Decreasing poundage

[encore4me]

I have a Saxon American longbow and I would like to decrease the poundage from 55# to about 45#. Is this something I can do and how would i do it?

Thanks

[Curtis Haden]

Some bowyers are willing to do weight reductions, but most I've talked to about it will generally only take a few pounds off. I don't think you'll find one who will promise you 10 lbs off. I'd call the bowyer and just visit with them about it.

I had a Silvertip refinished a few years ago, and told the bowyer I wouldn't mind losing a couple pounds of draw weight in the process. That's exactly what I ended up with; -2 lbs.

[Orion]

Yep.  You're looking for almost a 20% reduction in weight.  Most bowyers won't take off more than 10%, and even that's a lot.  Taking off so much weight would require major surgery and likely ruin the bow.  Better to sell it and buy a lighter one.

[damascusdave]

I started shooting stickbows in 2009 at age 57 with a bow that is about 35 pounds at my draw weight...I can now shoot bows that draw over 65 pounds...unless you are sure you will never be able to shoot 55 pounds it might be wise to keep that bow

DDave

[Rob DiStefano]

going down ten pounds (20%) in holding weight will be extremely difficult if not impossible without compromising the bow's strength, durability and performance.  most bowyer's will not attempt at more than a 10% reduction at best, and for good reasons.