NEW BOWHUNTER NEEDS ADVICE!!!
 

I'm a new bowhunter looking at my 1st compound bow. I've been measures for draw length twice and got 2 different lengths. One pro shop told me 27 1/2 or 28, the next said 28 1/2 or 29? I just read in bowhunter mag. that shorter draw length in better. Help me out please!

RE: NEW BOWHUNTER NEEDS ADVICE!!!
 

Welcome to the board trigger!.....boy that's a tough one. To me I wouldn't trust EITHER pro-shop......they shoul dbe able to tell you (if they know what they are doing) what draw length you are.....not from here to there, but an exact length, and when you are getting a 1 1/2" variance in measurements who do you trust??
Do you know anyone who can recommend a GOOD pro-shop to you?.....or maybe look around and call a few others and explain to them what just took place at the others you were at.
You want to do this right, and getting a bow that fits is a big step in enjoying archery.....look around until someone tells you with certainty that you are a certain and exact draw length.

Do you know how to measure wingspan?......find a clear wall and spread your arms out like you are gonna fly, but keep them relaxed(don't force the reach)but put them straight out.......if you keep one finger tip touching another wall, simply measure the distance to your other finger.......
Then take that measurement......divide by 2.....then subtract 7.5" from it.

For example if you get 74"......divide by two= 37".....minus 7.5= 29.5"
That's your estimated draw length(and they are usually pretty darn close).....give it a try, and use that as a starting point and as useful info the next time you visit a shop.

RE: NEW BOWHUNTER NEEDS ADVICE!!!
 

I agree with Matt, again, la la la.lol But I can still welcome to the board. Glad to have you.

TAKE YOUR KIDS HUNTING AND YOU WON'T BE HUNTING FOR YOUR KIDS

RE: NEW BOWHUNTER NEEDS ADVICE!!!
 

Well.....Matt is almost right. I have to add that there are no perfect ways to measure draw length, it will get you into the ballpark though. There are too many variables to get perfect, such as large chests, short arms, wide shoulders, long arms, etc, etc.

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: NEW BOWHUNTER NEEDS ADVICE!!!
 

welcome to the best board on the net and the wonderful art of bow hunting you are going to enjoy it
I agree with the others specially on a GOOD pro shop

RE: NEW BOWHUNTER NEEDS ADVICE!!!
 

Welcome! Matts method is a good one. That is a big difference in measurement in the two shops you were at. I would go to a different shop and have them do it, possibly using a light recurve with a measurement arrow. This way, you are exactly sure of the length. You can also get a bow that you can adjust either way so that if you are not comfortable, you can always have it shortened or lengthened a bit.

RE: NEW BOWHUNTER NEEDS ADVICE!!!
 

thay should have a draw check bow . if not try to find a proshop that does .

RE: NEW BOWHUNTER NEEDS ADVICE!!!
 

welcome,i have to agree,you should find a reputable proshop to help you out. good luck in your search

Edited by - raktrakr on 02/09/2002 02:00:53

RE: NEW BOWHUNTER NEEDS ADVICE!!!
 

Welcome trigger2, you won't be sorry you joined.

I see your from MN. If you don't have any luck locally, you might try Cabela's in Qwatonna, or East Grand Forks if they are not to far.

Good luck.

RE: NEW BOWHUNTER NEEDS ADVICE!!!
 

Nice to meet you trigger2. I can't really add much to what the others said. They all have you covered pretty well.

I would make the suggestion though, that despite the draw length you finally get your bow in, make sure the bow has a cam that allows for adjustments in draw length. It makes the whole "fine tuning" process much easier.

RE: NEW BOWHUNTER NEEDS ADVICE!!!
 

Hey Trigger!
Welcome to the ever changing world of bowhunting! Regarding your draw length. Yes, a proshop is the answer. I live in the GREAT MONSTER BUCK state of MN also. Go to Bwana archery there in "the cities", or Capras is good too! They will get you going. Or, if in Rochester go to Rochester Archery out on Hwy 63 north of town. Marty Stubstad is very good and professional too! Tell him Big "S" sent you! He sells most everything for archery. And has a indoor range to try any bow out on(as do the others).
I have been bowhunting since 1965 and still am learning! I have 1 P&Y buck in the record book @ 166 2/8 I shot back in1988.
Bowhunting to me is so rewarding! The "high" is just being out with "mother nature" and experiencing, seeing so much, so very close up to you!
Welcome to the most rewarding hunting experiences in your life to come!!
Best of luck!!!