would maybe a longbow be better?

[alteredbeast]

My wife just started shooting with me and the kids a couple weeks ago. She's 5' 7" 117 lbs but was born with the bones in her arms twisted and fused (same with my daughter) they have zero rotation at the wrist so my wife has to use a release. I started her out with a PSE Snake recurve 22 lbs. Shes getting the hang of it. Shouldn't be long before i need to get her a new bow. she only has about a 24" draw. Open to suggestions on a bow for her. I was thinking a longbow not sure though as it'll need to be around 30 lb.

[Matty]

Interesting. So guessing her hands are constantly pronated and she can't supinate?  So in her bow hand she can shoot off the webbing between her thumb and index finger or wrist LOW.  It will make little difference in which bow. As he release hand is what will give you the most trouble. ..this is very interesting.  But based on just your written word it's hard to assume her given anatomy. I would chose something with a high wrist locator type grip.  For comfort

[alteredbeast]

Yes the main problem is the string hand as even with the release its not comfortable for her to anchor against her face though thats not as bad if she can remember to keep her elbow high. only problem with the bow hand is she can't turn her elbow out its always down so she gets string slapped often.

[damascusdave]

The simple answer is that, at a beginner level, there is just no significant reason to choose either design over the other

DDave

[alteredbeast]

Well my thinking here is arrow speed at under 30 lbs I don't know which type would be faster or feel easier.

[damascusdave]

You have to fix the string slap thing first...think about what is happening every time she gets whacked...it hurts...we normally associate flinching with firearms noise and recoil...flinching can just as easily be caused by string slap from a bow...I know this is not what you want to hear...you need to do whatever it takes to get an experienced archery coach to take a look at what is going on so that she can enjoy what she is doing...this is not an equipment issue...it is an adaptation-of-form issue....post something in the form thread...we have some real experts who hang out there who will offer some good input

DDave

[alteredbeast]

i'll do that thanks. though i think we're getting it figured out changed her stance to about 45 degrees to the target that helped alot. We don't even have an archery shop around here let alone a coach.

[damascusdave]

You may be surprised at how close you are to a good coach...see if any of your local schools are involved in the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP)...bowwild, who is a member of tradgang, started the program...he should be able to tell you about someone to contact in your area

DDave

[alteredbeast]

wow schools here disbanded thier archery programs in the early 80's

[Danny Rowan]

I would think you need to stick with a recurve, if she is getting some string slap now with a recurve she will get a lot more with a longbow due to the different grip and needing to turn the elbow out more unless it is a modern longbow with a pistol type grip. Most longbows require a bent elbow on the bow arm while a recurve does not.

[alteredbeast]

good point Danny and she likes the looks of a recurve better anyhow. We're getting there and having a blast doing it!

[Fletcher]

Danny, where in Illinois are you?  I'm just outside Spfld.  PM if you want.

[alteredbeast]

sent a pm Fletcher

[Pheonixarcher]

You should also consider a custom build. With her unique form, most of your 'average' grips are not going to help her shoot any better. There may be a way to offset the grip a little and get it at the right angle for her (and your daughter) to shoot more comfortably.

[Pheonixarcher]

Oops!, double post.

[alteredbeast]

Yep if I had the money a custom build would be the way to go. Maybe next years tax time...