Short Draw Hunting Bow
 

To those of you who have short draw lengths (25"-27"), what bow would you recommend from the current models available? Criteria would be:
1) No hand shock.
2) Speed (280 fps-above).
3) Smooth draw cycle.
4) Lightweight (4 lbs max).

RE: Short Draw Hunting Bow
 

check out the Equalizer by Bowtech;)

RE: Short Draw Hunting Bow
 

I think you are going to have a hard time finding all those qualities with that set up. You might hit that speed with a light arrow. I think I got close with my Mighty Might at 60 lbs and 26 inches of draw. I think the arrow was around 300 grns or so though.

I think you are asking a lot though in wanting a light set up to shoot that fast yet draw smooth and have no handshock. I would also suggest looking at a bowtech. It will depend on the draw weight as well. 70 lbs at 27 inches might get you there, I don't know how smooth the draw will be though.

Paul

RE: Short Draw Hunting Bow
 

Everything you just asked for and more is available in the Bowtech Equalizer which is a brand new model for 2006. I just bought one and take delivery later this week. There are quite a few glowing reviews over on archerytalk.com. Just do a search for Equalizer and read on.
DL 23-27"
ATA 32"
3.5 lbs wgt
294-302 fps at 26.5" DL and 300gr arrows ( this not a missprint )
29-40-50-60 lbs DW

RE: Short Draw Hunting Bow
 

Terry hit the nail on the head: All the attributes you're looking for in that draw length of a bow is designed right into the Equalizer.

RE: Short Draw Hunting Bow
 

u might want to check out the parker hornet

RE: Short Draw Hunting Bow
 

My wife shoots a mathews FX. I am sure by no way could it be as good as the brand new [untested] bow. But it dose very good.Her bow is not quite as fast as you are wanting but she is only shooting 60#s It is very nice to shoot. I shoot quite a bit seting it up.And for price they are allso real nice.In that short of draw it is eazy to find them for sell quite cheep.

Good luck
Charles

RE: Short Draw Hunting Bow
 

Thanks a lot for all you replies! Anyone tried the Mathews Black Max 2 and the Hoyt Turbotec? The Bowtech is my number 1 option.

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.

RE: Short Draw Hunting Bow
 

Check out APA they have a modle I think it's called the Suphan,it's 310 FPS@ 28",- 8 to 10 fps per inch draw loss.
If you don't like the looks of that take a realy close look at the Equalizer,it's a realy a excelent bow.It's made for short drawed shooters.

Stay away from the Parker Hornet 2,it's a vibrating SOB.I shot one when I was looking for a speed bow.
BBJ