Draw Length Question

[idsman75]

I'm going to start by saying that I will not mention the names of any bowshopes in order to protect the innocent.

I've been to a few bow shops over the last few months just checking things out. I was curious about my draw length so I pick up one of those bows used to measure draw length. I draw it back and am at around 28.5". The guy at the bow shop tells me that I need a bow with a 29-29.5" draw length if I am going to use a release. Another guy at another bow shop said that I would need a bow between 27" and 28" if I am going to use a release. One guy added the length of a typical release and one guy subtracted it. Do you draw the string back further when you are using a release?

When you use those draw-length measuring devices, do you add or subtract when trying to determine what draw length you need in a bow if you plan to use a release?

I am a complete and total cherry when it comes to archery so feel free to call me an idiot if I'm not making sense.

 

[gunrunr]

I don't put much faith in those little draw-length check bows myself. Maybe they are fine to get a starting point but it takes much more. First, I would find a pro-shop that is willing to take some time with you and set up a bow that has interchangeable draw lenght modules. Have someone that knows what they are doing watch you closely as you draw back and come to anchor. They will be looking at where you are anchoring, head and body postion, arm and shoulder extension, etc. to try to find what draw length works best for you. Try a couple of inches on each side of where you think you should be and maybe even shoot each a few times. It should become apparent which works best for you. It can take some time but will get you into a properly sized bow.

 

[muddy]

Well put gunrunr. I check a person on the draw check bow and then get them close. From there it's what's most comfortable with them after they draw and shoot a few times. Some people like to anchor behind the ear while some anchor way up on their cheek. Whatever works to make them happy.

 

[150 Class]

I agree on trying what works the best for you and would also add that to start out short vs. long. Way too many people are shooting too long of a draw. Also, the wing span method gives a better starting point than the draw check bow.

http://www.edersbow.com/publication/daily/20000315/

As for the release, you subtract. If you think your draw is 28.5 with fingers, you would likely shoot 27-28 with a release, depending on the release.

 

[djhunter]

150 said a mouthfull! If you have to error at first, error short. It'll keep the string off your forearm, bacause you can bend it some(should have the same bend at full draw that you do when it hangs at your side relaxed). With the ouch factor removed, you can shoot with confidence and throw that arm guard away(also nice to think of it not hitting your winter clothes as well).

Second, try using the tip of your nose as an anchor point (for the string, not your hand/release). When you come to full draw, set the string against your nose, not your cheek, this will help keep your draw shorter and more manageable. Remember, if you feel like you have pulled the string as far as you possibly can, you're probly pulling too much.

Lastly, go back to those shops and make them prove that you are the length they say you are. If it works, maybe they were right. Don't forget, the reason there is more than one shop, is because someone thinks they are right and the other guy is wrong. Good luck.