Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get

[AndrewArcher]

First of all let me introduce myself. My name is Andrew and I'm from Ohio.

Onto my question.

I have a 30-31 inch draw (I'm 6.3 but have long arms for my height)I determined my draw by measuring my wingspan and dividing it by 2.5

My result was 31 inches.

When I draw back on my current recurve (PSE Kingfisher, #45 at 28,and it's a 58 inch bow)I draw around 30-31

I don't know why I can't quite determine my exact draw length.

ANYWAYS. I am looking to get a new bow because my bow tends to stack alot, and I get pretty bad finger pinch. I also read that it's a bad idea to draw a 58 inch recurve to 31. And with all the stacking and finger pinch, I'm developing bad form.

The bow I'm thinking about getting is the Ragim Wildcat TD

And here we come to my question at last.

What size bow should I get? Many people suggested that I get a 62 inch recurve, others suggested I get a 66 inch one.

I'm thinking about getting the 70 inch version just because I'm 17 and not yet done growing.

I don't really see any downside to getting a larger bow.

Anyways, all opinions are appreciated.

Thank you very much, and I look forward to getting to know you all.


Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this

If I was 6'3" i would use nothing less than a 66" recurve.  Your height gives you the advantage of being able to handle the length, plus the extra length has big advantages in accuracy and comfort. For you a 58" recurve would equal a 48" recurve for me, I cannot hit the broad side of anything with a 48" bow.  Most of my bows are 66" and 68".

[AndrewArcher]

Originally posted by pavan:
If I was 6'3" i would use nothing less than a 66" recurve.  Your height gives you the advantage of being able to handle the length, plus the extra length has big advantages in accuracy and comfort. For you a 58" recurve would equal a 48" recurve for me, I cannot hit the broad side of anything with a 48" bow.  Most of my bows are 66" and 68".

Thank you very much. That's exactly what I was looking for.

I was kind of wondering why my groups were so bad... Now I don't feel quite so alone    

[rraming]

http://www.tradgang.com/docs/newbies.html

maybe take a look at that

[straitera]

Welcome Andrew. I've shot long lb's for 33 years straight. Most recently, I purchased a 70" ntn Tembo. I'm 6'2" w/35" sleeves. My draw is also long@31". I've shot shorter bows & do not miss the finger pinch & stack. My shortest is 66". No problems hunting from trees nor ground stalking. Just takes getting used to. Once so, you'll like it.

[2fletch]

There is no hard rule for what bow length to use, but somewhere at least double your draw length in most convenional bow designs. I once fell in love with the Kodiac Magnums. With a 28" draw length it was just impossible to shoot a 48" or 52" bow with any accuracy.

I tried the shorter bows for awhile before giving up. I'd shoot a 2-3" group with a 58" bow, and then shoot a 5-6" group with the shorter bows. I did this over and over until there was no doubt...,the shorter bow would never match the longer bows in accuracy.

[scedvm]

Andrew, I am 6'05" and also draw to 31".  I much prefer a 64-66" recurve and 66-70" longbows.  I do all my hunting on the ground and rarely ever do I find the longer bow to be a problem.  You will be surprised how rapidly your form and shooting improves once you get a bow that "fits" you.  Good luck...Shawn

[AndrewArcher]

Originally posted by straitera:
Welcome Andrew. I've shot long lb's for 33 years straight. Most recently, I purchased a 70" ntn Tembo. I'm 6'2" w/35" sleeves. My draw is also long@31". I've shot shorter bows & do not miss the finger pinch & stack. My shortest is 66". No problems hunting from trees nor ground stalking. Just takes getting used to. Once so, you'll like it.

Sounds like I'm going to get the 70 inch one : )

Thank you very much

[Stumpkiller]

I'm 6'3" and your 2.5 factor of span takes me to 30" . . . which is just what I draw (30-1/2" BOP arrows).  I have a 58" recurve I can shoot just fine, three 60" and two 62" recurves.  It depends a lot on the individual model, not just the AMO length.  One particular 58" bow I wanted (a Mamba) killed my fingers and stacked to a halt before I got that last inch I needed.

