It is not possible to perform archery or bow hunting unless you have knowledge about some important factors. Determining how to measure bow draw weight plays a significant role in choosing the right one for you.
When you pull the string of a bow, the amount of force you exert in this act is known as the draw weight of a bow. The most convenient way to find it is by attaching a bow scale to your bowstring.
Below are the simplest ways that we swear by figuring out the draw weight of different bows. Make sure to understand and follow these carefully.
Longbow, Recurve, And Compound – How To Measure Bow Draw Weight?
The three different types of bows are unidentical when it comes to working mechanisms. Similarly, the average draw weight varies for each type. Let’s see how to measure draw weight in these bows and how to check it.
Determining Bow Draw Weight
All you need to measure the draw weight of any bow is a bow scale. These are designed especially for figuring out the draw weights of archery bows. This helps you pull the string back just like you regularly draw a bow.
Generally, a bow scale has a hook to attach various objects for the measurements. It makes the entire process a lot more convenient. No matter what type of bow you have, the following method is suitable for all.
Here are the simple steps:
- Attach the scale to the bowstring using the hook, close to the nock.
- Hold the bow, raise it, and draw it max just like you do for regular shooting.
- Check the scale and note down the measurement.
- The value will be the draw weight of your particular bow.
If you feel hard to draw the bow, loosen it a bit and try again. Don’t settle for anything that is out of your comfort zone. Doing so will provoke you to build the bad habit of shooting at higher draw weights with poor accuracy.
Remember, the readings are not always accurate but are very close approximations. It might take you a few tries to get a lot more exact results.
Longbow Draw Weight
With the longbows, the archer has to draw the string and hold it throughout the aiming process until he shoots. The average draw weight of these bows is 28 inches which can vary based on the user’s physique.
Before purchasing a traditional longbow for yourself, make sure to determine draw weight for yourself. An inappropriate draw weight i.e., one that is either too light or too heavy will result in the inaccuracy of the shots.
Heavier draw weights are likely to require more effort but still would fail to shoot right at the target. If you are new to archery, it is ideal to start with low poundages and gradually increase them as you develop better skills.
Choosing the right draw weight for yourself will not only help with aiming and shooting but also save you from muscle strain and fatigue.
Recurve Bow Draw Weight
When it comes to the draw weight of a recurve bow, these are quite identical to the traditional longbows. The archer has to pull and hold the bowstring in its place using force throughout aiming. Moreover, these also have an average draw weight of 28 inches.
To determine your draw weight, use the same method mentioned above using the weighing scale. Regardless of the bow you have, it is suggested to always go for what is the most comfortable for you. Look for best beginner recurve bow. Even if it is way low or higher than the standard draw weight, it would offer accuracy as long as you are at comfort.
Compound Bow Draw Weight
These are quite unique and have no similarities with the longbows and recurve bows. With compound bows, you don’t have to hold the bowstring till you shoot. The standard draw weight of a compound bow ranges between 25 to 80 lbs. If you are just beginning compound bow journey start with some of the best beginner compound bows to get hold of draw weight as per your strength.
As you completely draw the string and it reaches the let-off, the string becomes extremely easy to hold. After the left off, you don’t have to apply the same amount of force, a little less would still result in a precise shot.
Let-off is generally the draw weight’s fraction that makes using the bow a lot more comfortable. Most of the compound bows come with as much as 80 to 90% left-off, allowing you to apply a very tiny bit of effort.
Using the draw weight or measuring scale, you can easily figure out the best draw weight for you on a compound bow.
Average Draw Weight Poundages For Different Bow Types
Based on stature, and muscle power, the standard draw weights vary from person to person. The chart below reveals the average values for each type of bow.
| Archer’s Size | Longbows Draw Weight (lbs.) | Recurve Bows Draw Weight (lbs.) | Compound Bows Draw Weight (lbs.) |
| Small Children (18 to 32 kg) | 10 to 15 | 10 to 15 | 10 to 15 |
| Large Children (32 to 45 kg) | 15 to 25 | 15 to 25 | 15 to 25 |
| Females & Young Boys (45 to 63 kg) | 20 to 30 | 20 to 30 | 25 to 40 |
| Plus Size Females (63 to 73 kg) | 30 to 35 | 30 to 35 | 40 to 50 |
| Males (73 to 86 kg) | 35 to 45 | 35 to 45 | 55 to 65 |
| Plus Size Males (86+ kg) | 45 to 60 | 45 to 60 | 60 to 80 |
How To Increase Bow Draw Weight?
Are you planning to increase the draw weight of your bow but don’t know how to? The key is to strengthen the muscles used during archery. You can achieve this goal by incorporating some physical exercise into your daily routine.
Here are some core exercises to train yourself for an increased draw weight. These exercises, if done continuously can impact your draw length as well. So, make sure to change draw length as well.
Bent Over Dumbbell Raises
One of the best exercises to perform if you wish to build and strengthen your shoulder muscles. As the name refers, this exercise requires a dumbbell.
Stand straight, bend over in a forward direction and raise your hands to form a “T” position. Now hold one dumbbell in each hand and start raising your arms outwards and inwards.
Lateral Band Raises
You can easily perform this exercise using an exercise band. While these bands are suitable for a variety of home workouts, the lateral band raises are ideal for increasing the draw weight. This exercise mimics the draw cycle of a bow without the let-off.
These bands have handles on both ends, hold them firmly in each hand. Step on the band that is on the floor and stretch your arms outwards. This will create a flying movement with the hands.
Planks
Place your elbows and hand on the ground and lay straight facing the ground. Lift your body up and put all the weight on the tips of your toes and elbows. Make sure to keep the body straight. Neither create a bump with your butt nor fall straight on the ground.
Staying in this position for as long as possible helps with core muscle building. Begin with 30 seconds timer and work your way up to a minute or two.
Push Ups
It is an exercise that doesn’t require any equipment but offers impeccable training. Push-ups strengthen your back and shoulder muscles to the core, helping significantly in increasing the draw weight.
Lay down on the ground with your face towards the ground. Place your hands and feet shoulder-width apart. Lift your body up and keep doing till your arms extend completely.
Once fully extended, lower your chest gradually but don’t fall on the ground. Stay at least an inch above the ground and push the chest upwards again. Repeat the process for a couple of rounds.
Pull Ups
Hold a bar with both of your hands firmly and pull all your body weight up and down. This is an excellent exercise to train your biceps and back for strength.
Conclusion
Understanding how to measure bow draw weight and learning nitty gritty of adjusting draw weight according to your strength and capabilities helps fine tune it for the best results. Don’t get overwhelmed with heavier draw weights and choose for yourself.
Always start with the lowest possible value that stays within your comfort zone. As soon as you start building the skills, slowly increase the weight and practice excessively.
Make sure to keep measuring the bow draw weight after every few weeks to get as accurate estimations as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Heavy draw weight does shoot arrows with great power and hence penetrated deeper. However, it is only possible if you are comfortable with the weight.
If it is too heavy for you, it won’t be possible to get the best results. A lighter draw weight will hit the target with higher precision than a heavier one if you are comfortable with it.
While it may not impact the shooting accuracy directly. An incorrect draw weight of your bow will result in poor stability and aiming which ultimately impacts the accuracy.
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