Determining draw length

[got-the-point]

I read an article that says in order to measure your draw length, measure from middle finger to middle finger, palms facing forward, and not stretching. Then, take this number and divide it by 2.5. That will tell you your proper draw length. I did this but my arm span is 75" which gives me a 30" draw. At about 5'11 1/2, this seems like more than most people my height. What do you guys think? Is it possible that I could be that long, or is that not the right way to measure? My son also measured at 72.5" which gives him a 29" draw. He is 5'9".

[Osceola]

I've heard the same thing on how to measure but I would think the best thing would be go to a proshop and have them measure you.My buddy is 5'11" and has a 31" draw so it is possible your draw is that long.

[Matt]

It is possible for somebody shorter than another to have a longer draw.

An easy way to do it is with another person to measure: stand facing parallel to and arms length away from a wall. Then while standing straight, make a fist and extend your arm to press against the wall. Turn your head to look at the wall with your arm relaxed. Then measure from the wall to the corner of your mouth.

[oktx]

It will get you real close.

[TX_Phil]

That is the same process I used to measure out my draw length. I have a 31" draw but I'm only about 6'-2". My wing span is a good bit longer than my height.

[sonny6]

How about 6'5" with a 31.75" draw. That pretty much limits me to Parker bows.

[Flatliner]

i am 6' 0 tall and fingertip to fingertip 6'3" (75") and shoot a 30" draw

[az2tx]

most people shoot to long of a draw length, I did to until I start hanging out with someone who knew a lot more than I did

[TedStriker]

You can take Randy's word for it

[az2tx]

You can take Randy's word for it

we were friends and neighbors for years, but I still have him on speed dial in case I have an issue

[bowhuntntxn]

Yep, Mr. Ulmer forgot more about bows and bow hunting last night in his sleep than a lot will learn in a lifetime!! The wingspan method will get you close on DL, but is usually 1 to 1.5 inches longer than actual DL should be. I am 6' and shoot a 28" draw. Wingspan puts me at 29.5.

[angrybroadhead]

I have a buddy that is 5'10" and has a 26.5 dl. Some people just have unusually long or short arms.

At the shop we use a board to get close and then adjust as necessary.


Rob Bice
www.markcunninghamfoundation.org.

[got-the-point]

Thanks for all the help guys. I used Matt's method of standing parallel to a wall and making a fist. This put me at 31". Maybe I have some knuckle dragging ancestor's genes or something. I found a very nice diamond liberty 2008 in 29" DL and 70# pull. I would like to buy it but not sure if it will adjust to my draw length. It has everything already on it for $300 bucks. Never even been in the woods. Feedback?

[Mojo]

One thing I've always heard is it's better to shoot a shorter draw length than having too long a draw length in your setup...good luck with your search...

[shamlin88]

I would say 70% of all archers shoot a draw length that is too long. I used to work in a Pro Shop and most of the bows that come in were 28-30 DL, with 29 being the #1, and the most fitted DL is 28", but we were instructed to get customers into a bow....period. Proper draw length is determined with bent fron elbow, proper grip, upright stance (most weight on forward leg), and apex of string no longer than the vertical alignment to the center of eye-ball. That pic of Randy Ulmer is spot-on!