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.