How can I find the draw length of a used bow??

[phil_pick]

Hey guys. Is there an easy way to find the draw length of a used bow? When I started bow hunting a few years back I was unaware of the technical side of bows (draw length/weight, arrow spine...) and I was flat broke. So instead of going and buying a bow that fit me, I just grabbed my dads old compound and went out back and shot the crap out of it until I got pretty good. I am now learning more about the technical side of bow hunting and have figured out my draw length using the arm span divided by 2.5 method and am curious what the draw length of the bow is. There are no stickers or writings on it anywhere. I would like to know if this bow is pretty close to what I need and can just be adjusted or if it is way off and if I need to pick up a new bow.

Thanks

[Canuck_2]

To determine what draw length the bow is currently set at:

1. Measure the power stroke; that's the distance the arrow is pulled back from the 'at rest' position to full draw. Do this by marking the arrow where it contacts the rest in both positions. (You'll need assistance.)

2. Measure the brace height of the bow.

3. Add the 2 figures together, then add another 1.75 inches.

[Paul L Mohr]

Nock a full length arrow, point in a safe direction, draw the bow back until the cam/s bottom out. The have someone mark the arrow directly above your grip, or where the hole is that the rest mounts in. Let the bow down and measure from the groove of the nock to the mark. Then add 1.75 inches. That is the AMO draw length of that bow.

Do not do it to where the arrow contacts the rest, because the rest may be in the wrong location, normally too far back if it is a drop a way or whisker buisket type rest. This will give you a false reading

And you don't need to know what the brace height is or add it to anything. AMO draw length is simply 1.75 inches more than the power stroke of the bow.

And your proper arrow length is 3/4 of an inch less than that.

Paul