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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: AndrewArcher on February 17, 2011, 12:56:00 PM

Title: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: AndrewArcher on February 17, 2011, 12:56:00 PM
First of all let me introduce myself. My name is Andrew and I'm from Ohio.

Onto my question.

I have a 30-31 inch draw (I'm 6.3 but have long arms for my height)I determined my draw by measuring my wingspan and dividing it by 2.5

My result was 31 inches.

When I draw back on my current recurve (PSE Kingfisher, #45 at 28,and it's a 58 inch bow)I draw around 30-31

I don't know why I can't quite determine my exact draw length.

ANYWAYS. I am looking to get a new bow because my bow tends to stack alot, and I get pretty bad finger pinch. I also read that it's a bad idea to draw a 58 inch recurve to 31. And with all the stacking and finger pinch, I'm developing bad form.

The bow I'm thinking about getting is the Ragim Wildcat TD

And here we come to my question at last.

What size bow should I get? Many people suggested that I get a 62 inch recurve, others suggested I get a 66 inch one.

I'm thinking about getting the 70 inch version just because I'm 17 and not yet done growing.

I don't really see any downside to getting a larger bow.

Anyways, all opinions are appreciated.

Thank you very much, and I look forward to getting to know you all.


Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: on February 17, 2011, 01:12:00 PM
If I was 6'3" i would use nothing less than a 66" recurve.  Your height gives you the advantage of being able to handle the length, plus the extra length has big advantages in accuracy and comfort. For you a 58" recurve would equal a 48" recurve for me, I cannot hit the broad side of anything with a 48" bow.  Most of my bows are 66" and 68".
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: AndrewArcher on February 17, 2011, 01:20:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by pavan:
If I was 6'3" i would use nothing less than a 66" recurve.  Your height gives you the advantage of being able to handle the length, plus the extra length has big advantages in accuracy and comfort. For you a 58" recurve would equal a 48" recurve for me, I cannot hit the broad side of anything with a 48" bow.  Most of my bows are 66" and 68".
Thank you very much. That's exactly what I was looking for.

I was kind of wondering why my groups were so bad... Now I don't feel quite so alone    :)
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: rraming on February 17, 2011, 01:28:00 PM
http://www.tradgang.com/docs/newbies.html

maybe take a look at that
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: straitera on February 17, 2011, 02:31:00 PM
Welcome Andrew. I've shot long lb's for 33 years straight. Most recently, I purchased a 70" ntn Tembo. I'm 6'2" w/35" sleeves. My draw is also long@31". I've shot shorter bows & do not miss the finger pinch & stack. My shortest is 66". No problems hunting from trees nor ground stalking. Just takes getting used to. Once so, you'll like it.
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: 2fletch on February 17, 2011, 02:50:00 PM
There is no hard rule for what bow length to use, but somewhere at least double your draw length in most convenional bow designs. I once fell in love with the Kodiac Magnums. With a 28" draw length it was just impossible to shoot a 48" or 52" bow with any accuracy.

I tried the shorter bows for awhile before giving up. I'd shoot a 2-3" group with a 58" bow, and then shoot a 5-6" group with the shorter bows. I did this over and over until there was no doubt...,the shorter bow would never match the longer bows in accuracy.
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: scedvm on February 17, 2011, 02:54:00 PM
Andrew, I am 6'05" and also draw to 31".  I much prefer a 64-66" recurve and 66-70" longbows.  I do all my hunting on the ground and rarely ever do I find the longer bow to be a problem.  You will be surprised how rapidly your form and shooting improves once you get a bow that "fits" you.  Good luck...Shawn
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: AndrewArcher on February 17, 2011, 04:17:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by straitera:
Welcome Andrew. I've shot long lb's for 33 years straight. Most recently, I purchased a 70" ntn Tembo. I'm 6'2" w/35" sleeves. My draw is also long@31". I've shot shorter bows & do not miss the finger pinch & stack. My shortest is 66". No problems hunting from trees nor ground stalking. Just takes getting used to. Once so, you'll like it.
Sounds like I'm going to get the 70 inch one : )

Thank you very much
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: Stumpkiller on February 17, 2011, 04:30:00 PM
I'm 6'3" and your 2.5 factor of span takes me to 30" . . . which is just what I draw (30-1/2" BOP arrows).  I have a 58" recurve I can shoot just fine, three 60" and two 62" recurves.  It depends a lot on the individual model, not just the AMO length.  One particular 58" bow I wanted (a Mamba) killed my fingers and stacked to a halt before I got that last inch I needed.
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: AndrewArcher on February 17, 2011, 04:34:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by 2fletch:
There is no hard rule for what bow length to use, but somewhere at least double your draw length in most convenional bow designs. I once fell in love with the Kodiac Magnums. With a 28" draw length it was just impossible to shoot a 48" or 52" bow with any accuracy.

