Difference between

[ESP]

I have searched for a thread that may answer my question and have not found one, so I am going to ask now.   Is there a significant difference between two bows of similar design but different lengths ( example Toelke whip vs whistler or widow 3 piece recurves) in shoot ability?   Is it personal ability and preference? How much would draw length play a difference?  This is for hunting not 3-d.

Thanks in advance

ESP

[Orion]

Little differences in design can make a substantial difference in feel and shoot ability.  However, if the bows are about identical except for length, the longer bow should draw a little smoother, and it will have less finger pinch.  Longer bows may also be a bit more forgiving of form flaws.   Target shooters, including 3-D shooters, lean toward longer rather than shorter bows.  Hunters lean toward shorter bows for more maneuverability.

[McDave]

If you're talking about recurves, the relationship between the length of the bow and the shooter's draw length is important.  It is important that the recurved limbs be short enough to open up at full draw, in order to store energy that is released when the bow is shot.  Of course, the limit to that is when the bow begins to stack, but stacking is noticeable enough that people will avoid it without being told.

For me, for example, with a 27 1/2" draw, I get better performance out of a 62" recurve than a 64" recurve.  If I were solely a target archer, I might be willing to forgo the performance advantages of a 62"recurve for the smoother draw and better release of a 64", or even longer, recurve.  But as a hunter and 3D shooter at unmarked distances, having a flatter trajectory is more important than a few inches better accuracy at 50 yards marked distance, so I choose a 62" bow, which optimizes the power stored in the recurved limbs at my draw length.

Of course, YMMV, and my choice of a 62" length is based on the design characteristics of a BW PSA.  A differently designed bow might have a different optimal length for my draw length.

[Wudstix]

My draw is 27 3/8" and a 60" recurve or longbow gives me the best of both worlds.  Smooth draw and performance.  58" recurve might give me a bit more zip.  When I got my MOAB Jim told me the 60" out performed the 62" and he wasn't sure why, just happened.  I have one 62" Kota that lets me shoot 70@+ and is smooth, all other bows 65/66# is my limit at 60".