Is this over bowed?

[Jethro21]

My thread about release tips got me thinking about people's opinions on being "overbowed".

My bow is 60@28, I draw 30.5, scaled was 68# at my length.

I can draw to anchor and hold for 5-7 seconds pretty easy. When I shoot, I typically shoot 6-8 arrows (usually hold about 4-5 seconds), go retrieve them and do it again. I do this routine about 5-6 times before I notice fatigue and after about the 5th time, my release gets pretty sloppy.

Is this on par or am I pulling too much weight?

Thanks,
Jethro

[tg2nd]

It's ok, but there's no need to hold for 4-5 seconds (except your exercising strength). Holding for 1-2 seconds is plenty enough. Normally I hit my anchor and the arrow is gone.

[Fischman]

I think if your shooting less than 50 arrows and getting sloppy then your close to being overbowed. I agree with tg2nd 4-5 secs is a long hold and will tire you out faster, 1-2 secs anchor and release is enough. Its not about the quantity of arrows shot but the quality of shots that count in practice, to give you good repetitive form. Maybe shoot 2-3 arrows and spread out your practice further and that could help build endurance over time.

[zetabow]

If you couldn't get to anchor or hold at all then you would have a problem but I think it's just a matter of you building stamina over next 2-3 months. Important thing is to not over do it by doing too much too fast.

If you work on a shot sequence you can likely get your timing down to btween 2-3 secs which will help with reducing the onset of fatigue and still keep good accuracy.

[S.C. Hunter]

I agree 4-5 seconds is a long hold. I do this from time to time but just for practice. I shoot 55#-60# and can shoot around 100 arrows before I notice any loss in form. I shoot at least once a month where I shoot about 20 arrows and will hold around 5-10 seconds alternating with each arrow, after 20 I stop. Any longer and my fingers pay the price. The blood is shunted away with all the pressure. I usually let my arrow go as I reach anchor 1-2 seconds seems long when I am just shooting by instinct any longer and I try to aim.

[Ravenhood]

It depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

[Jethro21]

Thanks guys, I hold for that length because I am trying to avoid releasing before I feel like I have good form and good sight picture, but it is probably working against me.

[Carbon Jack]

Jethro21, use your bow as a weight training device. Instead of holding so long while shooting, hold your full draw with a hand towel wrapped around the string while watching TV at night. Hold this draw for 10 or 15 seconds and then let down. Work up to 30 repeats over time.

Don't do 30 repeats all at once - guaranteed you'll get sore and suffer while actually shooting. And do protect your fingers and their joints. This is the reason for the padding towel.

In a very short time you will be able to shoot many more arrows at a time without tiring and without forming the bad habits that tired shooting brings with it.

I commend you on shooting a heavy bow. I happen to like heavier weights myself as they allow for a much better release. They also put your whole body in a tension that I feel is conducive to solid form. I feel much more rigid and in tune while holding a heavier bow weight than with what most might consider adequate. Of course it took me much weight training and years of shooting to do it.

I target shoot up to 140 arrows at a time with an honest 55 pounds and hunt with 60. I suffer no fatigue if I stop at this number. To go over 140 shots it does affect me the next day in a bad way.

Jack

[atatarpm]

I love the idea Jack I believe I'll try that.