best bow lengths for optimal performance

[lonbow]

Hi guys

In TBB1 I found a table showing, that bows with a length of 66-67" are the fastest ones. Longer bows tend to be a bit slower accoriding to this table.
However in TBB4, Tim Baker wrote that bows beeing longer then 68" still perform a little bit better.

What is the latest state of knowledge about bow length? Are there any new testings, or did anyone of you do some tests?

Im both interested in the best bow lengths for american flatbows and english longbows.

Greetings and thank you!
lonbow

[Badger]

   I seem to get my best results from about 66" to 70".

[lonbow]

Thank you, Badger! Your answer applies for american flatbows, right? Or do you also prefer english longbows that short?

[George Tsoukalas]

I draw 25-26" and prefer 64-66" long bows for my style of shooting which is touch and go. That's ntn. That is for flatbows.
Jawge

[Pat B]

I like 62" to 66" for my 26" draw. Flat bows.

[Badger]

Thank you, Badger! Your answer applies for american flatbows, right? Or do you also prefer english longbows that short?

   Elbs I have had the best luck at around 72"

[DC]

Do you think their is a direct relationship between draw length and bow length? A long draw length will work better with a longer bow and short DL with a shorter bow.

[Badger]

  I think their is a strong relationship. Working limb length has a big effect on performance, the more working limb the more is lost to vibration. Longer limbs store more energy but are less efficient.

[Woodely]

My draw is 28" and prefer a bow no shorter than 64" - 66" .
I dont like to draw shorter than my 28" draw it affects my anchor point.   If my anchor point is the same all the time @ 28"  which is a fixed variable, then changing that can reduce accuracy.
I dont like pulling a 60" bow or shorter beyond, 27".   My argument is I don't want to shoot a bow pulling only 25-26" because its short in the risk that it may break.

Do you think their is a direct relationship between draw length and bow length? A long draw length will work better with a longer bow and short DL with a shorter bow.

Its kind of silly to be pulling a 68" bow to only 25-26" is it not.  And pulling a short bow to draw lengths beyond 28" places more stress on the wood correct..? After all we are building wood bows here.

[DC]

Its kind of silly to be pulling a 68" bow to only 25-26" is it not.  And pulling a short bow to draw lengths beyond 28" places more stress on the wood correct..? After all we are building wood bows here.

That was kinda my point

[Woodely]

Its kind of silly to be pulling a 68" bow to only 25-26" is it not.  And pulling a short bow to draw lengths beyond 28" places more stress on the wood correct..? After all we are building wood bows here.

That was kinda my point

Got out of bed on the wrong side this morning..

[PEARL DRUMS]

Working length is the loop hole here, not just the bows OAL length. A 67-68" bow can be just fine for a 26" draw if the fades are 3-4" long. Long fades can make one super silky shot.

[ohma2]

Pearl why is that?

[sleek]

There is A LOT more to the question than you are asking. Width, thickness, weight, draw length, wood type, environment, and bow design you want all come to play.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Pearl why is that?

Long fades make a bow more stable and keeps the bed farther away from the grip. That's not to say short fades or a "bending" grip cant be smooth to.