How long of a recurve bow do I need?

Question

I just started archery, and I want to buy myself a new recurve bow, but I've been told I need a special size. I'm 6 foot 3 inches tall with a 30 inch draw length. How long of a bow will I need?

Answer 1

Just ask for help at the store. Surely you won't need a custom bow....

Answer 2

The longer bows are more forgiving and easier to shoot. a Martin X200 is a nice starter bow. Once you can shoot well and have a few years under your belt check out Black Widow bows.

Answer 3

im sure the man at the archery store will fit you fine

Answer 4

It depends on what kind of shooting you're going to do really.  For hunting, you're stuck with a short recurve, somewhere in the 56-60" range.  Reason being, the shorter the recurve the less you have to worry about the limbs hitting tree branches and such.

Now if you're looking for target recurve, then I'd recommend a 70" bow.  It'll be a lot smoother for you.  At 30" you're really on the border between a 68" and a 70".  I have a 31.5" draw and switched from 68 to 70" a few years back.  I did loose a couple of fps, but I made it up in comfort and a better string angle.  Now, some of the new bows coming out, those are special sizes, 27" riser, makes 72" bows.  Those are for people with 33" draw and up.  At 6'3", you might need that once your shoulder gets more flexible and you get better alignment.  See I'm only 5'9", when I started I only had a 28" draw, it's not until 3 years ago that I got flexible enough and gained another 3" of draw.

Answer 5

I too have a 30" draw and for hunting, I wouldn't recommend anything less then 62" with longer always being better. Don't concern yourself with the notion that longer bows perform worse. It's an ol' wives tale not supported with reality. For organized target shooting, 68" at a minimum and 70" would be better...O.L.