Bow Length Question

[KyRidgeRunner]

Ok guys, had a friend to tell me that a 64" recurve would be slower than my 58" recurve... So my question is if I ordered 2 brand new recurves one 64" and 58" in the same weight  use the same arrow (I'm talking apples to apples other bow length) My draw lenght is 27" is the 58" gonna be any faster than the 64"?

[Shadowhnter]

I think if every last detail of each bow were hypothetically exactly and perfectly identical, and if you could perfectly shoot both exactly identical, so that the only difference is limb length....lol...then yes, the 58" would be technically faster because of lower limb mass. Is there any reasonable way you could ever note it, even through chronographing?  No, I dont believe so. There are too many variables enter in to keep that fine line from becoming apparant.

[ranger 3]

I think they would be the same, but the longer limbs would pull easier and smother.

[monterey]

I wouldn't worry about it.  Even if they differ by 10fps, what's the bother?  Are you trying to pick a bow length or do you contemplate ordering the two bows?

The bowyer would be a good source of information.

[Warden609]

For me I like to select the bow length that best fits my draw. I always go by the bowyer recommendation. This allows the limbs to work efficiently at my draw length. I'm not sure if a long recurve would preform the best, but would probably be really comfortable to shoot. I would think the shorter bow would be faster, but that's just a guess.

[KyRidgeRunner]

Ok so maybe I need to give a little more detail.  My current bow is a 55lb tall tines.  I'm having elbow trouble and have the opportunity to trade my limbs for 40lb limbs.   I was considering having a new set of limbs built (in 40lbs but obviously in 58" to match my bow) but the limbs I could potentially trade for are 64" long.  I was just weighing my options and seeing if I was giving anything up (performance wise) by getting a longer limb over a short set.  I'm wondering if the length and smoothness wouldn't aid my situation.  Thanks for the input so far gentlemen.  Please keep the input and advise coming.

[LBR]

I second what Monterey said--ask the bowyer.  It depends on the design primarily.  Shorter doesn't always mean faster.

[Orion]

I agree that the shorter limbs might be one or two fps or so faster than the longer limbs, and that's a might.  Regardless, any difference due to limb length isn't enough to worry about.  

Dropping 15# will make such a huge difference that you won't notice a fps difference one way or another due limb length difference.

[stagetek]

Possible, but doubt you would see the difference. Certainly not enough to make a difference.

[dbd870]

I would be far more concerned about if I shot one better than the other or if the extra length would be a hassle in you stand etc. The very minor difference in speed would not even be a consideration. At 27" either length should be fine for you I would assume. The bowyer could tell you for sure where it would start stacking.

[Whip]

If I were having elbow problems (or any other joint) I would be more interested in the smoothest drawing and shooting limbs I could find, not the fastest.

[Fletcher]

The shorter bow will have less limb mass, but the limbs must travel further.  A test on this was done a few years back using Black Widows, the 62" won.  There isn't much speed difference due to length.  Bow design for draw length matters more.

[Mark R]

I would talk to the bowyer if the riser is matched to both size limbs your ok, but if not, the longer limbs will have a different draw weight than what is marked on them,if both sets of limbs are matched to the riser the speed difference or quickness will be little

[Bowwild]

Ditto with Warden 609

Hi Richard!

[wingnut]

Although shorter doesn't always mean faster and longer doesn't always mean smoother, I can tell you that with a shorter draw length a bow that is to long can be the same as putting 200 pounds of sand in the trunk and wondering why your milage went south.

An example in our Orion RC bow would be a 15" riser and Medium ACS RC limbs it has a max recommended draw of 28" and will be towards the back of the draw getting the full engineered limb action.  The same riser with XL ACS RC limbs is 62" and has a 30" recommended max draw.  With 27" of load you don't even get to the static recurve part of the DFC.  So basically it's a longbow with heavy curly tips.

Remembering that your draw is the same.  You are moving a lot more limb in the longer bow making it very inefficient.

Mike

[damascusdave]

And that Mike is why I frequently remind people they need to talk to their bowyer of choice

DDave