THANKS GUYS, 26" draw length has its advantages too!

[speedwayhunter]

You guys got me thinking about my arrows, weight, etc.... So Iwent over to BPS and had them cut. The arrows I use are carbon, they were cut to 26" and weigh 9.9g an inch. So that would be 257.4 plus 100g tips (broadheads) equals 357.4. I am sure the nock and vanes add at least 15 - 20g (a guess). That would put me around a 377g arrow. At BPS, they took an inch off whichset the broadhead insidethe riser and just pastany rest.

Now I will be shooting a25" arrow at 9.9g equals 247.5, plus 100g tips equals 347.5 and once again the vanes and nock sets me in the low 360's. I read this: The Archery Manufacturer's Organization (AMO) has proposed a standard minimum arrow weight of roughly six grains for each pound of your bow's maximum draw weight (60 pound bow = 360 grain arrow). I should be OK!!!???


I ordered a ripcord rest that falls away that appears to be really a cool product. Hopefully I can pick up a few fps and nothave to keep replacing my vanes. But for hunting I will admit the Whisker bisket hasbeen GREAT!!!I am keeping it and may go back.

Looks like I am sticking with my Martin, for the money the best bow out there I feel.Since I really would not benefit greatly with a higher end bow I will put my dollars into a small boat.

I am going to experiment with heavy arrows as well made from carbon and metal. Since I can't go faster I'll slow it down and try being quieter with more punch.

Thanks for all the replies, very appreciated!!!

[Arthur P]

Yeah, you'll be alright at that arrowweight, at least for medium size game like deer and antelope. Personally, I'd want something a little heavier for elk and such. Honestly, that recommendation you found is pretty old. AMO (Archery Manufacturers and Merchants Organization) changed it's name to ATA (Archery Trade Association) some years ago. I'm not one to skate on the raw edge with anything and, even though you could go as low as 5 grains per pound, I think you're a lot safer and will get longer bow life when you're closer to 6 gpp. Just my opinion.

You've got a point about there being benefits to shorter draw length. My draw length is 33.5" and I have to use full length shafts for my arrows. My 'light' 3D arrows tip the scales around 425 grains. 7595 GoldTip Hunter XT's, 32" long, 100 gn points and 4" feathers.

[Geronimo]

As you all know most bowhunters shoot with a draw length too long. You can see when they shoot that their release hand is almost behind their ear and their string is on the side of their nose and their bowarm is stretched full out and finally their string is very close to their body. Michael Waddell used to wear a chest guard so his string wouldn't hit. Also, watch these so called T.V.bowhunters when they shoot at a 20 yd. target to check their bows and you will see a lot of poor shooting. 20 yd shots should be slam dunks especially at an archery target.

[Geronimo]

I thought I would have got some response from my post...where are all of you long draw length loyalists?

[Geronimo]

Calling all LONG draw length bowhunters...let's hear from you.....

[BGfisher]

The statement you read about the AMO recommending 6gr/lb is not only dated, but they don't even say that any more. Try checking on www.bowjackson.com and look for the AMO Minimum Arrow Weight chart. For what it's worth this chart has been around quite a long time.

This thing not only takes the bow's draw weight into consideration, but draw length as well. Most of us know that long draw archers get more FPS for a given draw weight. The reason is the longer draw stores more enegy in the bow. This same energy is imparted to the arrow at the shot.

The shorter draw archer doesn't store as much energy in the bow. To put each on a level playing field the short draw archer can shoot a lighter arrow for a given draw length.

[TFOX]

ORIGINAL: Geronimo

As you all know most bowhunters shoot with a draw length too long. You can see when they shoot that their release hand is almost behind their ear and their string is on the side of their nose and their bowarm is stretched full out and finally their string is very close to their body. Michael Waddell used to wear a chest guard so his string wouldn't hit. Also, watch these so called T.V.bowhunters when they shoot at a 20 yd. target to check their bows and you will see a lot of poor shooting. 20 yd shots should be slam dunks especially at an archery target.

According to your description of what too long is,this guys draw length is too long and he is one of the best in the world and is actually setup on the short side.

String beside the nose
straight bow arm

Of course he has good clearance with the string and the release isn't behind his ear.

BUT,you can't judge draw length the way you are trying to.You must learn to read the form first and then make an evaluation.




Short draw archers do have some more advantages,they can shoot shorter bows and lower brace bows without some of the problems that longer draw shooters will have with them.

[Geronimo]

All I know is the vast majority of archers have too long of a draw length. BTW, your champion archer's bow arm looks slightly bent and relaxed (not stiff) at the elbow. Arrow speed motivates and a lot of archers think longer is better.

[BGfisher]

ORIGINAL: TFOX

According to your description of what too long is,this guys draw length is too long and he is one of the best in the world and is actually setup on the short side.

String beside the nose
straight bow arm

Of course he has good clearance with the string and the release isn't behind his ear.

BUT,you can't judge draw length the way you are trying to.You must learn to read the form first and then make an evaluation.




Short draw archers do have some more advantages,they can shoot shorter bows and lower brace bows without some of the problems that longer draw shooters will have with them.

TFOX,

I agree with you that optimum draw length is found by reading the form, learning how the bow aims and how it moves while aiming, etc, etc, I agree with Geronimo, too. He said "most bowhunters" shoot too long. This is totally true. Many are several inches too long, and don't have any idea of what is meant by "optimum" draw length, how to achieve it, or even care in most circumstances.

It's too much work or they don't understand how to adjust the bow. OR, they don't want to mess anything up. OR some will say, "I've been shooting this way for years". OR they don't want to give up the speed.

I guess you get my drift. We're not talking about even "average" target shooters here. Most average bowhunters are average or less than average shooters in many cases because they choose to be. Archery is not really their venue in life.

[Geronimo]

Amen to that BGfisher....