I tried the shorter bows for awhile before giving up. I'd shoot a 2-3" group with a 58" bow, and then shoot a 5-6" group with the shorter bows. I did this over and over until there was no doubt...,the shorter bow would never match the longer bows in accuracy.
2-3 inch groups? How many yards away were you?!

That's really good lol.

Thank you for the advice
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: AndrewArcher on February 17, 2011, 04:39:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by scedvm:
Andrew, I am 6'05" and also draw to 31".  I much prefer a 64-66" recurve and 66-70" longbows.  I do all my hunting on the ground and rarely ever do I find the longer bow to be a problem.  You will be surprised how rapidly your form and shooting improves once you get a bow that "fits" you.  Good luck...Shawn
Thanks for the input Shawn!
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: AndrewArcher on February 17, 2011, 04:44:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Stumpkiller:
I'm 6'3" and your 2.5 factor of span takes me to 30" . . . which is just what I draw (30-1/2" BOP arrows).  I have a 58" recurve I can shoot just fine, three 60" and two 62" recurves.  It depends a lot on the individual model, not just the AMO length.  One particular 58" bow I wanted (a Mamba) killed my fingers and stacked to a halt before I got that last inch I needed.
Another good point. I didn't even think about the difference in models.

Thank you so much.

Love this so much more than Archerytalk
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: Rob DiStefano on February 17, 2011, 06:54:00 PM
welcome to trad gang and trad land!  :wavey:

all stick bows are unique, even within the same manufacturer's model numbers.  you would best be served trying before buying, otherwise be prepared to accept the unfortunate consequences that *may* befall you.  

get as much time in behind lotsa different bowstrings as possible.  clubs and shoots are a great way to try out bows and hopefully to get pro advice on matters such as draw length.  it's not at all uncommon for a trad archer's draw length to change as one's form "settles in" correctly.    

it is also quite common for the bow itself to influence draw length - longer bows/lighter holding weights allow yer form to stretch out and use back muscles ... moving to shorter bows/higher holding weights can contract your form and your draw length.

above all, don't overbow yerself, and whenever in the slightest doubt, go longer in bow length.

enjoy the journey ... most of us are still on it.  :)
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: KentuckyTJ on February 17, 2011, 07:10:00 PM
Welcome from Kentucky
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: lpcjon2 on February 17, 2011, 07:12:00 PM
Welcome to the fire enjoy!
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: Night Wing on February 17, 2011, 07:31:00 PM
I have a 30" draw and I hate finger pinch. I only shoot recurves and I prefer 66" in length.
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: AndrewArcher on February 17, 2011, 07:33:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Rob DiStefano:
welcome to trad gang and trad land!   :wavey:  

all stick bows are unique, even within the same manufacturer's model numbers.  you would best be served trying before buying, otherwise be prepared to accept the unfortunate consequences that *may* befall you.  

get as much time in behind lotsa different bowstrings as possible.  clubs and shoots are a great way to try out bows and hopefully to get pro advice on matters such as draw length.  it's not at all uncommon for a trad archer's draw length to change as one's form "settles in" correctly.    

it is also quite common for the bow itself to influence draw length - longer bows/lighter holding weights allow yer form to stretch out and use back muscles ... moving to shorter bows/higher holding weights can contract your form and your draw length.

above all, don't overbow yerself, and whenever in the slightest doubt, go longer in bow length.

enjoy the journey ... most of us are still on it.   :)  
Sweet  :)

Thank you so much. Really good advice.

I didn't even think about that effecting my draw length.

That kind of explains it
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: AndrewArcher on February 17, 2011, 07:36:00 PM
Thanks everyone!
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: highelk on February 17, 2011, 07:46:00 PM
Welcome to camp!     :campfire:
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: YORNOC on February 17, 2011, 08:12:00 PM
Wait till you draw a 70" bow!  SMOOOOOTH!!! You'll love it at your longer draw.  Not many custom bowyers build them over 64" which is an absolute shame. A lot of guys have never even drawn a longer bow at hunting weights. They don't know what they are missing, so easy to shoot.  Try 'em all is the key, but you will do very well at anything over 66".  Under that will be hit or miss, so be careful spending your money.
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: Friend on February 17, 2011, 08:29:00 PM
Welcome to the the hood 'Power Stroke".
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: Butch L on February 18, 2011, 12:39:00 AM
Hi AndrewArcher, Welcome Aboard. Great site, Great Info and Great People.

