Back in the 1960's, my brother bought a Bear Magnum (I believe it was 48 inches in length) and it stacked and fingered pinched so badly, it cured me of buying any bow under 60 inches.
However, a few years ago I tried out a TimberHawk Strike bow (54 inches)at Kalamazoo and was so impressed with its smoothness (no finger pinch and no stacking)that I ordered one from Scott Mitchell. It turned out to be my favorite all time bow. In fact, at Kalamazoo last Saturday, I purchased another one in a lighter poundage.
You can't beat a shorter bow for tree stand and ground blind hunting.