choosing a longbow for a long draw length

[montucky]

Hi,
I used to own a couple of vintage Pearson recurves that I shot years ago - they are my only experience with traditional archery as I hunted with a compound,  Anyway the recurves stacked on me horribly.  My wingspan is 84 1/2 inches - Michael Phelps is 79.  My draw length with traditional gear is probably over 31 inches and was looking into buying a longbow for elk and deer hunting.  Any suggestions?  I was looking at starting with the Bear Montana or Martin Venom.  Thanks

[wingnut]

I can relate to a long draw.  I have a 30.5".  If your looking for a one piece recurve your going to want a 66" in R/D style and longer in a straight limb like a Hill.

The Montana and Venom are pretty good bows for the money but I think you'd do better on the Trading Blanket looking for used.  Or take advantage of the sales the sponsors run this time of year.

Mike

[buckeye_hunter]

This is all personal opinion on my part and I'm sure others will chime in. Wingnut would definitely know better than me, but this is just my opinion.

I would agree with 66 inches. That would be my minimum suggestion though. I hate stacking and finger pinch. At 29in draw I like a 62 in or longer bow. I just think they are more comfortable.

[Jerry Jeffer]

Sounds like you might like a 70" hill style long bow. My 70" Mahantango has plenty of draw for a guy like you.

[Jim Wright]

Dan Toelke makes a slight variation of his very popular Whip d/r longbow specifically for extremely long draw lengths called the 66 and I believe there is one on his website  www.montanabows.com,  click current inventory then Whips. He can also accomodate you with a Super D Hill style long bow as well. Contact info is on the site as well, call him and talk to him about what you need, you won't find a nicer more knowledgable bowyer.

[Night Wing]

I have a 30" draw and I once owned a Belcher 68" Longhorn hybrid longbow. Never had an issue with finger pinch with it.

 http://www.belcherbows.com/cat_longhorn.htm

[Rob DiStefano]

for a typical longbow and a true 32" draw length, 68" length bow at the minimum ... unless you had a custom shorter one built that'd be designed for a longer draw length (more aggressive r/d, higher brace height).

[mnbwhtr]

My draw is 30 3/4 and all my longbows have been 69 and 70 inch. I think a guy could go down to 66 but watch the draw weight as it could get heavy. I've had mine made for my draw lenght.

[alaninoz]

I've got a 33" draw and a custom 70" longbow works for me.

Alan

[Ben Maher]

68" minimum ... I'd suggest 70 ".

Alan ... mate you must have long arms !!! and where do you get your  arrows ? lol

[Victory Rider]

I have a 31.75" draw length and shoot a 68" Mohawk, D style longbow.

Vince's bows are a great price and very smooth with no stacking.

I've shot and owned alot of different longbows from 62" to 66", but found that a properly made 68" was just perfect!

[cedar]

My draw is 29.5" with a longbow.  I saw a great difference when I went from a 64 to a 66" bow.  If I were you, I would look for 68 to 70" bow.

[alaninoz]

Hildebrand's and I have them leave them full length. This works for target arrows as I draw the head back onto the shelf. If I ever go hunting with my longbows I'll have to foot the arrows.

[amar911]

I don't prefer really long bows, so if I had a 31+" draw length and wanted to shoot a longbow, I would personally go with a 56" Shrew Classic Hunter that would be a pleasure to carry out in the field hunting elk and deer. With your background in shooting compound bows with their short lengths, you may have some real problems adjusting to a 70" bow or something similar. BobW here on TG has a 32+" draw and shoots a 56" Shrew CH with no problem. If you don't mind carrying a bow that is almost as tall as you are, the bows that others have mentioned would probably work fine.

Allan

[scedvm]

I draw around 30.5 and killed a good bull this year with a 68" Bamabows D-shaped longbow.  Very sweet shooting bow for longdraw shooters....Shawn

[REM]

I draw 31.75" and shoot 68" Treadway and Great Plains longbows with no problems.

[ranger 3]

Big Jim's Thunder Child is made for a longer draw with a brace of 8"

[LimbLover]

Originally posted by scedvm:
I draw around 30.5 and killed a good bull this year with a 68" Bamabows D-shaped longbow.  Very sweet shooting bow for longdraw shooters....Shawn

Agreed. I draw 31" and love Nate's bows. Very smooth. However, I would go with a 70" bow at your draw. I spoke with him the other day on the subject. He's made a few 70" and says they are the smoothest drawing he has made yet.

He has an R/D bow in the works as well if you aren't in any kind of rush. He is close but they aren't quite for sale yet.