Draw length

[Converml]

I was at a bow shop looking at bows and was asked my draw length I said 30 he said I wasn't and measured me with his setup. It came to 30 but he said I was pulling back too far. Now dad taught me not hill. I was raised using my thumb as an anchor and as I pull back to bring it so I could feel it between my top and bottom teeth to my 3rd molar. I shot my first deer at 14 and haven't done too bad but realize I have never been around other archers to have learned A different or better way. ( I must admit after  over 30 years I wasn't keen on starting over but later realized your never too old) so is my anchor too far back what would be a good one if so. One thing I'm wondering is if I am pulling that far back am I distorting the string as it does come across the front of my forehead? Input please.thanks Merle

[Bjorn]

I would not change anything and I am very skeptical of anything heard in a 'bow shop' these days.

[LEWIS VADEN]

Bjorn has got it right.

[magnus]

If it ain't broke.... If you are consistent and accurate then I don't see a problem.

[b44mag]

ditto on the what you here from a bow shop
cause i dont think most have a clue about trad.
im new and just learning and after i found this site. i think the bow shops well most are there to sell you something and do not know much about it. but you can bet they have a price tag on everything for sure.
i have learned so much from this place in the short time i have been here.
these guys n gals know there stuff and will help you with any step in the process of
becoming one with your bow
   
pull a comfy chair up and relax cause you will be here a while for sure
enjoy

[mikebiz]

I agree that if you're current draw length allows for a solid, consistent anchor then don't change that.  

Most "bow shops" these days seem to deal primarily with compounds and don't know damn near anything about traditional archery.  That's not to say there aren't good trad shops out there like Lancaster, but they are few and far between.  I went to my local "pro shop" recently to see what stickbows they had.  Told them I was looking for something around 40# and both the guys working there looked at me like I was nuts and said oh no, you want to go heavier than that.  At least 50, maybe 55.  In know my limitations on draw weight.  I just yessed them since arguing with wheel guys over draw weight seems futile in my opinion.  I left after a bit and asked myself, "why the hell did you go in there?  You knew that was going to happen."  Needless to say I won't go back there.

[Converml]

Thanks guys

[BWD]

If you can hit your mark, on a consistent basis, there ain't no such thing as pulling too far back. Nothing wrong with free horsepower.

[jhg]

I was at RMSG in Denver listening to Tom explain to a young archer the basics of form and what good or bad form does and why good from is always worth knowing about.

 Using your "structure" and knowing the difference between that and one partially collapsed at full draw (or compensating with strength) is really very worthwhile to understand.
The difference is, as he explained it, between being simply "good" or being at a whole other level of consistency and precision.
 The difference is repeatability and eliminating most variables until every shot is launched more or less from the same platform.

 I'm not saying anything about whether you should or should not change anything. Maybe you already have great form. But are you just "good". Or are you at that amazing level?

 
I know I am a better archer (not expert mind you) after "listening in" to a master school a teenager. We are very fortunate out here in Colorado.
Not all bow shops are run by people who don't know what they are talking about.

Joshua, just sayin'

[kawika b]

Everyone is built different so what works for some may not for others. Question... when you talk about your anchoring your thumb... are you saying you anchor it at your 3rd molar? How tall are you?

Pics of you at full anchor would help too if you're wanting to confirm that things are lined up properly.

[Converml]

Thanks joshua I'll get some help hopefully when I go to some shoots that should help. Although in all fairness none of the guys said all bowshops just most. Maybe I ran into a most.thanks Merle

[Converml]

I'm 5'6" although I'll have to wait to post pics as now I'm in south America without a bow. But I'll be back in June.thanks

[jhg]

Originally posted by Converml:
.. Although in all fairness none of the guys said all bowshops just most. Maybe I ran into a most.thanks Merle

I could have worded that differently...

We should compare notes after I get my new bow and shoot it a little. I have a lot to work on, but am psyched about working toward being better than average.

J-

[Converml]

When I say 3 rd molar it is the 3rd from the back of my jaw. From where I always held my thumb when I draw back I keep drawing till My thumb makes contact with that tooth. If I ever lose my teeth I guess I'll never be able to shoot  

[Converml]

Josh I know what you mean. It will be a month and a half before I'm back in the states with a bow waiting for me back home. The wait is killing me. Well keep in touch. Thanks Merle