short longbows??

[VA Elite]

I have noticed some short longbows being used. 54-58". is there an advantage to such a short bow other than blind hunting or just maneuvering? how is the forgiveness? stability? etc.

[meatCKR]

Here is my all Osage Great Northern Critter Gitter Special.  She is 58" and absolutely the finest bow I have ever shot.  Absolutely no hand shock and points extremely well and puts it right where you look.  In a fit of lunacy, I once sold her.  Then a miracle happened and the new owner put her back up for sale so I snatched her back up.  She's never leaving again.  If you ever get a chance to get a Gitter, don't pass it by.  They are tremendous bows with classic lines and shoot even better than they look. Plus Jerry is not making these any longer.

Steve

 

[Todd Cook]

They're not for me. Some folks love them, but I shoot a longer bow much better.

[hunthold]

How about a 50"er? It's get drawn to 28 and shoots as well as a longer bow.

 

I HATE short bows, longbow or recurve! I have a 29.5" DL and I just can't seem to shoot bows shorter than 62" worth a flip!

Bisch

[Archie]

I think short bows are very cool until I shoot them.  Then I get back to a bow that shoots well for me... a long one!

[VA Elite]

what about me being only 5'6 with 27" draw? think a short one would be for me?

[trasher]

Do you ever thought about a TimberGhost hybrid longbow?
I was pleased to shoot one of my friend's Timberghost longbow (from Hubi also a member)
The smoothness drawing, consistency and quietness was the best I ever had with a 58" bow.
Did I already mentioned that my draw length
is about 31" and I  draw the 31" without any finger pinch.
She is fast,quiet and absolutely no handshock.
Also I think the design is outstanding but that's is only my fact.

   Timberghost

[Stump73]

Landon, Im 5' 6" but I have a 25" draw. I had a 56" Thunderchild but I wasnt in the power stroke so BigJim built me a 54" . You can tell a differenc. I shoot the 54" a lot better.

[Michael Arnette]

I wouldn't go shorter than 60" on a longbow. I've had several that were 58" and it's just better to have more stability in my opinion. Of course, I also have a 29" draw so that makes a difference. I have a 58" TallTines recurve that I just love but then again it's a Talltines how could I not. If you are looking at shorter longbows I would give Dan Teolke a good look as well.

[woodyt]

I have both and shoot both, also 5'6". I have a 58" Centaur that is smooth as glass, and plenty fast. Longer bows are more forgiving, but sometimes its sweet to shoot a shorter bow.

Originally posted by VA Elite:
what about me being only 5'6 with 27" draw? think a short one would be for me?

I don't think the 5'6" really has any bearing, but having that shorter DL would be an advantage fo making short bows work for you well.

Bisch

[VA Elite]

I guess the fact that my draw is 27" is a direct result of being a 5'6 midget!   :D

[kadbow]

I love short longbows.  Shoot 54" with a 27" draw.  Mine are Shrew CHs made by Gregg.

[KentuckyTJ]

With my short 26.5" draw I really like short bows. I have two 58" long bows that are fantastic. All depends on your draw length.

[D. Key]

I have a 27" draw length and I shoot longbows anywhere from 56" to 64" but I prefer a 60"er for several reasons.  More forgiving with an imperfect release, less finger pinch, more maneuverable in tight spaces, more clearance in a pop-up blind.  I now shoot a Toelke Pika in 56" and it is a great shooter also, just wish it was 58".

[VA Elite]

27"

[Brianlocal3]

I only draw 26" but here is my observation.
A well designed short bow doesn't give up anything to a longer bow in our typical hunting ranges.
Out to say 40 Yds I can hit as well with my 56" cascade brush hawk as I can any of my longer bows. Also the short bow makes for a wonderful carry thru the thick woods, on a stand or in a blind.
I find a short forward riser bow to come to target quicker too

Originally posted by Brianlocal3:
I only draw 26" but here is my observation.
A well designed short bow doesn't give up anything to a longer bow in our typical hunting ranges.
Out to say 40 Yds I can hit as well with my 56" cascade brush hawk as I can any of my longer bows. Also the short bow makes for a wonderful carry thru the thick woods, on a stand or in a blind.
I find a short forward riser bow to come to target quicker too

I think the key here is 26" DL! With long DL's, the finger pinch gets to be a problem (at least for me), and I can't shoot shorter bows nearly as well as I can my 62's and 64's.

The only real way for any particular guy to know if this or that will work for him, is to put it in his own hands and give it a try.

Bisch

[VA Elite]

Im not sure how long my super ghost is, I think it is 60", I would be looking at a 56-58" longbow, 2-4 inches would help me out a lot as far moving around with it.