Question about axle to axle length

[gman1969]

Two bows that I am looking at have identical brace heights (6.75"). But one bow has an axle to axle length of 32", while the other is 36".

My question is, how do the differing axle lengths of these two bows affect the way each bow shoots? How will they differ from one another?

Thanks.

[jmac_or]

Well, having gone from a 36" to a 33" bow, I can say my next one will be at least 38", but probably a bit longer. The string angle of the shorter bows makes the peep a long way from your eye, at least for my anchor. Many of the shorter bows shoot and hold really well, but I am leaning towards a longer one next time. I just finished a Level 2 NAA instructor course using 68" recurves, and it REALLY showed me how string angle can lead to a more consistant anchor, and thus more consistant form and accuracy. Shoot what you like, but really look at how you anchor each bow and how well you can repeat that anchor. It does make a difference.
Good luck,
JMAC

[C-WOODS-SHOOT]

One advantage I see the shorter bows have is this : When at full draw the bottom half of the string is less likely to hit your jacket when its bitter cold and you have so many layers of clothing on you feel like the michelin man. I can't speak for others but this is something that causes problems for me. For 3-D or target shooting the longer bow would be the better choice. This is my two cents for what its worth.

[BGfisher]

Brace height being equal the longer bow is always going to be more forgiving, meaning more accurate if you don't have near perfect form. The longer bow will have a less acute string angle, meaning you'll be able to get a more consistent anchor. And of course, draw length enters into the picture too. Longer draws will give more trouble with the shorter bow.

As a staff shooter I can get any bow in the company's lineup. So long as I have a choice I almost always choose a bow in the 35" to 38" range--albeit my draw is 27.5". Why? for some of the things already stated, plus I get better speeds with the longer bow. It's more stable to shoot because of it's length and also the added weight.

All this being said I just ordered a new Martin Shadowcat SE w/ Nitrous cams. It's not a standard option so it'll have to come out of the custom shop. I'm willing to give the short bow a chance. I know it won't have near the accuracy or speed of my SlayR, but this will be strictly a hunting bow. If a want burning speed and tack driving accuracy I'll use the SlayR-----or just get rid of the short bow and get a standard Shadowcat Magnum at 36".