Dropping bow weight - How much is enough?

[Hopewell Tom]

We all have different tolerances, but how much of a drop in bow weight is necessary to really notice a difference? I have a 60" 54# @ 28'' recurve and need less to draw as I've just switched to the left side. 10% gives me about 50#, but my thought is it may be more like a 20% reduction to about 43-44#.

[Bill Turner]

Just my humble opinion but I would encourage you to start low and build up to your desired weight. Only you can determine the starting point. Correct form should be your big concern when switching sides. The rest will come.Good luck.

[DeerSpotter]

I got a great 43# from Chad Holm & the right price too / its custom  & new . Chat is great to work with too.


Carl

[Bjorn]

I dropped from 58 down to 50 4 years ago-what a treat! Did not lose any arrow speed at all; just picked some good tackle.

[Whip]

I would suggest buying a lighter weight bow to learn shooting from the left side.  It is really going to be like learning all over again, so starting with a light weight bow is by far the best way to go.

If you can afford to hang on to your present bow while you learn you may just find that after a time you are able to handle the higher weight.  But to try to have it reduced by 20% would be pushing it too far.

[Ground Hunter]

Tom - Bjorn makes a great point.  There are a number of very efficient bows now.  Do some shopping and you may not give up too much in performance.  Its well worth the trouble.  H

[The Whittler]

I shoot from low to mid 50s right handed.

I tried my wife's bow a few years back which is 41#@28". I would not want to go any higher, maybe lower. It was enough weight for me to handle.

As others have stated start with a low weight bow, you can always go up latter. Good luck and have fun.

[Earthdog]

I dropped from 55lb too 45lb when I switched from right to left handed shooting,and found it very comfortable.

Today I shoot 50lb and like Bjorn,I lost nothing in over all performance due to buying good gear.

[Jack Whitmire Jr]

If you are right handed and left eye dominant you actually are stronger on that side,I know that was my situation years ago.

BUT it is all about form , read that again.So start light.

I switched about 15-18 years ago and it was the best thing I ever did for my bowshooting.

Jack