Draw Length Dilema

nub · 03-28-2003, 12:09 PM

I was at a local shop the other day shooting a few 2003 model bows. They ranged in draw lengths from 28-30 inches due to availability of models in stock. While shooting one of the 28s, the owner was commenting that it looked about like my draw length. He also said the 29 looked about right. Holding back the 28" was compareble to the feeling I would get if I were to draw back one of those tiny toy bows you' d buy for a 4 yr. old. You know, the ones with the little suction cups on the ends of the arrows. The 29" was a tad bit more comfortable and I didn' t feel as cramped. Heres the problem. When my father first taught me how to shoot with a recurve some 35 or so years ago, I' d place a fletch and index finger in the corner of my mouth. Well, that has stuck with me for a while now. Except the finger. Part of my anchor to this day is that fletch in my mouth. To achive that anchor, I' ve always shot a 30" draw. Now in the opinion of this pro, that is to long for me. I' ve taken multiple deer, hogs, 3 bears, a moose, and various small game animals with 30s. I' ve shot 300s in spots, won leagues with field tips and broadheads, and always shoot as good or better than anyone on the same team. All with a 30" bow. I never slap my arm, can shoot all day with no guard, and clothes are rarely in the way. Is a 30" too long for me if I' ve accomplished all that with one? Should I change to a length that is uncomfortable for me to shoot just because my style now is a little unorthadox? Will a shorter draw make me a better shot? Should I fix what I feel isn' t broke because someone says to me it looks like I' m overdrawn?

jsasker · 03-28-2003, 12:45 PM

Sounds like you already know the answer to that.

BobCo19-65 · 03-28-2003, 01:02 PM

nub, thats a tough one. This is what I would suggest. Keep in mind that a lot of people are shooting " overdrawn" . I' m not saying you are or are not. If a professionaal is telling you are overdrawn, then consider it. It is really tought to tell by just pulling back the bow a few times. Why don' t you try the suggestion the person has given you for a month or so, and really give it a try.IF iT doesn' t work for you, then go back to your old method. Just remember that someone that is drawing at a length that is too long could be looking at long-term injuries, if they continue to shoot that way.

Jacko · 03-28-2003, 02:17 PM

Nub, with shooting back tension the right way, most people are to long. If your draw length is to long, back tension can' t be performed properly. For 20 years I shot 31" bows. To make myself even more accurate, I decided to try back tension. I shoot good, no problem shooting against anyone but I wanted to go to the next level. Back tension so I aim,aim,aim. Shortened up my draw so back tension could be achieved properly. This has been a slow process. As for your draw, here' s what I do when people come into shop. I measure them using the wing span method, then they shoot their new bow and we fine tune the draw length until they are comfortable. If you' re not comfy shooting short, don' t. Try it once. I set people up all the time, just because it' s measured doesn' t mean it' s right. Also, different bows have different draw lengths even if they say 30. When all said and done, if the customer isn' t comfortable with draw length, the shop owner better make it right. Customer is always right! If you' re not broke,don' t fix it. These are just my experiences and opinions. I' m not a pro, just shoot a lot. One more thing, I' ve had a lot of people come in and tell me they' re 30" , when all said and done, they might leave at 27 0r 28" . I even tell them to shoot for a week so we can check again. Some come back and say it' s to long or to short and I change. Shoot what feels good to you.

dick_cress · 03-28-2003, 05:46 PM

If it ain' t broke don' t fix it!

kop · 03-28-2003, 08:37 PM

Nub why don' t you go to a different pro shop and get a different opinion then compare the two.If you still feel the same way then stick with 30" draw sounds like you' re doing just great with it.

DaveH · 03-29-2003, 12:31 AM

I recently faced a similar situation. For over 20 years I have been shooting with a 29" draw length. When I purchased my new bow a few weeks ago, I was told that I was drawing well above the length I should be drawing. As we worked on it, I shortened and shortened ending up with 26 1/2" !!!! I am now shooting the best I ever have. I guess I shot all those deer with the wrong draw length.