Short vs longer bow length

[RodL]

I currently shoot a Herway Carnivore that is 60", I really like the way it feels and shoots. I do most of my hunting out of a treestand and have been considering trying a shorter bow after the season is over this year. I'm looking at one of Big Jims 54" Thunderchilds, for those that have went from a longer to shorter bow or anyone that has an opinion, do you think that 6" in bow length makes a noticeable difference? I have a 27" draw length.

Rodney

[LookMomNoSights]

That string angle at the nock at full draw is the biggest thing with the shorties.....you can either deal with it or not.   Makes a bow touchy.   Longer bows shoot nicer 99% of the time I believe.  You could always go short but not quite that short.....say a 58 or 56?  I have a bow ordered from Big Jim myself.   I usually shoot a 62.   I tried a 56 Thunder Child at ETAR....Im going to go with a 58 when he gives me a ring and we talk specs.....cant wait.  58 is my short bow.  And yes,  my opinion anyway,  6 inches of bow is a huge deal.

[RodL]

Thanks Eric, yours and everyones opinion is greatly appreciated.

Rodney

[Roger Norris]

Limb tip design is EVERYTHING in a short bow. My Shrew Armstrong Ghost is only 54", but being properly designed, there is no string pinch at all. I am by no means a "bow engineer", but  stiff tip helps soften the string angle.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

the shorter bow can shoot as well as the longer ones if you get your working limb pushed out towards the tips and keep a good string angle.

check this one out. it's a 54" Yeti Hybrid long bow i built for a friend of mine. I'm drawing a full 29" in this film clip.


check out the string angle at full draw here. I've got this bow braced a wee bit low in this clip.

Just click on the photo to start the video../


   

[BigJim]

I have a firm 30.5" + draw length and fairly large fingers. My go to buffalo is 64" and my go to thunder child is 56". I personally can't tell the difference between the two when I shoot them. Yes, with my drawlength, I would normally suggest 58", but what the heck. I know the boyer and he said I could shoot the 56". I like it and use it mostly in close quarters such as blinds, but could use it anywhere. If it was my only bow, I don't know that I would opt for the 58" or not.
thanks,bigjim

[crotch horn]

I shoot a 54" Lost Creek NAT. By far the best bow I have ever shot. I have a 27" draw so no issues with stacking and such. Very accurate.

[Gen273]

I draw 27 3/4 and I prefer a 56 inch bow.

[Steelhead]

What Jim said ofcourse.He should know!

I shoot a 64 " buffalo bow and like the 62 inchers as well.I have a pretty long draw of 29.5 to 30" depending on the bow and grip style.

I had to sale my Thunderchild to raise some funds recently.It was a superb short bow and I will want another one when I get another short bow.I have tried all kinds of short bows and it was as comfortable to draw and shoot as it gets in a compact design.It was 56".I think a 54" would fit you fine at 27.You may want to try the 56" possibly.56" is still a very compact length .Either way its gonna work for you IMO.

For the record I have hunted alot with 64 and 62 inch bows and a few 60 inchers.One year a 58" Toelke Chinook recurve that was nice and was as short as I ever hunted with.I do like longer bows.But this little T-Child is one of the short bows that fit me well and shot well.The Shrew Classic Hunter is comfortable for me as well in a 56" length.The limb design and 12 inch risers work well on these bows.

[Friend]

Kirk....Great video

Quite nice to place a name to the face.

The string angle sure appeared quite comfortable and didn't look like it was coming from a 54" bow drawn to 29"s.

Nice job!!

[sawtoothscream]

i have/ had  52", 56", 58", 60", 64" and 66"

the best feeling one to me is the 58".  seems to be the perfect balance for me.

[GRINCH]

I love me a short bow,that being said I find I'm more accurate with my 58 inch bows.

[Dogboy900]

I am shooting a 56 inch Redwing Hunter I don't notice the pinch at all. I was shooting an 60 incher before that but I prefer the Redwing. Finding I like the way the shorties feel and shoot more and more.

[Dogboy900]

Oh and Kirk That looks like a smooth drawing bow!
Love your enthusiasm on the vid nice to see  

[Rick Richard]

I have 54 inch Lil Hoot and I shoot it better than my longer BW.  I do not feel cramped for space when on the ground or up in a tree stand.  Like someone said earlier, it is in the design of the limbs...short does not necessarily mean less forgiving or accurate.

[Dave Paradowski]

I just picked up a 52" Browning Nomad Stalker, 45#. I really don't notice any finger pinch. I normally shoot 60-64" bows.
DaveP

[Prairie Drifter]

As you can see from my sig line I am a short bow nut. I have never owned a bow over 54" and probably never will. I have a 26" draw so pinch isn't an issue. Maddog's bows draw smooth out to my draw length and work very well for me. Plus I can get 2 or 3 bows for the price of what other boyers get for one.  :D

[RodL]

Thank you to everyone for all of  your comments and the great video. Lots of things to think about before I make the decision, but all of this will happen after this deer season is over. Thanks again to everyone.

Rodney

[Shawn Leonard]

Have to agree with the string angle. I have pretty big fingers(size 17 plus ring)and I have a 54" itArroyo(RERBOWS) and I can shoot it as well as 60-64" bows. I shoot most bows that are 60"s or so better due to the design and a larger sight window. Shawn

[jonsimoneau]

I'm sure it is just me, but I do not like bows under 60 inches.  I shoot 3 under, so finger pinch can be somewhat of an issue, but mostly, I just cannot shoot them as well.  I prefer bows to be at least 60 inches.  62 or 64 inch bows are even better in my hands.  I have never had a problem shooting them out of treestands.