Recurve Bow: Understanding Draw Weight

The draw weight of a recurve bow is a measurement of how much force is needed to pull the string back. It's crucial that a new archer is not 'overbowed'—choosing a draw weight that's too heavy will lead to bad form and fatigue, and can even cause injury. The correct draw weight will depend on the archer's strength, experience, and intended use of the bow. For example, if the bow is for hunting, a heavier draw weight is required than if it's for target practice.

How to determine the right draw weight for your body weight and gender

When it comes to archery, selecting the appropriate draw weight is crucial, especially for beginners. The draw weight, measured in pounds, indicates the force required to draw the bow to an anchor position. It is essential that new archers are not 'overbowed', as this can lead to poor form and hinder skill development.

Step 1: Determine Your Draw Length

To find your draw length, measure the distance between the string/nock point of the arrow and the point where the arrow touches the arrow rest (the 'pivot point') when the bow is fully drawn and anchored. Then, add 1.5-1.75 inches to this distance to get your draw length. This is important because the weight of a bow ('poundage') is always measured at a standard 28" draw length, and the weight changes at different draw lengths.

Since humans come in different sizes, draw lengths will vary. If your draw length is over 28", the actual weight of the bow will be higher than listed, and if it's less, the weight will be lower. For every inch over or under 28 inches, the bow weight will increase or decrease by 2.5 pounds.

Step 2: Find Your Starting Bow Weight

Recommendations for starting bow weight will vary depending on the source, but some general guidelines are provided below. These weights are based on the assumption of a standard 28" draw length, so remember to adjust according to your draw length.

Recurve Bows:

• Youth (Age 8-10): 10-12 pounds
• Youth (Age 11-13): 10-14 pounds
• Teens (Age 14-17): 12-16 pounds
• Young Adults (Age 18-20): 16-22 pounds
• Adult Women: 16-26 pounds
• Adult Men: 26-30 pounds

Intermediary Recurve Bows:

• Youth (Age 8-10): 10-14 pounds
• Youth (Age 11-13): 12-18 pounds
• Teens (Age 14-17): 16-22 pounds
• Young Adults (Age 18-20): 18-26 pounds
• Adult Women: 22-32 pounds
• Adult Men: 26-38 pounds

It's important to note that these weights are just starting points, and the right draw weight for you will depend on various factors, including your physical condition, stamina, motor skills, and archery experience.

Additionally, if you feel that the weight of your bow is too heavy, you may be able to purchase lighter weight limbs separately, allowing you to practice with a lower draw weight until your muscles develop and your skills improve.

Remember, the key is to find a bow weight that allows you to practice proper form and technique without discomfort, enabling you to advance your skills as an archer and enjoy the activity.

Tips for Avoiding Being Over Bowed:

• Don't be tempted to buy a bow with a higher draw weight than you need, even if you feel you can handle it initially.
• Focus on learning proper technique and improving your shot execution.
• More repetitions at a lower draw weight facilitate the learning process and help build muscle memory.
• A good coach or instructor should ask about your archery experience, physical abilities, and goals before recommending a specific draw weight.
• If you are buying equipment on your own, be patient and do your research to find the right bow weight for your needs.

By following these steps and considerations, you can determine the right draw weight for your body weight and gender, setting yourself up for a more enjoyable and successful archery experience.

How to measure your draw length

Knowing your draw length is essential to choosing the right bow for you. Your draw length is the number of inches you need to effectively pull a bow to full draw. It's measured in inches from the apex of the string to the throat of the grip.

Method 1: Arm Span Divided by 2.5

Stand up straight and expand your arms out to your sides as far as you can, with your palms facing outward. Have someone measure the distance between the tips of your middle fingers. Take this number and divide it by 2.5—this is your draw length.

Method 2: Fist to Corner of Mouth

Stand with your bow hand near a wall, pretending to hold a bow. Draw your fist to your comfortable anchor position and move your fist forward until you touch the wall. Measure the distance between the furthest part of your fist and the corner of your mouth. This is your draw length.

Method 3: Arm Span Minus 15 Divided by 2

This method first requires you to get your arm span measurement as outlined in Method 1. Then, instead of dividing by 2.5, subtract 15 and divide the number by 2. This method is preferred by many archers because it offers more precision.

Method 4: Buttons to Base

Stand up straight and stretch out your dominant hand to the side so it's even with your shoulder. Make sure the palm of your hand is facing forward. Measure the distance from your sternum to your wrist. This method only works if your arms are proportionate.

Method 5: Bow Shop Measurement

Go to a professional archery shop and ask for assistance. They will provide you with a bow and faux arrow, which uses an arrow-like measuring stick. Pull back on the bow to your comfortable shooting position, and the experts will be able to determine your exact draw length.

Remember, it's important to be as accurate as possible when measuring your draw length, as it directly affects your accuracy when shooting.

