Quick question on draw length

[DesertDisciple]

So when I was first receiving bow making lessons (thanks so much Guy!) I was told a good way to estimate your draw length was to put a yardstick right to your sternum and reach both hands forward. Where your finger tips touch is about where your draw length should be. When I use that method, I get something like 24". Sounds good to me right?

Well, I used the other method, marking out a shaft inch by inch and noting what number it stops on the front of your hand at full draw, and the numbers are quite different. According to this method, I need a 29" arrow just to clear my hand! I notice too that this method gives me a different measurement between right and left hand. I'm a left handed shooter, but right hand dominant, I get 24" with the marked shaft technique with my right hand. Weird!

Can anyone explain the discrepancy? Which number should I go by when tillering?

Thanks!

[DC]

The yardstick to the sternum works for me. Does one of your arm reach the bottom of your pocket and the other one doesn't?    Sorry, that's all I got.

[Pat B]

A lot depends on your draw. I draw 26" but if I were more upright and used my back muscles more I'd be more like 28". Put a piece of thin cardboard on the arrow and draw the way you normally will. The cardboard will stop against the back of the bow but will slip down the shaft, marking your draw length at full draw. Be sure you are using your normal drawing style.

[DesertDisciple]

Hahaha. Haven't had any pocket related issues thus far. I'll be sure to see if I hunch to the right when grabbing my wallet

I'll try that Pat, makes sense. It has been a while since I've shot so I'll have to make sure I'm not over exaggerating my draw.  Thanks both for the feedback

[DC]

Oh, thought of something. The yardstick thing works if your anchor point is the corner of your mouth. If you're anchoring behind your ear or something.

[DesertDisciple]

I usually draw to corner of mouth then push my elbow back for tension.

[Urufu_Shinjiro]

Of course if you're a masochist like me and decide to shoot with a thumb ring all this wonderful wealth of archery knowledge goes right out the window, lol. Draw length, hmm, I think my 31" arrows are too short....lol

[DesertDisciple]

I've actually been wanting to try a thumb ring. I've read that you actually shoot off the opposite side of the hand when using one. Is this true?

[lebhuntfish]

I've actually been wanting to try a thumb ring. I've read that you actually shoot off the opposite side of the hand when using one. Is this true?

Yes it is, check out this video of James Parker and his horn bows. Patrick

Just click on the picture.

[Pat B]

Patrick, that video made me home sick for Twin Oaks. 

[lebhuntfish]

I hear ya Pat! I had to watch it before I posted it. I forgot you were in it for a minute. Patrick

[Traxx]

I've actually been wanting to try a thumb ring. I've read that you actually shoot off the opposite side of the hand when using one. Is this true?

While many do,it is not always the case as many mongolian archers do not.I can shoot from the left side being a right hand archer as well.

[crooketarrow]

  Your arms are different lenths.

    Use the marked arrow for lenth. Don't stand up straight draw the arrow to your lenth not your correct lenth. This ways only good for compounders.

   Get into your natural shooting selfbow stance, crouch lean forward then draw the marked arrow. To your nocking point. Don't free float your ackor point, say just use a spot on your cheek.

  Use a solid ankoring point like the corner of your mouth. I use a eye tooth.
 This is your true draw lenth.

  Shoot alot untill you naturally get into your natural stance, shoot untill your whole shots natural. Don't try to change different things or ways because it's not the way YOUR FRIEND dose it.

  Get into your own little natural click. You'll shoot better and enjoy doing it. I love the satifaction when walking big 200# buck you just arrowed. With your osage selfbow,dogwood arrow with a knapped head.

  Bud it dos'nt get any better than that.

[Urufu_Shinjiro]

Correct. When you use a thumb ring the side of your pointer finger applies a gentle pressure against the arrow shaft and holds it to the bow so you can shoot at any angle you can draw, canted left, right, up, down. It's a major advantage on horseback where a Mediterranean draw would have the point of your arrow bouncing all over the rest. Because of that natural pressure on the arrow if you shot off the normal side it would swing the arrow out left off the bow. Now some shoot off the left side with a thumb ring but for my money that takes too much effort to have your grip just right in addition to a the already difficult proper draw and clean release.

[Traxx]

What is it they say?......

necessity is the mother of all inventions.

cant count how many times,ive been told after the fact,that what i was doing was wrong or impossible.If someone wants something bad enough,they seem to find a way.Wish they would have told me it was wrong,before i proved it wasnt.Coulda saved me  some time and effort.lol

Actually,the best hold ive found for combat style horseback archery,is the pinch grip.