Make sure you aren't too long

[NorthJeff]

It's getting heavy into the bow buying season and there is so much focus on which brand, which model, what poundage, what sites, rest, arrows, etc., that it's always amazing how many archers buy a bow with a draw-length too long. It's almost like the longer the better..or more manly or something.

How long is too long? If your bow fits properly you should have a slight bend in your elbow. If a bow is too long you will have to compensate by both rolliing your bow shoulder in, and leaning back. When you have a bow that is too long your anchor point is typically less secure, your lower back on the opposite side of your bow arm will be stressed, and your shoulder rolled up and towards your head to take up slack will lead to a straight arm and a healthy slap from your string.

You can always shoot a shorter draw with good accuracy...you just bend your elbow more. BUT, a longer draw, even just a 1/2" to 1" too long can not work properly and will hurt your form, accuracy, and joint or muscle groups. There is only so much room to stretch before rolling your shoulder, straigtening your arm, and leaning on your lower back muscle.

If in doubt...go shorter, but don't settle for even a slightly longer bow. A reputable bow shop will fit your right.

Just something to look out for, but my first 2 bows were 2 inches longer than they should have been and it's extremely common.

Good luck...and "too short" isn't necessarily a bad thing! ;)

[farmlegend]

Good advice worth repeating. One expert once opined to me that "75% of the bowhunters I see are pulling too much draw weight, and 90% of the bowhunters I see have too long a draw length."

Once in a while, I'll even see a hunting video, where the featured hunter draws and anchors with his draw hand back behind his ear.

[Michihunter]

Good post Jeff!! I think that is the most common mistake made in archery. I see it all the time.

[safetreehunt]

Right on the money on this one. When I bought my bow I had a 29" draw. Now I'm down to 27.5" and it still feels a bit to long. I may take it down another half inch or so by twisting the string.

[tommy-n]

My wife told me I don't have to worry about being to long :yikes: : Seriously though alot of people shoot much better with a slight bend at the elbow. It can take some getting use to, but after getting your same anchor point and some practice you will become more accurate and eliminate the string slap on the arm. I'm shooting a 1" shorter and seem to be more steady and definetly shoot better sittting in the tree stand, after shortening up. :)

[NorthJeff]

My "true" perfect draw is about 27.5". I will take an extra 1/2" for 3D competition..which I can get away with, will shoot 27.5" for indoor target, and I shoot 27" for hunting so I get a little bit more elbow room to work with while hunting with heavy hunting clothes.

If I had to pick just 1 drawlength for every situation...I'd go with 27".

[tommy-n]

North Jeff, do you also find you can shoot better sitting with a lesser draw length?

[NorthJeff]

That's a great point Tommy! If your draw is too long you have to lean to the side while sitting and taking a shot without the aid of your legs to stabilize you it becomes much more difficult and unbalanced. The right draw will allow you to stay straight and hold more steady, not to mention having an easier time shooting down out of a treestand since you aren't leaning away from the direction of your shot.

[TnRidge]

I agree . I like to touch the string to the tip of my nose while at anchor . I have also had 2" too long draw length bows in the past when I shot with fingers ,and my form suffered .
While at full draw ,both arms should form a perfect "T" with the upper torso .

[FISHIN 2]

I recently purchased a g2 bow and it seems that with a release I am straining to get my draw arm to the limit, seems too long of a draw. My question is ,the manual says to replace the module on the cam with a different one, which I have, but do you need to put the bow in a bow press to change the draw lenght cam or can you just remove the set screws and change modules?
I was measured up and the fella says 29.25 inch draw, bow is set for 29", but witha loop and release it seems too far from my anchor point. Any suggestions??

Thanks Mike

[NorthJeff]

Mike, not sure on that bow, but just about any module I've had experience with was changed without a bow press by taking out the set-screws and changing the module.

Someones got to know for sure here with that bow, but sounds like you could stand to change your draw. If you have a loop you can take that off and shoot straight from the string as well.

[HoytKimberShimano]

Don't laugh too hard...

Here is a picture of me shooting my Hoyt UltraTec. I've been told that my form is somewhat descent with a low, relaxed shoulder.

I think that my shoulder may be rolled up a little bit here. I'm quite sure that this is due to string stretch since I only bought this bow back in January. (The 1/4-1/2 inch of additional draw length that these guys mention is truly noticeable...)

I planned to shorten the draw up a touch this weekend, but was advised against that for now since I'm shooting quite well with the season just around the corner. I'd hate to mix things up too much since my confidence is extremely high right now.

http://www.msu.edu/~wildetim/DSC00613.JPG


My arrows are under 23 inches and my draw is somewhere in the 25-25.5 inch neighborhood. I was once setup with a bow that had a 28-29 inch draw...yea...setup if that's possible with a bow that length.

I try to use a kisser button, nose to string, and peep to assure myself of proper anchor point.

[Kelly Johnson]

Yeah Kimber....looks about 1/2" too long yet. The string should be at the tip of your nose as opposed to drawn along side of it. That will lower and put your right (release) arm down to a nice clean 45 angle from the string and directly behind the release. Right now it looks like your slightly over extended on the right arm causing muscle tension through the shoulder and forearm to get it back where it needs to be.

Bow arm is a great example of "slightly bent and strong" position though. Looks very good.

[NorthJeff]

I'm with Kelly...looks pretty good I just like the string on the tip of the nose...pretty good though!

[TnRidge]

Here is a good article on draw length .

http://www.huntersfriend.com/drawlength.htm

[HoytKimberShimano]

Thanks for the feedback.

I noticed that the string was not on the tip of my nose too. I noticed because I KNOW that the string is in contact with only the TIP of my nose when I'm shooting. Strange the picture doesn't show that. My guess is that I was just getting settled or drew back differently knowing that I was infront of the camera...lol.

At any rate, it definitely is a little bit long, but I hate to mess with it right now and definitely not 3-4 inches too long! :rolleyes:

Thanks and Shoot str8.

[Kelly Johnson]

If your hitting bulls leave it this late. Good thinking there.

[Lil' Tanker]

My draw length has always been to long because my first bow was my dad's old one. I have tried to change my anchor point with all of the new bows I have had but I always go back to what is comfortable.

Shoot what is comfortable.