Very often I get the questions, "Should I buy a longer bow and can I hunt from a treestand with a longbow?"
The answer to both of those questions are, yes you can!
I've owned bows as short as 56" all the way up to 70" long. The longer limb bows in the same draw weight has always been smoother to draw. I have a lot of friends that prefer 64" recurves and 68" longbows for two reasons, the longer limb is smooth to draw back to anchor and they will tell you they shoot more accurate with a longer bow.
If you're thinking about buying your first longbow or recurve, do not rule out a longer bow, maybe 62" or longer recurve and 66" or longer for a recurve.
Are you a fan of longer bows?
I usually consult with the bowyer. As a rule, and for the reasons stated above, I get a better the feel and accuracy from a bow that's as long as my draw length will allow. Sometimes even a tad longer. For ASL's that usually means 66" to 68". For many R/D designs and recurves, that's 60" to 64" - I almost always opt for the longest length the bowyer suggests. And I quit climbing tress a long time ago, 🤠
I'm a fan of longer bows as well. My draw length is not long, being 26 1/2 to 27 1/2 depending on the style of bow I'm shooting. I seem to shoot longer bows better. They always felt smoother drawing to me. Never really been a problem for me bowhunting even from tree stands. I have never hunted from an enclosed blind, that may make a difference if I did. I have shot some shorter bows that I thought were fine, but I still prefer longer bows. I'm glad everyone's not the same. That would sure be boring.
I prefer an ASL like the Miller Longbow, Northern Mist, Schulz, or JD Berry that is 66 - 68" with a riser of 12 - 15" and glass. A self bow of like a Miller Longbow, or Schulz that is 64 - 67" with a 12" riser for my 27.5" draw. When I shoot a shorter bow like an R&D, or hybrid design, (Robertson, or 3 - pc. Pronghorn) they have been 60" to 64" for a 27.5" draw. I prefer shorter bows for some types of hunting, and from a ground blind. Also a Bear T/D A or B Riser or one piece recurve in 58" or 60"
I recently got my first short hybrid - 56" . Traditionally my Curves have been 60-62", R/D Longbows 64" and ASL's 68" ......
Thought Id give one of the short bow a try .
So glad I did . Ticked that box , now its up for sale . Some people shoot them great, I am not one of those people .
I have longbows from 62" to 70" and definitely prefer the longer bows. Never had an issue shooting them from a treestand or sitting on the ground. Also much smoother pull and always feels lighter then what it is.
I like longer bows. Have about a 28-inch draw with recurves, a little less with longbows. My standard riser ASLs are 68 inches; reverse handles are 66 inches. I think 60 inches is about perfect in a recurve for a 28-inch draw, and I have alot of no.1 limbs for my Bear Green stripe riser. Do have an A riser that I use with short limbs for a 56-inch bow in a blind for turkeys. It works, but I don't particularly like shooting it.
I don't have a problem with longer bows when hunting from a tree stand. I always try to set up so I have good clearance in the direction from which I expect the critters to come. Doesn't always work, but does most times. Can't recollect if there was ever a time that bow length prevented me from getting the shot.
I have 7 ASL bows and 5 R/D bows, all at 68". My ELB is 71", even though my draw length is only 25". I have recurves that are shorter, but I seldom shoot them and never hunt with them. I had no particular knowledge about bow lengths in relation to archer heights, but the first longbow I tried out was 68" long and just felt good. So, I have stayed with a good thing.
I shoot a 68” long bow,and at 28” draw length is super smooth to pull back.I don’t hunt from tree stands any more,but like home made blinds out of brush and what ever else is naturaly there.Never had a problem with the length of the bow hitting branches and stuff.
I like longer bows as well. No recurves under 60” prefer 62”-64”. LB 66” and above. Tried shorter recurves, 56”, but can’t seem to control the shot. Maybe a mental block but it what it is.
I like longer bows. Shooting from a tree stand I'm standing close to the rail so the limb doesn't hit the rail.
my ASL's are as long as I am tall 64"
I can’t tell you how long ago this was but I remember the longbow very well. It was a 70” 21st Century longbow 55#. It drew so nice and smooth.
James, At the moment, the shortest recurve I can think of is some wheres around 48" and hybrid longbows 52" but I'm sure someone has made a shorter ones.
For the average draw length of 28". I consider a 62" recurve the starting point of a longer recurve, hybrid longbows 62" and for longbows 66" and up.
For new archers looking to get your first bow the feel of a bow is going to be very subjective to each individual but physics proves that a longer limb is easier to draw than a shorter limb.
For example: Remember when there were seesaws on the playground?
If the seesaw had short limbs it would take more force to lift the heavy load on the other end. Now, take the same seesaw and put longer longer limbs on it, and the heavy load on the other end becomes much easier to lift.
At your draw length of only 25", I would consider the length bows you're shooting as long.
68" & 70" HH Bows from the ground work for me. Never climbed trees to hunt. I don't own recurves. 😊
not me- I have a very short draw 25" and a long bow has a higher vibration and mushy rubber band feel
l like hybrd longbows 62" recurves 56-58" and ASL 64-66"
just feel better