Question on draw lengths:
 

I have a wingspan of about 77 1/2 inches (6'5" 270lbs), and according to my calculations should have a draw length of 31 inches. It has been around 5-6 years since I last bowhunted, and I just moved back home after college, and living out of state has kept me out of the woods. Basically, I'm shopping around for a new bow. I really like the Matthews bows, but most of them seem to have a maximum of 30 inch draw length. Can you modify a bow to fit your draw length, or do you just have to stick with a bow that has a 31 inch setting?

I'd also like to know what some of the members think of "Best Value". What bow offers the most for the least cost? I don't want to sacrifice performance or quality, so I'm not really looking for a "cheap" bow. I just want the best bang for my buck(no pun intended).

P.S. I know I need to see a pro-shop, but before I get to looking, I want to know what I'm looking for.

THANKS FOR ANY ADVICE!
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RE: Question on draw lengths:
 

Thanks for the advice! I read some on the string loop, but don't remember it being popular 5-6 years ago. I guess it's kinda new, or just more common now. I shoot with a release anyway, so that shouldn't cause a problem. Thanks again!

RE: Question on draw lengths:
 

There are a lot of excellent bows on the market, at wallet choking prices. Back off down the price scale and you can still get very good bows for a lot less money. The Hoyt MagnaTec with command cams and ZR200 limbs is what I always wind up recommending as a best buy, but even it is pricier than it used to be. There are a lot of Hoyt bows that draw 31&quot; and more, but they tend to be pricey.

There is also Hoyt's Reflex mail order line that Cabelas and Bass Pro carries. Reflex is basically older Hoyt designs that are being recycled under the Reflex name for decent prices.

Martin has a lot of very good bows for very reasonable prices, at least compared to Hoyt, Mathews and BowTech, and they have several models that have plenty of draw length for you. I had a Jaguar that I liked really well at 33&quot; draw.

PSE also has a selection of 31&quot; draw bows at prices that won't send you to the poor house.

And there is always the option of holding off until after Christmas and seeing what clearance prices get stuck on this year's models while they're getting ready to stock next year's bows.

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RE: Question on draw lengths:
 

Frankly, I'd recommend handling and shooting any of the bows you get interested in. The fact is most bows draw 1/2&quot; to 1 1/2&quot; longer than they are marked. Best way to find out is to shoot some of them and buy what feels the best for you. And yes, a string loop can help with the draw length too.

RE: Question on draw lengths:
 

Well, just to pass on the info, I read in here that Bowtech is throwing $50 rebate til end of October (I think). You might want to look and shoot a Bowtech to see if you like it.

RE: Question on draw lengths:
 

Thanks for all the help guys. I'm just going to try several bows and see what feels comfortable.

Look out honey, I'm taking the credit card!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>