business and finance | May 03, 2026

How do you measure arrow length for a recurve bow?

Once you've determined your draw length, simply add 1 to 2 inches to that, and this will be your ideal arrow length. So if your draw length is 28″, you should be using arrows that are between 29 and 30 inches long.

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Consequently, how do you tell what length arrows you need?

The standard way to measure arrow length is from the back of the point to the throat of the nock. Your draw length and arrow spine will influence your arrow length. If you're a 28-inch draw length and want an arrow that ends at the front of the riser, your arrow length would be around 27 inches.

Beside above, how long should my arrows be for a 30 inch draw? How to: Select the perfect arrow

Bow Arrow length
Draw weight lb. 25" 30"
15-20 700 600
20-25 700 500
25-30 700 500

Regarding this, how do you measure for a recurve bow?

ANSWER: The easiest way to measure the length of your traditional bow is to start at the string groove, follow the curvature of the limb along the belly side of the bow, across the riser area, and follow the curvature of the other limb to the other string groove. This will give you the a.m.o. bow length.

How long should my arrows be for a 29 inch draw?

You're using a compound bow with 29draw, then the arrow length for 29draw should be 29” – 1.5” = 27.5”. For most modern bow and riser, it is still acceptable. The arrow will likely to stay on the arrow rest, which is vital.

Related Question Answers

Are shorter arrows more accurate?

The shorter arrow will be lighter and therefore faster off the bow. The longer heavier arrow will retain its velocity better than the lighter arrow. The shorter, faster arrow will have more drag therefore reducing penetration.

How do I measure draw length?

Just stand naturally. Have someone else help you, and measure from the tip of one middle finger to the other. Then simply divide that number by 2.5. The quotient is your approximate draw length (in inches) for your body size.

Can arrows be too long?

The longer the arrow, the weaker the spine. So to answer your question, yes an arrow can sometimes be too long. Longer arrows can also lessen your FOC (Front Of Center) percentage, which may cause less than optimal broadhead flight. It can't hurt if it's too long if it's shoots well for you.

How far should an arrow go past the rest?

The best safety practice is to make sure your arrows sit at least 1" beyond your arrow rest when the bow is at full draw. A little bit of extra arrow length gives the arrows an important margin of safety. A little too long is okay.

Does arrow length affect accuracy?

That makes it harder to hit the target. Longer arrows flex more. This means it is harder to get an accurate shot with too long of an arrow. Not much research has been done on arrow length, and it needs to be done.

What size arrows do I need for my recurve bow?

Once you've determined your draw length, simply add 1 to 2 inches to that, and this will be your ideal arrow length. So if your draw length is 28″, you should be using arrows that are between 29 and 30 inches long.

How heavy should my arrow be?

If you want to target practice, you want the arrow to weigh in total (shaft, vanes, insert, nock and field point combined) around 5 to 6 grain per pound of draw weight. So if your bow has 60 lbs. of draw, you want to use arrows that weigh in total between 300 and 360 grain.

How do I choose the right arrow for my bow?

The basic steps for choosing an arrow are:
  1. Choose your arrow material. Arrow material includes Wood, Carbon, Aluminum, or Fiberglass.
  2. Choose arrow spine and arrow length. Arrow spine and arrow length will depend on the bow from which the arrow is being shot.
  3. Choose your desired shaft pattern.

How tall should a recurve bow be?

The overall height of the recurve bow (in inches) should be roughly your draw length plus 40in. Standard setups usually range from 66in-72in, although there is more variety for youth archers.

How long should a recurve bow string be?

Recurve and Longbow Strings Measure its length from string groove to string groove. Once you know the bow's length, you can determine your bowstring's length. If you shoot a recurve, your bowstring is usually 4 inches shorter than the bow's length. If you shoot a longbow, the bowstring is 3 inches shorter.

What draw weight should I get for a recurve bow?

When choosing a recurve bow for target shooting, bows with draw weights ranging from 15 lbs. to 70 lbs. or more are perfectly acceptable. However, bows with draw weights ranging from 25 lbs. to 35 lbs. are most common. Also, the type of target archery you intend to pursue should also be considered.

How much does a recurve bow cost?

Compound or recurve bows can start as low as $250, and most starter ones will come with a sight that is around $100, and an arrow rest that is around $50. Then there are arrows, a lot of them since they easily break – one is of about $8. Release aids can be found at about $50, and youth target of about $30.

What draw weight should I use?

Every bow has a draw weight. Some compound bows can be adjusted over a 50-pound range, such as 15 to 65 pounds, while others offer a smaller range of poundage adjustment such as 10 pounds.. Every person has an ideal draw weight. Some archers easily pull 30 pounds, and others can pull over 70 pounds.

What is Amo bow length?

AMO stands for the Archery Manufacturers Organization. It created a set of standards for things such as defining bow length. When people give a length of a bow in inches they almost always mean AMO bow length. AMO bow length is the length of the string plus 3 inches.

What size recurve limbs do I need?

Archer Height and Bow Size Chart
Archer Height Bow Size (inches) – AMO
Up to 5'6″ 64
Up to 5'10” 66
Up to 6'2″ 68
6'2″ and over 70

What grain arrow should I shoot?

As draw weight increases, so should arrow rigidity (spine). Also, we strongly recommend that you use an arrow with at least 5 grains of weight per pound or draw weight (if you are shooting a 60 lb. bow, you should use and arrow of not less than 300 grains). This includes your field point or broadhead.

What do the numbers on arrows mean?

Arrow Shaft Length and Labeling. A smaller number means that the arrow has a stiffer spine. For example, 3-60/340 means three wraps of carbon-fiber with an aluminum core tube diameter of 60 and a spine stiffness rating of 340. Carbon arrows also are labeled to indicate their spine deflection.

Is Arrow length the same as draw length?

As for arrow length, your draw length is measured 1 3/4" in front of the riser so an arrow equal to or up to 1 1/4" shorter will leave you at least 1/2" past the riser which I feel is safe for me. try both but remember, a little too short is better than too long.

What is the best hunting arrow?

Quick Picks: Best Hunting Arrows
  • Carbon Exp. Maxima Red.
  • Easton Full Metal Jacket.
  • Carbon Exp. Maxima Blu RZ.
  • Cabela's Carbon Hunter.
  • Easton Aftermath.
  • Gold Tip Hunter Pro.
  • Gold Tip Hunter XT.
  • Easton Bloodline.