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Draw length is a concept that has become especially relevant with the advent of compound bows. Unlike traditional bows, compound bows are set to draw back only a certain distance. However, draw length will also determine arrow length and bow size more generally. For the most efficient and precise shooting, you need to measure the shooter and the bow to match.
Steps
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Learn proper form for drawing a bow. To get an accurate draw measurement, the most important factor is knowing how you will be drawing the bow to shoot in practice. If you have bad form, posture, or instruction, your draw length could come out several inches off from where it needs to be.
- A common issue with form is overstretching. It feels somewhat intuitive to stretch your arms and shoulders back as far as you can thinking this will translate into more power. However, beyond a certain point, you are not stretching in the direction of the arrow. This creates extra slack length that does nothing for your shot.
- Generally, you want your front arm outstretched and locked. Your back arm should draw the curve between the index finger and thumb to your jaw bone below the ear. This anchoring point will give consistent shooting and proper placement for aiming. [1] X Research source
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Use an uncut arrow to measure the draw. This is typically a professional’s go-to method for beginners as it utilizes the Archery Trade Association’s calculation for draw length. You will use a regular bow with the uncut arrow, and the pro will be able to mark your draw length like on a ruler.Advertisement
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Draw the bow and measure from nock point to pivot point plus 1 ¾ inches. [2] X Research source The nock point is where the arrow nestles on the string—not the end of the arrow. The pivot point is where the bow nestles into the curve between your index finger and thumb. The 1 ¾ inches addition is the measure forward from the pivot point to the front of the bow’s grip. This is deemed the “true draw length.”
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Consult your local archery club or sales shop as a beginner. Typically this will be your best bet to get a professional’s help in determining your appropriate draw length. Although the methodology may change from professional to professional, they will have a method that has worked well in their experience.
- This will also give you the chance to ask more questions and find out what to do if you feel the measurement turns out slightly off.
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Stand against a wall with your arms outstretched. Make sure the wall is bare behind you so as not to alter the measurement. Your arms should be parallel to the floor, but not overly reached out to the side. Your body should be forming a "T" shape.
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Mark the wall to where your middle fingers extend. Have a friend place a small piece of painter’s tape (to avoid damaging the wall) at the tip of each of your middle fingers.
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Measure your wingspan from tip to tip in inches. With a tape measure, calculate the distance between each piece of tape. This is your wingspan. You can now remove the tape from the wall.
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Divide the wingspan measurement by 2.5. [3] X Research source This is another tried and true method used by archers everywhere. Some places will use your height instead, as there is a correlation between height and wingspan, but since your arms are doing the work, it is best to do this by wingspan.
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Use this measurement to buy or set your bow’s draw length. Depending on the type of bow you are shooting with, you will either select your recurve bow size by the draw length or adjust the compound bow’s settings to match your draw. [4] X Research source
- Have an idea of the size you need before going into the store. This will save you time and effort when dealing with the salesperson.
- You also need to research the draw weight that is appropriate for your age, size, and physical ability. Consult a pro to help you decide if you are unsure.
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Get an arrow that is longer than your arm. Use an uncut arrow or a specific measuring arrow with ruler markings on the side. Check at your local archery supply store or make your own. This can help make calculating the distances a little easier in the long run.
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Place the notch of the arrow on your chest. It should be just below the collarbone. This aligns the arrow with your shoulders’ sockets to the left and right.
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Face your palms together with the arrow between your hands. The arrow should be pointing away from you, parallel to your arms. Do not arch your back to get extra distance!
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Mark where the tips of your middle fingers reach on the arrow and add 2 inches (5.1 cm). Similar to the Archery Trade Association’s calculation, you will add 2 inches (5.1 cm) on top of the measurement from the arrow. Although this method is not typically as accurate for professionals, it’s a good starting place for beginners or archers working solo.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionIs a recurve bow more powerful than a traditional bow?Clay Hayes is an Archery Expert based in Idaho. He owns and operates the website Twisted Stave, where he sells merchandise, offers tutorials, and blogs about his life as an outdoorsman. Clay and his family have built an online community of over 440 thousand archery and hunting enthusiasts with their YouTube channel. Clay has authored three books and produced hundreds of videos on wilderness skills, traditional archery, bow building, and bow hunting. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Conservation from the University of Florida and a Master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology from Mississippi State University.Not really. A recurve bow is a type of traditional bow, so the distinction between them is inaccurate. The comparison often refers to the difference between a recurve bow and a longbow, but this doesn't determine the overall power or arrow-shooting capability. The critical factor is the alteration in the force draw curve. When measuring the brace height (the distance between the deepest part of the handle and the string when the bow is at rest) and plotting the draw weight at various lengths, a longbow exhibits a different curve than a recurve bow. The significance lies in how these bows feel to the archer, with longbows typically positioned towards the end of the curve. "Stack," an undesirable phenomenon where draw weight increases significantly towards the end of the draw, can occur, impacting the archer's experience. Recurves, in general, mitigate this stacking effect by smoothing out the final inches of the draw, providing a more consistent draw weight experience compared to straight-limbed bows.
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Tips
- Play around with the different methods to see how close your measurements are. Depending on where you shoot, you may want a slightly shorter or longer draw length.Thanks
- Keep in mind what your draw weight is as well. The heavier the draw weight and longer the draw length, the more work you will do every time you shoot an arrow.Thanks
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Warnings
- Not having proper form when measuring your draw length is the first and easiest way to end up using the wrong bow or setting. When in doubt, consult a professional.Thanks
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about archery, check out our in-depth interview with Clay Hayes .
References
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