Shooting 50# - 55# The difference.

[T Folts]

I recently shot a 50# savannah that I really liked and I have had the chance of buying two different 55# savannah's that I and have passed on so far.
The 50#er really felt great no stress pulling just a real good feeling, now I dont have much experience shooting different longbows I have only shot a savannah, montana and a osage selfbow I made plus some recurves.
Will I feel much difference between 50 and 55 or should I stick with the comfort verse the extra poundage. I am 44 and not getting any younger ya know. I'm going to the KZoo show so hopefully they have martins to compare to others.
Terry

[JBiorn]

Comfort. You will shoot better in the long run shooting a bow you are comfortable with.

[mcgroundstalker]

Comfort and control are keys to good shooting. You already know you can handle the #50. I wouldn't jump the extra five pounds without shooting it first. Then, think about being on a 3D range and burning out on the second half cause of five pounds.

... mike ...

[Orion]

44 isn't old, and 55# isn't necessarily heavy, but I agree with groundstgalker.  Shoot a few 55#ers to see how they feel before jumping in.

[Jedimaster]

5 pounds made the difference in being able to shoot or not for me, at least for a while. Thankfully my shoulders are allowing me a little latitude now but I don't tax them too much with the extra weight.
Now I realize that I probably would have enjoyed it more all along if I had mcgroundstalkers advice "comfort and control are the keys to good shooting". Well said.
Coincidentally I sold two 55#'s this year and shoot around 50# now. Surprising how much difference so little can make, IF you are close to your limits already.

[mcgroundstalker]

Wish I had this PC and forum years ago! Most of the "stuff" I've learned about shooting trad gear came from books and videos. This site helps me express that. People like Ken Beck of Black Widow Bows and Jay Kidwell who wrote "Instinctive Archery Insights" are the people who deserve credit here. Not me.

... mike ...    ...

[Shape Shifter]

Comfort for sure. Shoot the poundage that you can comfortably and more importantly accurately. It's amazing the difference 5 pds can make when it comes to both of those things.

[Scott E]

When I was at the archery shop picking out my longbow last weekend I shot a 50# and a 55# the 50 drew easily but the 55 took some effort. I decided to buy the 50# and have no regrets. It can kill just about anything and is alot more comfortable.-Scott  

[Earl E. Nov...mber]

If you can afford several bows get them in different weights.. I shoot heavy bows to build my strength, light bows for form and hunt with what feels good. As long as you are keeping the 50#, I'd say go for it.. Most people can work into and extra 5# pretty quickly

[jdupre]

You are only talking about 5 or 6 fps difference in speed between the 50# and 55# bow of the same model. Not really enough to worry about. If you might have a tendency to underdraw a little heavier bow, the speed could actually be equal.

[Tree man]

Hold out for the 50 unless you can find a 45. Seriously. I am also 44 and I am dropping bow weight. Shoulder pain sucks. I have never fully recovered from a bow caused injury of over a dozen years ago.

[Al Dean]

I have a 50 and a 52# longbow.  Granted 2 different brand bows but after shooting the 50 the 52 is noticably heavier.  1 or 2# can be a noticable difference with very little change in preformance.

[Danny J]

I just learned that for myself. Dont they say practice what you preach. I am 55 years old and my bows are 45-50lbs. I just hesitantly purchased a 55lb bow that I really liked and wouldnt have to wait to order a new one. Started out great and tuned easily. The next day I shot alot of arrows and got frustrated with my larger groups and inconsitant anchor point. My bow is off to the bowyer now to get 5lbs taken off. 5lbs ended up being alot for me. It was like new bow when I got it and will be a new bow when it comes back. But it did cost me and I did learn. Over bowing can be frustrating and take away from the sport I love.

[T Folts]

Thanks for the input guy's I will wait until the KZoo show just to see what the difference feels like to me, I'm betting I will be shooting the 50#er when all is said and done.

Terry

[deerfly]

Its amazing how much this weight thing comes up. I too suffered a shoulder injury a couple of years ago in softball tournament. Up until that point I shot mid 60's no problem. Now I'm down to upper 50's but don't really have the stamina I used to. So I'm moving down some more for next season, probably 45-50 for deer and pigs, saving the heavier bow for working out or moose hunting if I get the chance.

I'd say 5 pounds isn't much difference at the 50-55lb range when your warmed up, but will make a big difference after sitting still for several hours on a stand. Trying a hand full of bows at a shoot is a great idea, but isn't necessarily the acid test if ideal hunting weight is what you're looking for. You almost have to roll out of bed, pick up the bow, draw and shoot to really know.    - eric

[limbow]

T-FOLTS,

Be sure to stop by and shoot a Kota longbow at the KZOO trad show. I find personally that a 3 piece take down shoots/draws a lot smoother than a one piece long bow. Top notch workmanship at a really good price. I bought one there in 2004 from Tim and I am still happy to have it. It is 47#.

[mcgroundstalker]

I agree 100% with Erics' statement of "Roll outa bed and shoot." Most times it's the "cold shot" that takes a game animal. You couldn't pay me to shoot a bow over 50# at my 26" draw.

... mike ...    ...

[sharps4590]

I could be Danny J in duplicate, almost.  Same age and I've been dropping pounds off my bows pretty regularly.  I used to shoot mid-60's.....but I used to be 25...that was 30 years ago.  Now, 50 is my max.  No shoulder or back injuries, just don't like doin' the big bow thing anymore.

Vic