how come a lot of bows...

[bayhunter]

have a maximum weight that they will be built at. It seems that alot of models are 35 to 70. Why wont some bowyers build heavy draw weight bows?

[KentuckyTJ]

My guess would be the justification to research hitting those heavy weights isn't worth it to a bowyer to sell a few bows to a very small market.

[Shawn Leonard]

Yup, what Kentucky said. Also if you want one in a heavy weight you can order one from most bowyers. Production bows, like Bear, Martin and such(which are not produced much different than custom bows today)would not sell many over 60#s or so, so why make them as well! Shawn

[Ringneck]

They pretty much nailed it. 70#'s sounds pretty heavy to me....

[Blackhawk]

Surveys show that about 80% of trad bowhunters use 45-60# bows.  Those who shoot bows over 70# for hunting make up about 3%.  

There is just not a huge market for the heavyweights, but I believe special orders are available from most makers.

[Orion]

Also some designs can't handle the really heavy draw weights, though modern materials and stronger glues have lessened that problem a bit..

[hvyhitter]

Some bowyers wont build over 70 in a take down due to possible durability issues.

[bayhunter]

thanks that makes sense

[Friend]

It is quite believable that ~75% of the draw wts. requested are 48 - 52#s.

I am confident that if the market warranted the heavy weights, then bowyers would pursue proper R&D and have them available.

[bawana bowman]

If you want a heavy bow just ask the bowyer your considering using. Most have no problem building one to your desired weight. I have a Bama bow which is 102#, that is slightly over 70#. At one time Bear would build custom weight bows if asked, you can always try if interested.