I'm seriously considering placing an order for a shorter 1pc longbow soon. Something in the 58"-60" range as a dedicated Turkey rig that can be used either from a blind or up against a tree. Perhaps maybe even double as a treestand setup in some of my tighter stands

My concern is I'm a 29-1/2" DL and wondering if the shorter length might be disadvantageous rather then benificial.

If anyone else has travelled this path and can provide some thoughts or insights it'd be greatly appreciated.

Bowyers & Models I'm considering;

Stalker - Dingo/Lynx
Zipper - Zipstick
Little Crow - Merlin

The longest bow I have is 60" and shortist is a K-Mag 52" since 1976 when I killed my first deer.I draw 29"no problem.I really like 56" and 58"bows.Kip

There are a lot of short D/R longbows out there that will accommodate long draw lengths. Big Jim's Thunderchild and JK Traditions Kanati and Ron Laclairs Shrews come to mind. Of those you mention, the Zipstick is the only one I am familiar with and it is a awesome performer. I personally have a 56" Kanati and while I only draw 27 1/2" it would easily go 29+

Toelke Pika would have to be on my short list as well.

I know this is not one of the bows you asked about, but should consider.
This is a 60 inch Raptor Signature longbow from Ted Fry @ Raptor Archery(sponsor)that I shot recently.




This bow was buttery smooth to my 32 inch draw without ANY stack or noticeable finger pinch. I was shocked a 60 inch bow could be that smooth.
I shoot two of Ted's bows and have not found any others as smooth at my draw.
Jmho....Scott.

Love my 54" Elkheart, but I only draw 28". My son shot it and he has a 30" dl and says it was smooth for him.

I'm sure a 56" would work well for you.

Good luck!

you would love a BigJim thunderchild and could even go as short as 56 " or 58" . I draw 31 and have two 58" thunderchild bows that are awesome

Since you are thinking about a Stalker give South a call. He is a very nice guy and will give you his recommendations. I like short bows and have shot most of the great ones. I have about a 29.5" draw also. I have a 60" Stalker Wolverine and several Cascade bows that are my favorite bows to shoot. Centaur is on my list also.

Lots of short bows that have very long draws. Rodney wright, Bearpaw are ones I've personally shot.

Its the finger pinch that is something I dislike a lot. Even though they can draw long without stacking they have lots of pinch already and the more you draw the more pinch.

I shoot a st Joe river torrent longbow 60". I have a 29.5 draw length also. Very fast and very smooth. You should check them out also. Stjoeriverbows.com

They are a sponsor here and wonderful people to work with.

Java Man Archery (a sponsor here) offers a number of shorter bows, and they are top notch.

What part of our wide nation do you call home? I draw 30 inches and my shortest longbow is 58 inches. I had a 60 inch Kanati and would consider it to be an ideal bow for a longer draw shooter.

I'd like to 2nd the Torrent Longbow by St. Joe River bows. Really easy on the draw. I can shoot a 58" and draw around 29.5. Very smooth, quick, little bow.

Too bad Timber ghost isn't talking orders, he makes a sweet little hybrid down to 52"

Same drawlength as me.  I have had no trouble witha 56" thundechild, but I am on the wait list for a 60" JavaMan Falcon.  I also have a shrew safari that is 60". I shot a 58" falcon, and felt the 60" would be better, but the 56" Elkheart handled my drawlength well, but I like a larger sight window.

You may want to try a thumb ring release for a shorter bow.  It may add yet one more inch or so of draw length.  But it's very smooth and may help with the sharper string angle.

Thanks for the replies and suggestions gang, will certainly open my options based on those.

I'll try to answer specific members below

Mahantango - the Zipstick was my first choice, but Bill informed me the form went south on the last build out of it and he's not sure when he'll get around to fixing/replacing it

Ari-Bonn - fingerpinch and a clean release is my main concern of a shorter stick

damascusdave - I'm Canadian , Ontario to be exact, sorry eh (saw your from AB so you'll get that little pun lol!)

Jessie Minish - i've been eyein that Lynx FXT South has on his stock bow page for some time. 56" might be a little too short for me, but I'm waiting to hear back from him and his thoughts on it