How to know if your draw weight is too high

Choosing the right draw weight for your recurve bow is crucial to your accuracy and stamina. Picking a draw weight that is too high can lead to injury and a loss of interest in archery. Here are some signs that your draw weight is too high:

• You are unable to draw the bow at all. If you can't get the string back, you can't shoot the arrow.
• You have to point the bow up at the sky or pull it down towards your waist to get the string back.
• You have to collapse your bow arm shoulder inward to get extra leverage.
• You find yourself shaking at full draw.
• You can't get through a practice session without feeling fatigued.
• You are unable to hold the string back for a few seconds without shaking.
• You are unable to hold your bow steady for a whole minute and shoot accurately afterward.
• You feel fatigued after shooting for an hour.
• You experience severe muscle strain and soreness after shooting.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is likely that your draw weight is too high. It is important to start with a lower draw weight and gradually increase the weight as you build strength and improve your technique. This will help you develop good shooting form and avoid injuries.

When choosing the right draw weight, consider your age, gender, body type, and intended use of the bow. For adults, a draw weight between 20 and 30 lbs is generally suitable, while for teens, 18 to 24 lbs is recommended. Children should use a draw weight of less than 18 lbs. If you are planning to hunt, check your local regulations as there may be minimum draw weight requirements for certain species.

Remember, it is better to start with a lower draw weight and gradually increase it rather than starting with a weight that is too high and risking injury or developing bad habits.

How to choose a new bow or limbs when moving up in draw weight

When choosing a new bow or limbs and moving up in draw weight, it is important to consider your skill level and what you want to achieve as an archer. If you are a beginner, it is crucial to select a draw weight that you can comfortably manage and allows you to focus on developing proper technique. Here are some guidelines to help you choose a new bow or limbs when moving up in draw weight:

• Determine your draw length: The weight of a bow is typically measured at a standard 28-inch draw length. However, if your draw length is different, the actual weight of the bow will vary. Calculate your draw length by measuring your wingspan (from the tip of each middle finger) and dividing by 2.5.
• Assess your physical condition and goals: Consider your strength, stamina, and motor skills. If you are just starting out, choose a draw weight that is no more than 50-60% of your maximum strength. This will allow you to build up your strength gradually while enjoying the sport.
• Start with a lower draw weight: If you are new to archery, it is recommended to start with a lower draw weight, typically between 20-30 pounds for adults and 10-20 pounds for children. You can gradually increase the draw weight as you gain experience and strength.
• Consider your shooting style: Think about the type of archery you want to pursue. If you plan to hunt, you may need a higher draw weight for increased power. If you are interested in target shooting, a lower draw weight may be preferable for improved accuracy.
• Choose a suitable bow type: If you have a takedown recurve bow, you can easily adjust the draw weight by purchasing new limbs from the same manufacturer. Compound bows also allow for easy adjustments without the need to buy a new bow.
• Gradually increase the draw weight: When moving up in draw weight, it is recommended to increase by 2-5 pounds at a time to ensure you can comfortably handle the new weight. This will help you develop your strength and technique without straining your muscles.
• Practice and build muscle memory: Shooting a higher draw weight requires stronger muscles. Focus on strengthening your back, shoulder, and upper body muscles. You can also practice shooting at closer distances to improve your accuracy and muscle memory.
• Consider your frame and gender: Different bows are designed for different body types and genders. Refer to draw weight charts to get an estimate of the suitable draw weight range based on your age, gender, and body frame. However, these are just starting points, and you should ultimately choose a weight that feels comfortable for you.
• Try before you buy: Test out different bows at a range or club to find the right draw weight for you. Renting a bow or taking a class can help you determine the appropriate weight and improve your form.

How to know if you've overbowed

Knowing whether you've overbowed is important to ensure you're using a bow that's suitable for your strength and skill level. Here are some ways to tell if you've overbowed:

• Shaking or Trembling– If you start to shake or tremble while holding the bow at full draw, it's a sign that you might be overbowed. This usually happens after a few seconds of holding the bow.
• Fatigue and Lack of Control– Overbowing can lead to fatigue, making it harder to maintain control and proper form as you shoot. You might notice your groups of arrows start to widen, or you have trouble maintaining your anchor point.
• Difficulty Drawing and Holding– If you're overbowed, you may find it challenging to reach a full draw and hold it for an extended period. This could lead to a rushed shot or poor technique.
• Inconsistent Shooting– Shoot a series of arrows, and if you notice a decline in accuracy or consistency towards the end, it may be a sign that you're overbowed.
• Physical Discomfort– While some muscle soreness is normal, if you experience significant pain or discomfort while shooting, it's a sign that you might need to reduce the draw weight.

To summarise, if you feel like you're straining to draw and hold the bow, and your shooting accuracy declines as you tire, it's a good indication that you may be overbowed. It's important to choose a bow weight that allows you to maintain proper form and technique throughout your shooting session.

Frequently asked questions