Glossary

Bow Weight Markings

The weight marking on a bow provide an indication as to the draw weight of a bow. The weight of a bow for recurve and longbows is measured 28” from the back of the bow. Some Asian manufacturers measure the weight of bows using a measurement of 26” from the pivot point. Compound bows are marked based on the peak weight with the bow set at the middle of its draw length range. As you vary the draw length of most compound bows you change the bow weight, usually by increasing draw length you increase bow weight and by decreasing draw length you decrease bow weight. To better catalog and control stock, some manufacturers group bows in predetermined weight ranges e.g. a bow marked 35lb could be a heavy as 38lb or as light as 33lb.