How do u measure draw length?

[cassowary]

I have a funny problem. My draw length varies with the bow I use.

When I use a lighter bow, its shorter than when I use a heavier one.

So what should my draw length be?

[T Folts]

One way is to pull your bow back and have someone mark the shaft of the arrow at the back of the bow , I do this several times, then measure from the bottom of the knock to the marked spot.

Terry

[madness522]

Terry pretty much nailed the method so all I can offer is a way to measure it by your self.  Put a cloths pin on your arrow and draw.  The arrow will be pushed out to the end of the arrow then you can measure from the nock valley to the cloths pin for your draw length.

[cassowary]

Thanks. But which draw length should I use? When I am pulling a lighter bow or the heavier bow? I somehow have different draw lengths for different bows.

[bearhair]

Most archery shops have a very ultralight bow sitting in a corner to measure draw length.  Is there a shop near you that you could go to?

What are the specs of the 2 different bows you have?

[chesapeakeblend]

It sounds like your back may not be strong enough to pull the heavier bow back as far.  

Is your heavier bow a shorter draw?  Are you unknowingly moving your head forward to meet your fingers with the heavier bow?

[Dave Worden]

It really doesn't matter which ONE you use.  Just use the same one all the time.  If your bow arm is straight and your anchor is always in the same place, your draw length will be constant.  It's the consistency that you're looking for.  If you can, video yourself using the different bows and see what you're doing "wrong" with one of them, then correct it.  Note that measuring to the back of the bow with different riser styles can give you a different measurement, even if your form/anchor is perfect.  The measurements may vary in that situation, but your draw lenght is constant.

[varmint]

Sounds like it may be the elbow bend in the bow arm.Does the heavier bow have a longer draw??Might be you're locking your elbow to adjust for drawing the heavier weight,where as keeping a more natural slight elbow bend when drawing the lighter bow............just a thought.

[Big Dave]

I think Varmint hit it . How much longer is the draw lenght on the heavy bow?

[laddy]

If you are shooting with a bent bow arm which can be a good thing if your grip is fairly straight, the shorter draw is probably the one where your form is triangulated properly to your eye and your main muscle groups.

[Ollie]

Do both bows have the same grip style? I have noticed that with a high wrist grip my draw increases about a 1/2 inch or better over my low wrist longbow grip. I guess this is normal?

[hickstick]

remember there is a difference between drawlength (AMO draw length) and 'back of pile' length ....

AMO draw length (what is listed on most bows) is nock groove to deepest part of the grip plus 1.75".

[Shawn Leonard]

Ollie is correct to, with a high wrist which is what I shoot my draw is just shy of 29"s but with a locator or small palm swell my grip is tad over 28"s. As long as you ranchor point is consistent and your form is consistent 1/2" form diffrent bows is not big deal. If you draw each bow consistently to the same anchor and each measures the same everytime, do not worry about it. Shawn