Alice Lloyd
Choosing the right bow length is essential for a positive archery experience. The correct bow size is unique to each individual, just like a pair of shoes. While height and age are factors that may be considered, the most important determinant of bow length is one's draw length. The longer the draw length, the longer the bow length required. For instance, a 29 draw length would require a 70 bow, while a 25 draw length would require a 66 bow. A bow that is too long or short can lead to discomfort, frustration, and even injury. Therefore, it is crucial to spend a few minutes determining one's draw length to ensure a proper bow size selection.
What You'll Learn
Draw length determines bow length, not height or age
When it comes to choosing the right bow length for archery, it's important to remember that it's not your height or age that determines the ideal bow length, but rather your draw length.
While there is a correlation between height and draw length, where taller individuals tend to have longer draw lengths, it is the draw length that directly influences the choice of bow length. The bow length is comprised of the length of the limbs and the riser, with the standard riser size being 25 inches. By combining the length of the limbs with the standard riser size, you can determine the overall bow length.
For example, a long limb with a standard 25-inch riser will result in a 70-inch bow, while a medium pair of limbs will give you a 68-inch bow. It's important to note that a longer bow generally feels smoother to draw and expand than a shorter bow. Additionally, a longer bow tends to be slightly slower than a shorter bow of equivalent poundage.
To ensure an enjoyable and safe archery experience, it is crucial to select a bow that is properly sized for the archer. Choosing a bow based on height or age charts can lead to incorrect sizing, resulting in a frustrating and physically painful experience. Therefore, determining your draw length is essential for selecting the appropriate bow length.
There are several methods to measure your draw length, including the Wingspan method, the Buttons to Base method, and Measuring Based on Draw. The most accurate method is usually Measuring Based on Draw, which involves measuring the distance from the nocking point on the string to the pivot point of the bow grip plus 1 3/4 inches.
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A longer bow feels smoother to draw and is slower
When learning archery, one of the first things you'll want to determine is the appropriate bow length for your draw length. Bow length and draw length are critical factors that influence how comfortable and accurate you are with your bow. A longer bow generally refers to a bow with a length that exceeds the draw length of the archer. The draw length is the distance between the nocking point on the string to the grip of the bow, and it is determined by your physical dimensions. Archery shops or online calculators can assist in determining your ideal draw length. Once you know your draw length, you can start to understand how bow length influences the smoothness and speed of your draw.
A longer bow that exceeds your draw length will result in a smoother draw experience. This smoothness is attributed to the increased stability and balance that longer bows offer. With a longer bow, the weight is distributed across a larger surface area, making it feel more balanced in your hand. This balance contributes to a steadier aim and a smoother, more controlled draw. Additionally, the longer limbs of the bow flex more, providing a smoother power delivery throughout the draw cycle, which makes it easier to manage the weight you are pulling.
The slower speed of a longer bow is a direct consequence of its design. Longer bows, due to their increased length and limb size, take slightly more time to reach the full draw position. This increased draw length also results in a longer power stroke, which is the distance the string travels from the full draw position to the rest position. A longer power stroke means that the arrow is in contact with the string for a more extended period, resulting in a slower arrow speed. While this may seem undesirable, it is important to note that the difference in speed is often minimal and may not be noticeable for most archers.
The smoother draw and slower speed of a longer bow can be advantageous in certain situations. For target practice and recreational archery, a smoother draw allows for more precise aim and better control over the shot. The slower arrow speed also means that the arrow spends more time on the target, which can be beneficial for beginners or archers who prefer a more relaxed shooting experience. Additionally, for activities like bow fishing, a longer bow can provide more stability when shooting from a boat or unstable platform.
However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks of a longer bow. While the smoother draw and slower speed can be advantageous in certain scenarios, they may not be suitable for all situations. In competitive archery or hunting, faster arrow speeds are often preferred as they provide better penetration and quicker target acquisition. Additionally, a longer bow may be more challenging to maneuver in tight spaces or when shooting from a blind or tree stand. It is crucial to strike a balance between the benefits of a smoother draw and the potential limitations of a longer bow length.
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A shorter bow increases string angle, affecting anchor and chest clearance
When choosing a bow for archery, it is important to consider the bow's length. The length of a bow will influence the feel and speed of the bow, with longer bows generally feeling smoother to draw and shorter bows being faster.
The length of the bow also affects the string angle, which can impact the archer's anchor and chest clearance. A shorter bow will increase the string angle, which can cause the string to come into contact with the archer's chest, particularly the left side of the chest for right-handed shooters. This increased string angle can also affect the anchor point, which is the point on the archer's face where the string is pulled and held during the draw.
