72" Bows: Because some Archers are built different

The modern recurve bow is a miracle of configuration options. You can bolt so many accessories onto a riser that it starts to resemble a cyberpunk coat rack. Sights, buttons, rests, stabilisers, dampers, clickers, grips — basically everything except a cup holder and a place to store your emotional baggage. But the most important thing you can bolt onto that riser is the limbs. Short, medium or long limbs paired with a standard 25" riser give you a 66", 68" or 70" bow*. These sizes have covered almost every height and draw length in the archery community for decades.

This matters because limb length changes performance, arrow behaviour and the feel of the shot as draw length increases. But did we say every archer was catered for? Not quite. The majority were — except for the very tall, and those whose wingspan suggests a recent escape from a primate enclosure. Bit of an oversight, really.

For years, the industry basically said: “Have you tried… not being tall?” But then Uukha woke up one morning, looked at a giraffe, and said: “Yeah alright, let’s make limbs for THAT.” And thus, the 72" bow was born. A weapon so long it needs planning permission. Lets take a look at the up and down sides ...

What are the benefits of shooting a 72" bow, and who actually gains from it?

A Smoother Draw Cycle: Longer limbs spread the increase in draw weight over a greater distance. With a 72" bow, the draw is so smooth you could butter toast with it. The weight on your fingers ramps up more gradually, with less stacking — that's the sudden “oh hello” jump in force you feel as you approach anchor. The result is a more consistent anchor, easier back‑tension control and a calmer pull through the clicker. Children could benefit from this. Adults could benefit from this. Anyone who has ever threatened to throw their clicker into a lake could benefit from this. Even John could benefit from this ... but only if they have the required 30"+ draw length!

Exaggerated view of string angles with smaller and larger risers

Increased Stability and Forgiveness: A longer bow reduces the string angle at full draw. Your fingers aren’t being mashed together like a badly made sandwich, so your anchor stays more consistent. The reduced angle also cuts down on torque from small release or hand‑position errors. The shot feels more stable and the bow is more forgiving — like a coach who’s had a nap, tea and a biscuit.

Ideal for Tall Archers / Long Draw Lengths: If you draw long, shorter limbs can stack aggressively and feel harsh. The string angle can also become too acute, making it harder to get your fingers cleanly out of the way on release. A 72" setup gives a more relaxed geometry that naturally suits draw lengths of 30" or more. Medieval archers knew this instinctively — longbows were often close to the archer’s height. They didn’t have carbon foam limbs, but they did understand “big person needs big stick”.

Softer Recoil and Improved Shot Feel: Longer limbs flex more gradually, so the bow returns energy in a smoother, less abrupt way. It’s not mystical — it simply means less hand shock (vibration in the bow post shot) and a calmer transfer of energy into the arrow. Paired with a good stabilisation system, you get that coveted “dead in the hand” feel where post shot the bow tips forward like it’s fainting dramatically. This can even make tuning easier, because the bow isn’t trying to argue with you.

Potential for Cleaner Arrow Flight: Because the limbs load and unload more smoothly, arrows may leave the bow with greater consistency. Tuning becomes simpler because fewer gremlins are invading the shot. It won’t magically raise your scores, or make you shoot 565 Portsmouths, but it will remove at least one excuse from your repertoire. Shockaroonie!

Are There Any Downsides? 

Yes — though they’re minor for taller archers. For shorter draw lengths, however, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits.

Slightly Slower Arrow Speed: Longer limbs tend to produce slightly lower arrow velocity. They’re more flexible and store a bit less energy than shorter limbs of the same poundage. The geometry means less “snap” on release. If you shoot long distances with very light arrows, this might matter. For most archers, it just means your sight mark moves down a smidge. You’ll cope.

Henri is somewhere in the back

A Physically Larger Bow: A 72" bow is … big. Transport becomes a comedy routine and its not so much a piece of sporting equipment as it is a lifestyle choice. GA’s kit gnu Geo gives his 72" bow the front passenger seat and buckles it in, forcing the seat all the way back and leaving poor Henri, who's caging a lift, folded into the rear foot-well like a traumatised origami crane. On the line, the bow can feel slower or more unwieldy to point, which can be an issue for archers who struggle to settle the sight. Indoors or in tight spaces, it’s guaranteed to be awkward — so mind the lampshades, vases, Dresden china and the rare anime figurines. One careless limb tip and you’ll be explaining yourself on eBay. Titter ye not. Indoors, this bow becomes a weapon of mass destruction.

Not Ideal for Short Draw Archers: Under a 30" draw, the limbs simply don’t flex enough to operate efficiently. You’ll get fewer benefits and more drawbacks. If you’re under 6ft with less than a 30" draw, a 72" bow is not your friend. Short kings beware — this is not your Excalibur.

That brings us round to the summary - and yes, we know you're already on the Uukha website having a look. A 72" bow is a great choice if:

• your draw length is 30" or longer
• you want maximum stability and smoothness
• you prefer forgiveness over raw arrow speed
• you shoot target archery (hence their popularity with tall Olympic recurve archers)

As noted above, at GA, our resident kit gnu — and perennial early adopter of every shiny “innovation” going — shoots a 72" bow. But with a 31.25" draw, he actually has justification for his faddy preferences this time. We are as shocked as you probably are.

* 64", 66" or 68" if you start with a 23" riser, typically used by juniors and smaller lady archers.
Note: 74" bows are possible with the longer limbs mentioned above and a 27" riser at which point you’re basically shooting artillery.
The Uukha website filled with wondrously long things can be found here. Just be aware they are ... French!