BW PL 64” or 66”

ChadMR82 · June 01, 2022, 01:11:24 PM

I have a PL 64" that I really like. I'm thinking of getting another in lighter weight mainly for 3D. I draw 28". I've never shot a 66" PL. wondered if any of you with similar draw have shot both and which you prefer.

McDave · June 01, 2022, 02:50:16 PM

I owned a 64" PL for several years and then sold it for no good reason. Wish I still had it. I own several other quality longbows, some in 64", some in 66". I also draw 28".

The main reason for getting a 66" longbow if you have a 28" draw would be if it draws smoother than a comparable 64" longbow. For a fairly aggressive R/D longbow like the PL, the draw characteristics of a 64" will be very similar to 66" or 68" "D" shaped longbows. For a 28" draw, I doubt that there would be a noticeable difference between drawing a 64" or a 66" PL. The 64" PL will be slightly faster and slightly easier to maneuver when hunting than a 66".

I have no present intention of hunting with a longbow. I have several recurves that I prefer for that purpose. I use my longbows for longbow tournaments, some of which require that a longbow be D shaped when braced. I think for a D shaped longbow used in tournaments, I can shoot a 66" slightly more accurately than a 64" (or at least I think I can, and positive thoughts help, right?).

But if I were going to hunt with a longbow, or shoot in longbow tournaments where shape doesn't matter, a 64" PL would be high on my list!

Dave Lay · June 01, 2022, 09:36:19 PM

I have a hunting buddy that's a excellent shot, he shoots PL's exclusively. He draws just a hair shy of 28 and his go to bow is a 64" PL, he picked up a used 66" PLX a year ago and really isn't happy with it, the string gets into his chest and clothes when hunting and he said he just prefers the feel of the 64". I personally shoot a 64" PLX and have tried 62" but never a 66" but I draw 27" . I think the 62" was a hair quicker than my 64" but the 64" just fits me perfectly .

Steelhead · June 01, 2022, 11:02:11 PM

being that its just for the purpose of 3-D the 66 should be a tad smoother and have a little less finger pinch.

I have only owned the 64 inch model PLs.So cant say if I would like the 66 inch more for 3-D only.

Its probably gonna be close between the 2 with your 28 inch draw for 3-D.If you drew 30 inches or more I would think the 66 incher might be a better choice for 3-D only.

kstout · June 02, 2022, 07:14:48 AM

I've shot Black Widow longbows since 1992. Started out with a 64" LAG. Then I bought a 66" PLX in 2006. The 66" bow is 55# at 28". I draw 28". In 2016 I had cancer, and went through chemo therapy, and got so I couldn't shoot the 55# bow. The following January I went to the Kalamazoo expo with the intention of buying a lighter weight 66" PLX. I shot seral 66, and 64 inch bows there. Then I picked up a 62" bow and shot it. I went back and forth, and shot the 3 different lengths each several times. I ended up bringing home the 62" bow. It was the heaviest of the 3 bows I tried, at 47#. All were mid-40's. It shot the smoothest of all that I tried that day.

frassettor · June 02, 2022, 04:40:17 PM

I have both 66" and 64" black widow PLX's , No problems whatsoever
Honestly I really don't notice a difference in one versus the other

Friend · June 02, 2022, 09:55:26 PM

Excellent feedback...

A Lex · June 03, 2022, 02:56:13 AM

Only have the 66'", so I cannot compare it to the 64". I'm just a tad shy of 6' tall and let's just say I'm no light-weight either, and once I learned how to shoot it, I've had zero issues with the 66" length. Neither with string interference on my clothes etc, nor with the 66" bow in the bush.

An inch more or less on each end probably won't be a deal breaker, get which ever one feels best.

I don't really see a wrong choice either way here.

Nice smooth bows

Good luck with it

Best
Lex

varmint101 · June 04, 2022, 11:11:03 PM

Well I'm no help. Just have the 62" PLX @ 29.25" draw and enjoy the heck out of it. I must say before I'd liked 64" longbows. I still wouldn't mind trying thr 64", but I'm pretty content! Got it last October and can't put it down. Never tried a 66".

Tajue17 · June 06, 2022, 05:50:12 PM

3D only I say 66",,,, if your hunting though Id try the 62" those limbs will bend a tad more getting into the sweet spot of that bow with 27-28" draw...my opinion if course and I do have a 27" draw.

Papadeerhtr · June 07, 2022, 08:21:21 AM

I own a 64 plx, very quick and quiet. I shoot a 31 in arrow and no finger pinch or stack. For me 64 is perfect length. I owned a 66 21st century also fine bow but prefer 64.

Blackstick · June 08, 2022, 05:12:03 PM

Not sure where you are located in Indiana, but the drive to Compton's in a few weeks would be worth the trip and help you make a decision. Black Widow will be there and you could test them side-by-side. Also, if you were not familiar with the two different grips, you could check that out too.

Personally, I have a 64" PLX and love it.