I'm getting ready to buy a new bow and was wondering what yall thought an ideal recurve length for a 30.5" draw would be.

I'll say 64 inches. Although if wanting a,shorter bow there are many that are good for longer draw lengths.
If you've chosen a bowyer you should have a conversation with them.

It depends on the bows design. Fred Eichler shoots a 60" Buffalo and Palmer recurve and I believe he has a little bit longer draw length than you do. I know for the Black Widow bows for the PMA you would want the 64" bow, PSA 60-62", or PCH would probably be the 58" or 60". Like I said though it really depends on the bows riser and limb design. Most bowyers can tiller a bow to be smooth drawing to 30.5" as long as you don't want to go with a super short bow.

Thanks guys I figured it would be around 64" or so.  I appreciate the input.

I agreee with JK...it's a design thing.  A shorter riser with longer limbs would allow you to get a shorter bows which would handle your draw comfortably.  

Most of us probably wish we had your dilema in selecting such a bow for that long draw you have.  I envy the optimum performance you are sure to get with the right bow.

I draw 31" and I got a predator classic in 62" instead of the normal 60". It draws like butter all the way, feels smoother than my 66" RD longbow.

That's exactly my draw length 30 1/2" I can shoot a 62" recurve no problems but prefer 64 or 66 inch.

64", whether with a recurve or a longbow, will be more comfortable to shoot a lot. I shoot what amounts to 2 under but my fingers still feel a bit of pinch at 32 inches.

Im not sure what you will be using the bow for exactly or what your use to shooting, but I would go with a 66" if you compared it to a 64" you could feel the difference, yes designs have a big roll in your choice but id rather have a nice smooth bow that fits me rather than trying to fit into a less than desirable bow.

I have the same draw length as you, and I have a 64" Wes Wallace Mentor that I really like.

I have a long draw also and shoot a 62" recurve and a 64" longbow.  Both are comfortable but I'm not sure I'd want to go shorter on either one.

If you get a good static recurve you can go a whole lot shorter with no finger pinch to speak of and absolutely no stacking. 60 or even a 58 with no problem at all,. String angle is what makes pinch. when the tips do not bend then you have way better string angle. a 58 inch bow acts like a 64 ect.

There are quite a few really good bowyers that have static tip models.

God bless you , Steve

I draw 32.5" and shoot a 64" Black Widow PMA very comfortably.

I appreciate all the responses guys.

I'm a true 30 as well and I prefer a 64" recurve I shoot at 66 kodiak that is 64" and it is an absolute dream but my longbow is 60" and I shoot that fine but longer always seems to be more forgiving good luck !

I shoot a 58 inch longbow at that sometimes

Here are some examples of recurve limbs.

The Sasquatch 62" on your left.  

The 62" Eagle Wing Talon II static tip in the center.....


And a sneak preview of the New Sasquatch SS static tip limbs on your right strung up at 60" on a 15" adjustable riser i use for prototyping.