Updated w/ new pic: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

OK, here's the deal. One of the shops in our area invited me to come back and shoot his Outback some more. I had to go through his town anyway today, so I threw my bow, some arrows, and my release in the Jeep this morning. That way, I could shoot my MQ-1 side-by-side with the Outback and really get a closer comparison.

I walk in the shop, explain to one of the helpers that I had talked to the shop's owner a couple days ago, and he wanted me to come back and shoot the Outback when I had my release with me. She starts off by wanting to measure my wingspan and everything; I told her, "Uh, I've been shooting for quite a while, and I've already looked at that bow. I know it's a 29", 70-lb. model, and that's what I need." (I was holding my MQ-1, with three arrows which had been dipped, crested, and fletched with barred feathers -- not exactly what a "newbie" shoots.) I go ahead and let her measure me, and she proceeds to tell me I need a 27 and 1/2" draw length! [:o] I was ready to laugh, until I saw she was serious! OK, I'm 5' 11", 190 lbs, wear a size 44 suit, and have a 34-inch sleeve length.

I blew her off and proceeded to start shooting both bows, and later the shop's owner came in. He talked to the helper some, and then came over. His first comment was something like, "So you ended up going with the 29-inch draw, huh? It looks pretty long on you." OK, now I'm getting pissed. Funny when I was in a couple days ago, and was drawing the bow when it was just him and me, it seemed fine. I think he was trying to protect his workers' ego.

I came home and had my wife take a pic of me at full draw. This is with a very relaxed bow arm, not at all close to straight. I settle my knuckle into the bottom of my lower jaw as an anchor point, and usually touch my nose to the string as a second reference point. So what do you guys think?

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

Greg,
I'm confused? Is that the Outback in the picture or your MQ-1? If it's the Outback and you bought it.........dude take it back.[:-]
It's hard to tell everything from a close up picture like that, but your head position looks perfect, and if you said your shooting arm is in the proper position then that bow is at least a 1/2 too short. If you prefer a straighter bow arm then its probably shorter than that.
Did you let the guy talk you into that length?:D I know not funny bud but seriously, the guy couldn't see that you have ZERO reference points to anchor with?

P.S. Get that trigger more into the first knuckle.......the further out to the tip, the more likely you are to punch the trigger. Back tension baby , back tension![8D]

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

Looks more like an inch too short to me

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

Yeah, I'd also say that in that pic you are about an inch short. What ever the draw length is there it is definetly too short.

I prefer to place the index finger nuckle directly inder the lobe of my ear. Right in that crease between the jaw bone and the skull.

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

Hey Matt!

No, if you read my response on the Outback thread, I think the Outback is a nice bow, but it's not that much better than my MQ-1. Maybe not at all. Don't like the weight, nor the short valley. The bow I'm drawing here is my MQ.

No way I would let that guy talk me into that lenght -- I left his shop at around 1 p.m., drove on up to St. Louis (where I was headed in the first place), went to Bass Pro Shops and bought a new Bitzenburger fletching jig, and fumed about their comments all the way back home. The first thing I did when I got back was have my wife take that pic.

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

Looks a little short to me also, good news is if you can add what your missing your looking at some free speed!!

On my bow 1" was worth 9fps, nothing to write home about, but nothing to sneeze at either.

Glad to hear you still prefer your MQ1.

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

It's a little hard to tell for sure because it looks like the picture is at a slight angle. However, I'd say that MQ1 is just about perfect for you IF YOU PUT A STRING LOOP ON IT!

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

:) I would agree with the others. It does look a bit short.

One question though, have you actually measured the draw length on your MQ1 and the Outback or are you just going by what is on the limb label?

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

Looks to me like your draw length is okay, but the string angle seems to show you're shooting a bow that's too short for your draw length. I've been there, done that. Had to have a nose like a collie to hit the string and the peep six inches away from my eye.

And I agree with Matt about finger placement on the release trigger.

On the other hand, the angle of the photo IS odd. It even looks like you're looking OVER the peep instead of thru it.

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

It looks fine to me, maybe a tad short, but most people's draw length is WAY too long, but noone wants to admit they need a shorter drawlength. I shot 29 for years and finally I had pro convince me my draw was too long. I now shoot 28. Mine is set to where the string touches my nose when I lean forward to look through the peep and I can feel the very tip of my feathers on my lip.

BTW, I now shoot better than ever with no sting slap, even in heavy clothing, with the shorter draw.

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RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

The draw looks about right from what I can see. The fact that your nose does not contact the string is due to the sharp string angle. If you had a kisser button you'd be "kissing" it instead of dragging it back to the corner of your mouth where most guys shoot anchor them--that being too long. Why do you think they call it a kisser-button? And from my experience (what do I know after shooting for 32 years?) at 5'11" I'd pick about 29" right from the git-go without measuring. I'm 5'8" and shoot 27". Of course the one reason you have to draw and shoot the bows is that most bows come marked a certain length but almost always draw somewhat longer.

