Length of Draw

[RoaringBull]

Is there a way to measure length of draw without having a bow?  Thinking of ordering a few of them kits from Rudderbows and want to get it right.For $35 per might just get the whole family one.

[trapperj]

I might know a way maybe. Sure you will get better answers. Hold your left hand all the way out. Measure from where your hand would be holding the bow the back of the bow to the corner of your mouth on the right side. Should be close. That is for a right hand bow. I guess you could reverse it for left hand. Trapperj

[RoaringBull]

That makes sense, not sure why I didn't think of that....Thanks trapper

[tom-h]

if you had a bow that is how you would do it should be the same without one .  i think  unless you are really tall that 28"-30" is about the norm

[ffrooster]

Recurves aren't really sold in draw length, the draw length is wherever you pull it back to consistently. If your less than 6 ft tall any of the standard recurves will work fine, if your very tall you will need a longer bow to keep from stacking the limbs and damaging the bow and also t o reduce finger pinch and string angle and the bow will be more efficient. Most people will shoot approximately 1" shorter with a recurve than a compound due to the increased compression of the body induced by a recurve or longbow. The true factor is what can you handle in poundage at your draw length. A longer draw on the same bow will make more poundage. As a rule I would usually set average strength guys under 6 ft up with a 45 lb recurve, slightly stronger than average guys 50 lb recurve and strong guys who are serious shooters 55 lb recurves. These numbers are real, most people who violate these numbers usually wind up short drawing bow defeating the purpose of the heavier bow two fold, first by destroying form and second by not getting the most out of the power curve created by the longer draw length. Bows get way more power out of draw length than poundage.

[RoaringBull]

These will be long bows, more period (I think) for the 1820's than recurves.

[ffrooster]

yeah but they will be pretty much the same on draw length. ;)

[FrankG]

With your arws out stretched to the sides , measure fingertip to fingertip and divide by 2.5 = draw length :)

With your arms reaching forward and palms held together with a yard stick between them measure from fingertip to chest = draw length :)

These are two old methods to get you in ball park but your anchor point still needs taken into consideration also .