short VS long riser? and why?

[jamie]

Okay so i wanted people's thoughts on the advantages or disadvantages of a short and long risers for recurve. Because i have been advised to get the short riser, however, i am more partial to the long.

I've searched the forum and found that the main arguments are that (quoting Brian Politis) a longer riser with shorter limbs will give better cast or performance out of the bow. The limbs will open up properly and be more efficient. With the short riser and long limbs, the limbs are not working to their full capacity. There was also mention of issues with the short riser and the sight window???

Can anyone else add anything?

[Leighton]

If your draw length isn't too long, a short riser shouldn't give you any problems.

[frommy]

Although I am not a recurver, if Brian Politis makes any post on the forum I would take notice of that. I would respect his opinion, but that is personal from my respect for the man and his knowledge.

Others might like to comment.

Brian

[jamie]

my draw length is 27 1/2- 28"

[abaggs]

There would have to be hardly anything in the two extra inches of limbs, but to take it to the extremes:

If you had long limbs with a 5 inch riser for example, you are going to lose energy as the shockwaves travel up and down the limbs for longer, as there is less stiffness.

With the longer riser, there's going to be greater stiffness, and more energy travels into the arrow.

[Leighton]

If you go just by the brace height, a shorter riser should give you greater velocity.

[clever_guy]

Shorter riser = shorter sight window, which limit you if you shoot a heavy draw length...

-CG

[Oldtimer]

Jamie
Is 27.5 - 28" your draw length (ie to pressure point) or your arrow length?
If it is your arrow length, a 68" bow with long riser would probably suit you.
If it is your draw length, a 66" bow with long riser would suit you better.
A short riser is usually only used if you want a 64" bow (draw length < 25.5"), as that is the only way to get it.

[Rodger]

I've used a 66" WhaGok, which is a 21" riser :o with long limbs! It wasn't very fast, but it was very smooth...

You will get less power/lbs from a shorter riser, due to the shallower angle of the limbs (:-?), but the draw will be a bit smoother... The short riser will also be a bit lighter.

I think the long riser is the way to go.

Rodg