I have a Blacktail Elite TD on order and I have plenty of time to change the specs. I am between a 64" and a 66" bow length. I have a 29" draw. Any reason to go to 66" or not to? Thanks in advance for the advice.
I went from,60" to 64" and love the extra smoothness and went from finger pinch to barely any. I would have tried a 62 if I could have but am more then happy with 64"
I am figuring on it being smoother. Better be for the price lol. I am sure for the build quality and added length it will be smoother than my 62" hunter.
Longer recurves just seem to shoot so much smoother/quieter, are more forgiving of less than perfect release. I shoot them better than shorter ones. I also hunt with 66 to 70 inch longbows so the length isnt an issue...........
I talked with Norm about this over two years ago and went with his suggestion of a 66" Blacktail. Could not be happier. I have read that some believe performance suffers with longer bows, but that has not been my experience with Blacktails. My draw is slightly longer and 64" might work for you, but Norm would be the one to talk.
The longer you go the more smooth draw sensation you'll gain but I feel energy storage/efficiency will go down some. Maybe not measurable without a chrono. I think the 64" would be plenty long especially if you're not doing a very high draw weight. Not quite sure why these Blacktails have to be so long LoL.
I have the 64" Blacktail and have a 30" draw.I have no complaints with the 64" it is smooth drawing.Out of curiosity I am planning on getting another pair of limbs at 66"
I have a 60" VL 53#, and have no complaints, but I wouldn't mind it being a little longer. We get caught up sometimes with the short bow thing being more maneuverable, but really how much could two inches at either end really matter- except in a tight blind. In a tree stand, if I could not maneuver a 64" or 66" I doubt a 60" would be much better. I could be wrong though.
Thanks for the input everyone. I also realized sitting here that I need to check the actual draw weight of my Hunter. I have seen posts that they can very 5-10#'s from the stated draw weight. I wanted to get a slightly lighter bow than my Hunter without having to completely change arrows, maybe more forward weight to tune but not a spine change. I like the 2219 legacy arrows 31" and they shoot beautifully with 200 grains up front from the hunter. Maybe the same draw weight(60#) will be smoother and "feel" lighter out of the Blacktail. Decisions.....
I have shot plenty of 58" to 70" recurves in my day. I can deal with a 64 just fine, but will take 66 or even 68 any day for me.
Different for everyone. My buddy shoots a 56" bow and loves it. I cant do it.
Longer is definately smoother and more forgiving. I had my PCH widow made with a short riser but with longer limbs, it is 60"s, and draws like butter with no finger pinch. I had an MAII that I bought used that was a 64" bow 55#s @ 30", I only draw around 27-27 1/2" so it made that bow 46-47#s at my draw and it was super smooth,so I tried to match that when I had my PCH made and have been very happy with it, and can shoot a fairly wide variety of arrows out of it.
I had a 64" Brackenberry and still have a 64" Zipper, I draw 29" and both bows were and are great. Seem to be less critical of a bad release or an error in form.
I have a 64 Blacktail that I love and ordered a 66 I also have a 31.5 inch draw
I shoot right at 32" and don't have any trouble shooting 64" bows so it's simply a matter of preference!
I shoot a 62" black tail at 29" and it's fine. I have shot 66" bows most of the time and have no trouble in the field. You can't go wrong either way.
I am not sure anyone makes a smoother drawing bow that a Hunter...all you really need is a bow that will replicate the force draw curve of the Hunter, which I would have to say my 64 inch Blacktail does...if the 62 inch Hunter works for you why would you think you need more than 64 inches with the Blacktail
DDave
I have to laugh a little (at myself) due to the price difference btwn a Martin Hunter and a Blacktail and my own justification of spending $1300 on a bow. I see in different forums everyone saying how smoooth shooting the Hunter is. I am hoping that going with a longer length will beat the hunter to some noticable, justifiable extent for my own sanity. Of course the beauty and craftsmanship of a Blacktail bow is the main reason I chose to order one. If it shoots as nice as the hunter, but looks twice as good in the end I will be happy with it.
I have a 30 in draw and shot 64 in Blacktails for many years. I shot them really good and loved them. Then I tried a 66 in and I will say that I liked it even better. It is hard to describe the difference but it does seem a bit more forgiving in the sense that you simply point and the arrow is there. For those who think you will lose performance, Norm explained that his design is different for the longer lengths and if anything the performance increases. I have proved that to be true with my 66 inch bow.
If you are interested in slightly shorter, try the Sitka which shoots super smooth and is in my opinion a touch faster and quieter. It has a shorter riser but maintains the long limbs. I am now shooting a 62 in SItka and it is awesome!
I am primarily a long bow shooter and don't shoot my recurves a lot. But when I do, my 58" and longer recurve bows do seem smoother.
I like longer bows, they shoot smoother. My Maddog is 64" and my draw is only 27.5. I would go 66" for your draw length. Either way you're good.
I draw 29.75 and I love my 64" Palmer. Very smooth!
Speak with Norm Johnson and see what he recommends for your draw length.
I am sure I will be able to talk to Norm Johnson before he builds the bow. It is about 9 months out right now. I appreciate all the input, and it seems the consensus is that length is more a personal preference and not as much a performance issue at 62" and beyond with my draw length. I will also take a look at the Sitka version.
Thanks again everyone.
With a 29" draw, I think you would be happy with either.
Here is a visual for you to help you with your justification...one of the plainer versions of the Hunter and one of fancier versions of the Blacktail but you get the idea
DDave
(http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab54/damascusdave_2009/P8182520.jpg) (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/damascusdave_2009/media/P8182520.jpg.html)
A 64-inch recurve is great plenty for a 29-inch draw. Will be a little more maneuverable as well. Good luck whatever you choose.