Bow Length

[snowplow]

Hey guys. So I think a thunderchild will probably be my next bow to try. I seems to be the only one with just what I am looking for (locket-socket takedown, longbow, longbow style handle, short fast and well mannered)

So how do you decide length in a bow such as this? It seems like even the shortest version will easily pull my 28" draw weight and also be the  most efficient (all though I dont know how 'efficiency' matters in this).

Why would you want a longer one?

[Kris]

I'm not familiar with the Thunderchild specifically, but within most bow designs, the longer they are, the more enjoyable they tend to be to shoot.  I did not say maneuverable. You do not say your height, draw length, what you are used to in bow length or what your intended primary use will be....all important considerations.  

What are the lengths the TC is offered in?  28" of draw from a 58" bow is not the same as 28" of draw from a 66" bow...no matter what anyone says...they will feel different.  The 66" being more comfortable i.e. the string angle at your fingers will be more obtuse, lending to less finger pinch and potentially a better release.  For the same weight, 66" will pull "easier" and feel "lighter" even though it is the same draw weight.  Leverage is key here.

Hope this helps?

Kris

[bear bowman]

I'm in the same boat as you snow plow. I do not have a 28" draw, more like 26 and 3/4. I currently shoot a 58" r/d bow. I like it but I haven't shot a whole lot of bows either.

I agree with Kris as to what your intended purpose for the bow would go into my decision making process also. The majority if not all of my hunting is done from a tree stand. So I was looking for a short bow.

I'm sure my rambling hasn't helped you with your question.

[nineworlds9]

Get a 56", you'll love it.

[Stump73]

I have a 54" Thunderchild and draw 25". The 56" was to long for my draw. To save you alot of time and confusion. I would contact BigJim himself. He will know more than anyone on what youll need in length.

[snowplow]

Thanks guys. I currently have a 56 Helmsdeep which I really really like. I just want a longbow grip and a takedown (on the next purchase).

To answer your question, I hunt in western wa on the ground, which is pretty brushy. Definitely looking for a short bow. With that said, I cant say the 56 has felt too long. But my hill style longbow definitely did. Way too long. Oh and 28" draw, shooting for 60# ish.

[snowplow]

PS What is efficiency all about?

They say that a 54" bow that works at your draw length will be more efficient than a 58".

What does that translate to in the real world??

[Elkchaser]

I have a 54" JavaMan Elkheart and draw 28" and it is very comfortable. Smooth all the way back and spits out an arrow!
Love it. And it's a 2 pc takedown with the bow bolt sytem and phenolic riser, so some nice mass to the riser.  

[old_goat2]

I hunt from a tree with a 64" Longbow, the longer one won't be a problem unless you can't shoot with different amounts of bow cant! In the brush, well that's a different story!

[BigJim]

I enjoy both my buffalo 64' and my thunderchild 58" with my 32" draw. I find both of them to be enjoyable to shoot and have no issues with finger pinch. your mileage may vary however.
I find most guys are shooting weights that are more than they can handle and they shoot less and less over time. Rather than down size in weight, they get longer bows of the same draw weight.
It feels "smoother" and they think they are still doing the same thing when in reality, they could be doing just as well with a shorter bow and a few less lbs.
We are talking about hunting and not 100 meter target competitions or the  like.
This can be solved by determining what is the most important to you:  performance, maneuverability, perceived draw weight, "smoothness", overall shootability (accuracy/consistancy), vanity.

BigJim

[Bjorn]

A few years ago my son and I sold our 62" ACS bow limbs and went with 64" bow limbs-we kept our risers. The difference was way noticeable. Just a much more pleasant feel and more accurate. I draw 27 he draws 29.
I know the fashion is towards shorter bows but check it out for yourself before you commit.

[DanielB89]

I will echo what Big Jim said, I have a 29" draw and had a 58" TC at first.  Man, was it sweet.  It was a 58" #55@28, shot like a dream.  I then found a good deal on a 56" #52@28 TC that had a few more accessories(t/d, horn, etc) and for a GREAT price, so I purchased it and sold the 58" one.  

I don't notice any difference in the shootability of the bow being 2" shorter, I honestly don't think the 58" was any smoother because of the extra weight.  If i were you, I would go with a 54/56" TC, you wont be upset.

[ChuckC]

I am not certain you can blanketly say a 54" bow is more efficient than a 58" bow,  Design is everything, including length of working limbs, the kind of working limbs , the amount of pre stress in the limbs the length of the riser yadda yadda yadda.

I think each bow has to stand on its own merits.
ChuckC

[DanielB89]

Chuck,
i believe he was implying per someones draw length.  For instance, a 58" Thunderchild will not be as efficient as a 56" Thunderchild for a person with a 28" draw.  

the closer to 90* the string angle is, the better.  Kirk @ Big foot bows will second that.  I THINK that is all he was saying.

[Zradix]

Have you ever tried a shorter bow?

I think Jim is correct in much of what he said..if not all.
...including the YMMV part...lol

I have tried bows that were all in the 45-50# range that varied in length.
I've shot/had a 46",48",52",56",58",60",64" recurves.
Also 60",62",64",66",and 68" longbows.

Now every bow had it's own characteristics..different grip shapes, different designs, some all wood..etc.

BUT.... I personally find the longer the bow the better I shoot it.
I prefer a more open string angle at my fingers....which just can't happen with shorter bows. Some shorter bows, like some of the static tips, can give a string angle at your fingers like a longer   bow because of the way the tips rotate around/up.
 
I could shoot the short bows ok..but the longer bows were easier for me to have a consistent release.
I did notice diminishing returns once 62" was reached.

I'm not a great shoot...and my form could use work.
Some guys say they can shoot shorter bows better...I can't..lol

I've tried hunting with a 68" bow.
..didn't really care for it.
I hunt from the ground in natural cover or deadfall blinds.
I normally shoot game in a both knees on the ground position.
A 68" inch bow just required too much room free of twigs/branches/the ground and too much of a cant for my taste.

I've sorta settled on 62" for my "sweet spot" in hunting bows.

This is my personal experience....your's could be wildly different.

[kadbow]

I have owned and shot a ton of bows.  My go to is a 54" Shrew CH (same as Elkheart). Never had a problem shooting short bows, my draw is 27".