Determining draw length

[Kc_Kracker]

 What is the best method? I seen a couple videos online that say measure your wingspan middle fingertip to tip and then divide by 2.5 is that considered the best method?

[Old Dog]

Yes.  Very accurate.  It's the method I used when I was a working bow tech. 

[Longfield1]

Handheld and wrist releases also change your draw length. From my Stan element its about a 1/2" longer than my Carter RX1.

[Kc_Kracker]

Handheld and wrist releases also change your draw length. From my Stan element its about a 1/2" longer than my Carter RX1.

Really? 

[IFunk]

This can vary greatly depending on your anchor.  I don't shoot wheel bows, but a good way to measure is come to full draw and have a friend mark your arrow about 1/2" from the back of the bow.  This is the side of the bow not facing you.  Then let down or shoot your arrow and measure from the valley of the nock to the mark on your arrow.  This is your draw length. 

[Kc_Kracker]

So I gotta buy a release and get measurements before a buy a bow? 🤦

[zwickeyman]

Or buy a bow with an adjustable draw length

[Kc_Kracker]

Or buy a bow with an adjustable draw length

So far sadly not finding one that's adjustable in my price range only preset ones 

[Tinmaniac]

If you're still located in Olympia go see Ryan at Archery World in Lacey,he is one of the best around .

[jackelope]

If you go to an archery shop to buy a bow, they’ll measure for you and set the bow up for you. 

[Kc_Kracker]

If you go to an archery shop to buy a bow, they’ll measure for you and set the bow up for you.

Well I've had two local places tell me they only do a standard measurement they don't ever worry about adding or subtracting length based on your release nor do they remeasure someone holding a release

[jackelope]

If you go to an archery shop to buy a bow, they’ll measure for you and set the bow up for you.

Well I've had two local places tell me they only do a standard measurement they don't ever worry about adding or subtracting length based on your release nor do they remeasure someone holding a release

That’s basically like saying every release is the same length. If draw lengths vary by the inch, why wouldn’t someone make fine tuning adjustments for the release? I’m not an archery expert but it seems like it would be a reasonable thing to expect.

[blackveltbowhunter]

So I gotta buy a release and get measurements before a buy a bow? 🤦

No. If you have an accurate draw measurement using wingspan the bow should fit you fine as long as you dont have any weird mobility issues etc. If in doubt error short.

Release length is a big deal. Having a bow with some adjustability is obviously preffered to get the very best fit and function, but a good fit can be a achieved with the wingspan measurements. It may take a little work to get the release length [ be sure and buy one that's easily adjustable if shopping index triggers] and d loop length dialed. Alot of issues are caused because the shooter was not taught correct hand and face contact for anchor points, has a poorly adjusted wrist release, or peep placement is incorrect.

[Kc_Kracker]

If you go to an archery shop to buy a bow, they’ll measure for you and set the bow up for you.

Well I've had two local places tell me they only do a standard measurement they don't ever worry about adding or subtracting length based on your release nor do they remeasure someone holding a release

That’s basically like saying every release is the same length. If draw lengths vary by the inch, why wouldn’t someone make fine tuning adjustments for the release? I’m not an archery expert but it seems like it would be a reasonable thing to expect.

That was my thought too.

[hughjorgan]

If you go to an archery shop to buy a bow, they’ll measure for you and set the bow up for you.

Well I've had two local places tell me they only do a standard measurement they don't ever worry about adding or subtracting length based on your release nor do they remeasure someone holding a release

That’s basically like saying every release is the same length. If draw lengths vary by the inch, why wouldn’t someone make fine tuning adjustments for the release? I’m not an archery expert but it seems like it would be a reasonable thing to expect.

That was my thought too.

If you’re going to shoot an index set the length up so the trigger is in the second knuckle.

[Kc_Kracker]

If you go to an archery shop to buy a bow, they’ll measure for you and set the bow up for you.

Well I've had two local places tell me they only do a standard measurement they don't ever worry about adding or subtracting length based on your release nor do they remeasure someone holding a release

That’s basically like saying every release is the same length. If draw lengths vary by the inch, why wouldn’t someone make fine tuning adjustments for the release? I’m not an archery expert but it seems like it would be a reasonable thing to expect.

That was my thought too.

If you’re going to shoot an index set the length up so the trigger is in the second knuckle.

i dont know what you mean by index?

[hughjorgan]

If you go to an archery shop to buy a bow, they’ll measure for you and set the bow up for you.

Well I've had two local places tell me they only do a standard measurement they don't ever worry about adding or subtracting length based on your release nor do they remeasure someone holding a release

That’s basically like saying every release is the same length. If draw lengths vary by the inch, why wouldn’t someone make fine tuning adjustments for the release? I’m not an archery expert but it seems like it would be a reasonable thing to expect.

That was my thought too.

If you’re going to shoot an index set the length up so the trigger is in the second knuckle.

i dont know what you mean by index?

It should have read index release, so set up the release you are shooting with so the trigger is in the second knuckle of your index finger.

[Longfield1]

The best way is to go to a shop that will measure and set the bow up for you regardless of release and d loop length. The way I did it was trial and error. Bought a adjustable bow and set it up myself too long and accuracy suffered. I did the measurement tip to tip and divided by 2.5. It ended up being 27.5 inches but my Stan element handheld feels the best at 27”. My carter rx1 with the trigger set up on my second knuckle on the trigger finger feels too long at 27”. A 26.5” would be perfect. I also changed the D-loop length which can fine tune your draw length +/- 1/4 inch.Took me about 2 years to get dialed in. I have a different bow now.

[Come Get Some]

A little late on this one but WOW!!! 
 I have shot professionally  for many years. Hear is my opinion.
 Measure wing span divide by 2.5 as others have said.
 I rep carter releases and can definately say all of the T handle and wrist strap releases will and do shoot the exact same draw length.
 The end of the head of the release should be at the very end of your palm right where your middle finger starts.
 D loop should be about 3/8+or-
 You are better off shooting an inch too short than you are shooting 1/4" too long.
 You should end up with a slight bend in your bow arm and have a positive anchor with as many contact points as possible[ corner of mouth, tip of nose] these are contact points for the string.
 You hand can have 2 or more points as well.
 Contact jaw and high elbow with contact with your ear as an example.
 Deep breath and slow exhale,  high elbow will drop slightly, have your release preloaded and the drop of the elbow will execute the shot. It will and should be a surprise.
 If you have any questions feel free to call. I will even offer to set you up at my shop if you wish.
 I wont leave my number here but feel free to pm me