What Size Recurve Bow Do I Need?

ByWei Yang

The harder you pull back the bow string, the longer the bow you’ll need to shoot straight.

Size matters. especially when it comes to nailing the perfect shot.

According to a study by the National Field Archery Association (NFAA), a misfit can slash your accuracy by up to 15%. That’s a huge deal, right? This is where knowing your actual draw comes into play.

A bow tailored to your draw length wont just feel right in your hands but will also boost your performance every time.

You can our fun bow length calculator (with draw weight) to get a sense of the required size.

Read on, I’ll guide you through finding that perfect fit.

  • Picking the right size for your bow is essential and depends mainly on your draw length and weight.
  • You can measure your draw length in three main ways: the wingspan method, the arrow-to-fingertip method, or the AMO method, with the AMO being the most accurate.
  • Target archers lean towards a Longer bow, between 66 and 70 inches, for reduced vibration and sharper precision.
  • For hunters, a shorter bow, around 60 inches, works best for moving quickly in compact spaces.
  • Remember, a heavier draw weight on a shorter bow can be challenging to handle.
  • Size chart and bow length calculators are helpful tools to find a good starting point.
  • Taller archers may benefit from a longer bow for optimal reach.

Bow Size & Draw Weight Calculator

Bow Size & Draw Weight Calculator

Bow Measurements

Imagine wearing shoes that are either too big or too small; neither feels good, right? The same goes for archery. The right draw length keeps you from straining your shoulders and helps you aim with the stability.

The most common and easy to use methods for calculating your draw length are:

  • Wingspan Method: Stretch those arms out and measure from fingertip to fingertip. Take this number, multiply by 2.5, then subtract 15 inches.
  • Arrow-to-Fingertip Method: Nock an arrow, pull it back (safety first, aim away!), and let your buddy check if the nock sits just right at your hand’s index finger. Too long or short? The bow might not be your match.
  • AMO Draw Length (Most Accurate): This method requires a recurve bow and is best done with the help of a qualified archery professional. Here’s the formula:

AMO Draw Length = (Distance between grip throat and string at full draw) + 1.75 inches

For target shooting, a slightly longer bow is often preferred around 66 to 70 inches. Why? A longer bow tends to vibrate less upon release, offering a smoother shot. This is crucial for the precision required in target archery. 

Whereas in hunting, maneuverability is vital. You’re often in tighter spaces or need to react quickly. A short and compact bow will be more suitable in this situation. It will make you easier for you move around and less likely to snag on branches or underbrush.

The size chart below will give you an idea of what generally archers go with in terms or bow size for their draw lengths. 

Pull Back Distance (Draw Length in Inches)Ideal Bow Size (in Inches)Additional Insights
14″ to 16″48″Young or beginner archers
16″ to 20″54″–
21″ to 22″58″–
22″ to 24″62″Common choice for adults
24″ to 26″64″ to 66″Moderate level archers
26″ to 28″66″ to 68″Competitive target archery
29″ to 30″69″ to 70″Taller archers
31″ and longer70″ to 72″Very tall archers
Recurve bow size chart

Role of Draw Weight

The draw weight’s connection to bow size is subtle but significant. A heavier draw weight on a shorter bow can make the bow harder to pull and control, potentially leading to quicker fatigue. Conversely, the same draw weight on a longer bow might feel more manageable due to the increased stability and smoother draw cycle.

If we mix in pull weight with the table above, the best bow size for your body would be as follows

Pull Back Distance (Draw Length in Inches)Ideal Bow Size (in Inches)Start Draw Weight for Beginners
14″ to 16″48″10-15 lbs (Children under 100 lbs)
16″ to 20″54″15-25 lbs (Youth & Small Adults)
21″ to 22″58″25-35 lbs (Small to Medium Adults)
22″ to 24″62″25-35 lbs (Small to Medium Adults)
24″ to 26″64″ to 66″35-45 lbs (Medium Adults)
26″ to 28″66″ to 68″40-55 lbs (Average Male Adults)
29″ to 30″69″ to 70″45-55 lbs (Stronger Adults)
31″ and longer70″ to 72″45-55 lbs (Stronger Adults)
Recurve bow size chart

Choosing the Right Bow for Your Body and Archery Style

Imagine you’re a guy of average height who loves the thrill of hunting. A bow that’s between 60″-68″ long would be your best buddy. It’s easy to move around with in the woods but still strong enough to hit targets far away.

If you’re taller, you might like something longer, up to 70″, to make the most of your reach. And if you’re not so tall, a bow as short as 58″ could be more comfortable and easier to handle.

Now, let’s talk about other forms of archery.

In the Olympics or similar contests, you’ll need a bow that’s between 66″ and 72″ long. That’s the rule to play by. But if you’re more into horseback archery, where quick moves are key, shorter bows, around 48″-54″, work best. This way, you can easily aim and shoot while your horse is moving fast.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect size for your recurve bow boils down to understanding your draw length and matching it to the right bow length and power.

Start by measuring your draw length using one of the common methods – be it the wingspan method or the more precise AMO formula. Then, consult bow size charts provided to get a fair idea about the bow size.

If you are opting for a hunting recurve bow, make sure it packs enough power for the game you’re targeting, yet remains comfortable in your grip. 

FAQ

Getting the right size of recurve bow is key because it fits better in your hand and is easier to use. This makes aiming easier and archery more fun.

If your bow is too big, it might feel clumsy and mess up your aim. If it’s too small, it can squeeze your fingers and make the bow shake more, which makes hitting the target tough.

The best way to pick the right bow is by knowing your draw length. That’s how far you pull the string back.

Your draw length is how far the string is from the bow when you pull it back to shoot. You can get help measuring this at an archery store.

You should look for a bow’s AMO length, which tells you how long the bow is. Your draw length, plus the typical riser length of about 25 inches, should match the bow’s AMO length closely.

Wei Yang, from Huntsville, Alabama, loves archery, especially with recurve bows. He's practiced for over five years, joining many tournaments. His passion for archery is about more than just competition; it's a source of joy and dedication.

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