This article will help you pick a bow that fits the archer and performs properly. We will discuss draw length and how it applies to bow size and offer some guidelines on picking the right bow for your archer.
Traditional Bows
There are a few factors to consider here, but the main one is the archer’s draw length. If you haven’t already, read the post on how to determine your draw length. Take your newly discovered draw length and apply it to the chart below.
The sizes on the chart are for traditional bows. Shorter, hunting bows on the low end and longer target bows on the high end. The longer lengths would apply to longbows as well. Most hunting bows are 4” -8” shorter than a target bow. Olympic style or target bows are longer than standard bows, here’s why.
A longer bow is more stable and easier to hold still than a shorter bow. Imagine trying to balance a pencil on the tip of your finger, then imagine the same with a yardstick. The yardstick would be easier because its extra length is slower to respond to movement. The same is true with a longer bow. A longer bow will receive less stress on the limbs than a shorter bow, simply because there is more limb to spread the stress over. A longer bow is less likely to stack than a shorter bow. Stack or stacking is where a bow no longer pulls smooth and even due to excessive string angle.
Shorter bows are certainly less cumbersome and almost always faster than a similar draw weight longer bow. Both bows will store the same amount of energy when drawn. But a larger portion of the energy is used to move the longer limbs forward, where with the shorter bow more energy is transferred to the arrow. Use the chart as a guideline. Pick a bow within the values that feels manageable and doesn’t stack when drawn to full draw. If it does, go up a size.
| DRAW LENGTH | BOW LENGTH |
|---|---|
| 14 to 16 inches | 42 to 48 inches |
| 17 to 20 inches | 48 to 54 inches |
| 20 to 22 inches | 54 to 60 inches |
| 22 to 24 inches | 56 to 64 inches |
| 24 to 26 inches | 58to 66 inches |
| 26 to 28 inches | 60 to 68 inches |
| 28 to 30 inches | 62 to 70 inches |
| 31+ inches | 64 to 72 inches |
Compound Bows
With a compound bow you only need to select a bow that can be adjusted to your draw length plus a little more. Most compound bows require a bow press to change the draw length and is best done by experienced professionals. Again a longer bow will be more stabile than a shorter bow. Although they are not as common as the shorter frame hunting bows, longer framed target compound bows are available.
Genesis Bows
The Genesis original bow only comes in one size, so, your only concern would be if your draw length is over 30”. The same bow can handle draw lengths from 15” – 30” without any adjustments. Simply pull it to your draw length and anchor. It has an adjustable draw weight from 10-20 lbs. and can be drawn from 15″ to 30″. It is for that reason that these bows are used by archery clubs and organizations to teach their beginner classes. They can service archers of all sizes. This bow is a good choice for young, still growing archers.
More Archery Learning Resources
- Beginning the Journey
- Three of the Best DIY Archery Targets and How to Make Them
- Seven Important Guidelines For Range Safety in Archery
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