hunting bow length?

sticks&stringz · March 28, 2016, 01:26:00 PM

what do you guys use for a hunting bow length? im debating whether to build a 15" ilf riser with medium trad techs, which will make a 58" bow or to hunt with my 63" carsage.i typically hunt out of tree stands with compounds, but this will be my first year with a recurve in a treestand so im unsure of what lenth i want to go with.are there any downsides to a shorter bow? what are the advantages?

wingnut · March 28, 2016, 01:38:00 PM

Bow length and especially short bow length can be a problem depending on your draw length. If you have a short draw then a short curve can be great. But if you have a long draw like mine 30 1/2" then anything shorter then 62 creates a bunch of issues.

Mike

sticks&stringz · March 28, 2016, 01:40:00 PM

my draw is 28"-28.25" if that helps.

Cavscout9753 · March 28, 2016, 01:58:00 PM

All 3 of my bows are 68" longbows. I mostly hunt from the ground, but have had them in treestands. The only thing I wouldn't use my longbows for is an average sized blind. I mainly build brush blinds, so I haven't had any issues. Like anything, after a while anything begins to feel natural.

FlintNSteel · March 28, 2016, 02:01:00 PM

While much has to do with bow design as to smoothness and shootability at various lengths, in general, a longer bow is going to be more stable. Also, the shorter the bow, the greater the finger pinch, which can make a clean release harder to attain.

At 28" of draw, however, you should be fine with 58" or 60". Like Wingnut, I have a longer draw and have preferred 62" to 64" bows. My most recent acquisition is a 68" longbow and it is smooth as silk!

KentuckyTJ · March 28, 2016, 02:07:00 PM

I like 'em short. You can find short bows today that shoot really well with long draw lengths. That's really not an excuse anymore.

BWD · March 28, 2016, 02:15:00 PM

56" to 60"

NEB · March 28, 2016, 02:46:00 PM

My go to treestand bow is 62".

monterey · March 28, 2016, 03:03:00 PM

I don't climb trees anymore, but have in the past with bows ranging from 58" to 69". If you regularly shoot the bow, regardless of length, you will automatically adapt to using it.

Same goes for ground blinds and the thick stuff. For me, it's a non issue.

OTOH, why not build the riser and follow through with your idea? What's to lose?

March 28, 2016, 05:36:00 PM

I hate them short!

62" or 64" for me!

Bisch

drewsbow · March 28, 2016, 05:43:00 PM

I hate them long !

58"-62" for me mostly

Drew

Sirius Black · March 28, 2016, 06:06:00 PM

I have a 58" recurve and a 68" longbow, and they both are equally smooth for me to shoot. My DL is 28".

stonewall · March 28, 2016, 06:15:00 PM

I like a 56" but my draw is 26" so I never shot a bow with finger pinch or stack

Bowjunkie · March 28, 2016, 06:18:00 PM

Length isn't an issue for me. If I spend time with a bow, I know/feel right where the tips are regardless of the shot situation. I've used them from 58" to 74" t.t.t.

kleine · March 28, 2016, 06:18:00 PM

I like 58" to 60" and I draw right at 28"

ISP 5353 · March 28, 2016, 06:21:00 PM

My recurves are 64" and my longbow is 70". I have hunted with both out of treestands.

Tater · March 28, 2016, 06:30:00 PM

There are many fine short bows out there, never could warm up to one.
I like my recurves 60-62 inches and my longbows 64-66 inches.

JMHO.

Bvas · March 28, 2016, 07:05:00 PM

I draw 28.5" and a 56" recurve had been my "go to" in the past. This year I will be using a 58" bear passed down to me.

I like the maneuverability of a short bow. Finger pinch has never been a problem for me, and really wanna try a 52 or 54".

Michael Arnette · March 28, 2016, 07:15:00 PM

I've hunted with bows from 52"-64" and have really settled on 58-60" as the best happy medium. Anything longer and I have trouble with limb contact and shorter and I get lessened accuracy
Keep in mind I'm 5'9" and 29" draw...if I were shorter a short now would benefit since being shorter means the bow is more likely to contact the stand

jackdaw · March 28, 2016, 07:19:00 PM

Seems to me Fred Bear stated the 60" length bow was perfect for him....and felt strongly that it should be for most everyone..?? Hope I'm not misquoting him. ???? However, I strongly agree that whatever you practice most with will adapt to your hunting situations quickly! I'm also a strong 60" desciple. Shoot what you shoot best...even from a treestand. jmo....