I'm shooting a 64" LB.
I'm ordering a new recurve, and I haven't even shot one in years (just made the leap to all traditional tackle for deer).
I'm unsure of which length recurve. I want this bow to "probably" be strictly a hunting bow (some 3D, but nothign serious).
Are there any disadvantages to going with a 60" bow over a longer version? I'm 6'1", and I'm aware that there are some advantages to a longer bow (inherent). i'm just wondering if the general consensus is 60" is "fine" for a hunting bow, or if you'd suggest I go with a little longer (up to 64") bow.
I apreciate your input(s).
Jeff
**edit** I DO plan to hunt out of a DB (reg Matrix) with this recurve in the future.
gmmat, going to a recurve took some getting used to. ive shot a 66" selfbow exclusively for many yrs. ive had a bear recurve for 3 yrs now and im still trying to master it. the obvious difference between the two is a recurve is cut past center to allow straight arrow flight. going to a shorter bow is also going to take some getting used to. the shorter the bow the more unforgiving it is.some here would say that the shorter the bow the greater performance. im not sure if thats exactly true but im not of a bow building experience to say yay or nay.shorter bows definately have there place and purpose such as hunting in ground blinds or thick cover. but as with all things they are a matter of personal preferance. i would suggest going to a larger tournement where you can try different bows and see what strikes your fancy. good luck and have fun trying different bows . im sure you will find something you really like regards ruddy
Hello Jeff
Ihave not had any problems with most 60 inch recurves.I had a few that stacked a bit though.I draw about 30 inches and am 6 ft 2 in.I shoot curves and longbows and have had many curves that are from 60 to 64 inches.62 might be about perfect for me in general for a hunting bow but have had many 60 inchers that work very well and always have a 60 inch recurve on the bowrack.Its as short as I personelly go most of the time.
One thing I would suggest is getting one with a longbow style riser (50s style) and grip like you are accustomed to on your 64 inch longbow.Most of my curves have locator style grips like on my longbows in a lower style.Thier are alot of very nice 50s style recurves to choose from if you go that route.
Longer bows have always been more stable,smoother and enjoyable to shoot especially if you draw over 28 inches.
You'll have to decide if shooting out of a blind is more important to warrant a short bow for all seasons.
You should not have a problem shooting a 60" recurve. I personnally prefer my 62" BW PMA-V over shorter models. It seems to be a little more forgiving and is smoother to draw than my 60". With that said I would pay special attention to your hunting terrain. If your primarily hunting out of tree stands or areas of very thick cover, the 60" might be a better choice. If you do not have a problem hunting with your 64" LB then I would pick the recurve that feels best to you, regardless of length. Good luck and "Keep'Um Sharp".
I honestly don't think it matters unless you are getting finger pinch with a shorter bow. I went from a 60" recurve to a 64" longbow and have not experienced any downside. Sure, I may catch a branch if I am not paying attention but I did that with my recurve as well. I know people hunting out of treestands with 68" longbows. They manage.
A 60" recurve is plenty for most drawlengths. As for switching back and forth.... it never seemed to be that big of a deal to me.
Steelhead about summed it up.
I'm also a big fan of a 62 inch recurve for a hunting length bow. I just don't care for shorter bows much but I'm in the same ball park at 6'2" and draw 31 to 32 inches. I've got recurves up to 68" but honestly, while smoother to pull, I don't see any real advantage beyond 62".
My longbow which is really my "go to" bow is a 66" and is just as smooth as any recurve I've shot.
Jeff, I shoot 64 longbow and 60" recurve. now problem here. I even hunt with a 58" recurve and 62" longbow sometimes. I'm 6' and draw about 28+. If you come to the sissipaw shoot in may, I'll let you shoot both of them. Don
I can shoot the 60" of 62" no problem out of my 360 Matrix. just have to cant the bow a bit.
I have a 56" recurve and longbow that will handle any draw on the board that are my blind bows.
I draw 30".
I shoot 70" selfbows and 62-69" vintage recurves. I prefer a 62-64" recurve, but a 69" recurve is very smooth.
for hunting, 62-64" used to be considered a good length...until they made bows even shorter. My '61 Pearson Golden Conqueror is a hunting bow and it's 62" long.
62" works well for my 30" draw, but it all depends on the design of the bow. Shorter bows can have more deflexed risers and feel fine at long draw lengths.
It all depends on the design of the bow and how it feels for you.
I've never had a problem switching back and forth. Personally, I like short bows for most hunting situatons and when hunting from a blind, the shorter the better.