Suggested Long bow length, or is it personal?

[JohnnyBa]

As you know, I will be getting a long bow within a year, but is there a “suggested” size bow to get for height or draw length? I have a 66” Knight Recurve that I really but am sure I am leaving performance in the limbs with my 27.5” draw. My only long bow is the Black Hunter which has swappable limbs and it has gone recurve with the Longbow limbs donated to bro-in-law, so a one piece would be a big step, and I hardly know the direction. My comfort zone seems to be a 60 or 62” recurve, would that size transfer to Longbow world? Thanks again.

[degabe]

your best idea would to visit the compton shoot fathers day weekend and try different bows to get an idea of what feels good.

[McDave]

As you suggested in your title, it really is a personal preference.  However, there seem to be three distinct longbow preferences:  short reflex deflex longbows (60” and under), long reflex deflex longbows (64”and longer), and Hill style straight limbed longbows (64” and longer).  These three types are almost as different as longbows are from recurves.  So you have to figure out which type suits you best, and then you can worry about length.  Shooting each type and talking with aficionados of each type is the best way to decide where you fit.

[Maclean]

Once you have decided on a bowyer, they will sometimes list suggested bow length at a given draw length based on the model you choose, on their website, i.e. Black Widow, Toelke, etc.

That will get you into the ballpark. At that point I would suggest calling the bowyer, because nobody knows their bows better than they do.

Good luck with your search, there's few things more fun than shopping for a new bow. Except hunting with that new bow ... that's way more fun.

[strick9]

I am pretty new to the longbow world , have always shot a 60" Morrison Cheyenne. That said I bought a bunch of long bows in the last couple of months ranging in size from a 64" Big Jim to a 58" Centaur. Being a 6'4 guy I would have thought that I would prefer the longer bows but the 58" Centaur has fast become my favorite even with my 29.5 draw.

I have been in many climber and saddle sets where even the 60" Morrison provided cumbersome with the tree limbs and brush. If I were a 3d shooter or comp shooter I would definitely go longer for stability but for elevated climber hunting and choosing good tree cover, shorter seems to be the best for me personally.

[Archie]

Bow limb design is a big variable.  The bowyer will be able to tell you the draw lengths that will work with their different bow models and lengths.  I think that a person could find it very disappointing to buy a bow without relying on the bowyer's recommendations and advice.  In my early years shooting recurves, I bought a bow and figured I'd just make it work for my draw length.  It was terrible, and I got rid of it pretty quick.

[JohnnyBa]

That is always the optimal, I get it. My current set of restrictions leaves with a forum to ask questions and a device to get online to do research. I will talk to a few via phone to do the best I can. Buying a bow is expensive, and even its best to test drive ‘em all, I just have to rely on bowyers to tell what I need or me just read reviews from experienced archers to hopefully put me shooting something I will want to shoot, and I don’t get out much. 

your best idea would to visit the compton shoot fathers day weekend and try different bows to get an idea of what feels good.

[katman]

McDave is spot on. Choose what type of "longbow" you want from the 3 then go with bowyers recommendation on length. Aggressive reflex deflex will usually shoot faster while the ASL/Hill style the slowest.

Your preference for  60-62 recurve at your draw length tells me you like a little longer bow.

[M60gunner]

The bowyer may use your draw length as a guide. A longer bow should be smoother to draw but a shorter bow may give more performance. I like a longer bow so instead of a 64” LB I went 66”

[Pat B]

Go to trad shoots this spring and summer and try out as many bows as you can. Most respectable bowyers will allow you to shoot their bows. This will help you choose which bow suits you the best. The Tenn Classic at the beginning of May, just north of Nashville will have quite a few bowyers and venders selling bows so you can get a good representation to choose from. I'm sure there are other trad shoots in GA and other surrounding states that are similar.
 

[Terry Green]

Depends on where you are going to hunt most.

When I would hunt the big woods of The Cohutta Wilderness, or very similar forestry, I love longer bows, aka HH.

But not the areas I hunt that are thick. A short bow fits that bill much better.

Bows are tools, and I use the one that fits the hunt best... Like you don't build a house with one screwdriver, just your favorite.

I also take a short bow along on recoveries as most game animals run into thicker woods. I have actually put this to use much more on other hunters tracks than mine.  Meaning I have gotten a second arrow into theirs more.  Meaning I track more animals for others than I do mine.  Comes from years of group hunts and leases.

 

[trad_bowhunter1965]

I hunt out west and my Longbows are 62" and 64" I am thinking my next will be 66" I think a Longer bow is more forgiving not a lot of heavy brush but when I hunt Elk deadfall can be just as bad. 

[acedoc]

Try the bow or equivalent before buying- I have an ILF bow which I have come to dislike after shooting my Toelkes because of the harsh draw. Some more experienced guys have opined I need a 21 riser instead of the 17 inch I am using.
Will that be the cure - can’t say without trying.
So at some instances the bowyer recommended length may not suit your perception

[SCATTERSHOT]

If you’re going with a traditional longbow like a Howard Hill, they recommend 40” plus your draw length. So, for you, that would be a 68” bow.

[dnovo]

I think lot of it is a personal thing. I'm 5'9" with a 28" draw and my favorite is a 64 or 66" longbow. I'm not a big fan of the hybrids for myself. I prefer a mild R/D longbow or ASL and the longer ones are a pleasure to shoot.

[JohnnyBa]

Thanks all for the very insightful inputs. I think short term I am going with an RD Longbow of 58” and have a deposit on a Big Jim, hoping to get a trip to Albany before build starts so I can narrow it down. What a grand journey and my shooting has improved greatly, thanks Terry! Can’t wait to post some pics!
J

[Kirkll]

Thanks all for the very insightful inputs. I think short term I am going with an RD Longbow of 58” and have a deposit on a Big Jim, hoping to get a trip to Albany before build starts so I can narrow it down. What a grand journey and my shooting has improved greatly, thanks Terry! Can’t wait to post some pics!
J

Lots of good suggestions and posts here. I think you made a good choice considering your draw length. That 58” RD should perform well for you.

It’s the guys with longer draw lengths that have a bit tougher time finding the shorter length bows that don’t stack up on them and maintain a decent string angle at full draw with less finger pinch….. but …. There are some out there that do very well….   

It’s always fun to get a new bow set up.  Good luck to you, and have fun.

Kirk

[Squirrel Hunter]

Most find longer bows easier to shoot accurately, but you have to consider how you will use it.  I like 66-68” in general but use 62”  bows from ground blinds.