Looking for first hand experience of long draw archers with one piece longbows (66-70”) and recurves (64-68”). I’ve been drawing 31”, but think I could even go 32-33”. I shoot split and like longer bows, but also am a hunter as opposed to target archer. I’m willing to make 66-70” work for hunting. I’ve got the 66” Toelke Whip and 64” Toelke SS hot on my radar. Any insight on those or other's I should look into is much appreciated, thanks!

You would love the new one I just bought from Bigjims, a Holm Shrike reflex/deflex 66 inch marked 45 pound, scales 44. I'm actually wanting to sell it a go back to compound. If interested send me an email and I'll send you pictures and will accept a reasonable offer. It's 2 months old. 850-524-8197

Thank you for the offer Saxbow. But I am lefty, and would want 45# at 32” max.

Are you referring to a recurve or straight grip longbow. There is a difference in draw length. JF

I draw 31 in myself and found 64 in bows my sweet spot. I just got on trade a Black Canyon takedown longbow. I am beyond happy with it, 47 lb but according to my scale 52 at my draw. Check them out very very very nice bow?!?

I draw 30" (I need a 30.75" arrow so the broadhead doesn't hit my hand). In a one-piece recurve, I find a 64" Wes Wallace Mentor will do the trick, however I suspect it might max-out around 30.5". Now, I also own a 66" Wes Wallace one-piece Mentor, and I have no doubt that it will accommodate at least 31 draw (I actually measured the gain per 1/2 inch to 31"). I suspect it could handle more, probably out to 31.5" or even 32", but I would call Mr. Wallace and ask him. Regarding his take-down, he also offers a 66" take-down and I would be astonished if that did not accommodate a 33" draw, I think it's a different limb design from the one-piece recurve. If I ever ordered another Mentor, it'd be a 66" one-piece, it's a really cool bow and the longer length never seems to get in the way for me.

I’m referring to recurves and R/D longbows. Not ASL or straight limb/grip hill style.

Thanks for the recommendation papadeerhtr! I’ll check them out. Though I do longer than 64” with a longbow.

Thanks I’ll look into Wes Wallace too!

Not that many 66 inch recurves in a one piece being made these days.

I would concur the Wallace would be one to look at.Its a 60s style recurve with a good sized riser and is a handsome bow for sure.

Thier are some longer 1 piece R&D bows.The Fox Tripple Crown and Javamans Impala come in 66 inches and longer.Those have longer risers and more mass weight and are cut to center or past center.Thier often used for 3-D but can certainly be used for hunting.

Black Widows PLs and Big Jim Buffalo's have smaller risers and I think they come in 66 inches.Thier are others like those that come in longer lengths for sure.

A mild R&D might be an option.They typically look like a Classic longbow and string into a nice D shape.Thier often cut 1/8th out from center.But you can get them cut to center with lighter poundage bows if you ask most times.You can get those in 66 and 68 inch as well sometimes.ST Patrick lake bows would be one example,Benoit and Northern Mist superior.Thier are others as well.

Both my longbows and recurves have mostly been 70" though I do not draw as long as you do. The recurves have been target models so have white or silver finish but that can be dealt with temporarily or permanently. Medium target draw weights will perform very well at you draw length.

I am longer than they are so I can take them anywhere I can go. Just mind your limb tips before you draw, but you must do that even with short bows.

Longer is better - always. - lbg

You're on the right track with Toelke's. Call them or e-mail with your questions.

I have a 31" draw and shoot a 51# 64" Wes Wallace Partner, and it is smooth as silk drawing back. He made the limbs for my draw though. I have a 60 Bear super K that I can shoot but it stacks at 29-30". 64" bows are a great bow for longer draw lengths from what I have found. some 60" bows shoot good also, I shot a Bruin carbon recurve that was 60" and it was smooth all the way back. You really need to shoot the particular bow to know how they will be for you.

Don't forget ILF bows go very long and have lots of options. Widow

I draw 30” and have toyed around with a even longer draw

have regularly shot a 56” to 64” Bear takedown with no issue at 30” so at 31” I’d say a 64” combo would work great.

If you just wanted a longer bow you could also get a C riser and make one from 66” to 70”

Ruttinghard, I just sent you a message.

64" St Joe River Classic Longbow or Recurve would work for you

I have a 32" draw length and wouldn't even consider a longbow longer than 66" in RD but prefer my 64" for hunting. I also shoot a 60" 50's style recurve, a 58" forward handle "short" longbow and a 62" 3 piece recurve.

BigJim

Thanks BigJim! Why is that that you wouldn’t even consider an RD bow longer than 66”? Due to the lack of maneuverability for hunting? Or you don’t shoot them one bit better than the shorter ones? You prefer your 64” Mountain Monarch for hunting?

Big Jim and Saluki come to mind...

Big Jim and Saluki come to mind...

Ruttinghard, I wouldn't consider it for me.. everyone else must make their own choices. The maneuverability of the shorter bow is nice, but I could make a longer bow work. I find the shorter bows to shoot great at least in the designs I have.

The bow I shoot the most is my 60" mountain monarch.. the second is my 58" thunderchild. These are also the bows I shoot when shooting in tournaments. Do I expect to win? always! do I win? occasionally. It's a mindset. Could I pick up a few points with a longer bow? I guess it's possible but unlikely I will ever find out. If you struggle mentally with archery, you will struggle physically with it as well. I'm a hunter but also very competitive. I won't however, change my hunting rig to compete.. don't want to confuse my mental game.

Although I prefer my critters around 12-15 yards, if they are 25 yards and under, they should be very concerned!

BigJim

I have to call Big Jims. I want to put a deposit on Thunderchild and a Mountain Monarch both. But need the grips made with the thumb side groove cut lower than the hand side. For shooting with a straight grip. I can't tell by the photos how that looks or if he can modify it.

Tedd

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