optimum bow length for 27inch draw 66 or 68 inch

[sambow]

My draw length is 27 inches from centerline of button to neck of knock. Ever since taking up archery 2 years ago I have shot with a 68 inch bow. But I have lost count of the number of archers suggesting I should be shooting with a 66" bow for this draw length. This includes two different and reputable archery shops.

The reason I am repeatedly given is that a 68 inch bow with a 27" draw length will not be "worked" hard enough and will not give as much efficiency as a 66" bow.

What is the general opinion on this and if you have a 27" DL what do you shoot?

A secondary but related issue is:

If I go down to 66" I have two options: buy some new "short" limbs to replace my current medium limbs; Buy a 23" riser and stick with my current limbs.

I recall reading somewhere that there are cast differences between "short riser long limb" and "long riser short limb" but I can't recall what they are. Does anyone know the merits of the two different approaches?

[Schme1440]

I shot 28" with 70" limbs. I like the forgiveness I get. I would recomend the 68 limb for you. 66 would probably be fine but would be more critical.

[morphymick]

Stick with the 68".

IMO draw length is distance from nock to button + 1.75".

So your "official" draw length is 28.75", comfortably in the 68" bow bracket.

My draw to the button is 26.25" (28" IMO) and I'm shooting a 68".

Mick

[sambow]

Originally Posted by morphymick

IMO draw length is distance from nock to button + 1.75".
Mick

Hi Mick, my understanding was the +1.75" related to the way compounds specify draw length, but for recurve draw length is considered to be from the most inner point of the grip which on my bow co-incides with the centreline of the button. Wouldn't claim to be an expert mind, else I wouldn't be asking so many questions

[JohnK]

No, the draw length is definitely reckoned (on most bows these days) to the point mentioned above, not the centre of the button.

A 66in bow would be slightly quicker than an equivalent 68in (draw weight, draw length, limb type, arrow, etc. all being equal), but you're talking a minimal amount.

A long riser and shorter limbs usually makes a bow slightly quicker, but again this is a minimal amount. However, if you did keep the same limbs, the draw weight would go up 2lbs or so.

[John (OSF)]

AMO Draw length is button centre (or back of grip) to bottom of nock groove + 1.75"
Rule of thumb bow length is draw length + 40"

I would go for 68" but also try some long limbs and see how they feel

[morphymick]

Originally Posted by morphymick

IMO draw length is distance from nock to button + 1.75".

Should have said "pivot point of grip + 1.75" ", just so happens that my button is directly above, so I measure mine drawn to the button.

Mick

[Murray]

If I were you, I'd stick with the 68" bow. My draw length is fractionally longer than yours, and the nicest bow I ever shot (most forgiving) was a 70" one... but stuck with 68" to give me *slightly* better sightmarks at 90m.

Anyone who suggests you go to 66" hasn't thought about it fully. Cast is not everything!

[Hidden Hippo]

I shoot 27" arrows and use 68" limbs. I like the added stability for a slight loss in speed over 66" limbs.

[pHz]

how much would you expect draw length to increase over the first few months of shooting ?

back in october last year when i bought my first set of own kit i was measured up by a reputable and recommended archery shop and was told i needed a 66" bow - cant remember what they said my draw length was though

just roughly measured my draw length now and using the nock > button + 1.75" method it comes out (thanks to my gibbon like arms despite being only 5'6" tall) at somewhere around 29" give or take .5"

still shooting a 66" bow

hmmmnnn

slainte : rob