Experience required

[BrokenArrow]

I there are formula or rule of thumb in the optimal selection of a bow based on the wood used, a persons draw length, the length of the bow and the poundage required.
For example I like osage orange recurved tips and I have a 24 inch draw and shoot about 55# so what would the optimal length be for maximum efficiencey?
Thanks

[blackhawk]

Your gonna get a dozen+ different answers with minor differences and none of them will be wrong. What's more important is the exexutuion and the dude holding the tools. Most known bow designs made at an optimum level are close and hard to discern the difference by a naked eye.

That said I'm gonna get my popcorn and hopefully watch the show... 

BTW...if I was to make a osage static for a 55@24" draw I'd make it 56-62" long...1 3/4"+  wide to mid limb for starting rough width, n go from there....n if sinewed or a bend in the handle you can go shorter easily.

[lebhuntfish]

I think I'm going to get my popcorn too... Patrick

[bubby]

Basically what bad chris said 4" handle 2" fades 56" ntn for length should be more than enough

[bradsmith2010]

i think the above is a good starting point

[Chief RID]

I like Cavender's Greek seasoning and red pepper on mine. Waiting for the show.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Draw length x2 plus either 8 or 10" depending on fade length. Its rare when that wont work for you.

[BrokenArrow]

How about for shooting off the hand with and without sinew backing?

[Jim Davis]

My hand is my arrow rest, so I always make my handle at an inch longer than the width of my hand when gripping a handle. Otherwise, there is too much chance of having the arrow pass at a different place on the upper fade each shot, which is not conducive to consistent windage.

[Pat B]

With a sinew backing you could go shorter and shooting off your hand doesn't matter.

[BrokenArrow]

Even for a bend through the handle? Whats the shortest I could get away with a 24 inch draw bendy handle?

[PEARL DRUMS]

For your level now? Id say around the 56-58" mark. As you progress with your tillering you can easily get 24"from a 48" ntn bow.

[huisme]

For your level now? Id say around the 56-58" mark. As you progress with your tillering you can easily get 24"from a 48" ntn bow.

+1. I've pushed myself to getting 25" out of a 46" bow but gave it chrysalis at 26". Eventually string angle can become the killer if your materials and tillering are up to the challenge.