Bow Care and Maintenance, Bow Hunting, Brace Height, Selecting a Traditional Bow
Critical Measurements Every Archer Needs Before Ordering a Custom Bow
Oct
Buying a new bow is an exciting experience. That’s especially true if you’re ordering a custom recurve bow or longbow. It’s your chance to get a bow that truly stands out and is tailor-made to your unique specifications. Every detail that goes into the bow is up to you, so you can commission one that reflects your style, personality, and shooting application (competition or hunting) while also taking your skills to entirely new levels.
Finding a model that catches your eye and matches your budget and choosing the materials it’s made of and its aesthetic details are all part of the process. Customizing a bow goes much further than its appearance, though. Even the most beautiful recurve won’t give you the feel and performance you’re looking for without your distinct measurements.
Essential Custom Measurements for Your Recurve Bow
Every archer has their own needs and preferences from their orientation to their shooting style and purpose. Certain critical measurements also enter the mix. They’re part of what sets tailor-made bows apart from standard off-the-shelf models. When you’re looking at custom bows for sale, the following measurements will be essential for truly making the one you choose your own.
Draw Length
Your draw length is one of the most important measurements when you’re having a custom bow designed. That’s the distance from the nocking point on the string to the pivot point of the grip, adding 1.75 inches at full draw. Simply stated, it’s how far you pull the string back at the point of release.
If your draw length isn’t quite right, nothing else will be either. Coming up short on this measurement will forfeit draw weight (poundage) and speed. On the other hand, if you overdraw it, you’ll create a radial angle on your string, which can result in finger pinch, inhibiting that critical clean release off the string. Overdrawing can also wreak havoc on your shoulder.
How to Measure Draw Length
The easiest and most accurate way to get an idea of your draw length is to measure your arm span, which is the distance from your left fingertips to your right while your arms are stretched straight out to the sides. Then, divide that number by 2.5. For example, if your arm span is 70 inches, your draw length should be about 28 inches.
You can also have someone measure your draw length for you. For that method, draw the bow as you normally would and have someone mark the arrow at the pivot point of the grip. Then, measure the length from the back of the arrow to the mark, and add 1.75 inches. Be sure to have them mark the arrow just before you’re ready to release it rather than as soon as you draw, though. Most people let their arrows creep forward a little before actually releasing them. We have a helpful video to make all this a little clearer.
If you’re not sure whether you measured your draw length correctly, it may help to think about the Vitruvian Ideal. This concept was developed by an architect in ancient Rome and refers to symmetry and proportion. Leonardo da Vinci’s famous drawing of the Vitruvian Man shows that people are generally symmetrical and proportional as well.
For the most part, our arm span is roughly equal to our height. If you came up with a draw length that’s extremely disproportionate to your height divided by 2.5, then you may want to recheck it. Using both methods to get measurements and comparing the two to be sure they’re fairly close couldn’t hurt.
Draw Weight
Another important measurement is your draw weight. That’s how much force it takes to pull back your bowstring to a full draw. It affects your arrow speed and penetration. It also makes a difference in how comfortable your bow is to use.
Balance is crucial here. If you get the draw weight too high, you won’t have as much control, and it’ll be more difficult to maintain good form. You’ll get worn out quickly too. That being said, if the draw weight is too low for your hunting bow, speed and penetration will suffer.
For target archers, a low draw weight is often preferred. This is when careful selection of appropriate arrow weight can help compensate. A good rule of thumb is 10-12 grains per pound of actual draw weight to achieve optimal performance. This can help compensate for a less-than-ideal draw weight.
Your ideal draw weight depends on several factors. One is your experience level. If you’re relatively new to archery, you may want to go with a slightly lighter draw weight than the readings you get with a bow scale. Your draw length, the length of the bow, and other measurements come into play here as well.
Brace Height
Your bow’s brace height is also an essential measurement. That’s the distance from the string to the deepest part of the grip. It makes a significant difference in the bow’s feel and performance. Having a shorter brace height means the string travels farther before releasing the arrow. That gives you more speed, but it means you’ll need more accuracy. In contrast, a longer brace height takes away some of your power but gives you a smoother, more stable shot. Your bow will also be a little more forgiving.
Finding Your Brace Height
Finding the right brace height for your custom bow isn’t quite as cut and dried as some of the other measurements that are discussed here. We’ll set your recurve’s brace height based on an ideal range depending on its dimensions as well as your draw length, draw weight, and other factors. In most cases, it’ll be between 7 and 9 inches.
