question about recurve bow length

[132 eight pointer]

With a recurve bow used for hunting deer, how is the correct individuals length of the bow determined ? I drew back a 50# amo 58 inch bow but my hand was in front of my face at full draw. I am confused by what I have read on the internet about bow length.I have not gone to an archery shop yet.

[132 eight pointer]

Still confused. A 29 inch draw length needs a 66 inch recurve length ? I don't see many of that size available to buy. I must be missing something.

[nyantler]

If your draw length is less than 28 inches, you should choose a bow that is between 62 and 66 inches.

If your draw length is more than 28 inches, get a bow that is between 66 inches and 70 inches.

go to 70 inches if you like

Edited September 6, 2011 by nyantler

[132 eight pointer]

Thanks Joe. That is what I was reading too, what I find confusing is all the 58 and 60 inch bows I am seeing. I actually picked up a 1970's 58 inch Bear Grizzly for a good price. Guess I will have to sell it and look for a longer bow. I have always wanted to shoot a recurve and possibly deer hunt with one if I got to that point.Oh well I knew it was going to be a lot different than a compound.

[biggamefish]

Honestly it doesn't matter. I have a recurve that is very short 55 1/2 inches strung and it pulls 44 pounds at a 29 1/4 inch draw. I used that for the first three years I deer hunted and killed 3 buck and a doe. I put a shot a little high on one and it broke his spine at 10 yards. I now hunt with a martin vision which is a hybrid bow. That bow id 65 1/2 inches and I pull around 52 lbs at 29 1/4 inch draw. I shot a deer last year at 17 yards and put it straight through the ribs into the front leg on the other side and the broadhead was in the bone.

The main thing you have to be is comfortable with your bow and pratice like hell. A recurve is a passion, it isn't something you put together one year then two days before the next season starts you pick it up to make sure the pins are on.

Oh and if you are looking to sell that bear grizzly let me know. I have been looking for one for awhile.

[nyantler]

Thanks Joe. That is what I was reading too, what I find confusing is all the 58 and 60 inch bows I am seeing. I actually picked up a 1970's 58 inch Bear Grizzly for a good price. Guess I will have to sell it and look for a longer bow. I have always wanted to shoot a recurve and possibly deer hunt with one if I got to that point.Oh well I knew it was going to be a lot different than a compound.

Before you do that.. check you sting length to make sure it is right... that can cause a problem if the string isn't the right size... also check the brace hieght to make sure that is correct also.. you should still be able to use a shorter bow unless you have your draw length wrong

check this page out on my site to make sure you have your correct draw length

http://www.nyantler-outdoors.com/bow-draw-length.html

[132 eight pointer]

Thanks biggamefish I appreciate the info. I ran across the Grizzly and jumped on it before I really knew much about recurves.I had heard that the length wasn't that critical from someone else too. I think I will find a shop and see what they have to tell me too. I am hoping to try shooting the bow but the arrows that came with it need re-fletching first. I figured if the bow didn't work out I could re-sell it they seem to be pretty collectable. I'll let you know if I decide to sell it.

[132 eight pointer]

Before you do that.. check you sting length to make sure it is right... that can cause a problem if the string isn't the right size... also check the brace hieght to make sure that is correct also.. you should still be able to use a shorter bow unless you have your draw length wrong

I will check the string it may be short. I did check my draw length it is 29 inches using that method on your link. Thanks for the advice!

[SteveB]

My primary hunting bow is a 58" DAS recurve that I draw and shoot comfortably at 29" - 54#'s.

Many recurves have draw force curves that remain the same to 30" or more. Others will start stacking at their marked wght. I have shot Fedora's at 52" that, because of their limb design, had no stack or finger pinch. I have shot other bows of up to 64" that had both. All that said, it is often easier for many to shot a longer bow as they tend to be a bit more forgiving.

[132 eight pointer]

Thanks for all the info so far I appreciate all of it.My short term goal is to shoot this recurve bow,long term is to try hunting with it, maybe next season if all goes well.I ordered a new dacron string @ 54 inches length and a bow stringer. Next will be refletching arrows and finally trying to shoot.I have been reading a lot online and watching youtube videos which are very helpful. So the adventure has begun and I have expanded my vocabulary to include words like dacron,brace height, limb twist, and hand shock. I do have to practice with my compound too for the upcoming bow season .

[132 eight pointer]

I put the new string on today with the sweet bowstringer I bought and it feels much more comfortable.The old string was about an inch shorter so that didn't help.The new brace height is aprox 7 3/4 inches which should be in the ball park.Next the arrows need work and a knock. Man I like that bowstringer.

[biggamefish]

A bowstringer makes a huge difference. No more sticking it through your legs trying to loose an eye.