RE: Short Draw Hunting Bow
Man, you're asking a lot from a hunting bow. Just about impossible unless you're wilkling to make some trade-off.
1. Little to no handshock is almost a given these days with parallel limb
bows. Almost anything fits this bill.
2. Aren't too many that will reach 280fps unless you're setting them up
more as a 3D setup. And you better keep as much stuff off the string
as possible.
3. Smooth draw usually means a softer cam, which are not speed
oriented. The best way to achieve smooth draw and more speed is
to choose a very fast IBO rated bow with hard cams and shoot it
at a lower weight and shoot light weight arrows, preferrably at 5gr/lb.
Replace the factory strings with good aftermarket ones and choose
string material from Brownell TS1+ or BCY 8125 as these are the faster
materials. Have only about 3" center serving and keep all string
accessories to a minimum.
4. Light weight is a tough one. There are light bows made, but I don't
have much use for them. Just like a heavy barreled gun, a heavier
bow settles down and aims more solidly. That being said I prefer a
total bow weight of between 7 and 8 1/2 lbs. Another reason to
shoot a heavier bow is that at higher speeds it is more important
for the bow to be more controllable during the shot.
I do realize that western hunters may have need of lighter bows for
carrying several miles a day. A couple pounds can mean a lot
over the course of a day. For something less than a couple miles
I'll tote the heavier bow. I want it to settle down and aim when
the moment of truth arrives.
I have one bow right now that set up for 3D, 27" draw and 53# shoots 299fps at 5gr/lb.