bowfit - opinions?

[Jake Diebolt]

So, I've been thinking I need to do some working out to get a better handle on my drawing strength. I have no trouble shooting when I first start out, but after 30-40 arrows I start to feel the strain, and my shooting suffers...and even at my best, the draw is not effortless.

I've tried using dumbbell workouts, and while it felt like I was working the right muscles, it didn't seem to help much when actually shooting. I don't like just pulling my bow as I'm kind of paranoid about accidentally dry firing it. So I've been thinking of getting a bowfit.

From reading the reviews on 3rivers, the bowfit seems to be a love it or hate it device. Some people say it's crap, other people say it's awesome. So, who's used it? How durable is it? Are the weights accurate? Does it really work?

Thanks for any advice.

[bawana bowman]

I've got the Safari model, don't know how accurate the weights claimed are but I know it is heavier than the other models.
I think getting one was well worth the cost because I can use it even while sitting at this dang computer. It does help develop the back muscles and holding it at full draw will help build endurance.
I also do push-ups, pull-ups, have a home gym, and do P90X. But the bowfit is a great way to build strength and is more like drawing your bow. You may also get the same results using weight bands, but there not designed specifically to imitate the drawing of a bow.
I'm also one of those that shoot bows in the 100# draw range. That is why I got the safari model, it is probably very close to the weights claimed.

[Jon Powell]

I got one a few years ago and I think it did help strengthen my drawing muscles, however the band did not last 3 months. I redid the end and it broke again in about 2 months.
  If they have improved the rubber it's probably worth buying. If they are the same quality as the one I bought I wouldn't spend my money on one. The bad news is, the only way to find out is to try it.