Whats the deal with my draw length?

[MNpurple]

Using the arms out divided by 2.5 method, MY draw length is 29.5. The bows draw length (valley of the nock to the front of the riser) is 28. So there is a difference of 1.5". I have always understood these two numbers should match. SO I changed my bows draw length to 29.5 and the only way I can shoot an arrow (release shooter, Scott Mongoose) is to completely lock my arm and then slightly lean my head back to see through the peep. Well obviously this just wont work.

SO is this odd that MY length and the BOWS length are off by 1.5" Although I am happy woith my shooting, I lack consistency and thought this may be why? I am shooting 29 inch Gold tips.

[Dr Andy]

I'm just guessing but your original length is probably correct. I don't know anyone using thew divide by 2.5 method. The pro shops usually measure it from the front of the bow riser to the corner of the mouth with you at ful draw. Again have a shop or reliable expert friend measure it for you.

[Canuck_2]

While usually fairly close, the wingspan method(s) of determining draw length are really just approximations. The one you mention - wingspan divided by 2.5 is one, and another is (wingspan-15) divided by 2.

Here is a recent thread, which also describes measured draw length. Power stroke is the distance the string is drawn back from the neutral position. The brace height also is needed. These 2 distances, by the sound of your post, may be the ones you have used. But don't forget the extra 1.75 inches, which would apparently match very closely to 1.5 inches difference you're experiencing.

http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=2626376&mpage=4

[MeanV2]

The Wingspan divided by 2.5 is a great place to start and usually very close. There isno substitute for someone experienced looking things over.

Dan

[Bob H in NH]

to get the AMO Drawlength, at full draw measure from the point the arrow connects to the string, to the deepest part of the grip (this is power stroke + brace height), now add 1.75 inches.

Also note that you need to find out what method your bow used to decide it was that draw length, its not always AMO.

[davidmil]

Well, what was your wingspan mearurement? Are you relying on the manufactures measurement or actually measuring? When you say front I assume you're saying furthest part of the bow away from you. But I had to ask.Draw length, if you want to get picky is not necessarily to the front of the riser. Technically it's from the nock grove to the valley at the back of the grip(pivot point)plus 1 3/4 inches. Depends on the bow etc. Wingspan is not a guarantee... just a starting point, althought it's usually pretty close. If you changed your draw length by 1 and a half inches NOTHING will feel right. That's a big change at one time. Better to move 1/2 inch at a time and get used to it.

[ropadop]

Over the past ten years, the draw length of my bows has gone from 31" to 29". I find slightly too short is better than too long for consistency and bowhunting.