I am trying to determine using my old bow what my draw length is but cannot find a picture showing the coorect procedure. Is it from the string to the riser or from the sting to where the skin between the pointer and thumb rests?

I am concered because the difference for me is from 29.5 to 30.5" and the bow I am looking at (mathews switch back) has a maximum of 30"

Anyone know how to measure correctly?

A bows draw length is measured from the pivot point of the grip to the bottom of the string groove on the arrow nock when the bow is at full draw. This is the bow’s true draw length, however most manufacturers use AMO draw to determine the draw length of their bows, this is true draw plus 1 ¾”.

In your photo, dimension # 2 is the true draw length. Add 1 3/4" to get the AMO (now ATA) draw length.

I agree @2 is correct ,but I'd just have your bow shop measure you and then you'll know it's correct .


nubo

When I draw my #2 measurment is 30.5"
If what your saying is that mfgs use AMO length then I am a 30.5+1.75=32.25"
How do you know if the mfg uses amo draw length?

Measure your DL to the other side of the riser. That is the # manufactures go by when they make bows. Just draw an arrow and have someone else mark it.

That's what I've seen to ewolf.
nock-groove to the back of the bow (the part furthest from the string).

Don't worry about what the manufacturers says. Many exagerate the figure anyway. It's best to get the bow's draw length by drawing an arrow and measuring it.

By the way, you must have really very long arms.

Long Arms is a understatement. Wingspan is 84" tip to tip! Makes buying bows a nightmare. Long sleave shirts too!

My dad got this from www.huntersfriend.com. There are sections on compund bow selection and information. I think this is what allenread and ewolf meant:

Yes that would be correct you would need a bow 32 -33 inches AMO. All Bows are measured by
AMO, some more accurate than others it seems.

I don't know what bow companies offer a draw length that long.