My draw is 26" (I'm 5'6"). I only shoot recurves(aesthetics more than anything else).

My bows range from 56"-62".  Most of my curves are 58". Even at my short draw I think the longer 60-62" curves are more comfortable (smooth drawinig) for me.  I prefer a heavier bow so I'm drawn to mostly takedowns and somewhat beefy risers. My favorites are Habu, Schafer, Rose Oak, Widows, and Bear TDs.

I've found the LH bows are far smoother to draw and prettiest to look at. (sorry)

If someone asked me what would be the easiest bow to put their hands (no long build time and not the most expensive) one that is smooth, great grip, and high performance I would refer them to the Widow PA (one-piece). I have a PAX in 58" and it is sweet!

QuoteOriginally posted by Kirkll:
Night Wing,

I'm having tech problems with photo bucket right now so i cannot post a good example, but i have a 60" r/d long bow that will draw to 32" with a better string angle than a lot of 66" bows out there.

the string angle is determined by where the "Working limb" is located. most D shape and mild R/D long bow limbs load more evenly along the full length of the limb. With out any reflex to the tip, it requires more length to get a better string angle.

With recurve limbs, and hybrid bows alike, the working limb can be manipulated through the use of different taper rates in the core, and shifting tip and butt wedges to bend further out on the limb creating a lot milder string angle.

Depending on the design, and the geometry used. You can take an identical 60" bow and make it draw so it stacks up at 26"  or 32".

Kirkll,

I've looked at your bows. I've seen your bow designs. If I recall, I think I've seen you shooting your recurve bow in a YouTube video. I could be wrong on that, but I don't think so. If it was/is the correct video, your bow was very quiet upon arrow release too.

It's too bad you live in Oregon and I live in Texas because I would like to demo shoot your 60" recurve in a light poundage recurve, say, 40# at my 30" draw length. Maybe one day I'll run into another Trad Ganger where I live in Texas who has your recurve close to the poundage and length requirements I like and he'll allow me to demo shoot it.

BTW, lots of excellent custom bowyers come from the state of Oregon.    

I really like 60" recurves, and draw 29"


Bill

I am only 5'7" and I draw 29.5 inches. I just can not shoot most 60inch recurves. I prefer 62 inch and probably would like a 64 inch bow. I feel the same way about hybrid long bows. I prefer 64 inch over 62 inch. Currently I have a ACS CX 64inch and a Welch Dakota Classic 62inch. Rick Welch recurve has a very heavy riser for stability. When I elk hunt, I prefer to carry the lighter A&H longbow. The recurve has some weight to it, about 3.5 lbs at least.

I've been shooting a couple of well made reflexed longbows, and they shoot smoother and more softly than my recurve at same poundage. Didn't catch your draw length in your post; I draw 27" and find 60" comfortable and forgiving in a longbow, 58" quicker and more maneuverable, still accurate and easy draw. My recurve is an old Wing, 58"... shoots hard and fast, not as smooth as the R/D's, but a tad bit faster.

I have a 62" recurve, had a 65" longbow, and now a new Super Grizzly. Wasn't too sure how I would like the short 58" length, but I love it. It is a 55#er and draws smooth as butter, and my draw is just a whisker shy of 30".

I have a 60"1PC Great Plains recurve at 53# at 28" but I pull just over 29". Doesn't stack and shoots great for me. Just picked up a Bear Kodiak TD this summer same length. Same results with some stacking. Next bow I am ordering is a Great Plains Texas Long Curve that will be 62". Bill Forman suggested this length if drawing over 28".

You could probably have a chance to shoot bows by all the bowyers you mentioned and many more in January if you go to the Kalamazoo show.