Smoothness of the draw is a relative description that is interpreted differently by archers.
A good example would be a string follow bow, or a long straight "D" style long bow with very low string tension, or preload at brace. This bow pulls at a very even rate and slowly increases in weight as it reaches the end of the draw. These type bows are known for their smooth draw, but unfortunately, they typically do not have very high performance or good cast to them until you get into heavy draw weights. the first two inches of draw are only 3 pounds per inch increase on a 50 pound bow.
The second type of smooth draw is produced by an R/D long bow. These bows have reflex to the limbs that is pretty much taken out of the limb at brace height, but give the bow more string tension, or preload at brace. this typ of bow will pull slightly harder in the first couple inches than a string follow or straight "D" shape bow does, but then its a very gradual increase the rest of the way through the draw cycle. the R/D bow will draw 5 ppi then 4 ppi down to around 2.5-3 ppi clear through the draw until it goes back up again which is called "stacking".
The third definition of smooooooooth. Is a Recurve or Static recurve design that has a much higher preload at brace than the R/D long bow. the first few inches may run as high as 6 to 7 pounds per inch in the first couple inches then start dropping off like a ski slope clear down to 2 pounds or less at about 22" in the draw before climbing back up slowly. With the early weight in the first few inches, it gives the feel of a let off in draw weight that many archers really love....
All these different kinds of draws can be measured on a DFC chart (Draw Force Curve) like this one.
The difference in smoothness from a 60 -62 inch recurve depends on the taper rate in the core and geometry of the limb, vs actual draw length...
Sorry for getting long winded here... but there really are 3 types of smooth out there.
Topic: Smoothest drawing 60 or 62 inch Recurve? (Read 1089 times)
