So I know the general consensus is short bows create strong pinch and are very unforgiving sure to the sharp angles.  But... What about for guys with short draw lengths? I draw at 25" so I was wondering if it's with me investing in a Bear 48 and trying it out.  It wouldn't be my primary bow but it's something that seriously interests me.  

Thoughts?  

Go for it! I've watched video reviews of guys drawing the Super Mag well past 28". I shoot a 52" Kiowa at my 27" draw and have zero finger pinch. My cousin shoots a Kodiak Magnum with the same draw as mine with no complaints. The design of the bow makes more of a difference than the length.

I almost bought a SM instead of the Kiowa, but I wasn't sure I'd like the grip. I certainly wasn't afraid of the finger pinch.

By the way, welcome aboard! I see this is your first post. You've come to the right place if you plan to hunt traditional. You'll get loads of help and support here.

I have heard that short bows also typically generate more hand shock. Does anyone else find that to be true?

Thanks!

I'm just hesitant to spend the money on one and shoot terrible with it.  But that sounds ready encouraging.  If a few more people say it's worth it I'll have to get one.

My 56" Toelke Pika feels exactly like a 64" Whip on the draw.  As mentioned design is a key factor.

I'd try one out before you buy. The last thing you want is a bow that stacks hard.

I wish I could try it out, I don't know of a place to try it a bow like that in my area.  Unfortunately traditional archery isn't huge out here.

Any chance to test drive one?

FWIW,I've had zero finger pinch issues with 2 K Mags, a 52" Pearson, a 50" Browning Cobra, and a 48" SuperMag I've owned.  Draw weights from 44-55#, draw length up to 29+".  I do shoot 3 under, however, and the high string angle does affect the impact of my ring finger on release: my flubbed shots are invariably due to a plucky ring finger.

QuoteOriginally posted by Recurve Addict:
I have heard that short bows also typically generate more hand shock. Does anyone else find that to be true?

My shortest is 56" (I draw 29-1/2") and it is not the hand shock but finger pinch, and general lightless of the bow that makes it harder to hold steady on release.  Just because it is so light and has less inertia.

Not enough to outweigh the benefits.  Shorter, lighter, "snappier" for a given draw.

Go to the Trad History/ Collecting Forum and read Traps thread entitled "This week in 19__".

DDave

I think you should try it. There is a short bow "fear" out there that I think it is taken a lil to far. Common sense obviously it's not going to have the same feel as other longer bows A big key is getting use to it...get the feel for it, invest the time. Finger pinch ( not that I think you will have any ) is up to you to talorate or get use to because the string is at a different angle that your simply not use to. And not able to be accurate because the bow has now become different and it shows flaws. Why be nervous of a bow that can show you form issues! In the hunting world short bows have advantages some dont realize. My thoughts.

Looking at the Bear Cheyenne, it's 55" so not as short as the super mag, but still on the shorter end of bow sizes.  I'm thinking that will very well for me.  Thanks for the input guys.

One thing to remember when you have a short draw is powerstroke. Most production short bows have a high brace height(8" or more). This robs performance. I have a short draw also (26"). I shoot bows that are designed for short draws and have low brace heights(6-7"). Maddog bows has several models that are designed for short draws.

I have a 50 in. short rcurve going around right now and can get you on the try list if you like.PM me for details.
 

Good Looking shorty There Mike!

Short draw length, shorter bow.  Longer draw length, longer bow.  As simple as that.  Short bow should be perfectly suited to your shorter draw length.  Go for it.

Who'd a thunk such a short bow would work so well..... Hmmmm

   

Look Ma, no finger pinch and no stack.     :D    

   

A short bow shooting aspirins for the crowd.

   

I have owned and shot a Bear Kmag and Tolke Kestrel.  Both two of my favorite and accurate bows.  Teh Kestrel was #45 and shot the same arrows as my #57 RD longbows.  NO extra handshock and finger pinch was minimal, but my longest bow is 57".

I have a 28" draw and have trouble believing how smooth and forgiving the little 54" Elkheart is! No finger pinch either!