Lighter bow?

[the rifleman]

i have been shooting a 50@28 longbow for 3 years.  I draw about 26 inches, am 53 and weigh 145.  Like many sometimes I am happy w my shooting/progress sometimes I struggle.  I still have occasional collapses and hit far to left when I collapse (I shoot left handed because of eye dominance).  Lots of arrows and I feel it in my bow arm--been working on a low bow shoulder after reading posts on tg. I have been thinking about getting another longbow in the 40-42 pound range and think it would be great for stumping, 3d, and practice, but feel at my draw it would be too light for deer.  I'm torn because I also believe the adage "beware the man with one gun".  I currently shoot gt1535s w 200gr up front full length to get arrows weak enough--what would Be my carbon arrow choices for a 40 pound bow?Any opinions would be appreciated.

[tracker12]

First thing I would do is confirm what # you are shooting with your current setup wight he 26" dL.  Then adjust down from there.  #5 can make a lot of difference in how well your form can be and how long you can sustain shooting sessions.  I have a 66" 43# longbow that is my main bow for practice.  I draw right at about 28 1/2.  I have had no problem killing deer with this bow.  I have always been an arm drawer  and after three shoulder surgeries have a hard time drawing much over 50# so I stick with the lower weight bow bringing out the heavier bows on special occasions.  My arrows are Beeman ICS hunters in 500 spine full length with 250 up front.

[KyStickbow]

I shoot a 40# longbow...with a 27" draw length. It does just fine for me....have killed plenty of deer with it. A well tuned bow and arrow..with a sharp 2 blade broadhead shot in the right place...equals deer in the freezer.

Can't answer the carbon question but for aluminums I shoot easton 1816's cut to 29"...and 125 grains up from. They fly like darts!

[Orion]

Why do you want to change to a lower poundage bow? You seem to be shooting the one you have OK. The "beware the man with one gun" concept is a myth.  Name me one shotgun champion in anything who has only one gun.  All top flite shooters have more than one gun/bow. It's not the bow, it's the person behind it.

[Orion]

Originally posted by Orion:
Why do you want to change to a lower poundage bow? You seem to be shooting the one you have OK. The "beware the man with one gun" concept is a myth.  Name me one shotgun champion in anything who has only one gun.  All top shooters have more than one gun/bow. It's not the bow, it's the person behind it.

[njloco]

Don't take this the wrong way, I'm 65, and weigh about 150. I'm moving up in weight, workout, use it or lose it, it ain't easy but I'm trying hard. It just takes me all day to do,what I used to do all day !

P.S. Did you ever do any blind/blank bale shooting ?

[KyRidgeRunner]

I shot a Whip longbow some last year.  It was 45 at my 27" dl. It liked a 600 spine gold tip cut at 29" with a 150 grains up front.

[Pat B]

I'm 64 and shoot 55#@26". I can go 60# but 55# is more comfortable.

[RLA]

It doesn't take much # to make two holes through a deer. A sharp non-vented 2 blade & a fairly heavy finished arrow # and you'll be fine. Shoot what you are most accurate with, it makes the shot a lot easier  in the moment of truth.

[mike g]

Have a Bow made to 45# @ 26" if your just after a new Bow.

[mcgroundstalker]

I'm gonna stick my neck out on this one:

I find my self falling apart/losing control when I don't "draw with my back and shoulders"... Maybe you are not "following thru"...

Don't beat yourself up over this... We are only human and our brain sometimes takes short cuts when it comes to shooting...

So, before you spend money on what you don't need, or confuse your thoughts... Take some time to get it right, then let it happen.

... mike ...

[the rifleman]

Thanks for all of your responses.  I absolutely agree that it is the guy behind the bow that is the important factor.  I have taken 4 deer w my bow the first two years but totally whiffed on 2 this year-- right over their backs one at a ridiculous six yard sale-- not picking a spot.  My learning progressed a lot slower than most due in part to having to shoot left handed due to lifelong vision loss in my right eye.  Now that I have finally got my "aiming" or whatever I'd call it worked out I have really been working on my form with constant references and tweaks based on tg posts.  I do like to shoot a lot, but am learning to focus on quality shots over just flinging arrows.  Also trying to develop a low bow arm shoulder.  Sounds like consensus is to keep shooting what I have.  Cataract and glaucoma surgery over the next two months-- maybe if all goes well improvement in vision will aid my shooting.  Thanks again for your thoughts on this.  John

[the rifleman]

Thanks for all of your responses.  I absolutely agree that it is the guy behind the bow that is the important factor.  I have taken 4 deer w my bow the first two years but totally whiffed on 2 this year-- right over their backs one at a ridiculous six yard sale-- not picking a spot.  My learning progressed a lot slower than most due in part to having to shoot left handed due to lifelong vision loss in my right eye.  Now that I have finally got my "aiming" or whatever I'd call it worked out I have really been working on my form with constant references and tweaks based on tg posts.  I do like to shoot a lot, but am learning to focus on quality shots over just flinging arrows.  Also trying to develop a low bow arm shoulder.  Sounds like consensus is to keep shooting what I have.  Cataract and glaucoma surgery over the next two months-- maybe if all goes well improvement in vision will aid my shooting.  Thanks again for your thoughts on this.  John

[njloco]

Well I'm sure all will agree when I say, we all hope your eye surgery goes well and you have a happy and healthy new year and, show us all up at the 3 D shoots.

[Fastltz]

I got a lighter pound bow for stumping and shooting...it's more fun if you can shoot more. Main thing is don't neglect the other bow as you want to keep your strength up as well as accuracy.

[the rifleman]

Thanks Ken!

[Sam McMichael]

It still boils down to the adage to shoot what you prefer and feel most comfortable with. The break down sounds more like a form issue involving back tension, which may occur with either light or heavy bows. There may be a lot of factors involved I don't know about, but I don't consider 50# a heavy bow for a healthy adult of normal strength. A lighter bow will not eliminate those days where things sometimes don't work like you expect them to, but that is part of trad archery. (Remember, this is only my opinion so no need to rain down condemnation on me.)  Since you commonly shoot this bow well, it does not seem you are over bowed, which is why I would suggest back tension as a likely culprit.

[the rifleman]

Thanks Sam.  I am in complete agreement with you.  My form is what I'm focusing on and agree I need to keep at it with the bow I have.

[sheepdogreno]

Get what you can shoot comfortably and don't beat yourself up over it! 40# bow and right arrow setup is plenty capable of dropping that buck of a lifetime! Good luck to ya share with us if you get a another bow!