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What Length for a Hickory Flatbow

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RyanY:
I generally recommend the working limbs be at least 1-2” longer than the draw just for a smoother draw and margin of safety. So 24” x 2 plus an 8” handle and fades section would be around 56”. Nothing wrong with going longer either.

superdav95:

--- Quote from: RyanY on May 28, 2025, 11:22:25 pm ---I generally recommend the working limbs be at least 1-2” longer than the draw just for a smoother draw and margin of safety. So 24” x 2 plus an 8” handle and fades section would be around 56”. Nothing wrong with going longer either.

--- End quote ---

I agree.  The margin of safety is always good idea for new shooters.   

I’ve also noticed with him says too with shooters with short draws shooting my longer heavier poundage bows vs bows in their draw range.  My slightly longer heavier poundage bows pulled to reduced draw length and thereby weight shot arrows just as fast or in some cases faster.  Tested with chrono.   I realize a lot of other factors come into it here too like design and and materials and such but was also surprised of the outcome.  The shooters remarked it felt snappier too.  Someone with a computer program I’m sure could likely explain exactly what’s going on here I bet.   

Jim Davis:
On further reflection, I think my formula was for ELBs... .

Pappy:
I like as a minimum double the draw and add the un moving parts/handle and fads.  :)
 Pappy

Eric Krewson:
My late wife was 5'3" tall and drew 22", I made her bows 60" long NTN, smooth drawing, long lasting, very little set, her osage bows really spit out her 30-35# spine 5/16th 26" arrows.

I could see no reason to push the limits when I was making bows for other folk, when I was selling them, I replaced any that failed no questions asked, for that reason I over build my bows just a little so they would hold up.

When you make a bow for a beginner it is likely that they will hand the bow to 6'6" cousin Elbert whose knuckles drag the ground and he will imediately draw it back to 32" before you can stop him.   I have replaced several bows that I suspect had been passed around for others to shoot and were damaged in the  process.

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