick bow's "proper" brace height range is typically given by the bowyer.  lots depends on the bow's design and length, and there are other factors to consider, as well.

stick bow lengths are based on draw length.

click on the "trad archery" link in my sig line for detailed info about stick bow types, and lengths as recommended for specific draw lengths.

[Venger]

Ah, thanks Rob. That helps. I did a forum fail by asking before researching, and from what I have just learned, 66" seems to be about the norm, give or take a few inches. But that +/- a few inches is what has me worried. Does it really matter on the exact length? Doe sit have to be perfect? Or is there some wiggle room?

[Hermon]

Two people of the same height may like different length bows due to differences in their shooting styles and personal preferences.  It would be best to try and find somewhere you could try out bows of different lengths to see what felt best to you.  Also, the design of the bow can make a difference.

[amar911]

Depending on the design of the bow, I own and shoot everything between a short 50 inch AMO length bow and a longer 68 inch AMO length bow. I am 6'1" tall and have a 29.5" draw length. Do much more research on the various bow designs before you decide that for your draw length there is a perfect length. For instance, in a Hill style longbow you might want a 66 inch bow, but in a Shrew Classic Hunter longbow a 56 inch bow would be exactly what you need. For a Brackenbury Quest you would probably want a length about half way in between the others I just mentioned. If you decide on a particular type of bow and want to know what length would be good for your draw length, just post the information here and ask. I guarantee you will get plenty of informed responses.

Allan

[Venger]

AS far as specific bow designs go Allan, I have narrowed my search down to a 3 piece take down. Having a hard time finding one I like though. I figured finding my correct bow length would help specify what I want exactly, rather than looking at take down recurves in general.

EDIT: Okay so here is what I have so far, though I find it a bit odd that one can pay more for their limbs than the bow it self. The only question I have is if the listed bow is capable of swapping with the selected limb weight, but if I understand what I have been told, because it is the same company of both the riser and limb maker, they should be interchangeable.

-Riser   Trad tech archery  
-Limbs   Trad tech archery  

Now,on the riser, is says "66" Riser only". For clarification, what does this mean? I hope it doesn't mean that one can only use 66" limbs.

Obviously price is an issue here, a I am sure it is with most folks. And of course I understand that archery isn't exactly a cheap sport, but one of my determining factors in choosing these items was price, though it came after all other archer specific requirements (draw weight, draw length, etc.).

[Hermon]

Originally posted by Venger:
AS far as specific bow designs go Allan, I have narrowed my search down to a 3 piece take down. Having a hard time finding one I like though. I figured finding my correct bow length would help specify what I want exactly, rather than looking at take down recurves in general.

I don't think that there is just one "proper" bow length for anyone.  One bowyers bow in a given length may not feel good to you and the same length bow from another bowyer might feel great.  I guess that you might just have to find a couple bows that catch your eye and then contact the bowyer(s) and talk to them as to their recommendation as to length for your draw and style of shootin.  Trying a bow is really going to be the only way to tell if you like it.

[Kentucky Jeff]

No general rule applies.  The correct bow length is generally tradeoff between comfort/shootability and convenience...  Otherwise we would all be shooting very long bows which are more comfortable and easier to shoot than shorter bows. (That was a generalization that fails when you look at specific varibles like all generalizations).  For example Olympic archers all shoot pretty long recurves--you don't find any short bows on the target line and there's a reason for that. For a hunting bow you might sacrifice comfort for the convenience and practical implications of a short bow...

[YORNOC]

Amen on this, NO WAY is a certain bow length set for anyone. Some guys shoot short bows well, and vice versa depending ONLY on the individual. Dont limit yourself by the general rules. Experiment and you may be surprised. The most influential thing I EVER did in archery was to shoot three bows, of the same bowyer, draw weight but three different lengths, 60, 62, and 64 inches. I know an impossibility normally but pulled it off at a trad rendesvous.
According to general rules I should shoot a 60" bow, which I pretty much struggled with for years. I will never shoot under 64" again. The difference in my accuracy with a longer bow was paramount. And I'm sure other guys have found the opposite for themselves.
Shoot what YOU shoot well.

[SELFBOW19953]

Venger,

Don't know where in Georgia you are, but try checking the sponsor list and see if there is a bowyer or trad shop near you and get them to show you-try different styles, lengths, etc. before you spend any money.  There may even be a bow shoot you can visit.