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Wannabe Bowhunter

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Pine Ridge

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I'm new here to the Bow forum and for that matter to archery and bowhunting and would like to ask a question. I'm interested in purchasing a bow and giving bow hunting a shot next season. While researching here and other places, I read that bows are more efficient, when shot at their peak limb weight. So my question is, would a beginner be better off shooting a bow with 60 lb. limbs (max) and shooting it close or at its max, or shooting a bow with a max of 70 lbs. that could be adjusted back to 60 lbs.? Would the performance be the same at 60 lbs. for both bows? I suppose there are other factors I'm not aware of. I would appreciate any insight any of you guys with more experience would be willing to offer.
 
An efficient bow shooting 60 pounds is more than enough to get a passthrough and kill a deer. In my opinion, there is no need to get a 70 pound bow. The technological improvements in both bows and especially arrows has made 60 pound bows ideal.
 
NateUK said:
An efficient bow shooting 60 pounds is more than enough to get a passthrough and kill a deer. In my opinion, there is no need to get a 70 pound bow. The technological improvements in both bows and especially arrows has made 60 pound bows ideal.
Click to expand...

Great post and I agree. To answer your question, a bow shooting at, or near, its peak is better than having a bow not shooting at its peak. Depending on the bow and setup, I have seen some that are alot quieter and faster (relatively speaking when comparing the ratio of speed to pounds from peak and non-peak energy) when operating at/near peak efficiency. However, if you can comfotably draw back 70lbs, or near it, without struggling than there is nothing wrong with going with a 70lbs bow and backing it down�you have plenty of time to get your archery muscles worked up.
 
I'm 6'2" 230. I played college baseball and can still hold my own in the wieght room.

I shoot a 60# PSE. Before that I was shooting 72-73#. I can't belive how much more comfortable my form feels, how much longer I can hold, and in the increased huntability I've experienced from making this drop. I don't every see my self shooting over the 61-62# I'm at right now.

As TNDeerGuy said, you typically want to shoot a bow "maxed out" or close to it. My bow is a 50-60#
 
I've heard that the bows these days are efficient even if backed out 10 lbs.

I backed my MR6 out 10 lbs and shot it for a while. It increased my draw length about 1/4" but drove tacks.

I prefer the higher holding weight of 65-70 lbs. It makes the pin more steady.
 
When I first started bow hunting a 3 years ago, I used a friends bow. He had it set to 70lb. I never got the draw down to be smooth, slow and steady as to not draw attention. I'm 6'1", 250 retired Army, so not a small guy. Two years ago I bought my own, got it down to 60lb, and love it. It kills them just as well as the 70lb bow.

Its more about shot placement then draw poundage.

The advice I would give any new bow hunter is practice, practice, practice. And not just shooting, do 25 jumping jacks, then shoot within 15 seconds of finishig them. Pull back hold for 2 or 3 minutes then shoot. Those are going to be the types of situations you'll find in a tree.
 
Thanks for your replies guys, you have been most helpful. Spoke to a guy at at a archery shop yesterday, who showed me a few bows. Mission Ballistic,Hoyt Charger, and a High Country X-11. He also mentioned the Bowtech Assassin, but doesn't carry Bowtech. I'm going to check out a few more before pulling the trigger on one and I am sure I will have more questions.
 
any average size male couldnt go wrong with a bowtech assassin at 60# for a first bow, i think most would agree with that...
 

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