To check one’s draw length at home, stand perpendicular to a wall and place your palm against the wall without stretching. Stare at the wall and measure from the wall to the corner of your mouth without moving your head. Then add one inch to that measurement. This should be very close to your draw length. To determine the appropriate draw weight for hunting, sit in a chair with your thighs parallel to the ground. Then, lift both your feet slightly off the ground while pulling the bow back. Whatever weight you can pull comfortably would be a good recommended bow weight.
These are ways you can check on your own, but I strongly recommend visiting a reputable pro shop in your area to be outfitted and measured properly.
Your in archery,
Travis
These are ways you can check on your own, but I strongly recommend visiting a reputable pro shop in your area to be outfitted and measured properly.
Your in archery,
Travis
Those are interesting tips - and good starting points. I'll have to see how the wife does on these as I've always wondered how to get her more comfortable shooting her bow. I understand I'd do well to take her to a good pro shop, but that means a two hour drive - and do I need to explain why that's not real feasible these days?! Thanks for the help!
A way I use to measure draw length is very similar with a couple of changes. Stand the same way and extend your bow hand to the wall. Instead of open hand I have them make a fist, and bend the arm slightly. Then measue from the wall to the corner of the mouth. I find I do not have to add an inch when measuring this way. I always teach not to lock the elbow on your bow arm. So if the bow is being drawn and the arm has to be locked out to achieve proper anchor, I feel the draw is too long and needs shortened. This is what usually eleminates the string from slapping your arm. I also feel by not locking your elbow out, this gives you more muscles to help stabilize your shot. If the elbow is locked, the shoulder muscles have to try and do all the stabilizing. But if you unlock your elbow, then that forces all your arm muscles to assist and become more stable. This really helped me when I first started out.
Draw weight - I usually say to hold your bow up and place the pin you are going to use on your target. Then draw your bow trying to keep the pin on the target the whole time. If you can not do this comfortably, and without question then you have to much poundage.
Good Stuff,
Todd - Indiana
Hey T-Bone,
Im gonna admit something that most people dont wanna hear but im still young and dumb and love slingin those fireballs. I have my bow maxed to about 71 lbs. I will let you in on a secret though. i try to work out a bit and keepin those shoulder and elbows strong helps too. also dont neglect your back muscles either. a shoulder is a very unstable jopint and requires a person to stay strong to keep stable. your muscles are the only stability they have. I have my draw length set up for me. great topic. Holler at me if you want ideas for some shoulder stabilization exercises that will be easy and beneficial to all.
Todd-NC/MT
Hey T-Bone,
I did not know that. Thats a great tip, but like you said I would also go a pro shop. Keep'em comin. Talk to ya later.
God Bless & Good Huntin'
Kristle Oberlander
The problem is finding a good pro shop. Im sorry but most of the shops around here are terrible. The guys are rude and most of them dont have a clue what they are doing. I was talking to one guy a couple weeks ago, who has been working there for over ten years. we were talking about draw weight he said that 55 pounds is the highest you should go on your bow for deer. I said yeah 55 will kill a deer but if you can pull 60 65 70 75 comfortably why not shoot it, he told me any weight added over 60 pounds actually slows the bow down??????????
That is why I bought a bow press.
Scott Withers-MI