short bow and long arms

[daddymonster]

Hi there, I am looking to replace my 70" recurve with of something better for hunting as my recurve is old, nasty and a piece of &%^%. I see a lot of hunting bows are really short. What are the ?advantages/disadvantages of using a bow that is shorter than your draw length?

[DanielB89]

What is your draw length?

the benefits are having a bow more maneuverable.  There are several GREAT short bows out there.  
1. Big jim Thunderchild
2. Javaman Elkheart
3. Kanati

I also believe that Tolke has a new short bow out.  I just got a 56" thunderchild and it doesn't stack a lick at my 29.5" draw.  I absolutely LOVE IT

[macbow]

To me the only advantage to a,really short bow is maneuvering in the brush, tree stand , blind etc.

There are some disadvantages which could include finger pinch on the string and "stacking".

Not too many shooting 70 inches these days.

[Archer1019]

Just to clarify so as to be able to reply accurately,  when you say you're looking for pros and cons of a bows length shorter than your draw length - how are you determining draw length when you phrase that?  I think I know what you mean but just want to be sure.

[Archer1019]

Just to clarify so as to be able to reply accurately,  when you say you're looking for pros and cons of a bows length shorter than your draw length - how are you determining draw length when you phrase that?  I think I know what you mean but just want to be sure.

[daddymonster]

My natural draw length is about 33.5" when I am shooting targets with my recurve, verified for me by professional archery people. I am 6'7. I see a lot of hunting recurves that are 60". Does that mean there are a bunch of guys not using their full draw or are they dealing with string pinch?

[Orion]

Wow.  At 33 inches plus, I wouldn't go with anything under 66 inches in a recurve or hybrid, and probably 72 inches in a straight longbow.

Stack and finger pinch will be an issue with bows shorter than that.  Plus, that draw length on a 60-inch bow puts extreme stress on the limbs.  Good chance of simply blowing up the bow.  

Most guys who are shooting 60-inch recurves have draw lengths in the 27-29-inch range.  Sure some might have longer draw lengths, but not many.  

You're just a big fella.  Need to size your equipment accordingly.

[ChuckC]

Ya know, we all have certain experience and that is all.  A lot of folks are really OK with what they got and have never experienced something different.  It is easy to say one thing is great if you have never had anything to compare it to.

Common sense tells us that the longer the bow, the less acute the angle is when we pull it back, and this is especially true for long draw guys.  If you have no issue with string pinch (caused by that acute angle), then go for it.  If the bow holds together on that long draw, it will be great.  That stress on the bow is another very real potential with pulling it back that far.

I am guessing that many, maybe most of the folks here might tend to steer you towards a longer bow.  OK, not necessarily 70" but certainly 62" and up.  If 62" is a short bow for you, try one.  I draw 30.5" and am very comfy with my 62" recurve.  You may even be better off with a 64" bow.  

I have experienced finger pinch in the past and don't want to deal with it.  It hurts after a bit, it screws up clean releases and causes you to get upset at your shooting.

For several years I have been eyeing a short 52" recurve for bowfishing out of my kayak, but just can't get past that for certain string pinch at my draw.  So I use what fits me best.

Those include longer bows from 62" up to 68".  
ChuckC

[damascusdave]

Not hsrd to avoid string pinch if one uses a 2 finger release with a static tip bow

DDave

[hybridbow hunter]

I draw 31,5" and shoot 3 under. I use 60" recurve (toelke Lynx) but it is on the limit. But this is 2 " shorter than you!
 I use it as close range hunting bow on tiny spot or tree stand were most of the time you may shoot a tad under your full draw.
All the "short bows designed for extra long draws" are false advertising when you make scientific testing with a draw force curve and measure string angle at full draw ( hand draw). That being said, you may find 58" or 60" glass bow that won't blow at your draw length if this is the only parameter.
At 33+ " draw length forget short bows. Stay in the 64" minimum length with 16 or18" riser and better one piece bows or if take down model, classic bolt on better than ILF
 Moreover, if you want something reliable stay in the fiberglass limbs rather than carbon. You may find 62" bows going to 33" draw but you will be at the limit. For a limited budget the 64" Kiowa from Great Plains bows is a very good option and sold up to 35" or most high end bowyer in the sponsor list will make you something "custom"

[macbow]

At your draw length and height a 70 inch is a perfect fit for you.
Can't think,of any reason to go shorter.

When you say your bow is,old and ugly or something like that
Does it shoot well ? Get the job done?
Maybe you just want a new bow. Nothing wrong with that.

[daddymonster]

It was an old bow before I got it. You can see the sideways bend in one of the limbs. Although I am a little envious of people with dozens of bows my budget and my financial officer (bless her) wouldn't let me get more bows than I need. I only use it for hunting and I can only fire one bow at a time so one working bow might be enough.

[stagetek]

You can certainly shorten your draw length a bit. I am your height as well, and can easily draw to 33", but have managed to cut that down to 30.5", and still maintain decent form. My bows are 60-64", but I do occasionally shoot some shorter ones for fun.

[2nocks]

Maybe try a 64" super kodiak if you can find one to test.