Is there a thumb rule for what the change in draw weight is for either a longer or shorter draw length from the standard 28"?

Depends on the bow design and it's initial weight. Mostly you can count on 2.5 to 3 pounds per inch either way. It's pretty easy though to do a force draw on a bow scale and just measure to see what it is.

Thanks George. I don't have a bow scale and was looking for a ballpark figure. My draw length is 26" so was curious what the loss in draw weight might be.

As George notes, about 5# less than the weight marked at 28 inches for your 26-inch draw for an average/mid-weight bow, a little more more for a heavier bow, a little less for a lighter bow.

Try this- divide draw weight at 28" (say 50#) by 28" minus brace height (say 8"). That becomes 50#/20" = 2.5 #/inch. So for a 26" draw expect a 5# reduction. Should give a close estimate.

Leigh -

Marked draw weight at 28" / 20 = pounds per inch difference. Assume std geometry and before stacking.

Viper out.

The division factor works to an extent but still depends on the design. Some bows will start to stack before others...as Viper said. My draw isn't long enough to encounter stack in most bows.

Wow, thanks guys. Math was never my forte. My bows are 45# recurve and 50# r/d ASL.

I can always count on 3# for every inch below 28" down to my 26.5 draw length. Bows will vary a bit, but 3# per inch will get you close.

Yarwp, 3# gets me close for arrow spine and flight.

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