Question for skinny guys shooting heavier bows.

[Safari Scott]

I'm about 160 and I shoot a 60 pounder, I have no trouble with the bow, drawing, anchoring, holding steady etc - but about two hours constant is the max I can shoot before my form starts to suffer.

I've only been at this about 6 months though, so for you guys who have been doing it for years, does it ever become effortless?

Oh and before anyone tells me to go lighter I just ordered a longbow which I'm planning to get made at about 43 @ 28 (which I guess will be about 48-49 at my draw) but the minimum hunting weight in my state is 50 anyway and I shoot 650gr arrows and I like being able to sling them fast out of my heavier one... plus I really like shooting that weight, it just feels nice  

[mec lineman]

I think drawing a bow is pure mechanics of the body.What I mean is,it takes practice to take advantage of all the muscles woking together to get that bow drawn effortlessly.I'm 6' 185lbs now ,but I have been bow hunting since I was 13.I think shooting bows for so long has allowed me to develop the strength to draw a heavier bow than someone twice my size who doesn't shoot bows.For the record I shoot 54-58 lbs bows with sharp broadheads!

[old_goat2]

If your shooting for two hours before you start breaking down your doing better than most I s shoot with already, intake some carbs like Gatorade or something while your shooting or take more time between shots.

[Real Buckmaster]

I used to shoot 57 to 60 now at 52 I shoot 42 to 44 anything over just seems to heavy for me. I have shot for years and like you said I want to shoot effortlessly for as many hours as I want. I think my 44 lb bows are shooting faster than the bows I used to shoot 10 years ago. I haven't had any problem taking whitetails with this wt.

[longstiks]

If you can do it go for it. Body weight doesn't have much to do with strength. If you can shoot for two hours then you are doing better than most! Much flatter tragectory with the higher weights.
Denny

[Stickbow]

2 hours is a heck of a bunch of arrows, sounds like #60 works for you. 58,60,64 make up my hunting weights and not a big guy. I have a 47 lb. Kodiak I play with now and then and it is a struggle for me to be accurate with.

[Knawbone]

I went back trad. five years ago. I am 5-9" and 150 lbs. Started out with 45 lb. and within a few months started shooting 50 lbs. Now I can draw bows of 70 lbs ( haven't tried anything heavier } But 50 to 55 is about right for me and can shoot that weight all day long.My point is, that it takes some time to develope your bow muscles. You also need to keep them toned, at least I do now that I'm almost 54. Enjoy your shooting.

[twistedlim]

I never shoot for 2 hours, you are fine.  Heck I get tired watching TV for 2 hours

[Todd Cook]

If you can shoot 60# for 2 hours, I'd say your doing pretty good. I know what you mean about the heavier one feels nice. My "effortless" weight is about 55-60. I can shoot more but it hurts my joints after a while.

I notice guys on the 3d courses wear out after a round or 2. I think all around physical conditioning plays as much of a role as strength.

[Sam McMichael]

In my younger days, I was skinny... If you shoot a heavy bow, you will get tired, period. 2 hours with a 60 pound bow is a long time, so I would say you are pretty well conditioned and should not be concerned.

[beaver#1]

What everyone has said is true. Shooting that long of a time period at that weight you would expect a bit of fatigue. I shoot 56# 67#  and 75# hunting weight bows and about a hour with the heaviest is all I am good for. You ate doing good. Keep shooting and focus on getting everything right. You will build even more insurance.