help my friend pick a bow

[stickbow24]

Hello,

My friend wants to start up the sport, unfortunately for him I am his best source of knowlege.

He is a big guy and about 6' tall.  
Shoots 31" with a release on his compound

what would be a good estimate of his draw length and how long of a bow would work well.

he just shot a short short bow labeled 50# at 28 inches and at his draw lenght he said it didnt feel comfortable at all.

Any and all input would be appreciated

[Golden Hawk]

He sounds like he'll need bout a 60" or 62" bow around 45@28. I'm guessing he'll have about a 29" draw.

[buckeye_hunter]

Stickbow,
I am sure someone will chime in with more experience than me, but even at a 27 in draw I like a 62in bow. According to Byron Fergeson's book, your friend should likely go with a 66in bow. I would agree with Golden Hawk about 45lb bow to start.  A three piece takedown might be good because he can buy heavier limbs(if the bowyer makes standard risers and limbs) as he gets used to the draw weight. Also, I will pass on the advice I was given and say shoot as many bows as possible before buying one.  Then get the one that feels "right".
Just My Opinion,
Charlie(buckeye_huter)

[pine nut]

Ditto what Golden Hawk said sounds good to me.  Most folks comming off of compounds usually over bow themselves.  I wouldn't go shorter than 62" and bet he'd like a 64" better.

_________
Bill

[brackshooter]

Believe it or not, my draw length with a compound and a recurve is the same, probably because i shoot my recurve with a high wrist.  I would try to find out his draw length before buying, and stick with at least a 62" bow if he is 29" or longer.

brack

[vermonster13]

Have him try as many as possible. Bow length can be deceiving sometimes. I have a 30" draw and I have had bows as short as 52" draw well for me and others up to 64" that didn't. Design has a lot more to do with it than length.

[eagle24]

I agree with David.  The design of the bow determines a lot about whether it is smooth (no stack) and stable at longer draw lengths, but bottom line the string angle will be more severe at the fingers with a shorter bow.  I had a 31" draw with compounds and draw longbows 29".  For me 64" seems to be the length I like best in most bows.  I have a 62" bow that feels (to me) like a longer bow, but most of mine are 64" or longer.  He needs to shoot some bows and see what feels good and what he shoots the best.  And there are "short" bows out there that he may like and shoot well.

[sticshooter]

If possible ALWAYS shoot as many bows as you can. Vman knows of what he speaks.<><