I am a first time bow buyer, and i need to figure out my draw length so i have an easier time looking for a bow. What is the easiest way to determine my draw length.

The attached link is just a rough estimate. Not all bow manufacturer's have their draw length exactly at what is listed on the bow and also your grip, the bow's grip, the use of a D-loop, and the use of release can change this slightly.

To give an explanation of what I'm talking about. When I shot fingers my DL was 31". However, with a D-loop and a release it's approx. 30.25". The draw length is longerwith fingers because I bend a longer section of the string (approx 1.5" to 2") at the nock straight which shortensthe DL to get the same anchor pointcompared to the small connection point to the string of a release with a D-loop (approx 1"). Some people with shorter draw lengths can use certain releases to get their draw length a little longer.

I'd recommend trying to find a good bow shop where the guy knows what he's doing and can fit you properly and you can also try a few different manufacturers to see the difference in DL. A good shop can almost look at you without a bow and tell you what draw length to start with and then fit you and watch you shoot.Not all shops are like this though soyou may want to look at a bow with adjustable draw length and then post a picture of you with your set-up at full draw on here andlet the guys critique your draw to help you out.

http://www.pabucks.com/bow_draw_length.html

Thanks for the help... that website is very helpful

Anytime, I think too many people believe that there is just 1 draw length and that's it for a certain person and that's not the case. That's where having a good shop or even a good friend who knows what they are doing really helps.

I was once fitted with a bow with a 28" DL. I'm 6'3" tall and have a 75+" wingspan. The problem was that the release I had was way too long and the guy fitted for the release instead of me. I couldn't shoot worth a snot with that set-up and actually stopped shooting for 5 years because I thought I stunk that bad. Last year I went to a good shop and I told the guy I had a bow with a 28" DL and he just looked at me and said, "No, you are 30" or 30.5". Sure enough, 30.25" fits me just right with a good TRUball Copperhead release that lets me anchor properly.

Good ole Dave is explaining things pretty well for you. The only thing I would argue is that, being new, how do you know whether the people at your chosen shop know what they are doing. As he pointed out, there are good shops and some not so good. How are you to know?

I noticed he mentioned his wingspan. This is a fairly reliable method of determininga draw length that should work for you. Not perfect, but close enough to get you into a bow . You can always fine tune and adjust it from there. I like his other comment, and one I always recommend is to buy a bow that is draw length adjustable, either by replaceable modules or a rotating module.

He also mentioned about bows that are not what they are marked. It is very advisable to do an actual measurement of the bow (s) you get interested in. For instance, I just measured a bow the other day tht has a 27" module on it and says 27" Problem is, it actually draws right at 27 3/4". In this case I told her to take the bow back and swap out for a 26" module and if it's a hair short we could twist up the cable to gain 1/4" if she needs it.

OK, enough for that.

like dave said, find a good pro shop. Ask around. If you dont have anyone to ask, ask the owner if he will change the bow to fit you if in a week or so you find out the DL is just not good. Free of charge. If he says no and make him say yes or no. If he says no, LEAVE, no matter how bad you want that bow. Find another shop. Ive been shooting about 25 years now and bought a new hoyt about three mths. ago. I shot it two days and knew the DL was a little to long, His solution, BUY new cams and cable and string. Hoyt would not help!!! I called them several times. If your in N.C. by anychance, dont go to Cape fear archery!!!
Just be pickey who you deal with. And enjoy this great past time.
P.s. I now own Mathews DXT and love it. Terrys archery plus, super people.

Finda bowhunteryou trust to recommend a good shop. You will be able to shoot multiple bows and pick-up reliable advice and good camaraderie.