Voz,
To be honest with you, I think something in the 34-36 inch axle to axle length range would probably suit you pretty nicely. These bows are relatively short enough to be considered compact and maneuverable and yet long enough to add some stability to your setup. (Now that is coming from a guy that shoots a 31 inch draw length out of a 31 inch axle to axle length bow
). I will readily admit that the slightly longer axle to axle length bows definitely add something to the overall stability of the setup.
As with everything there are extremes and " middle ground" . Bows that are 32 inches and under in axle to axle length and/or bows that are 40 inches and over in axle to axle length are what
I consider " extreme" ends of the spectrum nowadays..in reference to hunting that is. Choosing a bow in the mid-range between those two figures should give you the somewhat of the best of both worlds.
Ofcourse, axle to axle length alone is not the " be all, end all" to determining stability or forgiveness. There are many factors that must be considered before making that determination. Just about every major bow manufacturer has a few bows that should fit into these specs. I am sure you will get plenty of suggestions along those lines.
Hobbes,
Pretty darn good post.
I hope you do not mind if I clarify something. One misconception regarding powerstroke and brace height....
The longer the power stroke or shorter the brace height, one in the same, the more time the arrow is on the string. Therefore, the speed increases due to more transfer of energy to the arrow and there is more likelyhood of error on the shooters part because of this extended time on the string.
...actually, it is more so the amount or length of distance that the arrow is on the string that causes the increased energy transfer and the likelihood of shooter error affecting accuracy.
I thought much the same as you up until a discussion a year or two back in which the issue was discussed in detail. Think about it. As the brace height is increased then the speed of the arrow is increased. As the speed of the arrow is increased then the faster it comes off the string. What I am basically suggesting is that the increased length of power stroke increases the arrow' s speed off of the string but, since the powerstroke is longer the arrow still has to travel a longer distance so, in essence time is not really the factor that the physical distance is.
Though I do not have the math to support this on this post I hope Vic (500 fps) gets wind of it and can comment further as I believe it was him that originally posted this info.