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

RE: Short Draw Hunting Bow
 

My wife shoots the Equalizer @ 50# and gets 255 fps out of it. Shot draw,light weight, and decent speed!! Check it out!!

RE: Short Draw Hunting Bow
 

most bowtech bows are atleast 27" thats what i shot. not sure about any shorter then that. i think some PSE bows you can get that short as well.

RE: Short Draw Hunting Bow
 

Hoyt turbotec! the way to go!

RE: Short Draw Hunting Bow
 

I think a lot of the bowtechs go down to 25 or 26 inches of draw now. My mighty might is at 26 inches with a 25.5 inch module in it. That equalizer sounds like a pretty great bow for us little people.

Paul

RE: Short Draw Hunting Bow
 

Look at the Bowtech allegiance or tribute. I don't think they go to 25 in though. I also suggest you look at the parker line if $$ are an issue. I have a parker phoenix 34 at 28 inch that is my backup and itis a good solid bow, but probably not as fast as what you are looking for. Good for killing none the less. I bought an allegience this year (I love this bow!) at 27 inch draw and it smokes. The BC states 289 with the smooth mods which is something else that is your target. It is alittle heavier than 4 lbs, but I believe that helps with the hand shock. This bow is very dead in the hand.

HTH's