Hey fellas, I'm brand new to this site and from what I've seen everyone here is quick to help out.  I got a recurve when I was in high school for a Christmas present; it was a Martin Mamba.  Never have hunted with it but lately I've been using it for shooting gar(which is a blast).  I'm wanting to make the transition to traditional exclusively, and I love that bow but I do believe it's time for an upgrade.  I'm now 6'1 with a wingspan of 77.5".  Whats the best way to find an appropriate draw length?  Also what length bow do yall think would be more comfortable to shoot.  I've been eyeing the BW company and the fact they will let you test drive one is very appealing considering the investment a custom bow is.  Any info yall can give me is greatly appreciated.  Take care.

I can tell you BW is an INCREDIBLE outfit with terrific folks who will be glad to help you out from soup to nuts...there are other wonderful customer Bowyers as well, Jeff Strauss of Allegheny Mt Bows herein NJ as well as Jason Fedora of Fedora Custom in PA....all have websites and are more than willing to answer questions, nothing is off limits and they will all freely share info...I personally shoot all three of their bows and all fantastic shooters...tat being said, Widow in many folks opinion, is the Mercedes Benz of the Custom world...though that statement can be argued until the cows come home !

 

Medic the easiest way is to take and put an arrow on your present bow and draw to anchor. Let someone put a mark where your arrow meets the back of the bow and measure from that mark to the bottom of the valley in your arrow nock. Once you find that(draw length) it will determine length of bow.

A way to check your draw length  Draw to your anchor.  The clothespin will slide on the arrow as it hits the bow.  Let down and measure to where the clothespin is from the nock and you have your draw length.

What is the weight of the mamba?  It might be enough to hunt with.

I appreciate the feedback.  I'll definitely check out the other bowyers you mentioned.  That clothespin trick is pretty slick ill give that one a try.  The Mamba is 60# @ 28".

Medic...............

You will be hard pressed to upgrade in performance. The Mamba is a great bow and will shoot with anybody's custom.

Big Jim makes great bow and is a great guy. Help you in any way you need. Hope everything goes right and you find what you need.
 Chandler

A lot of great Bowyers that are also Sponsors on this site.Black Widow is among the finest among them!!

Welcome to the site.  I agree with JamesV.  The bow u have is an excellent place to start.  IMHO, u should take the mamba to a local archery shop, have them det ur draw length, set u up with arrows, points, etc, and start practicing.

Not to repeat what others have said but the Mamba is a nice bow already.  However, I certainly can understand the "itch" to get something new.  It's a common problem in this hobby of ours and it can become very addictive!  

Now as others have said, get your proper draw length first.  Then get some good arrows to match your current bow and start shooting it first.  Then, go to some shoots and/or some shows and start shooting as many different bows as you can.  Believe me, you will definately know when you have shot the right bow for you.  (It's like meeting your dream girl.  She make look great to you, but she might not feel just right.  When the right one comes along, you will know it.  It might not look the same as you imagined, but you will just mesh together!)  Then make sure you buy it.  Why?  Because no two bows feel exactly the same even when it it made by the same maker, same specs. etc. (in my opinion).  Caution: You may find that there is more than just one!

I appreciate all the feedback.  Thanks a bunch.