To compensate for a shorter bow, archers may need to adjust their stance or body position to create more space between the chest and the string. This can include leaning forward onto the balls of the feet, straightening the spine, or adopting an open stance with the hips lined up over the feet and a "coil" or twist at the waist to line up the shoulders with the target.
Additionally, the use of a chest guard or protector is highly recommended for both men and women to prevent the string from catching on clothing and to provide a smooth surface for the string to slide away from the body. Some archers may also need to consider the type of clothing they wear, as certain fabrics or loose clothing can catch on the string during the draw and release.
Therefore, when selecting a bow length, it is crucial to consider not only the draw length but also the impact of the string angle on chest clearance and anchor points. This may involve trying out different bow lengths and adjusting one's stance and body position to find the most comfortable and effective shooting form.
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A longer bow may be more comfortable but loses arrow energy
When choosing a bow for archery, it's important to consider the bow's length. While a longer bow may be more comfortable to draw and expand, it is important to note that it will be slower than a shorter bow of equivalent poundage. Additionally, a longer bow may result in a waste of energy due to the extra height of the limbs at full draw. This means that a longer bow may lose arrow energy compared to a shorter bow.
The length of a bow is determined by the combination of the limb length and the riser length. The standard riser size is typically 25 inches, and this can be combined with different lengths of limbs to achieve the desired bow length. For example, a long limb with a standard 25-inch riser will result in a 70-inch bow, while a short pair of limbs will produce a 66-inch bow.
It is important to base your bow length on your draw length rather than your height, as the two are not perfectly correlated. Your draw length is the key factor in determining the appropriate bow size. If you have a longer draw length, you will generally need a longer bow. For example, if your draw length is over 29 inches, a 70-inch bow is recommended, while a draw length of over 25 inches would typically require a 66-inch bow.
The choice between a longer and shorter bow also depends on the type of archery you plan to practice. Recurve bows, which are commonly used in Olympic-style archery, are shorter in length than longbows. They are easier to use in dense forests or from horseback, where a longer bow would be a hindrance. On the other hand, longbows, such as the traditional English longbow, are generally longer, typically measuring 72 inches or more.
In conclusion, while a longer bow may offer a smoother draw and greater comfort, it is important to consider the potential loss of arrow energy associated with increased bow length. The key factors in determining the appropriate bow length are your draw length and the specific type of archery you intend to practice.
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A shorter bow has more tension and energy transfer to the arrow
When choosing a bow for archery, it's important to select the right size for you. The length of a bow is made up of the limbs and the riser. The standard riser size is 25 inches, and combining this with the length of the limbs gives you the bow length. For example, a long limb with a standard riser will give you a 70-inch bow.
Your choice of bow length should be determined by your draw length, not your height, although taller people tend to have a longer draw length. A longer bow generally feels smoother to draw and expand than a shorter bow, and it will also be a bit slower than a shorter bow with equivalent poundage. A shorter bow will cause an increased string angle when at full draw, which will change your anchor and chest clearance.
A recurve bow is shorter in length than a longbow and is easier to use in difficult environments, such as dense forests or horseback riding. The recurved tips of the bow enable enhanced speed and power to the shot. The shorter length of a recurve bow makes it easier to use in situations where a longer bow would be a hindrance.
The brace height of a bow, or the distance from the pivot point of the grip to the string at rest, also affects the power of the bow. A shorter brace height will result in an increased power stroke, but it will be less forgiving of shooter error and will have harsher string slap.
The limbs of the bow store the kinetic energy of the bow, and this energy is released when the archer lets go of the string, propelling the arrow forward with high velocity. A shorter bow has more tension and energy transfer to the arrow, which results in increased arrow speed. This is because shorter bows have a higher draw weight, which is the force required to hold the string stationary at full draw. A higher draw weight means a more powerful bow, which is able to project heavier arrows at the same velocity or the same arrow at a greater velocity.
The higher rigidity of a shorter bow also improves accuracy by reducing the bow's sensitivity to changes in temperature and humidity. Shorter bows are also more energy-efficient than longer bows, as less energy is dissipated in limb movement.
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Frequently asked questions
The correct bow length is determined by your draw length, not your height or age. The taller you are, the more likely you are to have a longer draw length, but this is not always the case. You can calculate your draw length and then use a chart to determine the correct bow size.
Longer bows generally feel smoother to draw and expand through the clicker than shorter bows. Longer bows are also slightly slower than shorter bows of equivalent poundage. Shorter bows cause an increased string angle when at full draw, which affects your anchor and chest clearance.
Recurve bows are shorter than longbows and are easier to use in difficult environments, such as dense forests or on horseback. Olympic recurve and bare bows are about 6"-8" shorter than traditional recurve bows. Hunting recurves are 4"-6" shorter than Olympic recurves. Horsebows are generally much shorter than other bow types. Longbows are longer than other traditional bows and can be up to 72" or more in length.
