Can someone recommend a mild RD longbow about 64" and doesn't stack at 31" dl? Thanks in advance ESP
There are a number but you'd be hard pressed to do better than a Toelke Whip.
A number of builders of mild r/d longbows, but at 31 inches, I think most will stack pretty good. Why not consider a 66- or even 68-inch bow?
Dan recommends his Whip for that draw length.
I apologize for lack of clarity.
I have used a 66" RD longbow before, but it was very limiting for my style of hunting. Thanks for all the responses, you folks a very helpful.
ESP
Not knowing your experience in trad archery and longbows, coupla things come to mind.
The first is, are you sure of your 31" draw length? Even a tall, big archer such as Howard Hill had a 28" draw length. As most trad archers continue their shooting experience, at least a fair number will shorten their draw length - for better shooting and not for being overbowed.
If you really absolutely do require that long a draw length, even a specialty 64" longbow will more than likely not be as consistently stable as much longer 68" or so longbow.
Please tell us more about how a 31" draw length is yer requirement.
I have been shooting trad for 15 years. I shoot full length gold tip 340's plus nock length. I draw to the broadheads touches my fingers. Although not extra ordinarily tall I do have a two inch longer wing span than my friends who who is 6'5".
There are downsides to having a long draw length.
Quote from: ESP on January 25, 2026, 09:40:59 PMI have been shooting trad for 15 years. I shoot full length gold tip 340's plus nock length. I draw to the broadheads touches my fingers. Although not extra ordinarily tall I do have a two inch longer wing span than my friends who who is 6'5".
There are downsides to having a long draw length.
The question still remains - do you really need to pull 31" to the front of a bow's shelf? This is specifically about shooting form. What you currently perceive to be correct draw and hold form for you may not be based on good mechanics.
I would suggest that you may profit by sourcing a local archery coach who is absolutely proficient in traditional bowhunting archery, not target archery. Also, the instinctive archery books by G.Fred Asbell may give you insights that can change both your form and arrow length for the better of your shooting and hunting.
I have a 6'7" wingspan, and draw just shy of 31" typically. I can draw more or less depending on how I'm anchoring and whatnot. People don't believe you when you say you have that draw length, I think because so many guys short draw and don't get into good alignment. Nothing wrong with that if they shoot well and stay injury free. But if you are a guy with longer arms and draw to good alignment, 30-32" draw is nothing surprising. Anyway, yes Dan Toelke can make you a 64" whip that works for that draw. I've had 64" whip, 5 66" whips, and now have and hunt with 68" super d. I personally don't find the longer length any issue for hunting, and I hunt some thick stuff, but I know that's an individual comfort thing. I'm sure there's plenty other bowyers who can make you a 64" to handle that draw. 64" Two tracks longwalker, maybe big Jim's buffalo and black widow would too but no experience with them. Good luck!
Quote from: ESP on January 25, 2026, 03:35:26 PMCan someone recommend a mild RD longbow about 64" and doesn't stack at 31" dl? Thanks in advance ESP
I can build something for you that won't stack at that draw length in a one piece or take down model.
Here are a couple to look at. I also build a 60" hybrid long bow that will draw 32" smooth as silk. .
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ASdADjGwqh1Dwy3Y7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/JYFQEUyrVrwEDUJZ9
https://photos.app.goo.gl/fJLXLBcNMzoSD7gq7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/xYs1QFHSwS6XwoBz7
I personally dont consider any of the bows listed above as mild R&Ds except the Toelke Super D mentioned above.
Anyway Great Northern has the Critter gitter in 64 inches,The Toelke Super D,Mohantango Kestral,and Northern Mist Superior as well.Mohawk bows may make them as well.Not sure if he's still in business?Might be.They are all true mild R&Ds that string into the classic D shape when strung.All have narrow deep core limbs and some have a trappezoid cross section.
I have owned many.Some of the Bowyers that produced them have now since retired.
I'll probably decide to build my own, but I'm interested in what you find as I'm in the same 31" boat. The bow I have now is 68"NTN, and I would definitely like one a bit shorter, particularly for some of the tree stands I have.
I used a 64 inch mild R&D for years.I was drawing a true 30 inches then.But 31 is not 30 inches.I would talk to currant Mild R&D builders and discuss the 64 as far as stacking mostly.Finger pinch might be Okay.Especially if you have a clean release.
Javaman Archery builds the Sweet Grass Mild R&D as well
Great Plains makes a a mild R&D as well called the Traditional Longbow