I shot 40-46" compounds for years with fingers. The increased string angle made for a comfortable three point anchor on my nose and was very comfortable. Since going traditional, I've only shot 60-64" bows and raising my head to get my string to my nose feels very unnatural. I've never tried a 58" bow, because I have a 30" draw. I know that most bowyers recommend a longer bow. Just curious who has, and if it worked for you. I might make it my next purchase.
All depends on the bow design. I draw 30" like you and my Big Jim Thunderchild and Black Widow KBX are great shooters at my 30" draw. They are both 58" bows. There are many others as well, these are just my personal bows. A shorter bow and long draw are no problem, as long as the bow is designed for the draw length.
Big Jim is huge but I think the bows he hunts with are all less than 58" long.
My draw is only 28", but the short bows that accommodate long draws tend to be of a forward riser design. My buddy Jason has a 30" draw and shoots a 58-60" bow.
We both shoot Shrew bows, but there a good number of other makers that utilize the forward riser design out there. Big Jim's TC is definitely of that design.
Being big does not mean you have a long draw....I know a bunch of guys that tower over me they draw much less than my 29" draw. I do agree the bows with a forward handle seem to work with longer draws. Many of the aggressive R/D longbows fall into that group.
I'm just shy of a 30" draw and shoot 58" Toelke Chinook and a 58" Javaman Elkheart.
There are a number of bowyers who make a 58" bow that will go 30-31". You just need to order your bow or buy a used bow with the right poundage for you @30".
Gregg Coffey at Java Man Archery makes a number of models compatible with long draws in a short package. My 56" Elkheart eats my 29"+ draw for lunch. His 58" maxes out at 33"! Dan Toelke makes a superb 1950's style recurve called the Chinook that maxes out smoothly to around 31" from what I know, I'm drawing mine to just over 29" and the string angle is nowhere near the stackpoint. Big Jim builds the Thunderchild longbow which also will do well over 30".
There are a bunch more. Browse the TG sponsor list and don't hesitate to contact some of the bowyers for info on which length and model would work for you.
I have a 29" draw and have personally shot a Big Jim 58" Thunderchild and own a 58" Elkheart from Java Man Archery.
Both are awesome bows and I would highly recommend you talk to Gregg at Java Man. The Elkheart is so sweet and his brand new recurve design was very fast when I test shot it at Kalamazoo Trad Expo. He says his bows are good for a 30" plus draw.
Another to consider is RER Bows.
We make our New Torrent model in a 58" that many with a long draw shot two weekends ago at Kalamazoo Expo and they loved it
I have two recurves...both 58". I draw 29" with no issues. It truly depends on the bow, design, and bowyer.
BigJim thunderchild for me , works great even @ 31"
I have a horn bow that's 48" and I can draw it 36". The horn composites are incredibly flexible, as well as shorter than traditional stickbows.
I shoot a 58 Beaver Creek d/r bow at more like 31 inches...I also shoot a 52 inch Kodiak Magnum at 30 inches...and a 58 inch Kaibab at about 31 inches
DDave
I picked up a VPA vapor riser about a month ago it's 13" I have a set of long limbs on it for a 58" bow and I have a 29.5" draw. I Have really taken a liking to that small bow.
I have a 31.5" draw and have a couple 58" hybrid longbows built by Gregg Coffey (Javaman Archery) that are my favorites to shoot and hunt.
I own and shoot a Belcher SS Patriot Recurve and Eaglewing Static Recurve, both 58 ins. I have a 30 in. draw,no problems at all.
Look at the RER arroyo, I shot a 58" model and I had no issue with finger pinch at my 31" draw, have one on order now. Amazing bows
My Thunder child is comfortable to me at my 32" draw.
BIgJim
I have a 58" Thunder Child and have absolutely no problems with it and my 30" draw. It's been really fun to shoot.
I have a 30" draw and a 58" DAS Dalaa with standard limbs and it's a pleasure to shoot. I have shot a couple other short bows that were not.
I have a 31" draw and I can shoot some of them but u have to be real conscious of my grip on the string when I draw and the draw weight can't be more then mid forties at 28". I only use mine for hunting from a ground blind and chasing bunnies in the brush. Everything else I use 64"
54" Thunder Child by Big Jim, 58" Sas SS Static Tip by Kirk at Big Foot, 58" Centaur Dark Matter by Jim Neaves, and 58" Kempf Kwyk Styk - all shoot much better than I am capable of shooting them at a tad over 29" draw.
All smooth and efficient with proper arrow set-up!
Fun bows to shoot and great bowyers! :thumbsup:
What arrow shafts are you using Big Jim? My draw is right around 32". Arrow charts really aren't even close. I get the stiffest and longest. Most Carbon shafts are on the verge of to short. My riser is scratched up from broad heads hitting. I do have a habit of sinking in to my anchor and that doesn't help. If I draw straight back I'm ok.
I gave up trying to find wood shafts that work. Until I make my own footed.
Tedd