While the easiest way to check your draw weight is to just look at the packaging. That will set you in the right direction, but the
What’s The Best Bow Draw Weight Scale?
Check Price: Amazon
Measuring your bow weight doesn’t have to be complicated and nothing beats the simplicity of this basic analog bow scale. This Weston Bow scale uses such a simple design that almost anyone can figure it out. Weston charges a reasonable price and it’s extremely easy to use and very accurate.
When you first purchase the scale the spring may be a little stiff and require a few good tugs to loosen up. After the initial 2-3 draw breaking in period it will show an accurate weight that’s simple to read.
It can measure draw weights from 20-90lbs and saves the reading until re-zeroed. The 20lb minimum draw weight could be a problem when measuring some compound bows let off.
If you don’t trust the weight it can be easily calibrated by hanging a known weight off the end. For the
2. Allen 100-Pound Digital Bow Scale
Check Price: Amazon
The Allen Digital bow scale is easily one of the most popular scales on the market. The low price tag and digital readout make this scale perfect for most archers. Using a digital scale definitely has its advantages in some regards, but it also has some major issues.
One of the biggest complaints I hear about this scale is that it takes a while to lock onto your peak draw weight. People seem to complain that you have to hold the draw weight steady for 20 seconds.
It doesn’t simply save the weight immediately when you draw the bow back. The reasoning behind this is that you need to set your bow at a weight that you can hold steady.
While hunting you’ll likely have to hold the bow steady for longer than 20 seconds to get off your shot, so if you can’t hold your draw for 20 seconds the weight is set to high. Another great feature is that you can measure your let off throughout the bows entire range. For the
3. Last Chance Handheld Bow Scale Silver
Check Price: Amazon
Last Chance is known for making high quality hunting calibration equipment, but they can be quite expensive. This is a piece of professional calibration equipment designed for the serious archer. It will give you an extremely accurate reading.
The Last Chance Handheld bow scale is easily the most accurate scale on the market. However with all finely tuned equipment increased accuracy comes at a price.
At close to double the price of other digital scales you’ll have to decide if it’s worth it. It will not only read and lock on your peak weight it will also lock onto your holding weight.
This gives you a much more accurate reading. The scale will read up to 110lbs and easily measure let off. If you can get past the price this Last Chance scale is worth taking a look.
4. Dr.meter PS01 110lb Electronic Digital Scale
Check Price: Amazon
Honestly the Dr.Meter isn’t actually a bow scale, but it can definitely work as one. It’s used primarily as a fishing scale, but will work for fine tuning your bow. Since fishing scales have a much larger market they tend to be much cheaper.
At 1/3 of the price of the closest archery scale the Dr.Meter is well worth a look. It’s a basic fishing scale that will measure up to a 110lb draw. You’ll have consistent readings throughout your entire draw allowing you to measure let off and peak weight.
This scale even has a built in tape measure to further fine tune your bow. The tape measure is 1 meter long which is the perfect length for measuring draw length.
Different Archers Have Different Draw Weights
There are a few ways to measure your bow weight, but the most accurate version is to use a dedicated scale. Two archers side by side will most likely have a different draw weight.
The main factor that influences your weight is the draw length. The longer your overall draw length the more tension you’ll create causing an increased draw weight. Likewise a shorter armed archer will have a significantly lower draw weight.
The difference of 1 or 2 inches is a huge difference in measured weight. There are a lot of fancy calculations that you can do measuring your arm span and advertised weight, but it’s much easier just to buy an actual archery scale.
How to Measure Your Bows Draw Weight?
Measuring your bows draw weight is actually pretty self explanatory. You simply hook the scale onto your bow and pull back to where you normally anchor.
That’s where a lot of people stop and measure their draw. The arrow will actually be a few inches forward because of the scale. So you will have to pull the scale back the additional length of the bow scales bar to get an accurate reading.
Another helpful tip is to actually use an arrow while using the
Which Draw Weight Scale is Right For You?
By far the best scale on this list is the Last Chance Handheld bow scale. The only thing holding it back is the price. If you’re looking for a more affordable option you should choose the Allen Digital scale or Wilson Analog Scale.
It’s hard to choose between digital and analog, because it will largely come down to personal preference. Analog scales are easier to use and digital offer more control. You can ever go with the Dr.Meter Digital fishing scale if you want to save a little money.