Archery is an enjoyable and social sport and is best learned by understanding the right equipment’s necessary information.
Having the right equipment means knowing how to determine the correct measurement for your bow and draw length.
Draw length is the distance where the bowstring is pulled for a full draw. The size of your bow and how to draw it correctly impact your shot’s power.
Although many archery stores can provide the best measurement for you, it is essential to do your measurement for much accuracy. (Read our Crossbows Ratings and Reviews)
Here are the three best methods for finding your draw length to make the most accurate result.
Measure your arm span
Measuring your arm span, also known as wingspan, is a well-known measurement method for draw length. This provides a fast and straightforward steps/method.
First, stand straight and extend your arms outward at shoulder height. The best way to do this is with your back against the wall. Make sure your fingers are outstretched as well. Keep in mind to stand naturally and relax your body to avoid inaccuracy.
Second, ask someone to assist you in marking the edges on both outstretched fingertips. Use a measuring tape to measure the distance between your fingertips- the tip of the middle finger to be precise. Once you got your measurement, divide it by 2.5 and round off to the nearest half an inch to get your result.
In short, measure your arm span and divide by 2.5. It’s as simple as that! It’s not that difficult to get your draw length and not as complicated as it may sound.
Measure using the Pretend Draw
Here is one of the easiest methods to do when you want to get your measurement. All you have to do is to pretend you are drawing a bow. So, here how it goes.
You start by standing beside a wall, raise your hand, which you usually hold the bow while your other hand is pulled back against your mouth, imagine that you are drawing your bow.
Then, ask assistance from someone who will measure from the corner of your mouth to the top of your fist to know your draw length. And, that’s it.
It is not a method that is usually used as easily since it does not provide an accurate measurement as other methods.
Measure from your Grip to Nock point
This method is another great way to determine your draw length. It is usually known as the Archery Trade Association (ATA) method- formerly known as the AMO method, Archery Manufacturers and Merchants Organization.
According to ATA, you make a full draw and measure from the nocking grove of the string to the bow grip’s pivot point and then add 1.75 inches to measure the correct draw length.
In other words, the first step you have to do is you have to get yourself familiar by drawing your bow in full in a manner you’re most comfortable with and then try to get comfortable with handling the anchor as well.
Secondly, after making a full draw, ask someone to help you measure from the nocking point or apex of the string to the pivot point (pp) of the bow grip.
Lastly, add one ¾ inch or 1.75 inches. Then, you will get your actual draw length! Easy-peasy!
With the methods mentioned above, you might question if these can be applied universally. The answer is not necessarily.
When you visit a bow shop, you will encounter two different types of draw bows available, which the measuring methods may not all apply.
Compound bows adjust mechanically to tune with your draw length, yet it does not allow you to make a full draw. In other words, you don’t have to calculate your draw length manually.
Recurve bows, on the other hand, is another type of bow where the measuring methods can be applied.
Unlike compound bows, the recurve bow allows you to draw your bow as far as you can. It also comes in different lengths. Therefore, you can look for your recurve bow with a specific length once you know your draw length. (Find the Best Recurve Bow)
Useful tips
Once you’ve found your right equipment and the best measuring method, it is essential to bear in mind these useful tips when getting your accurate results.
- Shooting form. When measuring, you must have the proper posture to avoid having inaccurate draw length and to be able to purchase a suitable bow. Your shoulders should not scrunch up, and your arms should be aligned.
- Double-check measurements. Knowing your size, do not rush away. Buy a bow. You have to make sure you have the right measure by trying different methods to avoid purchasing and changing an incorrect size bow.
- Be careful in handling the equipment. If you are a beginner, it is best to be cautious in handling your equipment to avoid damaging your bow, getting an injury, and hurting someone else.
- Round off to the nearest half an inch. It is said that rounding off to the nearest half an inch will get you much closer to your draw length and adjust to it.
As you’ve noticed, these methods require you to have someone to assist you. Also, be sure to ask for professional help when purchasing products.
Summary
To sum it all up, your draw length plays a vital role in archery as it determines the power of your shot. The right measurement leads you to the right bow and an accurate shot.
