Kinetic Energy

[acadian archer]

I read this on another sie today.


quote ""..... was in Mo.this past weekend and saw a 55# tradition bow with 38#s of kinetic energy shooting a 650gr. arrow past thru a new glendale target while a compound bow shooting a 400gr. arrow with 95#s of kinetic energy shooting 328fps stay stuck in the target---With this compound setup the way it is, shooting a 650 gr arrow, speed will be 270 fps--- the kinetic energy should be around 104--I have been shooting lighter arrows in the past with high kinetic energy, but I think I am going to scale up to heavier arrows, sacrifice speed somewhat for more momentum which equals into more penetration--I am more concern when you start hitting heavy bone where the lighter arrows start fizzling out and the heavier arrow just plows thru--no need for a debate--I was just made a believer this past weekend--""


interesting indeed, according to some of the charts/articles out there I didn't kill my 320 pound bear because a 41# recurve with a 475 grain arrow doesn't produce enough kinetic energy.

oh well, deer hunting season tomorrow and that same recurve and some sharp broadheads are coming with me.

[Jesse Peltan]

Ke has nothing to do with penetration. Momentum does. The reason compounds have such high ke is because ke squares speed. Ke is just a way to sell compounds.

[Apex Predator]

My critter killing longbow "Bloody Marsh" generates 25 ft/lbs of KE.

[acadian archer]

LOL ..according to the "charts" you're barely qualified to kill a goos sized rabbit

[khardrunner]

What matters is how efficiently the available KE is used (ie. momentum), not how much is available.

[Gordon martiniuk]

Kevin think what you want 41lbs is awfull light I agree a heavy arrow is better but your thoughts on a compound shooting a 650 gr arrow at 270 fps seems like you would need a 100lb bow to do that kind of energy ,, why try to compare trad gear to wheel bows , mabe get a bow with more draw weight say in the 50 to 55 lb weight shoot 10 gr lb with sharp Broadheads and never look back  

[mrpenguin]

Originally posted by Jesse Peltan:
Ke has nothing to do with penetration. Momentum does. The reason compounds have such high ke is because ke squares speed. Ke is just a way to sell compounds.

Well spoken, Sir.

Focus on getting a 550 gr arrow to hit where you look with about 25% of that weight to the front and you will penetrate.  Also check out single bevel broadheads.

Good luck!

[James Wrenn]

Well it really does not matter what a chart says.It is just suggestions based on opionions anyway.I have shot through deer with every thing from 15 to over 80lbs of KE and the results have always been the same.Arrow in the dirt covered with blood on the other side when I picked the right shot or frustration when I tried to pull off a shot that was not there.  :(  

Shot selection trumps KE,momentum,arrow weight and every thng else.I just want to slip a sharp broadhead through them, not trying to knock them down so numbers don't mean much to me.  

[acadian archer]

Gordon, those were not my thoughts, I was quoting a compound shooter's views.

And yes i do agree 41 pounds is light but it is 1 pound above legal hunting weight and I passed on several shots before I took the shot, the broadheads are razor sharp and I', shooting 10 plus grains per lb.

That said I expect to get a new 50 lb or so Check Mate in the spring. I had expected to order a Kings Pawn or Hunter two last winter but a broken elbow put that on hold until I build up strength to accurately shoot/hold the extra weight. Ultimatley the bow arm will decide.

Until hunting season is over the lower weight combined with sharp broadheads, shot selection and accurate shots will put the new bow on hold.

I do get a kick out of all the marketing we get on TV.

[Dick4bows]

When I started hunting deer, there weren't any compounds.  The average hunting recurve was about 45#.  "He-men" shot 55# Bear Magnums. Talk about stack!  I have always said that there are no additional points for how far your arrow penetrates into the ground after blowing through the deer.  Most people will shoot a light bow better that a heavy one. Especially after sitting in the cold for a couple of hours. IMO, a 40# bow with a sharp 2 blade head will do a fine job on deer.  Forget the kinetic energy stats.  Broadheads cut not shock!  Dick