What do the numbers on these limbs mean?

[christhorn]

Hi all, I have a bit of a 'newbie' question regarding some archery equipment I've obtained second-hand from someone. (I'm not sure whether I have the correct sub-forum, though!)

A friend of mine wanted to make some quick cash so decided to sell his archery kit. I snapped it up because it seemed like quite a bargain. Having always had enjoyed archery the odd few times I had a go, I took the opportunity to join an archery club and do a beginners' course. I'm very much enjoying it so I'm now checking out how suitable the equipment I bought is for me.

I'm taking my equipment to the course tonight to show the coaches, but I thought I'd just ask the question beforehand as to what the numbers on the lower limb of the bow refer (see attached image). It has 28# written next to 64" and 26# next to 68".



As far as I can work out, the # numbers are the draw weights, and the inch measurements are to do with the height of the bow? What I don't understand is how there can be two 'heights' marked on there.

Any help is very much appreciated!

Kind regards,

Chris

[tel]

its because the limbs would make a 68" bow on a 25" riser, and a 66" bow on a 23"

edit: oops - take that back! That would be the normal scenario, but you seem to have a four inch difference - haven't noticed that before.

[christhorn]

Ah that makes sense! So risers are just 23" or 25"?

I'm just over six feet tall with (I believe) a 30" draw. Assuming I have a 25" riser on this bow, would you think that the bow I have is suitable, at least to begin with? Or is it not as easy as that to make a judgement?

Thanks for your help,

Chris

[tel]

23" and 25" are the most common - though other sizes are available.

From the limited info you are probably on the cusp as it were between a 68" and a 70" bow. Like many things in this game personal preference will play a part and you would need to try similar set-ups of the two lengths to see which suited you best. I'm in a similar position and have stuck with the 68" based mainly on the vast quantity of posts on the subject lurking in the dusty corners around here!

Try a search on the subject and you should find loads of 'pros and cons' type threads.

[christhorn]

Thanks a lot for that - very helpful!

At the moment we're training with fibreglass recurve bows which are a good six inches shorter than the one I have and I have no problems with those. I guess just keep practising and see how I get on over the next few months!