One of the most important things that an archer needs to know, especially when they’re first starting out and getting all the equipment they’ll need is the size of the bow that’s right for them. With the various bow styles and numerous sizes to choose from, it can be a challenge to find the equipment that is just right for you and your situation.
The only accurate way to determine the size of bow you need is to go by your draw length. Your draw length is a measure of how far back you pull an arrow when at full draw. If you’re uncertain about how to find your draw length, take a look at the article here. If you already know your draw length (or if you just figured it out) finding the proper bow size for you is a simple matter of finding where your draw length falls on the following chart:
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Draw Length
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Bow Size
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14” to 16”
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48” Bow
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17” to 20”
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54” Bow
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20” to 22”
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58” Bow
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22” to 24”
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62” Bow
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24” to 26”
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64” to 66” Bow
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26” to 28”
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66” to 68” Bow
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28” to 30”
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68” to 70” Bow
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31” and longer
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70” to 72” Bow
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Now you know what size bow you will need and if you’re sticking to longbows it’s pretty easy to simply measure along the back of the bow and determine if a bow is going to be the right size for your particular needs. However if you’ve chosen to get a recurve or a compound bow, the method of determining a bow's length is a little different.
For recurve bows the bow length is, like with a long bow, a measure of the back of the bow from string groove to string groove. However, unlike a longbow, you cannot simply measure straight from one string groove to the other, because even when unstrung the limbs are curved and a straight measure will give you false information about the bow’s length. To get a proper measure it’s best to use a flexible measure (like the ones used by tailors that typically come in a sewing kit) and allow the flexible tape measure to lay flat along the back of the bow, following the bends from one string grove to the other. This will give you an accurate measure of a recurve bow’s length and, using the chart above, you can determine if that will work for your draw length or if you need to keep looking.
The rules differ a bit for those who are looking at getting a compound bow. The length of a compound bow is measured from axle to axle (the pins at the end of the limbs on which the cams or wheels rotate) and can vary significantly in length. This, however, is somewhat irrelevant as the bow size for compound bows is chosen by what you’re doing with the bow rather than by your draw length. Compound bows are designed to be adjustable and will cover a range of possible draw lengths. To get the right compound bow for your draw length simply make sure your draw length falls within this range (typically indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging or in the advertising materials) and make sure it’s appropriate to what you’re doing with it (usually shorter bows are for hunting while longer bows are more for target shooting, though there are exceptions to this).
Finally if for some reason you cannot find a properly sized bow for you (shops in your area don’t carry the correct size in your chosen style, or your stuck with a hand-me-down that wasn’t chosen specifically for you), remember that it is better to have a bow that is too long (missing out on full potential) than to try and use one that is too short (reaching full draw is more difficult, may overstress and even break the bow) as the former is just a bit of a loss while the later can actually be hazardous to your health.
Research for this article was conducted at the following sites:
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