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

The lady working there was probably his wife and he had to cover his ASSets[:o];)--or maybe she didn't like your tone and figured she'd return the favor[&:]

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

Your pic is'nt showing the whole story...;)

I am 5'11 and I shot 28.5..By looking at your pic somethings not right..And I wouldnt say your to short.Post a better pic if possible.

But I wouldnt say you were at 27 either...:D But in the pic it looks like you have your head leaning back...

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

MQ1 shooter, If you had come into the shop that I work at I would say get a string loop set up on your bow and you would be just right!! You might want to experiment if you can! You might find that a little different draw length may fit you better and be more comfortable!! Just my 2 cents!!!:D

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

I'd say you are slightly short , a very rough guess 1/2 to 3/4 inch , when I try to shoot a bow thats too short for me I start shooting bad left to right , too long and its hard to hold against the wall .

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

Thanks for the replies, guys. It didn't occur to me to really "bear down" and get into a shooting mode. Instead, I described up above what I usually do, i.e., "I usually touch my nose to the string," etc. I was so miffed that I was just thinking about draw length and not how all the other aspects would be looked at in consideration as well. Keep in mind, this pic shows more accurately what that shop owner would have been looking at when he walked up and said what he did.

Sorry for the fuzziness; my wife's not here, so I had to use the self-timer. After starting the countdown, I had to jump back and draw real quick, but the camera had already picked a focal point.

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

Your anchor, etc.. looks good to me on the second picture but without looking at your bow arm, shoulder, grip, etc.. it is difficult to determine how the draw length fits you.

...did you actually measure the bow yet by chance?

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

Sorry, Frank, I haven't. Walk me through it real quick, if you don't mind. How should I do it?

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

Well, the easiest way (though not as accurate) would be to take any full length shaft and put a tape measure next to it. Make sure to place the end of the tape measure at the bottom of the nock string groove and then mark in inch graduations up to 30-31 inches. Your arrow should look like it has black lines placed across the shaft at equal intervals.

Then, take a ruler or better yet a bow square and place it against the grip of the bow so that one edge is "even" (from a side view) with the deepest part of the bow's grip. Note where the straight edge passes up over the arrow shelf and mark that spot with a bit of erasable marker. That mark has to be easily seen though so don't go with a something you won't be able to see at full draw.

Then just draw the bow back with the graduated arrow nocked and see which graduation on the arrow passes over the mark that you made on the riser shelf. If it is in between marks then you can assume it is a "28.5" instead of a 28 or 29. After you get that number you need to add 1.75 inches. That will give you an approximate idea of the draw length of the bow....assuming you are not overdrawing it when at full draw....and, ofcourse, an arrow that is made to measure the draw length is much more accurate but beggars can't be choosers....:)

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

Sounded as if you were wanting to see a wider-angle view, Frank, so I just took this one. Again, I'm having to scramble to beat the timer, but it's pretty accurate.



The only problem with what you suggested is I shoot a 1" overdraw (got a good deal on it when I bought the bow -- half price), and all my arrows are cut to just give me clearance over my launcher arms.

Once I get into a "shooting position", it seems to feel and look exactly as everyone above suggested it should.

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

Looks good to me MQ1:D I'd say you are right on. I'm basically the same size as you, and I shoot a 29" as well. I doubt seriously you are 27.5.

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

From the last picture you posted it apears that you are "slightly long" on draw . In my oppinion that is better than being slightly short . It looks to me as though you might try a bow 1/2 inch shorter in draw and see how that does for you . Some pepole shoot better slightly longer or slightly shorter than what would be considered dead on for them .

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

So go buy a full length arrow!! :D

Seriously, your draw length does not look too bad. It is difficult to tell from just one angle. However, regarding your form....drop the shoulder a tad and don't lean into the string so much.....:D....sorry could not resist.

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RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

Sorry but it looks to long to me too...I wouldnt say your a 27 either...I am 5'11 190 and shot 29 draw for years..Finally went to a 28.5 and it made a world of difference..But you look laid out to much in the pic and your head looks like its back instead of up front where it needs to be..But not being there with you watching first hand its hard to say...;)

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

I looks pretty close to me, the only indication of the draw being too long is the draw elbow is a little low. Not close to 1 1/2" too long though.

RE: Updated w/ new pic: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

Looks like about a half an inch long.

RE: Do YOU think my draw length is too long?
 

I can't tell you if you're too long or too short, but you can figure it out for yourself. After you get your true draw length, try one that is 1/2" shorter. Never go by what's written on the bow. Always use an arrow to measure the actual draw length of the bow. Concentrate on how steady you are holding. When you have the correct draw length, you will be able to keep your pin centered more easily. Experiment will slightly different draw lengths until you get the one that holds best. Some guys can tell a substantial difference, with as little as 1/16" or 1/8" adjustment. Shorter draw length are generally easier to hold steady and they also help in avoiding hitting your arm with the string.

Once your draw length is perfect, if your anchor points are off, then you need to get a particular axel to axel length bow to have the string hit an exact anchor point (like the tip of your nose). From your physical description, I would guess the bow is too short (ata) to get the correct string angle without anchoring too far back.