How To Find Your Draw Length on a Traditional Bow 

We were all new to the sport at some point. Happy we could help clarify about pounds. Let us know if you have any other questions we can help with.

Until recent years you would be hard press to find an arrow with that draw. For bows I'd say 64" would be a minimum. If you get to try a bow out, have someone watch from the side to see what angle the bow limb and string are at. You do not want it getting to a 90 degree (definitely not past it). As at that point you have maxed the limbs out.

@@3RiversArchery would a 64” be good for 36”?

Awesome thank you!

If my draw length is 28 do I need 29 inch arrow?

It would be recommended to have at least a 29 inch arrow yes.

For arrow length, are you able to determine how short your 29" arrow is what you need? Would a 30" or 31" arrow work? Once you know how long it needs to be, then we can help you with picking the proper spine arrow. A test kit is the best method for choosing the right spine, but we are happy to make recommendations on what should work for you.

Yes, would be from valley of the nock to the card for what your draw length measures.

Had the same question

We measure to the back of the bow (the point furthest from the archer). This allows for accommodating broadheads that need to sit outside of the riser. You are correct that bows have different thicknesses though, so your draw can be different on different bows. ATA (Archery Trade Association) standards measures to grip pivot point and adds 1.75" for Draw-Length Pivot Point. So, depending on whose guide you are going by, it is close but different. Though, like anchor point, as long as you have a consistent point you are measuring things too, you can get the numbers you need.

That sounds like a home-done camo paint job on the bow.

I'd say at least a 64" bow, with longer being more smooth to draw. For a great entry level bow, give the Knight recurve a look: www.3riversarchery.com/knight-takedown-recurve-bow.html

@@3RiversArchery Thank you for the information. Will this bow work for hunting or is it more of a target style setup?

Long as you are getting to a proper pull weight at your draw (see local hunting regulations) it would be.

The amount of arrow hanging off would not be a problem. You can use a stiffer spine arrow and weaken it by leaving the arrow longer to compensate. Can do the same with point/nock weight.

I measure draw to the back of the bow (furthest from the archer). The ATA (Archery Trade Association) Technical Guidelines though measure the true draw of 26.75" from string to grip pivot point + adding 1.25" for riser. They do allow for +1/16" (-0") for tolerance.

@@3RiversArchery I was confused there also , how can the back of the bow be furthest from the archer .. you mean from the front of the bow right ?

The proper terminology for a bow is the belly of the bow is the side that faces the archer during the shot, and the back is furthest from the archer.

@@3RiversArchery Thanks for the clarification 👍

You mean a thicker riser? Then yes, you can have different draw lengths depending upon the bow used. The ATA industry standard measures by measuring the "Draw Length to Pivot Point" which is the distance from the string's nock point to a vertical line through the pivot point of the grip, and adding 1 and 3/4 inches. Which is good for measuring draw weight at the same distance (the pivot point), but if a bow is made more/less than 1.75" thick it wouldn't be the same as how we measure draw length in this video.

draw length is from the string to the outside of the bow (furthest from the archer) for draw length. Brace height has no impact on what a person's measured draw length would be.

Being left hand, heavy draw weight, and painted; it will not be a high demand bow. I'm afraid I could not say value for it without seeing more of it. If you can email us at info@3riversarchery.com we can get you connected with people the buy and sell used bows.

It also helps estimate the draw weight without a scale. As a traditional bow is rated at a draw length (industry standard is 28"), but the bow will pull more/less depending on the draw length. For adult bows it is normally 2-3 pounds per inch from the rated draw length. With a bow's different draw weight it will require different spine arrows (along with length).