The best shape for a reflexed bow?

[Tuomo]

What is the best shape for a reflexed bow? I experimented with the VirtualBow program to search for an answer. Shown here are five different reflexed designs, with a straight bow included for reference. All of the reflexed bows share the following characteristics:

* Length: 66", brace height: 6", draw length: 28"
* Draw weight: 50#
* Identical front profile, optimized for even stress distribution along the limbs.
* Taper rate 0.008
* Three-layer construction; only the core thickness is adjusted to achieve the 50# draw weight
* All reflexed designs have the tips reflexed by 100 mm (4"), measured from the belly side of the handle
* 10 grains per lbs -arrow

So, which shape is the best? By best, I mean the fastest and the one that stores the most energy. Why? Which design performs the worst, and why?

[Selfbowman]

This is my opinion.

[Selfbowman]

That design has broke flight records and won multiple IBO world championships.here is the caul.

[Selfbowman]

Here is a bambino backed Osage but I’ve done boo backed boo core and gemsbok horn belly and other combinations this boo backed Osage took some set throughout the limb. It’s best shot with a 462 grain arrow was 260 yds.

[Selfbowman]

This bow was designed by Alan Case. 64” long. I haven’t shot it in competition but it shot 460 grains 232 yds.

[willie]

So, which shape is the best? By best, I mean the fastest and the one that stores the most energy. Why? Which design performs the worst, and why?

Does maximim storage energy equate with performance?
I am curious if different designs of the same materiels are more or less efficient when delivering the energy to the arrow.  (what weight arrows are you designing for?)

[Selfbowman]

 I THINK that being said material qualities is huge in design with natural materials but also in general. It will affect the width and length of the limbs depending on the stress from reflex. And yes deflex in the handle and fades takes the stress out and makes the bow more efficient. That being said in flight you need limbs pushed to the max to achieve your goal. Just my opinion. That’s why my bows take more set . If I did it put the reflex In the ends my bows they may not take set. That design has smooth even draw weight and  makes the bow pleasant  to shoot. We all have our design choices though.

[Muskyman]

Nice looking bows selfbowman. Not to high jack the thread but, what’s the wall board behind it made of.

[sleek]

So, which shape is the best? By best, I mean the fastest and the one that stores the most energy. Why? Which design performs the worst, and why?

Does maximim storage energy equate with performance?
I am curious if different designs of the same materiels are more or less efficient when delivering the energy to the arrow.  (what weight arrows are you designing for?)

Max energy storage absolutely does not equal performance. As a matter of fact, a bow could be made to store double its energy and only deliver to the arrow a small fraction of it. I struggles with my short recurve designs stringing energy, so I started focusing on what made them more efficient at delivering that energy. Eventually I got the design sorted out. Think, the energy consumed by the 1950s big engines, but how little they delivered. Same concept.

[Selfbowman]

Muskyman the long bows are on drywall . The recurve is floorings from Home Depot.

[bjrogg]

Interesting question.

I’m not a number guy. And like already mentioned. Materials make a difference. And designs are high stress.

I’m guessing the program is with zero set?

I personally like shooting number 5 . I have a short draw though and I like the early string tension. It seems smoother at full draw also, but maybe that’s less stored energy?

I think if you could keep all the reflex with zero set the one with reflex all in handle seems like it might have the most energy?

I will be watching 

I want to know

Bjrogg