68 Inch Longbow

[TGbow]

Just curious about those that shoot 68" longbows, how you deal with the string interference at full draw in certain positions.
I've hunted a little with 68" bows  but I remember having an issue at times with the string getting into my clothes.
I do "can't" my bow when I shoot.

[Wudstix]

 

[M60gunner]

I had a Pete George 68” LB I hunted with years ago. I don’t recall clothing issues. But I didn’t need to wear heavy clothing like when I lived in IL. either. I seem to remember wrapping my bow arm with tape because I couldn’t get my arm guard to compress my coat enough to avoid bowstring slapping my arm.

[Wudstix]

Never had any experience with longbows longer than 64".
 

[Orion]

A bulky bow arm sleeve can be a problem regardless of bow length.  I use a full length arm guard to take care of that issue.  In certain positions, the bow string may also contact my chest.  If the contact is slight, i don't worry about it.  If not, I might modify my form a bit, changing the cant a bit, leaning a bit forward, leaning my head down over the arrow a little more, opening my stance a little, etc.  Not all of those things at once.  Depending on the situation, one of them is usually enough. 

[TGbow]

Thanks for the feedback

[two4hooking]

Yup. Arm guard and lean into it. Nothing better for shooting in awkward positions.

[epage_backwards_hat]

How long is your draw? You may not need full 68”. I shoot them myself with a 29” draw no interference issues in various positions.

[Hill Style]

The SanMarco I’ve been hunting with for the last few years is a 68”. Never had any issues with clothing or string interference and that’s shooting from tree stands at all angles and from the ground. I shot a 66” before that and don’t notice any difference in the two. Once you get used to the bow and spend enough time shooting it you should have no problems.

[TGbow]

With a more traditional style longbow I draw 27 to 27 1/4".
I have only noticed the string interference when I have cold weather clothes clothes on.

[Honest Jon]

I’ve been working on using a slightly more open stance which gives a little more clearance between my bow arm, bulky clothing and the string, regardless of bow length. I’ve noted an added benefit that this makes it easier to achieve back tension without pulling the string up against my chest. Just started doing this the last couple weeks but results so far are positive. As always-your results may vary 
Jon

[Honest Jon]

Naturally in a hunting situation it can be difficult or impossible to achieve a more open stance but muscle memory may kick in and help, even on those difficult, contorted shots.
Jon

[Deno]

Is your bow arm bent slightly or locked straight ?

[epage_backwards_hat]

With a more traditional style longbow I draw 27 to 27 1/4".
I have only noticed the string interference when I have cold weather clothes clothes on.

Have you considered a 66” bow to help that string angle a little?

[Honest Jon]

Quite straight. I don’t bend my elbow to get lined up for the shot, I move my bow hand shoulder. I would loose stability if I bent my elbow it seems.

Jon

[TGbow]

Is your bow arm bent slightly or locked straight ?

I shoot with a slight bend in the elbow

[TGbow]

With a more traditional style longbow I draw 27 to 27 1/4".
I have only noticed the string interference when I have cold weather clothes clothes on.

Have you considered a 66” bow to help that string angle a little?

I don't actually have a 68" bow, I was considering one.
I have an old martin that's actually not mine, it's my brothers,  that I shoot from time to time.
I don't have an issue  with it, only if I have heavier clothes on.
I really don't have a problem shooting

[dnovo]

I usually shoot a 64" longbow, but I have a 66" and a 68". I've hunted with a 68" in the past and never had a problem. If you are having trouble with bulky clothes, I think that a lot of us may have problems that way but it doesn't change with the extra length. It's just something to be aware of and most likely a good armguard will help. The difference between my 64' and my 68" bows is not noticeable to me.

[epage_backwards_hat]

With a more traditional style longbow I draw 27 to 27 1/4".
I have only noticed the string interference when I have cold weather clothes clothes on.

Have you considered a 66” bow to help that string angle a little?

I don't actually have a 68" bow, I was considering one.
I have an old martin that's actually not mine, it's my brothers,  that I shoot from time to time.
I don't have an issue  with it, only if I have heavier clothes on.
I really don't have a problem shooting

Gotcha. I went down the rabbit hole a few years ago on layering to reduce bulk because I had range of motion issues. That may be a better solution to look into. God bless 👍🏼

[TGbow]

Thanks very much