Changing Draw Weight

[tradhunterRN]

Hey Gang. Quick question. I have a 50# bow, have not shot for a while and now getting back into it. Was thinking of getting 35# limbs for practice to work on my form. If I do that, and then switch back to the 50# for hunting season, how quickly do you think it would take for my accuracy to hone back in on that higher weight? I know that is a very subjective question but experiences from those that have done this would be helpful I think

[McDave]

If it were me, I would not have that drastic a difference between the hunting weight and the practice weight.  If I planned to hunt with 50#, I would want to practice/shoot 3D with 40-45#.

I think with 5-10# difference, you could spend 2-3 weeks shooting the 50# bow and be fine.  Of course, regardless of the difference, you shouldn't try to shoot as many arrows through the 50# or 45# bow as the 40# bow.  If you want to do that, you should just shoot all your arrows from the 50# bow, which some people manage to do, but I have never been able (or wanted) to do.

[damascusdave]

My first reaction is that 15 pounds of draw weight is a big difference...making that switch may be difficult...if you could shoot 50 before maybe try dropping down to 40 or even 45 pounds to build back up...I find 5 pounds of draw weight to be quite noticeable

DDave

I agree with the above comments! 15# is a huge jump!

Bisch

[Orion]

15# is a big jump, but if you shoot the same grains per pound of bow weight, the trajectory should be about identical for each so accuracy shouldn't be affected at all.  Will take a few arrows to get the feel of the heavier bow, but shooting the lighter bow (which you'll probably do a lot more than you would the 50# bow) will have toned your muscles enough to make the switch with confidence. If you get started now, can make the switch a month or so before season and be ready for the season.

[tradhunterRN]

Thanks guys!

Didn't realize that 5-10# would make that big a difference! I will continue to practice with what I have for the time being and see if I get back into shape or not; if I am still stagnating I will consider 40#, because even that is legal for whitetail in Ohio.

[Terry Green]

I practice with 60 to 70# bows and hunt with the samw...I have my arrow set up so I'm shooting the same FPS pretty much.....180 to 185 with 585 to 650 grains.

actually heavy bows are better for my form as they force me into 'The Magic T' that lighter bows don't. ......that's not only me...but a lot of folks I know are the same way.

[hawkeye n pa]

You would be pleasantly surprised with 5 pounds drop in IMHO. I have R arthritis and will drop 5#'s at times, but at the same time I need weight on the fingers for a good release.  Usually shoot 55#.

[RC]

I cant hit nothing with a really lite bow. My release is awful with them and I tend to overdraw.RC

[Pointer]

What McDave said...15lbs is too much spread in my opinion. I say get some 40lb limbs and see how you do

[the rifleman]

I think you will be pleased w 40.  I recently dropped to about that weight and w a 490 gr set up and verrrrrry sharp Grizzlies I can tell you that it does the job on our Ohio white tails.  Btw I was born and raised down the road from you in ravenna.  Good luck.

[tradhunterRN]

Originally posted by the rifleman:
I think you will be pleased w 40.  I recently dropped to about that weight and w a 490 gr set up and verrrrrry sharp Grizzlies I can tell you that it does the job on our Ohio white tails.  Btw I was born and raised down the road from you in ravenna.  Good luck.

Awesome! I only moved to the area in 2013 and still haven't gotten any private permissions in the area  :( . Going to try out West Branch this year and see if I can get any permissions this spring.

Thanks for your input!

[tradhunterRN]

The only other thing I need to check on is my draw length. I am not 100% sure what it is now because I have been out of the sport for long enough to forget. I am pretty sure I am under 28" though so a 40# bow for me will technically be below the minimum required poundage when at full draw so I may try a 45 if everyone is saying that will be a substantial difference for me.

[mike g]

Order 40+ limbs, They will probably wind up 43 or so and your good to go....

[JamesKerr]

I tend to agree with both Terry and RC. If you are planningn on hunting with the 50 lb. bow than I would say practice with it. You may only be able to shoot 4 or 5 arrows at first with good form, but it will suprise you how quickly your shooting form and strength will come back even after not shooting for some time period.

[Jakeemt]

I guess I am the lone voice of dissent. Lol ohh well. I would say go for it. I like to practice with a light bow too. If you can get a good release with a light how your release with a heavy weight really gets good. Try to shoot a bow the has an identical profile to your 50 and keep the arrows close. I would also shoot both bows every session. Up too you though brother.

[dirtguy]

I like to practice form with light limbs as well.  #42 for practice, #51 once form is nailed down.  I have two different set of arrows.  I have a TD that shoots very close with the two sets of limbs and arrows.