I no longer commercially make bows to pay the bills. I have returned to my reverse midgrip simple longbow. After making bows for over 27 years I now shoot the model I started with back in 1986. Over the years I have been indoctrinated into the idea that a longbow had to be 68” in length and 65 to 80 pounds in draw weight. Since I am a prove all things hold fast that which is good person when I returned to my Razorback model the one thing I was not sure of is what bow length was the better performer overall.

I have been testing for several months now shooting arrows through the chronograph, roving through the woods shooting under hunting conditions and also shooting the targets on my property first thing in the morning without warming up. These days I shoot a draw weight of 52 to 62 pounds. I generally shoot aluminum arrows but will occasionally shoot my wood arrows made by Charlie Guin and my long time friend, Don Myers. These guys both produce quality wooden arrows.

After testing and more testing I am now shooting my Razorback model in 64” to 66” length. I have found the 64” length is more consistent in arrow speed and noticeably less in hand jar. When roving in the woods practicing for hunting I also find the shorter length more convenient. So at least for now with a 27” draw, 64” length string nock to string nock for my reverse grip Razorback longbow is my preferred length. Were I still shooting bows 65 to 80 pounds in draw weight I would be inclined to go longer in bow length again.

I would appreciate hearing from my other fellow archers on the subject and opinion of bow length. Moosejaw Gary Sentmanb

My wife added the wrong picture. The above photo is my semi-recurve so here is the photo of my current used bow.

I think it kind of depends on the bow design and understand I don't neeeeeaaarly as much about the subject as you.

Meaning, I have a draw length similar to yours as well as shooting similar weights. And I find that with a more modern, wider limbed bow, the 64"-66" length does shoot and perfrom very well.

However, when I go to a very narrow, deeper cored bow a "Hill style" for a description, I like bows that are longer. They just seem smoother.

I draw 31” and prefer a shorter bow but seems like I have to sacrifice brace height when I lose bow length. I’m no scientist but I’ve always thought that bow designs that use a higher brace to compensate for longer limbs lose efficiency. It looks like your reversed handle stiffened fades negates those causing a shorter working limb for more speed. Is there a point where you just have to concede to shoot a longer bow with a longer draw if you don’t want to sacrifice brace height?

Hey Gary! I went through that same thing myself for a long time- too long really. As far as a Longbow goes I settled in at 27" draw 55#@28"(around 53 at my 27") 58" hybrid. It gives me the speed I like and clearance I need when moving through the thick stuff stealthy like. It is slightly less forgiving, true! but that is on me not the bow. I have smallish hands and can pull it off so I guess it comes down to how thick your fingers are-haha!

Gary, do you make a 62" length? Wondering if that length would maximize your draw length efficiency?

I think the shorter length gives you a hunting advantage,, I shoot wood bows,, and the shorter bow can be a bit more challenging to shoot accurately at long range,, but at closer hunting range its advantages become vary positive,,, clearancd being #1,,,, at closer range,,,, the shorter bow is my weapon of choice,,

Me too Brad. I hunt with wooden longbows and like em about 58-60" @ 60 lbs. They're light, maneuverable, and just awesome to hunt with, and test me as a bowyer... win-win ;^)

the bow I just hunted with is 60inchs and 58@ 26,,,no deer but I did kill some cactus with my blunts,,,

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