I'm still not sure about this topic. How is Bow length chosen. Does it have anything to do with (Draw length)? For instance, I have a 26 in Draw. Wouldnt I get more out of my Bow if I chose a 58" Bow. Using about 90% of my limbs as opposed to 85% of my limbs strength with a longer bow. I can understand that my draw would be smoother and could hold my draw longer with a longer bow. Instinctive shooting does not require us to hold a draw for too long anyways. Now does choosing a bow length have anything to do with my heighth. Is there any real rules to follow when choosing a length suitable to a shooter. I need some advice and opinions on this topic. The more advice the merrier..
Longer bows give you better stability and are easier to learn proper form. Once you have the proper form and release down pat then you can move to a shorter bow. How do you figure that out? No matter how long the bow is your are still only going to be drawing to "X" draw weight at your DL. Most Trad bows the draw weight is measured at 28" so you can deduct 3 to 4lb per inch under the 28" The bows I build being custom, I try and get the draw weight as close to what the customer wants at their draw lenght give or take a pound or two.
Kanga (Russ) Is a very knowledgeable traditional archer so anything he says you might as well take It as gospel. He's that good!! I'll throw my 2 cents In on this, hope It makes some sense. Yes draw weight can be determined by the amount of bend In the limbs when drawing them back but draw weight Is controlled by the bowyer who made the bow at so and so Inches which Is usually 28. A 58" bow with a draw weight of 50lbs at 28 Inches Is no different then a 68" bow with a draw weight of 50lbs at 28 Inches. The only difference Is the shorter bow will stack much more and could possibly (not necessarily) be a tad quicker being there's more of an acute bend to the limbs. Back In the day recurves were usually faster then longbows because of the recurve type limbs and shorter bow. Times have changed now being the longbows have reflex/deflex type limbs now In some that are made. Correct me If I'm wrong Russ, hope what I said came out right.
While I agree with everything that's been said......with a DL of 26", you won't have to worry about stacking (it'll be a non-issue) on "most" any bow. "Most" are designed to a 28" draw. So....the length of the bow won't affect DW (up to whichever length it was designed for). Taking your question at face value (apples to apples).......YES (if you're referring to drawing 90% of a 50#; 58" bow v. drawing 85% of a 50#; 62" bow).
It makes sense to me now guys, The percentages put down were just theoretical, not based on fact. Kanga gave great advice, stability and proper form, this is what I want and Gmat explained what I couldnt... Stacking....Thanks again guys....Hopefully next season I'll be able to post some pics if im lucky..
Good luck, no need to wait until next season to post pics, put some pics up of your new bow! We like pics!
The shorter the bow the more the draw weight will go up, ie 54", 50lb @ 28" will gain 5 to 6lb sometimes more per inch of draw lenght past the 28" hence the term stacking as it is stacking on the poundage
