How Tall Should a Bow Be for Archery?
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Longer Bows Have Higher Potential Accuracy
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Because an archery bow follows the general principles of physics, a longer bow will have more potential kinetic energy than a shorter bow. This is made possible by the greater degree of flex in the arch of the bow, as well as the increased length of the bowstring. In archery this is important because increased arrow velocity will allow the arrow to drop less during flight, which ultimately leads to a more accurate shot. Another advantage of a longer bow is that it will offer increased stability, provided the archer is capable of physically handling the bow.
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Shorter Bows Are Easier To Handle
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Although a longer bow has the potential to produce more power and stability, these advantages are wasted if the bow is not easily handled. Accuracy is paramount in archery, so a bow that is the proper ratio to your body will typically give a better result than one you pick because it's the largest available. If the bow is too large for your body, you will not be able to extend the bow to full draw, and consequently will produce less power and accuracy.
Bottom Line
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Each person must determine which length of bow will provide him with the best combination of accuracy, power and ergonomics. The ideal way to accomplish this is to visit a hunting or sporting goods store and try out several bows to determine the most comfortable fit. Look for a bow that allows you to fully draw back your arm without visibly stressing the frame of the bow. Bows come in sizes from as small as 28 inches to longer than 48 inches, but according to Dick's Sporting Goods, many people find that bows between 32 inches and 46 inches provide a more usable blend of bow characteristics. For a point of reference, a person who is 5 feet, 10 inches tall would probably be comfortable with a bow that is 39 to 40 inches long, according to average arm span and draw length.
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- Photo Credit boy playing archery. symbol of success.leisure. image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
