What is draw weight and what should I use?

Question

I plan on getting a recurve bow but I don't know exactly what draw weight is? If it is what I think it is then it is how much pressure is needed to draw the bow. I am about to turn fourteen. In like a month. So what do you think would be a good draw weight for me? I am an average strength kid. I am 5 foot seven if that even matters.

Thanks!

Answer 1

That is correct, draw weight is the force on the string at full draw.  There are two different types of draw weight, one is the AMO draw weight, this is the standard measure for a bow, usually measured at 28" of draw.  The second type of draw weight is the actual draw weight.  This is the weight that you're actually holding at full draw.  For every inch of draw beyond 28" you will usually gain 2lbs, and you'll loose 2lbs for every inch under 28".

So, when you see a 20lbs bow at the shop, it might not actually be 20lbs when you draw it back.

As for what is the best weight, it would all depend on what you've been shooting so far.  If the bow you've been using so far feels too light, then get something perhaps 4lbs heavier.