Draw question

[Frozenfish]

I have a PSE Viper, not top of line by any means but a good affordable bow for me. My questions is I think my draw length isn't right. When I pull back it feels like I should pull it back a little further. I believe my draw length is 28. I was measured at Dunham's where I bought it. I was also measure at another place and both places had me at a different draw length. This is where I think I screwed up. Prolly not the best place to buy a bow but I was just starting into it and didn't want to pay a small fortune for one. Now I know I will. This is the first bow that I have ever bought, this will be my third year with it. Before I used my cousins old Golden Eagle, I told myself "self your not buying a bow until you get a deer with this bow" So I bought a new one once that happened. Is there a way to change the legth of how the draw is set or am I going to have to buy a new bow? I am a pretty good shot but something doesn't feel right, nomesayin? Also with this particular bow it has 80% let off. It doesn't have that release like it should. When you pull back on some other bows I have tried it just releases instantly. With this, there isn't that "snap" so to speak. Is there a way to adjust that? I may be in the market for a new one, but I would like to try and salvage this. Thanks for any responses. Long time poster, but never in the archery discussions, god I can't wait for bow season, it is my favorite. Looking forward to talking with ya'll more.......

[Swamp Monster]

Here's my generic advice. Find a good archery pro shop in your neck of the woods and have them fit the bow to you. I don't know much about your specific bow, but most likely, the draw range is adjustable somewhat and if not, there are a few tricks a good shop can use to make it fit better.....twisting the trings/creep tuning, string loop etc. If the bow does not have an adjustable draw lentgh, there's a good chance you can get new cams/modules and replace your current cams......this is a lot cheaper than a new bow in most cases.
Without seeing you at full draw, I say that most folks shoot better with a slightly shorter draw length. What you think feels short, may actualy be perfect.....?? This is where a good pro shop comes in...they can look at your form and your set up and give you a bunch of help.

Another little tip, if you release is adjustable for length, you can adjust it to better fit your needs. Just make sure that ay adjustments don't completely wreck your form.

As far as the let off goes, when you bow hits that let off point, the area between the let off and full draw is called the valley. The way the bow feels right at let off and the length of the valley are determined by the style of cams or wheels you have on your bow. Each style of cam/wheel produces a slightly different feel, thats why a different bow may feel different, or better, but that does not mean something is wrong with yours. Make sense?

[Frozenfish]

Yes, that makes complete sense. Thank you for your response. I bow hunt in Davison, MI. I have been going to the Browns Do-it center for my archery needs, ever hear good things about the archery shop? This is where I will most likely take it in. Thanks again!

[Kelly Johnson]

Very good advice from Swampy there.

I'll reitterate...It's much easier to be accurate with a slightly shorter draw than a draw that's even 1/4" TOO long.

Be carefull how much you let it out. I shot 29-29.5" for 3 years before shrinking my DL to 28.75....my indoor scores jumped consistently on the average of 15-17 points right away and I was shooting vegas round 3-5 times a week.

It doesn't have that release like it should. When you pull back on some other bows I have tried it just releases instantly. With this, there isn't that "snap" so to speak. Is there a way to adjust that?

2 things there...
1st. That's pretty typical of the majority of the mid-range PSE lineup. The 2004 and newer are a little "peppier" but 2003 and older...that's just how they're built. Smooth drawing but BIG valley and a feather pillow back wall.

2nd. String stretch and an out of sync/time cam system will effect this to a large degree as well. Back Wall can't be modified too much but you can tweak the valley by optimizing string and cable length.

You mentioned Davison...Check out
Hicks Tackle & Archery
Address: G5425 Clio Rd, Flint, MI 48504
Phone: (810) 785-9941
Only 15 miles or so from Davison.


I called and talked to the owner for just a minute. They carry PSE and a myriad of other stuff. He can get you situated across the board with proper DL and adjusting the string and cam.

[Frozenfish]

Wow, thanks for all of the great advice!!! I am going to check into all of the suggestions mentioned above. I'll keep you updated to my progress. I have a few other questions but those will be in another thread, thanks for the responses, what a great site. If I learn half as much on this site about archery that I have learned about ice fishing and soft water fishing I am going to be in good shape come Oct. 1st!!!!! Thanks to everyone :)

[TnRidge]

I like to touch the string to the tip of my nose at full draw and anchoring with my thumb knuckle on my cheekbone . If the string is going much past your nose ,your draw length is probably too long .

[The Nailer]

Frozenfish-

Brown's is a very competent shop. I don't know if they sell PSE, but more than likely they can help you.

[LipRipper]

Here is a formula to figure your CORRECT draw length. Stand with your back against a wall and stretch out your arms palm side out. Have somone measure your "wingspan", from the tips of your fingers. Take your wingspan, subtract 15
and divide that number by 2. Exzmple, 72" wingspan minus 15 =57 divided by 2 = 28.5 " draw length.