How much does bow length effect accuracy?

[live2bowhunt]

I feel like I am pretty good at understanding the physics of archery, but could someone help me out with this axle-to-axle length deal. Bows have gotten shorter over the past few years until now a 37-38 inch bow is considered long.

Looking at the physics, the only reason that I can come up with for a longer bow being more forgiving is the weight distribution being further away from the fulcrum and promoting a more stable platform during the shot. I still have a few concerns about this theory as the bow is being held vertically and not horizontally. Could I get some ideas about this?? You guys who shoot a lot of bows, can you tell an accuracy difference between a 30" bow and a 38" bow??

[Arthur P]

I have never shot a 30" bow. Even if they came in my draw length I wouldn't shoot one. No way I'd shoot a bow that's 3" shorter than my draw length.

Comparing a 45" bow to a 36" bow though, I can tell a major difference in shot to shot consistency. The short bow magnifies any shooting form error I make. I'm a decent shooter, but I never will be perfect. I can shoot quite a few arrows with the short bow and stack them just like I can with a longer one but, sooner or later, I'll flub up.

When I do, the longer bow doesn't throw my arrows off point of aim nearly as much. So, I don't have any bows in my arsenal that are less than 40" any more.

[JeffB]

I think alot of it depends on the individual shooter.

Someone of short stature and draw length is not going to see as much if any benefit from a very long axle to axle. Conversely, those Hoss' like Arthur with a long draw and who are very tall are going to notice a bigger lack of stability in the shorter bows.

Even w/ my average 29" draw, I can tell a significant diff between the super shorties (30-32") and a longer bow in the 37-39" range. However, I think the "long riser" short limb" concept is narrowing the gap as the risers these days are often as long or longer than they were several years ago. This extra mass weight and distribution of it over a longer distance really helps shorter bows like the LX, Patriot , et.al. shoot much better than their on-paper specs indicate, and this is why I've come to prefer them. They are compact enough for hunting, but they are stable enough to handle some 3D throughout the year. But for me personally, the super shorties are defintely unforgiving. I keep buying them to try, and I almost always end up regretting the purchase. Moderation is key IME.

That said, If I were serious about winning @ spots or 3D, I would choose the right tool for the job and grab something longer.