1. What is Bow Draw Length?
Draw length refers to the distance between the bowstring and the bow's grip when the bow is at full draw. It determines the amount of energy transferred to the arrow upon release, impacting both arrow speed and accuracy. Having the correct draw length allows for proper shooting form, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing shooting performance.
2. How to Measure Draw Length?
There are three methods for measuring draw length. These include the Wingspan method (Archery Trade Association method), Buttons to Base method, and Measuring Based on Draw. Of these three methods, Measuring Based on Draw is usually the most accurate.
A. Method 1: Wingspan Measurement
To measure your draw length, stand upright with your back against a well, and stretch your arms out to the side. Measure the distance between the tips of your middle fingers. Then, divide the measurement by 2.5. This is the most popular method for determining draw length. A variation of this method is the (Wingspan-15)/2. Instead of dividing the wingspan by 2.5, subtracts 15 from the wingspan measurement and then divide by two. Both methods will produce a very similar measurement.
B. Method 2: Button to Base Method
Again, stand upright with your back against a wall. Extend one arm out to the side so it is parallel to the ground. To determine draw length, simply measure from the center of the chest to the spot on the wrist where you'd button up a dress shirt (end of the wrist below the palm.) This method is a simple but somewhat less accurate method of determining draw length.
C. Method 3: Measuring Based on Draw
Draw length is determined by measuring the distance from the nocking point on the string to the pivot point of the bow grip plus 1 3/4 inches. Measurement can be made using a tape measure or a special measuring arrow that can be found at an archery pro-shop.
