How to measure the draw distance for a recurve bow?

Recurve bows come in many different lengths. Some are DIY, some are made to order, and some are designed for special groups of people. This article is about the more common mass-produced products. Today's recurve bow handles are generally divided into two types: long handles: 25 inches (one inch equals 2.54 cm); short handles: 23 inches. Bow arms are generally divided into three types: long 45 inches; medium 43 inches; short 41 inches. Different combinations basically give archers four lengths of 64 inches, 66 inches, 68 inches, and 70 inches.

Each combination is suitable for a draw length, but it should be noted that although the arm span is related to the draw length in a certain sense, that is, the longer the arm span, the longer the draw length. However, this relationship is not absolute, so it is recommended that each archer measure his own draw length. However, the calculated draw length is only a rough idea and is not guaranteed to be accurate. The simple measurement method is to make a ruler yourself, preferably with an old arrow shaft, a very long one, and mark the scale on it. After standing up straight, raise your arms naturally to the sides of your body, at the same height as your shoulders, with your palms facing down. Keep your bow arm still, and fold your bow arm from the elbow joint to your chest, stopping at the position of your chin.

At this time, use the ruler just now to measure. Experienced enthusiasts measure the distance from the thumb of the bow holding hand to the first knuckle of the index finger of the bow drawing hand. If you are a new enthusiast, measure the distance from the tip of the index finger of the bow holding hand to the first knuckle of the index finger of the bow drawing hand. The purpose is to have an extra safety length to protect yourself. After purchasing a bow arm, there will be a label on the bow arm, which will write the factory index of this bow arm. Generally, there will be words like: Medium 68" 30Ib, 28" or Medium 66" 32Ib, 28".

This means that this is a medium-length bow arm, that is, 43 inches. When assembled on a long bow handle, the bow is 68 inches long; when assembled on a short bow handle, the bow is 66 inches long. Due to the difference in bow length, the same bow arm has a relatively smaller pulling force on the long handle. Taking the above example as the standard, when the draw length is the same as 28 inches, the pulling force of the long handle is 30 pounds, and the pulling force of the short handle is 32 pounds. This is because when the short handle is pulled, the deformation of the bow arm becomes more drastic, thus generating additional resistance or storing additional potential energy. For the above reasons, when you buy a recurve bow, you must pay attention to the length of your bow handle, otherwise it will be higher or lower than the pulling force you want.