Low Poundage, Long Length - OK for training?

[BijanO]

Hi all,

I have the chance to purchase a longbow (I only have recurves to date) with a low poundage but a long length - 66".  I've heard the benefits of shooting a light bow for perfecting draw and release as the light poundage highlights release errors.  Just wondering if there are any concerns with a long length and if any real difference between practicing on a long bow but hunting with a recurve.   This bow will be mainly a training bow and perhaps an indoor target bow (20 or 25yds).

The difference in length between my recurve and this longbow is 8" overall length.

Many thanks

[moebow]

I guess it depends on what you mean as "low poundage."  Length and configuration (recurve or longbow)has little to do with LEARNING or reinforcing good shot execution or form.  A longer length will reduce the string angle on the fingers, a different grip configuration MAY cause trouble (it shouldn't but many think there is a difference).

So MY short answer to your question is "GO FOR IT."

Arne

PS.  66" isn't ALL that long.  Most of my longbows are 70".

[BijanO]

Arne,  such a treat to get a response from one of my YouTube form heroes!  

Thank you!

low-poundage in this case means 32#.  I usually shoot #47-50#.

[McDave]

I've never heard of anybody using a target longbow of less than 66", although I know shorter length longbows are common for hunting, so I don't think 66" is too long for your purpose.

[BijanO]

Thank you gents. If I have to admit it, my eyes were bigger than my brain. I was about to buy it and noticed it said Left Hand. I'm Right Hand...

It's a Dan Toelke bow so maybe I'll just save some pennies and get one made.

[Stumpkiller]

Originally posted by BijanO:
Hi all,

I have the chance to purchase a longbow (I only have recurves to date) with a low poundage but a long length - 66".  

Long length?  I have recurves that long!

It certainly won't hurt - but you'll still have to "work in" a heavier hunting bow.  A lighter bow is often more difficult to get a smooth release.  You'll also tend to hold "on target" longer than a hunting weight bow allows.

As far as working on form - personally I still use an similar upright & closed stance for hunting that I originally developed 45 years ago with single-pin target recurves of 30#.  Though I tend to get my head leaning in further with a 50# recurve (heavier draw & no sights).

[BijanO]

Length is relative I suppose (har-har).

I'm used to a 62" recurve and the Chinook I have on the way is the shortest I'll have tried with a single string.

I got the idea of training with a light bow from Jeff Kavennagh where he details that any error on the release is amplified on a light bow and so it's a great tool for honing the release, bow arm etc.

I'm new to trad archery, but I'm showing some pretty good capability with instinctive style shooting out to 30yds.  I'd like to hone the fundamental skills as solidly as possible as I'd love to compete in comps, 3D and get to where I'm comfortable hunting with a single string.