Limb length - how much difference does it make?

[GingerPrince]

I've been shootng for around 9 months now and use a 68" 38lb limb (on a 25" hoyt eclipse). I've been looking around for new limbs (on the cheap - eBay's great!!) and have found that i can probably pick up the sort of limbs I'm after quite cheaply but in 66" length. I have been told that I could probably use 66" limbs as I only have a draw length of 26 1/2 inches.

I was just wonmdering how much effect a change of limb length could have - apart from the obvious sight/string issues? Would i benefit from the smaller limbs or am I best off just sticking with what I'm used to?

I'm about 5'8" if that makes a difference.

Any advice gratefully accepted.

[vertek]

As far as I know. Please correct me imeadiatly if this info is wrong or partly wrong.

Shorter limbs are faster but reduce maximum draw lenght.
They are not as smooth and stack easier.
Long limbs are the opposite say 70 are smooth and dont stack as easy.
but I reckon that changing from 68 to 66" should not be that much of a difference.

Best thing to do is find a 66" limb that u like then buy one.
IMHO stick with what you feel most comfortable with.

Seb.

>> and hello and welcome to the forum If I have not done so already

[JohnK]

26.5in draw is in the bottom half of the draw length usually recommended for 66in limbs. Although a set of 68in limbs may feel slightly smoother to draw, you probably wouldn't notice much difference. Also, the 66in limbs may be slightly quicker than a 68in limb of the same model (about 1fps or so).

In other words, you're probably fine with the 66in limbs.

Just my 2p

[Random_guy]

If you were starting out and said you had 26 1/2 inch draw you'd be recommended a 66" bow without hesitation. Go with 66"s and don't look back

[cornish george]

all the above are correct plus you should get better cast from 66" limbs meaning they use more of the stored energy, dont forget to reset your bracing hieght to around 8 1/8 to 8 3/8 i think, expeiment to get the quietest shot

[Kae]

Originally Posted by Random_guy

If you were starting out and said you had 26 1/2 inch draw you'd be recommended a 66" bow without hesitation. Go with 66"s and don't look back

That would be my recommendation as well.

Kae.

[Cakemeister]

Only possible issue might be difficulty with arrow release due to finger pinching because of the narrower angle of the string.

Try before you buy.

C.

[hypertigger]

i have 26 1/4" drawlength, and i'm on a 64" bow, no problems with string pinching, and honestly i can't tell the difference between my 64" and 66" bows (what can i say, i'm greedy, and they are all so shiny.......)

*ahem*

there is the likely hood that you'll increase your drawlength as you're still relatively new to the sport, so the 66" (short limbs) may be safer - i know my drawlength isn't going to change much!!