How to Determine Your Arrow Length in 2023
Did you know How to Determine Your Arrow Length? If not then we have your back here!
Archers have a love-hate relationship with arrow length. We want our arrows to fly straight and hit our target, but we also want them to fly as far as possible. When we’re just starting out, we don’t know any better and assume that the more draw weight (force) we put on our arrows, the farther they’ll go.
This isn’t true. The amount of draw weight you put on your bow doesn’t affect the range. The length of your arrow does. Let’s break it down.
Arrow length is determined by the draw length of your bow. This is the distance from the center of the bowstring to the center of the bow’s grip. A shorter draw length means a longer arrow. Arrows that fly the farthest have a longer draw length.
So, does Arrow length affect your shot? If yes, then how? In the sport of archery, shaft weight is measured in grains. The average arrow has around 4 to 5 grains so a lighter arrow would have 3 or less while heavier arrows will have between 7 and 8 grains per pound.
In general shorter bows are more accurate. A light arrow will fly further and faster than a heavier arrow because the way it flexes in flight allows for quicker vibrations. And this is why shorter and stouter arrows are better than longer ones – they flex less to achieve a greater speed with their flights.
The sizes of arrows vary depending on the manufacturer. Their length can vary from 20” to 32” in inches. To figure out what arrow length will be perfect for your bow, purchase a compound bow or crossbow, and make sure to use string-length measurements found in the owner’s manual.
You can also measure your current setup using a metric ruler. If you need help measuring accurately, visit an archery shop where they have equipment designed specifically just for that purpose!
But longer recurve bows can be easier to shoot accurately with because they deliver greater power when drawn back due to their length being able to take advantage of the leverage that exists on both ends of the bow’s limbs at once; this change in leverage may make them more forgiving for beginners who might struggle shooting short-drawing compound bows as powerfully compared traditional longbows.
How to Determine Your Arrow Length:
When you first start out, you should use a bow that has a draw length of 32 inches. After you’ve gained some experience, try stepping up to the next length: 34-36 inches.
These are the ideal lengths for beginners who are just getting started on their archery journey.
Determine arrow length and safety:
So, you understand that shorter and stiffer arrows will do well with speed and accuracy. But to be added here it is at the expense of safety. If your arrow is too short, you will not be able to get a secure hold on it while drawing back the bowstring, which could lead to an accidental release of the string and impact with fingers.
This can leave behind nasty cuts that cause bleeding. It might sound crazy, but if you’re in the game why not just Google “arrow through the finger.”
An injury like that may be the end of not just your archery career but could affect your daily life in so many ways. So, you should use the recommended length for beginners. When it comes to archery, starting out small (level) is always preferred over large and unnecessary risks that may cause injury or further damage if not taken care of properly.
When drawing a bow, the arrow needs to extend past (if only slightly) the end of the riser so there is no chance that it will hit your arm while you’re shooting.
Arrow Length Measurement:
If the draw length of your bow is known to you, then you simply need to add either 1 or 2 inches to get a rough approximation of your arrow’s length.
Arm Measurement (First Method):
When measuring, the first step is to take your stance. Stand up and make sure that you are comfortable with where your feet will be placed on the ground as this will have an impact on shot accuracy.
Next, stretch out both of your arms in front of you with one palm touching another for balance; use this position (have someone) to measure from just the center of your chest straight to your fingers tips.
If you don’t have someone available to help measure things, try holding a broom handle up in your outstretched palms and having the end of the broom rest against your chest. When lowering it back down, make a note of how far it is from where you held it up until then. This will give you an idea of how long an arrow would be if shot by that distance!
Ask a Friend for help to Measure Your Draw (Second Method):
This method of measuring arrows requires a friend to assist and an archery bow that you can hold with correct form, draw the bow fully while someone else measures from the string or nock point all the way up to your front grip. Length/distance hence measured would give you the right arrow length.
Use Draw Length Indicator (Third Method):
There are lots of equipment around you, one piece of equipment which use to measure draw length and also known as ‘arrow draw’ can help you. This is the easiest way to draw your arrow length. You will find it longer than your usual arrow and it has markings all along the side. What you need to do is get a hold of your bow, draw this arrow and write down the measurement you get just past the end of the riser. You got your arrow length right away!
Arrow Length vs. Draw Weight:
When you change draw weights, the amount of force on your arrow doesn’t change. The length of the arrow does. Drawing a heavier weight will make your arrow fly longer, but it won’t make it go any faster.
The same goes for arrow length. A shorter draw length means a longer arrow and a longer draw length means a shorter arrow. Arrows that fly the farthest have a shorter draw length.
So if you want to shoot farther with your bow and arrows, adjust your draw length. If you want to shoot more accurately, adjust your draw weight instead of your arrow length.
Shorter Draw Length, Longer Arrow
A shorter draw length means a longer arrow. This is because when the bowstring is closer to the grip, it’s easier for your body to move the bow into full draw. The more force you put on the string, the harder it is to pull with your body weight and this makes for a shorter arrow.
More Draw Weight, Shorter Arrow
When you’re going archery, the only thing that matters is how far your arrow goes. The more draw weight you put on your bow, the farther your arrow will go.
However, what if you want a shorter arrow? If you want a shorter arrow, the draw length of your bow needs to be longer. The more draw length there is on your bow, the longer the distance from your center of gravity to the center of the grip will be. You end up with a longer arrow, but it’s not as long as one with a shorter draw length (as in one with less force).
Conclusion on How to Determine Your Arrow Length:
One of the most basic aspects of archery is determining the correct length for an arrow. We explained why is it so important to know the length? And what are the three steps to take to determine the proper length for your arrows?
Well, it’s all about consistency. If an archer knows that their arrows have been cut properly, they can shoot with more confidence and accuracy. So, to ensure you have the most accurate shots, make sure you know exactly how to measure your arrows. I hope this How to Determine Your Arrow Length is going to help you in many aspects.
