Draw length

[razorback]

need some help to accurately determine my draw length. Whats the best way to go about doing this and exactly where do I measure from.
Thanks.
  :confused:

[Orion]

Easiest way is to simply draw an arrow and have someone else mark the arrow with a felt tip pen at the back of the riser while you're at full draw.  Do this several times and take the average length.

To do it by yourself, you can use a clothes pin that opens by squeezing the two long ends.  Put one about two-three inches from the end of your arrow, then draw the arrow on the bow.  When the clothespin hits the back of the riser, it should slide aloong the arrow toward the point.  Measure the distance from the nock groove to the clothes pin.  Again, do this several times to get an average reading.

Good luck.

[bsigal]

Another way to measure your draw length is with a yard stick.  Place the yard stick in the center of your chest and extend your arms out along the stick.  Where your finger tips end on the stick is an accurate  measurement of draw.

Hope this helps.  Of course you can double check this with either of two methods that Orion gave you above.

[razorback]

Thanks guys, will try both ways and let you know how close the results were.
Just to make sure, I measure from bottom of nock groove to the pointon the arrow that lines up with the back (front)of the riser.

[Curveman]

The yardstick measure will not work that well if you have really broad shoulders or a big chest etc. I think it is important to have somoeone grab the arrow when you least expect it or take averages as noted above. I think most people unintentionally overdraw when they know they are being measured.

[BowHuntingFool]

Originally posted by Orion:
Easiest way is to simply draw an arrow and have someone else mark the arrow with a felt tip pen at the back of the riser while you're at full draw.  Do this several times and take the average length.

To do it by yourself, you can use a clothes pin that opens by squeezing the two long ends.  Put one about two-three inches from the end of your arrow, then draw the arrow on the bow.  When the clothespin hits the back of the riser, it should slide aloong the arrow toward the point.  Measure the distance from the nock groove to the clothes pin.  Again, do this several times to get an average reading.

Good luck.

Why didn't you tell me that a year ago!     Brilliant!