bowhunter30

I got back into archery about 4 years ago. I hadn't shot since then since I was kid. I really love it and there is nothing more I would rather be doing. But there is one thing I don't understand and maybe I could get some input on. Why the need for speed? Or should I say...so much speed? It seems to be all that guys are into when it comes to shooting. When I decided to get a new bow, my dealer intorduced me to a bow that was super fast compared to what I was used to shooting. Plus he talked me into switching to carbons to increase my speed. He seemed to be pumped up on the speed thing. What I found out was that it wasn't for me and going to a faster shooting bow hurt me because it was less forgiving. A mistake made with my old bow might only be 1/2 or 1/8 in. off. With this faster one, we're talking a couple of inches off maybe even a complete miss if I make a big mistake with it. My scores dropped big time on the range along with my confidence. I can shoot it now, but it took alot of practice time. I'm nowhere near what I used to shoot on the ranges but it is becoming more comfortable to me. I just don't understand the need to shoot something so fast. If you want that much speed, why not just use your rifle? After all, isn't archery 10% equipment and 90% mental any how? I was just curious and wondering what other people thought about it. Thanks for your input.

Lilhunter

cuz this big speed and KE groupies go hand in hand! Its 2 things that are easily measured.....to bad its only a part of the total package and probably more so to a lesser extent then other factors when it comes to bowhunting. I can understand it however for those solely target shooting where missing a range estimation could cost a pretty penny VS in a hunting situation where it would mean the difference between a heart shot, lung shot, or hopefully a clean miss and the only thing lost is a persons ego!

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xtarcher

I can only tell you this...Kenetic energy is more vital than your actual speed..Someone shooting at 300fps will have no advantage over someone shooting 265fps..Yes one is faster...But in the real scheme of things..I will take either one..When that buck steps out at 25 or 30 yards...25fps or so will not be that big of deal...If however, you are shooting in tournaments..fps is important...ASA rules and TBO limit the speed your bow can be..Hope I helped you some..LOL...I know it can be confusing..

Wahya

There's a whole bunch of us that are wired up for speed. Yep, my longbow shoots about 180<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Lilhunter

Ke and speed are just to easily measured items! Look at the formula for Ke in itself and then ask a physics major whats going to push and arrow through bones and heavy tissue. Ke is good, speed is good, but there is more to the scheme of things!

Arthur P

Bowhunter30, I suffered the same culture shock when I had to give up my longbows and get back into compounds. Hadn't shot a compound in about 8 years and EVERYTHING had changed. Back then, most everyone still shot fingers and 44&quot; was a short bow. Now everyone shoots release and 44&quot; bows are rare as hens' teeth. Back then, 500 grains was a normal hunting weight arrow. Now it's considered a log.

I tried the speedy stuff and, like you, found out it's not for me. I've gotten hold of a couple old bows and I'm snooping the second hand stores for more. I'm shooting 500 grain arrows and using my God given fingers to shoot with.

I want to shoot arrows that go where I aim them from bows that are pleasant to draw and shoot. That's all I need. But, I don't want to have to take a second mortgage on the house to do it. A new bow like I want priced out at $750 for Pete's sake!!

The other guys can brag all they want about the numbers they can put up on a chronograph. That's just not my idea of fun.

PABowhntr

Hey Arthur, I am buying back one of my &quot;old&quot; bows...an XI Paragon...42.5 inch axle to axle, 7.5 inch brac height, &quot;smoother than most&quot; TAC cams.... 5 lb bare bow weight....sound familiar?...and if I crank the limbs all the way down and shoot a really light carbon arrow with my draw length then it might do 260 fps....<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>....

Arthur P

<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> Been there, done that, Frank. Got the T-shirt!

I'm dragging out my ol' Hoyt ProVantage Rocket for a club shoot this afternoon. 70#, 50% letoff, Control Cams.

It's a tad short for fingers shooting for me at 32&quot; draw. I haven't chrono'd it, but it's pretty quick shooting these 32 1/2&quot; 2315's. I'd hate to put Bemans on the thing because of it's age, but it is tempting! It's the hardest hitting bow I've shot in awhile.

Got a real goodie I'm looking to get fixed up for my draw length. Old Martin Firecat, 50 pounder. It'd be the cat's meow for shooting a little NFAA barebow. I haven't been able to find any old Martin wheels that are big enough though.

davidmil

Well let's see, I still have my Lazer Magnum(49 inches axle to axle) rigged up down on the bench. Now there's a burner for you.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>NOT!!!! A boy can never have too much speed. Everyone says they don't worry about it, but it's the second thing they measure on their bow... the first being poundage. Well, with todays bows it is important. Yes I know slow and steady wins the race and all that BUT.... these light weight, short axle to axle one cams were built on the philosophy of getting more speed. If they weren't we'd still be shooting recurves or dual wheels like my Lazer Magnum. Yes speed is only a part of the KE formula.... but it has the greates multiplier in the formula. A few extra feet changes KE more than a few extra grains of weight. I don't know where people came up with this it's not KE that kills and penetrates... because it really is. If you have the KE and a decent broadhead you don't have to worry about penetration. IT IS what drives the arrow thru the meat and bones. Speed simply IS the biggest multiplier or KE and IS the most important part of the formula and DOES make a difference. NO, I'm not saying you have to have 300plus feet per sec. You just got to optimize your bow for the best KE and FLIGHT and with todays light weight bows that's speeding it up.