Before sending your bow to you, we’ll test it for speed and accuracy. We’ll also make sure it shoots as smoothly and quietly as possible. Once you get it, though, you’ll probably need to fine-tune the brace height to your liking. That’s as simple as twisting or untwisting the string until you find your sweet spot. As is the case with any bow, this may take a bit of trial and error.
Bow Length
Finally, you’ll need to choose your bow length, or the measurement from tip to tip along its limbs. Its length will have a major impact on not only how smoothly it draws and how forgiving it is but also how it feels to you. Shorter bows, like those from 56 to 58 inches, are faster, and they can be easier to work with. They’re best for people with short draw lengths. Longer bows, from 66 to 70 inches, are smoother on the draw and tend to be more stable.
Choosing the right bow length largely depends on your draw length. If it’s under 27 inches, the best bow length will probably be 62 inches or less. For people with a draw length of 27 to 29 inches, a 62 or 64-inch bow might be a better fit. If your draw length is 30 inches or more, you’ll need a longer bow of 66 to 68 inches.
Besides draw length, what you’ll be using the bow for will help determine the best bow length. If you’re a competitive archer, you may need a longer bow. Some hunters prefer to stick to shorter bows. This is one of the aspects we’ll discuss with you to find the right measurement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Taking Your Measurements
Now that we’ve covered the most important measurements for a custom bow and how to get them, let’s talk about what not to do. One of the biggest mistakes people make when ordering a custom bow is guessing at their measurements or assuming they already know them. Even if you’ve taken your measurements in the past, it’s important to do it again before commissioning a new bow.
Remember that things change over time. Everything from your form and posture to your ideal draw length and weight can evolve as you get older, gain or lose upper body strength and flexibility, and perfect your technique. Taking the time to take your measurements again prior to ordering your new custom bow will definitely pay off in the long run. Several other mistakes should be avoided as well.
- Failing to Double-Check – Another critical mistake people make is failing to double-check their measurements. As the old woodworking adage says, “Always measure many before cutting any.” That’s just as relevant in bowmaking. Ensuring your measurements are accurate when you send them to us will help us get your bow just right for you.
- Overestimating Draw Length – Many people pull back farther when they’re measuring their draw length than they normally would when shooting. That changes everything. Be sure to measure your natural draws to get this number accurate.
- Improper Posture and Stance – Your posture and stance will affect your draw length, so it’s important to get them right when taking measurements. Stand up straight and relax a bit, just as you would if you were target practicing, competing, or hunting. Don’t arch your back or tilt your head forward more than usual.
- Choosing the Wrong Draw Weight – Quite a few archers choose bow weights that are too high for them because they think it’ll give their shots more speed and power. That’s not really the case. It actually hampers your speed and power along with your accuracy and stamina. Choosing a bow weight that’s too light can be just as bad for certain purposes.
- Not Adjusting Brace Height – Your bow will be ready to use when you get it, but taking the time to fine-tune certain points is essential. Brace height is one of them. Be patient here. Just a couple of twists can make a major difference, so it’s important to go slowly and carefully.
- Not Calibrating Nocking Point Height – We’ll set your nocking point height as we’re crafting your bow. As is the case with the brace height, though, you may need to hone it after the fact. Again, even a minor adjustment can significantly change the way your bow works for you.
When you’re taking measurements for a custom recurve, there’s no room for guesswork. It’s not a time for rushing either. Patience and precision are the keys to getting the perfect bow. Don’t overestimate your draw length and weight. Always measure multiple times to ensure you’re getting consistent results. If you’re unsure of any measurement, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Beyond that, take a little extra time to tweak the bow after you get it.
Why Are These Measurements So Important?
With all that being said, you may be wondering why all those measurements are so important. Each one will affect how the bow feels when you’re drawing and shooting. They’ll all affect the bow’s accuracy as well as your own. They’ll determine how much speed, power, and distance you get out of your shots. They can also influence your form and impact your stamina.
All these measurements work together with each one affecting the others. Getting just one of them slightly wrong will throw all the others off-kilter. Conversely, if you take your time and get them all accurate, your custom recurve bow will work with you rather than against you. It’ll be an extension of your body and your skills.
A Recurve Bow Made Just for You: Getting the Most Out of It
You’ll find an endless of selection of ready-made recurve bows, but ordering a custom recurve bow means having a model that’s crafted to your unique specifications. Still, to get the most out of it, you need certain honest and precise measurements. Those are what we’ll use to design the perfect bow for you. Take your time, and be sure your measurements are accurate. The effort you put into the process will make more of a difference than you might think.
About The Author
ROB LEE
