Longbows & Hybrids

[Night Wing]

While I wait for my 66" Blacktail T/D recurve bow to arrive next year, I've been doing some research on longbows and hybrid longbows. I have a long 30" drawlength and I'm looking for a hybird or a longbow, but mainly a hybrid suitable for my long drawlength to avoid "finger pinch" and also shoots quietly with no handshock. It seems hybrid bows are a little shorter in overall length than longbows. There have been a few bows that have caught my eye. A Fisk "American Wolf" longbow in 66" & 68" length, Liberty "Chief" hybrid in 64" & 66" length and a Chaparral "Kaibab 2" hybrid in 64" length. All of these bows are one-piece bows. So, those of you with longbows and hybrids that have a 30" drawlength like mine; I would like your opinions, both pro and con, about your bows concerning finger pinch, quietness and handshock no matter what model of longbow or hybrid you shoot. Your comments would be greatly appreciated by me.

[eagle24]

I'll chime in Night Wing.  My arrows are 30" BOP and my draw length right at 29".  I shoot longbows from 62"-68" in length.  I don't have any problem whatsoever with finger pinch.  I don't expect that you will either.  What is more likely to be a problem with a shorter longbow is that you get some stacking due to string angle.  I believe it is purely a geometry thing.  Also, all wood bows or selfbows might be inclined to take more set if the bow is too short.  I think you are fine with any longbow 64" or longer.  I also believe there are some 62" bows out there that would work well for you.  Most of the time the longer bows seem more stable, at least that is my perspective.  Many people claim a big difference in for instance a 62" vs 68" bow for getting around in the woods.  Personally, my longer bows don't bother me in that respect.  If you are wanting a shorter bow then a hybrid or long curve might be what you like.  This is just my opinion, but I wouldn't worry about finger pinch.

Oh forgot to add!  I think handshock is a function of limb mass and riser mass.  Less limb mass and more weight in the riser/handle section will have less handshock in most instances.  Quietness, again in my opinion, has a lot to do with the speed of the bow.  My slowest bows are my quietest.

[vermonster13]

Black Swan 62" Hybrid, no issues at 30" draw. Tune it right and it purrs like a kitten. Try everything you can, the hybrids give you a best of both worlds kind of thing.

[mike g]

I had a Kaibab that I used 29" Bop arrow with,No problem....Nice bows

[bentpole]

I had a Chaparral Kaibab great bow. Presently shooting a HORNES BRUSHBOW It's 58" but I have a 27" draw. It comes in 60" and 62" i LIKE MINE SO MUCH i'M GETTING READY TO ORDER ANOTHER ONE MAYBE A 60" i WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE HAND GRIP ON THE RISER EVERYTIME i PICK IT UP MY HAND GOES INTO THE SAME SPOT

[shootrmn]

love my hybrid getting about 185fps w/450 grn arras

[Voodoofire1]

66" Kolometz Kustom longbow,89@30 I shoot 31 1/2" axis arrows at 482 grains just over 200fps. no handshock and very quiet!

[Swanny in MD]

Something seems off, Voo - you shoot 89#'s @ a huge powerstroke with roughly 6 grains p/p and only get 200 fps?  I would expect 50 to 60 more fps with those specs.  Is it just me?

[snakewood3]

I was wondering the same...seems like a death wish for the bow...but to each their own....

[Wudstix]

I have a MOAB and did have a Thundertsick III.  MOAB is 60" 62#@27.  TS III was 63#@28.5 both quick, MOAB 189 and TS III 178 with 625 grain arrows.  I'd recommend at least a 62" R/D bow.

[Steelhead]

In a hybrid you mentioned you were interested in a chief.I draw 30 inches and had a 64 inch chief.It would be an excellant choice in my opinion.Mine was his elite series if you wanted something more fancy.Anyway that bow is a shooter and is quiet and fast and stable and has a very solid feel to it.It wont stack and finger pinch wont be an issue.No noticable handshock.You cant go wrong with that bow.The 66 incher would probably be even more comfortable.But 64 might be a better all around choice for hunting and would make a great 3-D bow as well.Good day

[Orion]

Given the bow dynamics, design, you can get away with 2-inches less bow length with a hybrid than a standard, moderately reflexed/deflexed longbow.  Anything in the 64-66-inch range will work very nicely and you're considering some fine bows.

[9 Mile Archer]

I bet Voo ment 59, cause 89 would mean he's drawing over 90 pounds for a arrow under 500grns, CRAZY!!!!!!  I just bought a Hornes 58"bush for my wife 41@28 she only draws to 25".  It is a peach and I can shoot it with @ 27-28 inch draw no pinch.