Short Shrew-like longbows on a longer draw

[seabound]

After owning a few different longbows I've come to accept that 64" bows are the most comfortable for my 29.5" draw. 62" works well too and the difference in comfort is nominal.

Problem is I just bought a 60" and can tell it's just not quite right, a little finger pinch exists.

So what's up with the Shrew-style bows? I'd love to hear feedback on short bows with 29+ draw lengths. Any compromises with these styles and using them with longer draw lengths?

[WESTBROOK]

I shoot a 60" Super Shrew and a 56" Classic Hunter, no problem what so ever drawing them to 30".

Eric

[amar911]

Same thing Eric Westbrook said except that I have a 29.5" draw and even the 54" Shrew Classic Hunters are good for me. There are always compromises in every design, but the Shrews deal with those compromises extremely well and are exceptionally good bows for archers with long draws. You should try one. You would probably like the bows that Eric shoots better than a 54" Classic Hunter; however, if you get the chance to shoot the 54" CH, do it. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. If you shoot the 56" CH or the 60" Super Shrew, you will probably be sold.

Allan

[Jeremy]

Finger pinch is the angle of the string at your fingers and is set by the string length.  Period.  If you notice finger pinch on a 60" bow (and I do with my 30+" draw) you'll notice it on all 60" bows.  Stacking (determined by string angle at the tips) is a different beast, and not all short bows are created equal.

The Shrews are smooth bows out to my draw, but finger pinch is finger pinch.  Anything under 62" just isn't comfortable for me to draw for any length of time.

[xtrema312]

My Lost Creek 58" is fine to 29.5".  My 60" Firefly is ok, but I will get a 62".  I have shot the 58" SS.  It is ok, but the 56" CH is a winner for me.  Feels easily like a 60" if not 62" at my draw length.  I have not shot another bow even closed to that length that is better for a long draw.

[robtattoo]

I shoot a Shrew Classic copy. 60" drawn to 30" & I've never experienced any stacking or fingerpinch, whatsoever. YMMV.

[joevan125]

With your draw length i would stay with a 64in longbow and a 62in recurve.

It just makes for a lot more stable bow.

I have shot those short bows that are made for long draw lengths and to me the longer bows are WAY more smoother.

[EricW]

With some of the shorter bows out there. They look like they have a higher brace height or a forward grip. Could this be a factor in string pinch? Not pulling the same distance as a shorter brace height bow.

[David McLendon]

I have always had longbows 62-66" and recently aquired a Shrew Classic Hunter 56". I have since sold one BW 64" and am about to put a 62" up for sale. I will be ordering another Shrew, the way that the Shrew shoots and feels there is no reason to have a longer longbow for me.

[BobW]

I'm an honest 32"+ draw, and shoot a 56" Classic Hunter.  The secret is: SHOOT 3-UNDER!!!!!!!  

[huckbuck]

My 56" Classic Hunter is smoother and more stable than all of my 62" take down recurves with my 30" draw. It is the most practical hunting tool i've ever owned. For me, longer bows are a thing of the past.

[Steelhead]

I have had good luck with 60 inch shrews,griffins and Kanatis at 60 inches.I would not go shorter personally than that unless its the Shrew classic hunter with its 12 inch riser.Which does draw smoothly a long way.I draw 30.60 is as short as I like to go.I have tried a few 58 inchers and just did not like them as much.

[WESTBROOK]

....When I'm not shooting the Shrews, I shoot 66-68" straight limb longbows so I do know the difference. The Shrews are just as smooth as the long ones. You can feel the string angle differance, obvously its a foot shorter, but no pinch and I have very sensitve fingers to such things.

Eric

[HATCHCHASER]

Bow design plays a huge role in finger pinch.  The only bow I have been able to shoot comfortable under 60" is a 56" kajika styk.  I'd like to shoot a 56" classic hunter.

[David McLendon]

Hatchchaser are you by chance left handed?

[HATCHCHASER]

No.  Im a righty.  Dennis Rice has a 56" classic hunter and says the same thing as David.  His is a lefty too.

[cacciatore]

This is a Thunderhorn 58",not much problems at mine 29".

[David McLendon]

That's a shame Hatchchaser because I live about 12 miles down Hwy 81 towards Loganville, my lefthandeer wouldn't be much fun for you to shoot.