Limb length vs riser length in custom bows

[mississippidude]

So I've pretty much decided that I want my next bow to be a 58". What are the benifits of a longer riser vs longer limbs to make up that 58".

[Holm-Made]

It depends on the bow design.  Mainly the amount of deflex coming out of the riser and rate of taper in the limbs.  You have to decide which bow you want then let the bowyer tell you if their 58" bow will work for your draw length.  
In general, shorter working limbs  recover faster and tend to have less handshock but are more stressed so could potentially be more apt to have durability issues.

[Sixby]

This number has to be a general number becauser there are so many way to build limbs in a true custom. This is especially true if one builds draw specific for best performance . Most bows that are called custom are actually semi custom in that the buyer picks the woods and the builder builds bows to his design. True custom builders are truly rare that will design the grip to the shooter, the riser to the shooters liking and the limbs to the shooters specific draw length. A lot of back and forth between the shooter and the builder has to take place in order to do this and the builder has to be able to build a whole lot of different builds in order to build even one model in various lengths , draw weights and draw length and get max performance , shootability and bow life in each length and draw length.
God bless, Steve

[mississippidude]

I had something like a black widow in mind. Just didn't know if there were pros and cons to a shorter limb vs shorter riser. So typically shorter limbs equal less hand shock. Thanks for the replies.

[cacciatore]

58"is my magic number for recurves I find them to be still stable and forgiving @ 28-1/2" and very easy to carry everywhere. So I like to stay with a 15-16" riser. The 17" risers are more appropriate with a set of limbs that makes a 60" bow.  IMHO

[Crittergetter]

Typically a shorter working limb in any given design will be a little faster and longer working limb will be a little smoother .  Everything is a trade-off you just have to decide what you want !!

[mwosborn]

The other thing is to consider is the riser length can determine the sight window.  If you prefer a larger sight window, than you go with the longer riser.

[mississippidude]

Ok, thanks for the replies guys. I think I'll just need to shoot some different lengths and decide by what feels best.

[Sixby]

What Cacciatore said works for me. 16 in riser and 22 in limbs works great with my curves/
God bless, Steve

[DJ Hardy]

A lot depends on your draw length

Black Widow have their suggested draw length on their site for each model

I was talking to Toby the other day about the performance difference between the 62"and64" PLV at my 28" draw
He said not one bit of difference which I can mostly agree with.
At the same time I think that the difference between a 62"and a 66" would be noticeable

I may be wrong but Dan at Toelke might build you a bow with a riser and limbs that would be maximize for your draw length.
If memory serves me correctly he told me he could change the riser length. Don't quote me.
Give him a call

[DJ Hardy]

By the way BW has several in stock longbows that might meet your needs
I think their wait time on them is around 2 weeks

[Hermon]

Didn't someone compare the performance difference of three 60" Black Widows once?  One each of a PCH, PSA and PMA all at the same draw weight?  Anyone else remember this?

[STICKBENDER98]

I spent two days shooting and comparing all three takedowns at the Traditional Bow Shoot in Kalamazoo, in 2011.  I ended up choosing the PCH riser, mine is a 60" bow 51# @ 28".  It draws smooth as glass, and will shoot a wide variety of arrow weights. As stated above there is trade offs from one to another, give the boys at Black Widow a call and talk with them, they are more than happy to offer up any help with any question you have.

Jason