Difficulty going from 50# to 67#

[Bowwild]

I agree that's a monumental increase.

I don't know whether it was carrying too much lumber or trying to shoot a 59# Predator when I was used to a 52# Predator but it cost me one year of recurve hunting in 2009.

[Forrest Halley]

Hi Doug,
I'm Forrest. I'm here to tell you that you can and will do just fine with your proposed 17# jump if you decide to do so. Here's what I would suggest: Begin shooting your current bow more and more. If your current practice session is 50 arrows ease it up to 75, then 100, then 150. This will build endurance in the muscle groups which will be necessary for the building of the muscle mass needed to draw the increased load. When you do receive the heavier bow, work it into your practice session after a good pre-stretch and warmup exercises. I like to follow the rule of only going down in weight during practice. When you are over bowed in the beginning, I cannot stress this enough. The inability of the mind to get over the noticeable increase in workload when the body is tired causes recruitment of often unprepared muscle groups and creates an inroad for potential injury. I set goals of six shots and later twelve shots, sticking strictly to the limit and stopping at the slightest discomfort. Stretching at the end of the session is helpful to avoid discomfort and soreness later.

The biggest thing I would stress is that you and you alone decide what is doable or too much. Their will always be someone to tell you that you can't or shouldn't. God never made a naysayer that could keep quiet. Believe you can do it and you will do just fine with your bump.

I'm no health and fitness expert, but I was able to increase my draw by fifty pounds using this method over six months time and was injury free. I wish you the best whatever you decide.

Forrest

[buckeyebowhunter]

Doug your situation is funny because I just did the exact same thing your describing. I'm 22 now but when I was younger the first traditional bow I ever shot was a 60# longbow. It was a bit much but I could handle it because I was strong and working out my back and shoulders for college football. I eventually sold that bow and started shooting my 50# bear kodiak. I have been hunting with this bow for the past few years but recently I bought a 70# SAII for 400 bucks online. I thought it was a decent deal, but I had to get one of the limb tips repaired by Widow. But anyway making this jump so far hasnt been too difficult. Just like some of the guys here said if you just practice a few arrows with it everyday it should be fine after a couple months. The 70#er is definately a hoss to draw compared to the 50#er but man it really zips an arrow. Good Luck with your decision!  

[cahaba]

Big jump. I went up 5 lbs. from 50# to 55# and it took me two months to get to where I was with the 50 lbs.