[AndrewArcher]

Originally posted by 2fletch:
There is no hard rule for what bow length to use, but somewhere at least double your draw length in most convenional bow designs. I once fell in love with the Kodiac Magnums. With a 28" draw length it was just impossible to shoot a 48" or 52" bow with any accuracy.

I tried the shorter bows for awhile before giving up. I'd shoot a 2-3" group with a 58" bow, and then shoot a 5-6" group with the shorter bows. I did this over and over until there was no doubt...,the shorter bow would never match the longer bows in accuracy.

2-3 inch groups? How many yards away were you?!

That's really good lol.

Thank you for the advice

[AndrewArcher]

Originally posted by scedvm:
Andrew, I am 6'05" and also draw to 31".  I much prefer a 64-66" recurve and 66-70" longbows.  I do all my hunting on the ground and rarely ever do I find the longer bow to be a problem.  You will be surprised how rapidly your form and shooting improves once you get a bow that "fits" you.  Good luck...Shawn

Thanks for the input Shawn!

[AndrewArcher]

Originally posted by Stumpkiller:
I'm 6'3" and your 2.5 factor of span takes me to 30" . . . which is just what I draw (30-1/2" BOP arrows).  I have a 58" recurve I can shoot just fine, three 60" and two 62" recurves.  It depends a lot on the individual model, not just the AMO length.  One particular 58" bow I wanted (a Mamba) killed my fingers and stacked to a halt before I got that last inch I needed.

Another good point. I didn't even think about the difference in models.

Thank you so much.

Love this so much more than Archerytalk

[Rob DiStefano]

welcome to trad gang and trad land!  

all stick bows are unique, even within the same manufacturer's model numbers.  you would best be served trying before buying, otherwise be prepared to accept the unfortunate consequences that *may* befall you.  

get as much time in behind lotsa different bowstrings as possible.  clubs and shoots are a great way to try out bows and hopefully to get pro advice on matters such as draw length.  it's not at all uncommon for a trad archer's draw length to change as one's form "settles in" correctly.    

it is also quite common for the bow itself to influence draw length - longer bows/lighter holding weights allow yer form to stretch out and use back muscles ... moving to shorter bows/higher holding weights can contract your form and your draw length.

above all, don't overbow yerself, and whenever in the slightest doubt, go longer in bow length.

enjoy the journey ... most of us are still on it.  

[KentuckyTJ]

Welcome from Kentucky

[lpcjon2]

Welcome to the fire enjoy!

[Night Wing]

I have a 30" draw and I hate finger pinch. I only shoot recurves and I prefer 66" in length.

[AndrewArcher]

Originally posted by Rob DiStefano:
welcome to trad gang and trad land!    

all stick bows are unique, even within the same manufacturer's model numbers.  you would best be served trying before buying, otherwise be prepared to accept the unfortunate consequences that *may* befall you.  

get as much time in behind lotsa different bowstrings as possible.  clubs and shoots are a great way to try out bows and hopefully to get pro advice on matters such as draw length.  it's not at all uncommon for a trad archer's draw length to change as one's form "settles in" correctly.    

it is also quite common for the bow itself to influence draw length - longer bows/lighter holding weights allow yer form to stretch out and use back muscles ... moving to shorter bows/higher holding weights can contract your form and your draw length.

above all, don't overbow yerself, and whenever in the slightest doubt, go longer in bow length.

enjoy the journey ... most of us are still on it.    

Sweet  

Thank you so much. Really good advice.

I didn't even think about that effecting my draw length.

That kind of explains it

[AndrewArcher]

Thanks everyone!

[highelk]

Welcome to camp!    

[YORNOC]

Wait till you draw a 70" bow!  SMOOOOOTH!!! You'll love it at your longer draw.  Not many custom bowyers build them over 64" which is an absolute shame. A lot of guys have never even drawn a longer bow at hunting weights. They don't know what they are missing, so easy to shoot.  Try 'em all is the key, but you will do very well at anything over 66".  Under that will be hit or miss, so be careful spending your money.