I'm on the list for a Thunderchild build this year and I'm hoping some of you guys with longer draws have experience with or even better own both 56 and 58" Thunderchilds. I'm 6'3" and draw 29.5" with my other longbows. Reading as many forums and reviews as I can but I'm definitely still on the fence .

Sure Big Jim himself can steer you in the right direction.

QuoteOriginally posted by Jwilliam:
Sure Big Jim himself can steer you in the right direction.

This is the best answer.

But.. You and I have similar heights and draw lengths. I went with a 56 inch.  It shoots great when I do my job right.

That being said, I think the 58" would be a good fit for myself as well. Maybe I need both?

I know that doesn't help you any, but hopefully gives some insight.

Truth spoken above,the bowyer knows his creations better than anybody!
Terry
Jim is quite an artist with his bows

I have a 58" takedown,and a one piece. My draw is 28" and I really like them. Jim probably could tell you best if you could get by with the 56"

The 56 will work just fine, if I remember correct the string angle doesn't hit 90° until 31.  The 58 will work great too. You'll get some more performance out of the 56 as you'll be working the limbs more and get right into the power, with the 58 you'll have more sensation of smoothness at the back end at the expense of a tiny amount of zip vs the 56.  Really shouldn't be very stark difference at all.  I draw same as you and my choice in a TC is 56.  My brother draws 30 and he likes 58.

I drew my 56" thunderchild around 30" and it seemed very smooth to me, but I have never shot a 58".  FYI, the difference in length is all in working limb.  The riser dimensions are the same from what I remember Jim saying.

I would go with 58 with a longer draw but you could get away with a 56" with 29.5 draw

I'd go with the 58" myself. That's what mine is and I draw 29". Very smooth, no stacking.

Thanks , I will certainly be speaking with Big Jim about it but it's always nice to get as much info as possible and I'm sure there's lots of guys who have or who still do own both lengths .

My draw is a little shorter than yours, but I have owned both and I prefer the 56 inch. However, I always prefer shorter bows so keep that in mind.

Let me confuse more: I have a pair of 56" Thunderchilds.
For hunting, I really enjoy the short bow.

F-Manny

Get both!  

What ever you pick, if you feel you chose wrong, pay the shipping back, and I'll build you the other. No hard feelings. I'm sure someone will be happy to buy that bow.
I will put you in the next build or current build and build you another the way you want it. I want my customers to be happy with their choices.

You might think this is a can of worms, but I spend time talking with everyone who orders a bow and try to figure out what suits them the best. I have only had 3 or maybe 4 come back and 2 were from the same guy.
Now maybe everyone is afraid... who knows.

I'm comfortable with the 58" at 32"s the 56" is certainly good to 30"s but you have to ask yourself what is the most important thing that you are looking for in a bow...not that you can't have it all, but as you start to creep twords the edge of the limits of one length, you might consider jumping to the next.

Now that last statement was for anyone who might read this post and not just TDhunter.
Thanks, BigJim

I have had 2 thunder childs and a buffalo.  I really miss one of the thunderchilds I had.  Without a doubt one of the most beautiful and ease of shooting bows i've owned.  I have had a few and typically one leaves before I get another.  I wish I had never gotten rid of that one.

I think the Thunderchild is been designed to be shot and good to draw also for long draws. Big Jim himself at his 32" DL  use a 56".

QuoteOriginally posted by Frenchymanny:
Let me confuse more: I have a pair of 56" Thunderchilds.
For hunting, I really enjoy the short bow.

F-Manny

Manny, your short draw, you'd be fine with the 46" model lol. Better get another spot on the list          :p

Charlie , he is never off the list    

If Jim were ever to have a lean year, Manny would take care of keeping the business afloat.

I personally love my 58" and I draw 29". Its my favorite bow currently but I've shot a 56" as well and they both handled exceptionally well. Can't go wrong with either!

Well Charlie,

I just need one more bow.



F-Manny