formula1

My sentiments exactly!

bigbulls

Sit of the floor with your legs crossed (indian style). Hold the bow straight out in front of you, NOT to the side but straight in front of your chest.
Draw the string back WITH OUT raising the bow to gain leaverage. If you can not do this easily then you are trying to shoot too much weight. Back off until you are able to draw straight back easily.

Born 2 Bow Hunt

I have been shooting 70 lbs. plus for many years, but went to a 50-60 lb last time. It is set a tad more 64 lbs.

If you hunt in cold areas, you may find it very difficult to pull the heaver weight after a long set. Also if you hunt from a setting position it may not always be possible to stand for a shot and you may find it more difficult o pull the extra weight. If your are hunting deer and black bear 50-60 lbs. is good.

salukipv1

New has little to do with it IMO, tell us your stats.....

if you're 70yrs old 5'2 and 140lbs, or 28, 220lbs and can bench press 400lbs would influence my advice....

MeanV2

Regardless of your age or strength I'd suggest you go with a 60# max bow. It is plenty of power to hunt anything in North America.

Your joints will Thank You later!!

Dan

SwampCollie

If your draw length is greater than 27"..... I see no need for using a 70# compound bow for anything short of true BIG game (elk and the bigger bears).

Modern archery tackle is more than capable of excessive speeds with good hunting weighted arrows.... example... I'm pulling 63#s at 29.5" draw and shooting a 450 grain arrow right at 280 fps. That be a heck of a lot more energy and momentum than I need to shoot the German Sheppard sized deer that inhabit south east Virginia.

sixgunluvr

Also I don't think anybody has mentioned most bows will max 2-3lbs above listed specs. That 50-60lb bow may actually max anywhere from 60-63lbs.

Anyone concur?

I personally shoot 59-62lbs.

davidmil

Remember, a bow is much more efficient and quieter when set toward the top end of it's range. That would be a 60-70 works best set at 70, not down near 60. I've always shot 70-80 for years. My last two bows I dropped down to 60-70 and peg them out at or near the top end. Unless you're some abnormal type dude, I would think you'd have a hard time if your just beginning to shoot a bow. It uses muscles most normal people don't exercise. If you have to grunt and groan or point the bow to the sky to pull it, well it's too much for you. Not having experience with a bow it's hard to use rules like sit on the floor and pull the bow straight in front of you. With that rule most newbies would probably have to start at 40 pounds. LOL Honestly, that rule or suggestion was meant for determining hunting weights for experienced archers. You're neither. You're going to have some trouble in the beginning.... but will work threw the beginning phase quite smoothly and quickly. I would say go with the 50-60 in the beginning. Most bows it's not a big deal to change modules, limbs etc if you decided to later on. My thoughts, you'll buy a bow, shoot it a couple years and be ready to move up. I think most would agree that a 60-70 pound bow gives you lots more options(like mechanical broadheads) heavier arrows etc. People talk of shooting a bow at 60 getting the same when it's set at 70 with the same arrow. I find that hard to believe. What probably is happening is they've pushed the envelope on the arrow at the higher weights and have thrown the whole system out of tune so to speak. There is a trade off with speed, lighter arrows, draw length and all that. Knowing bows are more efficient near the top end I'd say they've passed the optimum set up for an arrow when they get the same at 10 pound spreads.

chas2008

thanks for all the replies and suggestions. i will be getting 60lb.
now i have to make up my mind on the best make ...shot the Diamond by BowTech black ice. other than the price it seemed to be an awsome bow good fit and very smooth ...good hunting to all

JoshKeller

I've shot a 70-80 lb bow, a few 60 - 70's, and a few 50 - 60's. with the energy todays bows are capable of producing, and my long draw length, my next bow will be a 40 - 50, maxed out. Nothing more is needed for deer.