Imagine using a $700 bow and your arrow still lands at an abnormal place. The only reason for it could be the wrong choice of arrow length for the bow. That is when archers wonder what length arrows do I need. The standard arrow length is 28 inches for every user.
Whether you are an expert or a beginner, 28 inches of arrow length would work fine regardless of your intent of use. However, the choice narrows down as you consider the most important factors that influence the arrow length such as draw length.
Arrow Selection Guide – What Length Arrows Do I Need?
Be it target archery or bowhunting, users always have one typical question i.e., what length arrows do I need? Well, choosing the arrow length doesn’t depend on whether you are an archer or a bowhunter. It is based on draw length, parts of an arrow and compatibility with your bow.
Draw Length Vs Arrow Length
People usually baffle the two terms with each other. Even though draw length and arrow length are different in every way, they correlate and impact the overall performance. They greatly impact how far can your compound bow shoot. So, make sure to determine the draw length of your bow before you go for the arrow length.
Draw length dictates the maximum distance at which an archer pulls their bow. It is quite simple to measure with the following steps:
- Stand up straight and stretch your arms.
- Use a measuring tape to determine your wingspan (the distance between the tip of your mid-finger of one hand to the other).
- Now divide the result by 2.5.
- The final answer will be how much you can pull back your bow i.e., draw length.
On the other hand, arrow length measures the total distance of the arrow shaft. In other words, starting from the bottom of the nock’s groove to the grip’s end excluding the tip. All you need is a simple measuring tape to figure out the length.
- Start from the bottom of the groove on the nock using a measuring tape.
- Extend it through the shaft till the end.
- Mark the endpoint on the tape right before the tip starts.
- The total reading will be the length of your arrow.
Choosing the Right Arrow Length
Now that you have understood the differences between both, making choices would become a bit easier. There are different standards for arrow length depending on the type of bow draw. It also impact how far can a crossbow shoot. Let’s check out some examples.
Mediterranean Shooting
For Mediterranean shooting, archers draw the string by using three fingers. The first finger is placed above the nocked arrow whereas the other two rest below it. Mediterranean shooting is a common practice among hunters and target archers in the Middle East and Europe countries.
To know the best arrow length for this kind of shooting, determine the draw length first. Now whatever measurements you get, make sure to go for an arrow at least 1 or 2 inches longer than it.
The standard arrow length for Mediterranean shooting is 29 inches which ensures complete safety and much better accuracy.
Mongolian Shooting
It is another kind of drawing that beginners as well as expert archers and bow hunters commonly practice in Asian countries. For Mongolian shooting, only the thumb is used to draw the string hence also known as thumb draw.
Since Mongolian bows are bigger than traditional bows, the ideal arrow length for these is between 30 to 40 inches. Any arrow measuring beyond 35 inches in length could be a little tricky to manage. So, if you are going for such a long arrow, make sure you have the required skills.
Conclusion
As a bowman, it is not surprising to worry about what arrow length I need. The easiest way is to figure out the draw length of your bow, add 1 or 2 inches to it and choose the arrow of that length. The standard arrow length is 28 inches which most archers opt for. However, for taller folks, it could be a short arrow.
Knowing how to measure arrow length is a separate story. That said, the best way to determine it according to your height is to know the draw length first. Don’t get overwhelmed with the vast range of choices and only pick what fits your needs the best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
The most ideal arrow length for a 28 inch draw would be an inch or two greater than it. That said, you use a 29 or 30-inch arrow.
Speaking of a bow having 29 inches draw length, the ideal arrow length would be 30 or 31 inches.
Arrow size tells how stiff the arrow is whereas, arrow length determines the total length of an arrow shaft.
The easiest way to protect yourself from any injury by an arrow is to choose the right length. Any arrow shorter than 28 inches can cause harm. Moreover, use an arm guard for added protection.
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