I've been watching clinch videos. One of them advocates the cinch buckle to be in the elbow area. Way back when, we were taught that was a no no for when the elbow comes back when striding the buckle is in the way.

so, what is the proper legenth for a cinch ? 

I honestly like my cinches longer, I don't want that buckle in the elbow area, I like mine a few inches below my pad, maybe a hand 

I like my cinch to be a bit longer also.  I don't like metal anywhere near my joints, I'm sure my horses wouldn't either.

Thank, mine is on the longer side too. 

I'm in the longer group too.