A good friend of mine is interested in repeating a bear hunt we did 15 years ago. I went last time and hunted with wheels, and came home emptyhanded, but with great memories.

I am thinking of using this hunt as an excuse to order a bow. What is the difference in ASL type bows, that are made to your draw length? Do they preform better / more efficiently? I draw 26" and would like a draw weight of 50#.

I'd appreciate any input.

Thank you.

Ray

Call Craig at Howard Hill Archery and have him make you a 50# @ 26" draw....

Most builders don't do anything different for a shorter or longer draw length, they just mark the bow at your draw length.  Think about it, if they did, the marketability of those bows would be greatly reduced for anyone who doesn't have a short or long draw length.

If you want a bow that draws 50@26, buy one marked 55@28 or order one at 50@26. (It will be a bow that draws 55@28 and marked 50#@26). That's what most bowyers are going to build.

BTW, that's sufficient for bear.  Good luck.

What Orion said. There may be a few guys out there that change the limb lay up or wedges for a short draw but not many!

If you aren't married to a Hill style longbow, you might want to give Dan Toelke a call about his super D.  He seems to know how to squeeze everything out of a bow.

SixGun, I think this previous thread "Longdraw Rule of Thumb" touches on what you are asking, if you haven't looked at it already?  http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=142714

Steve Turay at northern mist will vary his limb tapers according to your draw. He's working on a 6-8 month list right now.

Thank you, Gentlemen.

I have made contact with a Michigan bowyer about creating a bow for me.

Thanks again.

Ray