Bow Length

[gtsticker]

Question on bow length. What are the advantages and disadvantages of longer bows. I shoot 31.5 draw. Any advise would be appreciated.

[Bisch]

Scott, longer bows are thought to be "smoother" by many. I don't really feel that is the case so much with todays generation of bows. If you have a 31+" DL you will probably want a longer bow just to keep the finger pinch from the string down. Some guys like a shorter bow for shooting in ground blinds and such. I have a 29.5" DL and do not own a bow shorter than 62". I just make my hunting set-ups where it is doable with that length bow.

Hope this helps a little,

Bisch

[gtsticker]

That's what i have heard. I just have not done this in a long time so I want to get the right "size" bow so I can maximize my practice with good equipment. Of course like everybody else I do not want to jump off in a new custom bow right off the bat.

[Bisch]

That's what i have heard. I just have not done this in a long time so I want to get the right "size" bow so I can maximize my practice with good equipment. Of course like everybody else I do not want to jump off in a new custom bow right off the bat.

That's fine too. The only problem you are gonna have is being able to try out the bows before you get one. Being "wrong-handed" is gonna limit the number of bows out there for you to try before you buy.

Bisch

[Draco]

You can imagine that the shorter the bow the more acute the angle is that the string is taking over your fingers. The more acute it is , the harder it is for the string to come off your fingers cleanly. I think the old rule of thumb was the bow length should be twice your draw length. Yours would be 63", however you would need to look for a 64" as 63" is not too common. I have owned and shot several 64 and 66" bows and have never had a problem hunting with them, but then I don't hunt out of tent blinds.

[Deb]

That means my bow should be 42".

[Bisch]

That means my bow should be 42".

There are exceptions to every rule, Deb. And you are definitely and exception to the rule!

Bisch

[Draco]

No it just means thet you shouldn't go shorter than that. You must be one tiny little thing. As every one knows dynamite comes in little packages.

[widdler]

Bisch just made you an exception Deb I think there should be no more pie for him.

[Deb]

Naw, Rick, he gets extra.

[Bisch]

Naw, Rick, he gets extra.

WooHoo!!!!!!!!!!

Bisch

[moe monsarrat]

I too have a 31.5' draw. It can be a problem. Are you basing that draw length on your draw length on a compound? The two are not the same. One reason is the traditional stance is different & will cause your draw length to be less. If it really is 31.5, you're in a bit of luck as I've already done the research for you, so to speak. You should not buy a longbow shorter than 66" and be careful of the design at that length. Most of my longbows are 66-70". Any longbow that hinges at the fadeouts wili probably eventually fail. Recurves are less likely to come apart but I shoot 64"-70" recurve. 62" bows
usually have a bit of finger pinch for me.

[gtsticker]

Thanks guys this will be a big help. I guess I will start looking after Christmas.

[muddydog]

I have a 27 in draw and cant shoot any bow shorter than 60 in very well. Like stated it is harder to get rid of the string. Longer bows just pull easier and shoot better for me. I would bet you will need a longer bow with your draw length. Go find some and pull them back because every bow will feel different.

[Wayne Meuir]

Two observations from my own experience:
1. Short bows are not a stable for me as longer ones. Every bow I have shot that is shorter than 60" seems to be harder for me to manage.
2. Short bows, especially with an extra long draw length like you have, will stack much more than longers ones.

My go-to bow right now is a 66" Horne one piece LB.

Wayne