Getting a Tall Tines draw weight advice!

[llamabow]

Hey all this is my first post! I just got on the list with Brian at Tall Tines for one of his hybrids and wanted some advice on the draw weight I should get. I'm relatively new to archery and went out on my first 3D shoot and now I'm hooked! I am using a 50# hoyt dorado that I can shoot comfortably the whole time, but when I was messing around with a 35# recurve I noticed I could really concentrate on form feeling a little more confident on where the arrow was going to go. If I plan on just doing 3D and target shoots and occasionally hunt small game is there any reason to get a 50# bow or would I get the same speeds with say a 45# bow after tuning the correct arrow? I've been reading on here that it's good to have a flat trajectory for target/3D shooting. I always have the mindset that heavier and bigger anything is always better but I need convincing that going lighter is the better choice! It sounds like a lot of pros are under 50# as well. If something similar has already been answered it would be awesome if someone could point me in the right direction. Thanks!

[Lechwe]

I started out with a heavy bow because that's what I had with wheels. It was difficult to shoot and really messed up my form. My tall Tines and other hunting bow are 52 and 50 but I have a 45 and 47 that are really nice to shoot. Makes it very easy to keep better form and I can shoot most of the day. I would opt for lighter and if you decide to start hunting you can always get another set of limbs. I think you will enjoy shooting more if you stay light.

Good luck

[Msbow]

If your going to shoot 3d ide go with 45 and a lighter arrow. If you wanted to shoot the heavier bow. You can not shoot your bow and work strictly on building those muscles for awhile. When your body is ready then you could start shooting and working on form.

[Manitoba Stickflinger]

I double what Lechwe says about the second set of limbs at a later time. You can always use a different arrow combination for 3D vs hunting as well. No need for a #50 bow even if you're hunting say deer or bears. Go with something in the 40 to 45 pound range and you won't be disappointed. The performance of the Stickflinger will make the arrow seem like it's coming out of a #50 bow anyways. Great pick!!!

[damascusdave]

I notice that people ordering a bow from a master bowyer often ask us what we think before asking the bowyer...Brian will know his bows, know what kind of velocity you can get with a lighter arrow, know how light you can safely go with one of his bows...part of the fun of getting a custom bow made is communicating with the bowyer...give him a call

DDave

[llamabow]

Thanks for your responses guys. You are right about talking with Brian and the nice thing is he is very easy to talk to (one of the reasons I ordered after talking with him on the phone). I did consider the second set of limbs down the road so that will make an easier decision to go lighter. Thanks again!

[M60gunner]

I think you should talk o the bowyer as well. We all have a favorite opinion on bow weigth. Also hard to advise without knowing something about you. As for 3D you will want a flat shooting bow. Most 3D are not marked yardage. As an example I have seen flat shooting bows that are under 30# it it just a case of matching arrows.