Long bow for short draw length

[Cimbian]

Despite the title this is a recurve question.

There are several methods used for estimating the length of bow to suit a given draw length including one I heard that involved several layers of division addition and multiplication that still yielded the same result of draw length + 40.

Anyway, my question is 25" draw length would generally put the archer in a 64" or 66" bow so, does anyone shoot a bow longer on a similar draw length successfully? Do the limbs seem to operate efficiently? Did you try a shorter riser or a shorter limb and discount it? If so why?

[Tommy B]

I also have a 25" draw length and had always used a short riser with short limbs, making a 64" bow. BUT, this year I tried some cheapy medium length limbs on the short riser, making a 66" bow and going up 2 pounds in marked weight to compensate.

The bow immediately became much more stable and pleasant to shoot, and my scores rose, probably because I was more relaxed. There was, surprisingly, no loss of sightmark, even using the cheapy limbs. I've now changed to better limbs and life (and sightmarks) have got even better.

[Robin the Hood]

The norm for bow length is usually 66" for 28" draw, once the draw is up to 29" the limbs are then optionally increased. the same goes for reducing to 64" limbs.
This is only a guide, and as mentioned previously stability come into the equation.
By using the shorter, the poundage can be reduced, due to the limbs being sharper on the cast. But many prefer to increase to the longer length because despite loosing on cast with the same poundage it is felt stability is preferred. This can be overcome by increasing the poundage if it can be coped with.....

Paul....

[Tropicalshot]

the longer the draw the longer the bow to maintain the correct draw force curve of the limbs specified by the limb designer, i am sure if a short limb were placed in a 25" riser with someone having a 31" draw the curve would not only feel terrible but the limb integrity would be compromised for having to stack so greatly,
i used to shoot 70" Long limbs in a 25" riser, not only smoother to draw but i felt more stable,
now i have 68" med limbs in another 25" riser, but the carbon limbs make it as snooth as the 70"

[Zippo]

I think I remember Sid from BorderBows explaining to me how longer limbs are more forgiving on technique too. Can't exactly remember the explanation, but am pretty sure I was convinced.

[Little Miss Purple]

I have a 25.5" draw length and shot a 66" bow (and could reacj 100yards comfortably)... remember also that some people can have a problem with the size of the sight window on a shorter riser!