getting heavier limbs

[JCS]

I've been shooting a 35lb Samick Sage for about 5 months and want to get heavier limbs for hunting.  I shot a 55lb Bear the other day and can handle it fine.  (Loved not having that "rainbow" at 20 yards.) I'm thinking about going ahead and getting the max poundage Samick offers for the Sage which I believe is 60lbs. Is their much of a difference between the two. Seems negligible but I'm a newbie and want to do it right. Also, my draw is about 29.5 or 30". I'm wanting to shoot heavier broadheads and will be deer and hog hunting with this setup. Thanks for all advice.

[pdk25]

Although I shoot heavier limbs frequently, my advice may be different than some of what you will hear.  A jump from 35# to 60# is huge, even if you handled the 55# for a shooting session.  If I was in your shoes, I would go with either 50# or 55# as the next step, and most likely 50#.  At your draw length, that will likely be plenty for anything that you want to hunt, and certainly will be a big jump in energy compared to your 35# bow.  I think that you will enjoy shooting a  50# bow more and be less likely to develop some bad habits that may happen by making to large of a jump right away.  Now, 60# will likely be no problem for you in the future, but there is no rush getting there.

[mangonboat]

Agree 100% with pdk25. With your draw you'll be slinging about 4 extra pounds of oomph with a Sage, so 50# limbs will be producing 54#@29.5",  plenty for anything in Mississippi and dead center of the range of what most folks hunters say is their "best" hunting weight. Even though the Sage is smooth beyond 28" draw, 64# would be a big jump and you don't want to be in a hurry to release when that bog ole' 10 point strolls your way.

[Diamond Paul]

That's an absolutely huge jump in draw weight; being able to draw the bow and being able to shoot the bow are two different things, trust me.  If you really have a draw length that long, you are already far ahead of the game, and don't require as much draw weight to begin with as someone with a short draw (in terms of getting energy for penetration).  45lbs would actually be a pretty big jump, but almost everyone can handle that and it is plenty for deer, especially at your draw.  You might be a strong guy, so it's up to you, of course, but I would not recommend jumping up that much at one time.  Go in more like five pound increments after 45lbs.  Of course, at your draw that's going to be closer to 50lbs, anyway.  Good luck.

[damascusdave]

I have seen many shooters who think they handle too much draw weight fine...when I watch them shoot it is pretty obvious that they are overbowed...when you shot the 55 pound Bear what did the people who were watching you shoot tell you?

DDave

[David Mitchell]

Originally posted by damascusdave:
I have seen many shooters who think they handle too much draw weight fine...when I watch them shoot it is pretty obvious that they are overbowed...when you shot the 55 pound Bear what did the people who were watching you shoot tell you?

DDave

Listen to what pdk and D Dave are saying!

I would add this question--when shooting the heavier bow, were you really getting your full draw or were you unconsciously scrunching up and not stretching out to your full draw?  Shortening your draw--even if you feel like you are touching the same anchor point--can cost you a significant amount of performance.

[MnFn]

Just me but I regularly shoot 53-55# bows. 60 would require me to shoot daily to keep up the arm strength. Especially when it starts to get colder.

This may not apply to you but after this last week sitting for hours in the cold, shivering uncontrollably, I was starting to wish  I had a 50 lb "cold weather" bow.  Which I used to have but sold. What a dummy ( speaking of me of course).

[JCS]

Well, I ended up ordering the 50lb limbs.  Y'all have been there, done that so I'll listen up.  I currently have 150gr Magnus stingers. I'll be shooting GT trad blems from Big Jim's but wanted to know about inserts and creating more weight up front and what not.  I have not ordered the arrows yet because I didn't know which ones would be best for this scenario.  The Magnus are brand new so when they wear out I'll be getting heavier broadheads.  I was thinking about getting 100gr inserts to make it 250 up front, but wanted your opinions.  Thanks!

[Kip]

You will thank all the above later.If you decide to go up in wgt. later keep the 50's.Hope you kill something with them soon to see what 50lbs. or in your case with your draw maybe 55 can do to small and big game.Kip

[Diamond Paul]

At your draw those limbs will shoot through anything unless you leave this continent.