adding two inches to your draw

[txtimetravler]

Would there be any draw backs to buying a (used) bow that had a draw 2 inches shorter than you need. Found a 27 inch draw but I need a 29.

Would changing the cam affect the performance?
How much is a new cam?
Would I need to take it to an archery shop to have it changed out?

[Rotag]

What kind of bow how old and bow modle.

[m'gobo]

Changing the cam should not change the performance but it I believe you will pick up some speed as the cam will rotate more at a loger draw and I may be way off base on that but most tests are done factory at 30 inch draw and I have found that with a shorter draw the numbers are much different even though there are other factors to consider. To change a cam you will need a press which means if you don't have one find a pro shop. Hope this helps.

[Rotag]

Any time you lenghten the draw you will incress speed if all factors remain the same arrow weight etc. The length of the storke/Draw and amount of time the arrow is pushed by the string allows more time for energy to transfer to the arrow. Thats why short bolts from a crossbow with a 150 lb draw are about the same speed as a 30 inch arrow from a 70lb bow.

[Rotag]

if it is a newer bow getting a new cam provided one is made in that draw length shouldn't be a problem. The will run from 10.00 to about 80.00 depending on the brand and model of the bow.

[Africanbowhunter]

Get an over draw

I think they still make overdraws i never bought into them and they fell dead But they work

Tink

[txtimetravler]

This is a Switchback 2004.

I know that it will make it faster but I was wondering if it will affect the bow and limbs? If this bow was not designed for a longer draw will it affect the life of the limbs, riser, etc. Don't know if the manufactures just make all draw lengths from the same limbs and risers.

[3rdShot]

I've wondered about that as well. On my last bow, I just made a longer string loop to make the full-draw position comfortable. The bow I'm picking up Saturday will be 30" draw which will be closer to my size.

From you experienced/expert bow shop guys, do you know of any issues with using a longer than usual string loop?

Thanks,

Dave

[aggie2000tx]

Bow manufacturers do not make different risers for different draw lengths to my knowledge. The risers are all standard. Do not buy a bow that does not fit you. You will form bad habits by have a bow too long or to short for you and your form will not be very good either.

[innergel]

The current Switchback on the Matthews site lists it's draw range from 26-30". That would tell me you should have no issues with the limbs or bow simply from changing the draw length. DL gets changed all the time with no problems. Like others have said, take it to a good shop and they'll fix it up for you.

Aggie2000tx - he could buy that bow if he plans on changing the DL to fit. But I agree to not buy it if he plans on shooting it short.

[chrisk]

I had my recurve set for about 1 1/2 short. I had it like that cause it was easier to shoot sitting down on the ground or up in a treestand. Also helped me shoot at a deer that was almost directly under me. My bow was still more than fast enough to get there. Heck it was going about 100fps faster than what I shoot now!
Chris Kiefner

[Epack]

first off you need a new cam to change the draw on the switchbacks+$$$$

2nd- 2 inches to short will equal horrible form for you. imho dont buy it unless your willing to drop 85-95 bucks on a new cam!

[ken]

If the bow is a great deal go ahead and buy it. Then go buy the correct cam. I think most Mathews cams run about $80 new. You might be able to find a used one for 1/2 that on ebay or archerytalk.com. If you buy a new one some archery shops will give you some credit on your old cam or you can sell it on ebay or archerytalk and recoup some of the cost of switching out the cam.

[txtimetravler]

thanks for the advise! This might explain why my current bow just doesn't feel right, it has a 26 inch draaw! Heck, it still worked on a hog, buck, two coons and a tree rat...wonder what I could do if I had the right draw length?