Butch L
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: AndrewArcher on February 18, 2011, 01:15:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by YORNOC:
Wait till you draw a 70" bow!  SMOOOOOTH!!! You'll love it at your longer draw.  Not many custom bowyers build them over 64" which is an absolute shame. A lot of guys have never even drawn a longer bow at hunting weights. They don't know what they are missing, so easy to shoot.  Try 'em all is the key, but you will do very well at anything over 66".  Under that will be hit or miss, so be careful spending your money.
I'm getting the 70 inch Ragim wildcat TD recurve.

I can't wait. Thanks alot!

And thanks everyone else for the warm welcome
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: Rob DiStefano on February 18, 2011, 06:55:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by AndrewArcher:
 
QuoteOriginally posted by YORNOC:
Wait till you draw a 70" bow!  SMOOOOOTH!!! You'll love it at your longer draw.  Not many custom bowyers build them over 64" which is an absolute shame. A lot of guys have never even drawn a longer bow at hunting weights. They don't know what they are missing, so easy to shoot.  Try 'em all is the key, but you will do very well at anything over 66".  Under that will be hit or miss, so be careful spending your money.
I'm getting the 70 inch Ragim wildcat TD recurve.

I can't wait. Thanks alot!

And thanks everyone else for the warm welcome [/b]
the t/d feature will allow changes in holding weight for cheap ... cheaper still 'cause it's a ragim, which is at least a decent starter trad bow.  shoot LOTS and have pfun!  ;)
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: ChuckC on February 18, 2011, 10:54:00 AM
I have heard bigger is better but I don't know if I believe it.  

I think it depends a bunch on how comfortable you are with the grip and how well you can handle what you've got.

Everyone is obviously put together different and has different needs or wants, so you need to go out and try out a bunch of different ones and see what makes you happy.
ChuckC
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: AndrewArcher on February 18, 2011, 11:32:00 AM
[/qb][/QUOTE]the t/d feature will allow changes in holding weight for cheap ... cheaper still 'cause it's a ragim, which is at least a decent starter trad bow.  shoot LOTS and have pfun!   ;)  [/QB][/QUOTE]


That's what I was thinking  :)  Good to know that someone has some knowledge on this bow.

I couldn't find many reviews on it
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: straitera on February 18, 2011, 01:25:00 PM
Fine choice Andrew. We're anxious to hear your shooting report. What draw weight & arrows are you planning?
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: AndrewArcher on February 18, 2011, 03:59:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by straitera:
Fine choice Andrew. We're anxious to hear your shooting report. What draw weight & arrows are you planning?
I am thinking of getting the 40lb version. Right now I'm shooting a 45lb bow, and I'm drawing to 31, so I guess it's more around 54?

And I figured since the bigger bows don't stack as bad, it will stay close to 45 if I get a 40lb bow.

I was thinking about getting higher poundage, but I want to work on form instead of pulling back a heavier bow.

Form is what I need to focus on right now.


As for arrows, I don't really have any in mind. When I actually get the bow, I'm going to take it to Gander Mountain, and have them measure the poundage at 31, and then get the appropriate arrows there.

:)
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: Mudd on February 18, 2011, 06:14:00 PM
Welcome aboard!

Enjoy your journey along with the rest of us.

God bless,Mudd
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: on February 18, 2011, 07:32:00 PM
Yeah!  Welcome Andrew.  Lookin' forward to hearing from you here on the PowWow.  

I can see you have already recieved lots of good advice...Hang around and you'll do fine....just don't be in to much of a hurry..

  :wavey:
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: AndrewArcher on February 19, 2011, 02:43:00 AM
Thanks Mudd and Tony!
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: Jack Whitmire Jr on February 19, 2011, 05:16:00 AM
Andrew you have a great advantage having the long draw length . It will give your bow much more power stroke . In other words it will out shoot a bow that draws 50# at 28" and yours draws 50# at 31 " . Good luck in your endeavor and enjoy .

Jack
Title: Re: Hi, new to the forum. I have a question about what size bow to get
Post by: AndrewArcher on February 20, 2011, 02:12:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Jack Whitmire Jr:
Andrew you have a great advantage having the long draw length . It will give your bow much more power stroke . In other words it will out shoot a bow that draws 50# at 28" and yours draws 50# at 31 " . Good luck in your endeavor and enjoy .

Jack
Sweet. That's one good thing about being tall