Straightarrow

There was a comment in a prior thread about someone attending a shooting school (or something like that) and that 90% of the people were determined to be over-bowed. This was with experienced shooters along with a few local pros. Anyone know how they determine this?

I was paying attention to people drawing their bows in my archery league and I didn't notice anyone struggling with the weight, so I figured there must be another way to determine this. I can't imagine that in one group of people, 90% are pulling too much, and in another, no one is.

Grndzer

I am wondering this my self, I have a CyberTec and am Drawing 71lbs. My arm hurts after about 100 shots. I know that shooting 3-d I won't shoot that many times nor one right after the other. So I figured I will be ok. The more you shoot the stronger you get at that poundage. I could certainly use some info on correct poundage.

Black Frog

This question will depend on who you ask. And what application are you considering?

If you ask a local macho hunter, he might say &quot;look, I can pull back this 80#'er- no problem!&quot; <img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle>

But if you ask a pro target shooter you might get an entirely different answer of, &quot;You need to be able to easily and consistently pull the bow so that your muscles don't deteriorate towards the end of a field round (or the SECOND field round of the day).&quot; That could be hundreds of shots.

You ever see the big 'shoulder heave' when guys are drawing their bow? They need to point their bow up in the air to pull it back with a big heave. Too much weight. After many shots with too much weight the back and shoulder muscles are getting tired and shooting form will start to deteriorate accordingly. Imagine shooting 150 shots with a 70+# bow- you might be able to do it, but how's your form after that?

You'll see most target shooters in the 50-60# range for a reason. Why pull all the weight if you don't have to? Of course for hunting bows you might want some extra poundage for KE purposes. And you won't be drawing back your hunting poundage 100+ times in an outing. But if you can't hold the bow out in front of you and smoothly draw it straight back without a shoulder heave- probably too much weight.

Just my opinion....

Edited by - Black Frog on 02/05/2002 08:34:13

ChiefHeadhunter

I read that for a hunting bow you should be able to draw comfortably sitting flat on your butt. I made sure I could draw mine sitting flat with my legs crossed and my bow out to my side and not over my head.
I also wanted to know how this was figured after reading the post you are referring to. It sounded like there was a technical or scientific way to do it.
I agree with what Black Frogg says.

NorthJeff

Overbowed will be measured in time, with arthritis, aching joints, and a doctor perscribed crossbow permit.

To me, overbowed is when you are using a bow that is substantially more than what is needed to accomplish your objectives.

My 57# Ultra II is equal to my 1989 PSE Fireflight at 75 pounds. If my PSE Fireflight was more than enough to adequately harvest a deer in 1989, then do I need to shoot an Ultra II at 75#'s-even if it's easier?

A person will always shoot their best with the lowest poundage, with the least amount of stress to their body. That poundage range is also most condusive to long term physical maintenance.

I've seen torn rotator cuffs, arthritis, sore necks, and displaced muscles do to excess poundage. It's not for me.

Jeff...U.P. of Michigan.

FLHunter

I think being able to shoot higher poundages has a bit to do with conditioning!!!! If you shoot all the time, shooting heavier poundage is not a real big deal for a hunting bow. I usually don't shoot my hunting bow that much during a given period of practice generally maybe 30-40 arrows. I shoot my hunting bow at 70#, but go down to 55-60# for my target bow and 3-D use. As Blackfrog said there is a big difference in pulling a 70# bow 150 times a day or more compared to a 55# bow in a tournament. 150 X 70# = 10,500lbs pulled vs. 150 X 55# = 8250lbs for the tournament. Fatigue is definately a big factor in a field tournament scores. A lot of archers in field are shooting bows in the 48-52lb range, the only problem is the letoff holding weight for good backtension with 80% letoffs at that weight. In fact I am considering changing my target bow module to a 65% letoff for that reason.

Aim Hard!

Black Frog

FL- And I hear that the new SuperNova even has a 55% letoff option! Uh-oh, do I hear a new bow calling my name?

RobVos

I see locals who are obviously overbowed frequently. Overbowed can encompass not only draw weight but also draw length.

On the draw, you should be able to hold the bow straight at the target and smoothly pull it back directly to your anchor point without contorting or struggling in any way.

Personnaly, I feel that the high let-offs get more people to overbow themselves, because thety can still easily hold it back there. I also think that the trend to short A-A bows is leading many to have too long a draw length, because they still want all the &quot;conventional&quot; anchor points like nose to string or kisser and such, but the sever angle make you draw longer to attain those.

I agree that there is a difference between hunting bows and target bows, and I hunt with 65# but shoot indoor rounds at 55#. Sure, I can pull a 70+ pounder back, but it is more than needed. Also, when it gets cold out and you have been on stand for a long time, pulling the bow back become a little more involved and I want minimal movemnet.

Straightarrow

Most of what everyone has said, makes sense. I shoot quite a bit, so pulling 70 lbs or even 80 isn't that difficult, but I don't think it's good for my joints. I'm approaching 50 and arthritis and tendonitis are starting to set in. This winter, after deer season, I've set my bow down to 58 lbs and it almost seems too easy, but I'm beginning to think that there is no good reason to have it any higher, unless I start hunting bigger game.