Really Need An Explanation

[MJB]

When I first started in Trad archery I had trouble with my draw length, very inconsistent to the point I left my 2016 aluminum arrows 32", I would practice drawing and get 28, 30, 29, 31, 28 1/2. (Now 2016's are cut to 30") I just checked when I registered on here January 06, 2007 . So I have only been shooting this long. I have had draw length measured several times. My final draw length was measured this year at Denton Hill. And was measured at 29". However I never kept it in check.

I thought all was well today, I was going to bare shaft some 30" carbons. I PM'ed a member here for some advise, told him what my set up was arrow/draw length and he wanted to know if I was a true 29" draw. I said yes, well the bareshafing got put off for a little while. Had some heavy rains, but was able to shoot a few when it stopped.

So I thought might be a good time to give myself a draw length check. I'm under the impression 29". I have been getting my arras cut to 30"

Very much to my surprise on three different bows, Bear Kodiak 43 @ 28 , Bear Grizzly 50 @28, Robertson Peregrine 53@28. NONE I drew were 28"  This put me in a tail spin, I cut a old woodie down to 29" and still had 1" 1/2 hanging over the shelf.

I started shooting with the #43 Kodiak, heck I couldn't even pull the Peregrine back without my bow arm shaking, I put it away was even going to sell it. But one day I pulled it out strung her up and started shooting. I was really surprised I could burn a hole on my target, draw it back, hit my anchor, release.

So I am a firm believer you can work your way up to different bow weights. What I CANNOT understand for the life of me is:

How can you start out with a 29" draw and now be 27 1/2 , not even 28" I'm 6' and was told I have long arms by a archery shop owner, which said your at least a good 31" draw ..        


 ANY HELP IS GREATLY APPREACIATED
THANK YOU,
Mike

[bm22]

i would video yourself shooting and post it up, you probably have learned some bad habits wthout someone correcting you and helping you out.

[R H Clark]

I hate to say it but if your draw length changes that much it is a form problem.I can only tell you what I do to have a consistent draw.

I keep my spine straight doesn't matter if I am on my knees or bent at the waist.I keep my bow arm straight.I keep my neck straight in a relaxed position.I use three points of anchor.My index finger is at the corner of my mouth.The nuckle of my thumb is at the corner of my jaw bone and the tip of the feather is touching my nose.I try to do all this keeping back tension.A little more back tension triggers release.

You will find it nearly impossible to be consistent with a bow too heavy.If I were in your shoes I would work on form for a time with a very light bow maby 30 lbs or so.It doesn't mean that you are weak.A lot of world class archers work on form with very light bows.

Good shooting
Randy

[MJB]

Randy,
In the very beginning (first time shooting a recurve) I was inconsistent , with various draw lengths. I suspect it was not having the proper/consistent anchor point. I thought I settled in with a 29 " draw. Is it possible to loose draw length once you develop your shooting style ? I had none just starting.

THANKS,
Mike    

[Danny Rowan]

Mike,

Make sure you are getting you back muscles into the shot. If not it will shorten your draw. Once you are near anchor concentrate on squeezing your shoulder blades together, then settle in to your anchor point. Also,watch how much you are facing the target. I am always square to the target, if you are facing the target too much it could shorten your draw also. Your grip also has some to do with it, I shoot recurves and grip the bow so that the pressure of the draw is in the web of my hand between the pointer and thumb. If I shoot a longbow with heel down grip, my draw shortens up.

Danny

[NDTerminator]

When I re-entered Trad last year, I went from a 28" to a 29" draw. Somewhat annoying when I was buying/ordering custom bows.  As my form evolved and became consistent, it has settled into 28"-28.5".

I've found different bow designs affect my required arrow length as well.  I have two bows I shoot off the shelf, a CM Hunter 56 and a Kota Prairie Swift.  Both have the same weight at my draw length.  With the Hunter 56, a 29.5" arrow is plenty long, while with the Swift and the same arrow, the point comes uncomfortably close to the front of the riser.

So being, I shoot 30" arrows with all my bows...

[Guru]

Mike, I would really help to see some video bud.

But it sounds to me that when you went from 43# to 53# you probably started to "scrunch up" because maybe you weren't as ready for the weight as you may have thought. It happens a lot when guys go up in weight. By that I mean...you hunch over,shoulders collapse,and you bring your head toward the string instead of bringing the string to your face......Now you probably shoot all your bows with the same form as the heavy bow.If you're 6' with long arms,you're definitely "making yourself small". Check out my advice to Whitebuffalo on his first form thread and check out "this is what I mean..."

Video would help..

[MJB]

Danny,
All GREAT advice to keep me in check. I stand feet fairly open, left shoulder facing the target. Also you mentioned my grip never took that into consideration, but I will now. Along with getting close to my anchor I will concentrate more on squeezing my shoulder blades together. OUTSTANDING information Danny as always, THANK YOU ..

ND Terminator,
Tell me about it , I got a Tip due here in February    

Curt,
One thing I don't own , a video camera. Well that and a digital camera, I know it would help 100%. Maybe I can borrow one off a neighbor. You know Curt now that you mention "scrunch up" This all started (hunching over) when I started shooting the Peregrine. I thought it was the form/style I was settling into.

I really just started shooting the Peregrine (maybe 2 weeks now). I have been shooting the Kodiak #43 and the #50 Grizz. And I noticed well my wife when shooting she said why are you hunched or bent over. And like you said I'm probably leaning into the string , instead of bringing the string to me.

Since this, Curt 100% correct- I have been shooting all the bows the same bent over or hunched position. I'm going to shoot the #43 today and see what happens. I will also check out your advice to Whitebuffalo ..

Thanks Guys all OUTSTANDING INFORMATION

Mike,
 

[R H Clark]

Mike
My anchor changed as it developed.In my case it got longer.Once you have your anchor established though your draw length shouldn't vary much at all.

Sounds like the advise from above has you on the track though.

Good shooting
Randy

[MJB]

Randy,
THANK YOU that was going to be my next question,
THANKS RANDY    

Mike