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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: str8jct on February 18, 2013, 05:12:00 PM

Title: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: str8jct on February 18, 2013, 05:12:00 PM
I am getting ready to order a new 2pc LB.  I already have a 58in and 62in bow from the bowyer in one piece bows and will be getting the same model in the new 2pc.  I like my 58in but think 60in may be better this time around.  My brother has a one piece in the same model that is 60in and the same weight as my 58.  I have been shooting the two around the yard, from my knees, tree stand, stool, etc.  The manueverability is realively the same but I can't decide which legnth I want.

Will the extra 2in be that big of a difference in smoothness, forgiveness, and so forth?  Which bow is faster- shorter or longer-all else being equal?  Does the moniker "Don't sweat the small stuff" apply?

As a side note I am getting rid of the 62 now and if the new 2pc suits me I will then sell the 58...which may be why I am obsessing about it so much.
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: magnus on February 18, 2013, 05:16:00 PM
What's your draw length? Generally longer is more forgiving.
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: xtrema312 on February 18, 2013, 05:22:00 PM
No idea what the bow is or your draw length.  Best to ask the boyer about the length and how it will work for your draw length as far as maximizing performance. Get that info to help you pick.

You are the one with all three lengths in your hands so I don't know that anyone can answer this any better than you.  I wish I could have the same bow in three lengths to figure out what I like and want.  You just need to go out and shoot then pick one.  

Sounds like the 60" would work for you and do all you need as well as split the difference in bow lengths.
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: Ulysseys on February 18, 2013, 05:30:00 PM
If you feel the maneuverability is basically the same then go with the longer one, it'll be smoother and faster.  The only benefit to the 58 is maneuverability.
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: bama on February 18, 2013, 05:33:00 PM
A huge deal in my opinion if you hunt from tree stands.
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: WESTBROOK on February 18, 2013, 05:39:00 PM
QuoteYou are the one with all three lengths in your hands so I don't know that anyone can answer this any better than you
Thats about as clear is it can be, not much we can help with at this point.

Personaly I will never have another bow less than 60".

Eric
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: Michael Golden on February 18, 2013, 06:42:00 PM
It depends......
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: killinstuff on February 18, 2013, 06:56:00 PM
From the grip it's only an inch either way. Pointless really.
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: ron w on February 18, 2013, 07:08:00 PM
In most cases .....longer is better.
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: twistedlim on February 18, 2013, 07:40:00 PM
What bow and what is your draw length.  Thousands of bows have been shot by this group and maybe we have some experience with the make and model you are curious about.  

I have a 58, 60 and 62 inch whip and they all work fine with my 28-28.5 draw. I can't say I shoot any one of them better but then again I am not a great shot by any standard.  I shot a Don Dow 52 inch recurve that try as I might I could not get to stack

As far as ease of shooting Ron makes some good points but if you are in a tree or a hut blind the longer bows take a back seat.  My little 58 wsa perfect for the restricted movement I had in my tree this year and I knew I would not shoot probably more than 18 yards anyway.

Probably no one bow will be perfect for all situations so I recommend starting with 6 or so and then add as needed    :)
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: twistedlim on February 18, 2013, 07:41:00 PM
oops double post...
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: str8jct on February 18, 2013, 07:44:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by WESTBROOK:
QuotePersonaly I will never have another bow less than 60".

Eric [/b]
Westbrook, Why is that?
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: Arrowhead80 on February 18, 2013, 07:54:00 PM
If i had 2 more inches i would change my occupation  :biglaugh:
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: str8jct on February 18, 2013, 07:58:00 PM
Twistedlim, that is good advice on starting with 6....However I currently have about 15.  All different makes, models, weights, and lengths.  

So a longer bow is faster than a shorter bow?
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: str8jct on February 18, 2013, 08:00:00 PM
Arrowhead80, after I hit enter on starting the topic I had one of those moments where I thought this could go bad.....
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: ron w on February 18, 2013, 08:01:00 PM
I don't think it's always faster....just more forgiving.
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: Moots on February 18, 2013, 08:08:00 PM
I think a longer bow is smoother.
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: MnFn on February 18, 2013, 08:49:00 PM
I have had 48" bows and up to 68". So far, 60" has been my favorite. I have had four of those.
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: moleman on February 18, 2013, 09:13:00 PM
When talking speed, the shorter bows will generally win hands down due to the fact that they store more energy, but as bow length gets longer i feel that they become more comfortable, stable and smoother to shoot.
As far as ease of handling in the brush and woods, its all a matter of what you get used to.
Ive got bows from 48 to 70" but prefer my 64 to 70 inchers, once you get used to handling them in the tuff stuff, the xtra length of a longer bow is never noticed.
Just my 2 cents worth
Paul
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: nineworlds9 on February 18, 2013, 09:30:00 PM
My wife thinks so.  LOL.  In all seriousness I think 2" can be significant depending on the bow, design and maker taken into consideration.  I've had 60" bows feel like a 64" (Dwyer Defiant) and longer bows feel like stack-city just cause of how they were made.  Best advice is buy used for a discount or try before you buy.  A couple makers that I know for sure make a smoothie no matter whether 60 or 64 or 66 are either Dwyer, Holm-made, or Leon Stewart, all from personal experience.
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: old_goat2 on February 18, 2013, 10:10:00 PM
One of the bowyers on here said longer limbs with his design store more energy or release it more effiecently or something like that, I can't remember. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: Bjorn on February 18, 2013, 11:58:00 PM
My son and I both felt a big difference going from 62" to 64" in R/D longbows. Same exact bows just longer limbs-you need to check it out for yourself.
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: Steelhead on February 19, 2013, 03:37:00 AM
Sounds like you allready have the 58" and your brothers 60 incher to compare the 2 lengths in the same bow.

I would just shoot both alot and pay attention to the behavior of the 2 lengths in your hands.

I would not worry too kuch about the speed difference.That is probably neglible.

I would be more concerned with the feel of the bow when drawn and when the arrow is released.

Whatever length feels most pleasant,stable,accurrate,vibration free, smoothest and quietest is what I would opt for.Or at the length that has the most of these qualities vs the other length for you.

longer is not always better and shorter is not always better.Depends on the bow and how it fits the archers shooting style and draw length.
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: Doc Nock on February 19, 2013, 08:05:00 AM
I went from MOrrison 62" "D" recurve limbs to a set of 62"  "D" longbow limbs--- but the difference between actual "LENGTH" of a longbow profile and recurve profile was considerable!!!

I ticked or banged into every stick in the woods for 3 years with the 62" longbow limbs...same in my tree stand.  

I finally went back to a 60" longbow and have had no such concerns.

everyone is different...
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: blktail on February 19, 2013, 08:19:00 AM
Moleman x 2 my opinion also.
Title: Re: Is 2 inches a big deal?
Post by: DeCurry on February 19, 2013, 02:40:00 PM
I have a 60-inch and 62-inch recurve from the same bowyer, and at my 29-inch draw, the 62-inch bow is noticeably smoother to draw, despite being 3 lbs heavier in draw weight.

You mention you already have a 58-inch and a 62-inch from the same bowyer; I would think you should be noticing a difference in comfort, smoothness, etc, between those two which should point to the 60-inch being 'somewhere in between'.  If not, then it is simply a matter of personal preference in length (shooting from blind/tree stand, etc).