How to Determine What Draw of Weight You Should Get for a Longbow

The longbow is a traditional bow design built from a single piece of wood or multiple layers of laminated wood. The draw weight of the typical longbow is much lower than recurve and compound bows. Determining the appropriate draw weight is an important consideration before purchasing a longbow. The weight must be comfortable when held at full draw. Using a longbow with too much draw weight reduces accuracy through an inconsistent draw position; too little weight reduces arrow speed and makes it more difficult to kill game and strike distant targets.

Things You'll Need

  • Digital draw scale
  • Recurve bow
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Instructions

    • 1

      Visit an archery shop and ask permission to draw several bows to determine your most comfortable draw weight. Many shops to not carry longbows, but drawing a recurve model is a sufficient substitute.

    • 2

      Begin by drawing a bow with 65 to 70 pounds of draw weight. This is the maximum draw weight range for a longbow. Hook a digital draw scale on the bow to measure the weight you are drawing.

    • 3

      Lower the draw weight by 5 pounds until you reach a comfortable weight. Draw the bow at the comfortable weight several times to ensure you can hold the draw position for 10 seconds without straining. The draw will require 65 to 75 percent of your strength to pull the string and hold the position.

    • 4

      Purchase a longbow with a draw weight matching your comfort position on the test bows. The draw weight is not adjustable on a longbow, and you should be satisfied with the decision before making the purchase.