Draw length

[bsv]

The more I read the more I realize people seem to be drawing long bows 26-27ins. Are they drawing differently than me @ 29in with a recurve?
Burt

[MikeM]

It can depend on many factors. The grip is one factor e.g. I draw my recurves with a medium recurve grip 30" while my draw with the straight grip Hill longbows only 29" due to the difference in grips styles. Also some will use a Hill style draw with a low shoulder and bent bow arm that will shorten the draw length. I believe Howard Hill used this style draw in order to get wood arrows spined stiff enough for his heavy bows

[lpcjon2]

Look at the width of a longbow and then a recurve the longbow is narrower

[Ken Babicky]

The difference for me about an inch as well.

[JRY309]

Most longbows you'll have a straighter wrist then with a recurve,which usally shortens your draw length a bit.

[Raging Water]

Yep, longbows shorten you draw. Typically a thinner riser and lower wrist.

Simple test ---->

Get an arrow and a clothes pin.

Take a longbow and nock the arrow with the clothes pin out at about 25 inches.

Draw the arrow to full draw. The back of the bow will push the clothes pin to the end of the arrow.

Take a measurement from clothes pin to arrow nock. Then do it on a recurve.

You will see the difference.

[Got2strum]

I think measured draw is 1 3/4" in front of the deepest part of the grip ? So really the only thing that should vary draw length other than anchor should be bow hand placement. Such as low versus high wrist. Course I was wrong one other time ?

[jhg]

Originally posted by JRY309:
Most longbows you'll have a straighter wrist then with a recurve,...

Thats exactly backwards. I thought a straight wrist was like pointing away from you with your thumb?

Joshua

[dragonheart]

he might have meant straighter grip?

[HATCHCHASER]

Got2strum is spot on.  Draw length is draw length.  High wrist vs. low wrist will will effect it.  Your draw will be slightly shorter on a low wrist riser.ymmv