What do the numbers on a bow mean? (archery)?

Question

for example: 61inch, 20#. I am guessing the 61 inch is the length of the bow because this for a longbow. What does 20# mean? And how do you figure out the draw weight?

Thanks

Answer 1

The 61" is the length of the bowstring. The 20# should be followed by @XX  where XX is the draw length. The 20# is the draw weight at THAT draw length, if you draw more than the listed length (usually 28") the weight will go up by about 2.5 lbs per inch and less draw length will lower the poundage. Make sure you are using the correct length bowstring as well because that can so affect the draw weight. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Thor got it right.  Just like to add to his answer, the 28" draw length is the standard here in the US.  Most bow manufacturer follow this standard, only some asian manufacturers set their own standard at 26", most likely due to the smaller stature of asians in general.  This draw length is measured from the nock groove, to the back of the bow (this is the side facing the target).  There will be differences between the theoretical draw weight at your draw length and the actual, this is due to bow design.  Some bows stacks at the longer draw lengths while others remain smooth.  

So, to really measure your actual draw weight, say for determining arrow size, you'll need a scale and someone to mark your arrow while you draw it.  A fish scale can be used for this exercise.  You take an arrow, nock it on the bow and draw it back.  When you're at full draw, have a friend with a sharpie mark the arrow where it touches the back of the bow.  Repeat this 2 or 3 times to make sure your draw length is consistent, if not then you can average the length.  Then take that bow with the arrow on it and put it on the scale, pull on the bow until that mark, again touches the back of the bow.  The reading on the scale is your actual AMO draw weight.  This number and your draw length is what determines what size arrow you need to be using.

Answer 3

Usually you're looking at draw length and weight. My bow is 28" (draw length) 60# (weight). Length usually refers to the length of the string... which in your case should be pretty close to the length of the bow since it not a compound.

Hope that helps

Answer 4

20# is the draw weight

Answer 5

On most bows the numbers are set up and preset to read the draw length and draw weight on your bow directly from the manufacture. As an example 26/50 means you have a 26 inch preset draw length with your preset draw weight being 50 lbs. Of course the bigger numbers like you posted of 61 inches does refer to your total strength length that is set for your bow.

Once you have bought your bow though most dealers will replace that preset sticker that shows everything, and instead put one of their own that will show how it is set up for you.

Answer 6

the 20 could be the draw weight but to measure it properly you need a bow scale.