Increasing draw weight....

[rutro]

I started shooting again with a 20# long bow. Felt like it was to light and moved up to a 30# recurve. Now I'm thinking about moving up again. Now what I need to ask is how much? When I went to the 30# bow it was tuff. I've got the bad back from a wreck of a neck to a blown lower unit. But I still get around and love to shoot. I'm up to shooting anywhere from 30 to 90 arrows a day in split sessions, and it feels good to be able to do it. I quit when I start getting arm weary and my shots start opening up. If I move up in 5# increments it would be easier, but also more expensive. I'm thinking about a cheap take down, until I see how far I can go. My goal of course is to get to a hunting draw weight, 50# here in TX. One of the buddies said get a cross bow, and I qualify for one, but I'd just as soon get the bolt gun out. So I need some adult supervision. Should I move up in draw weight now or keep with the 30# bow until I get my anchor down. I still have days where I'm plucking the string and shooting high. But when everything is working right I'm consistent at 20 yd. point on and can keep 3 arrows in a playing card. That's all thanks to this board. It's an inspiration....

[McDave]

I don't think anybody here can give you medical advice; that would be between you and your doctor.

Leaving that aside, and just looking at it as a question of somebody getting back into archery after not shooting for a while who wants to eventually shoot 50 pounds, I would jump up to 40# at this point.  If it seems hard to shoot at first, just don't shoot as much until you get used to it.  40# is a good weight to practice with if you want to hunt with 50#, and you can use it in 3D competitions if you have any interest in that.  So I see a 40# bow as something you would keep and use in the future, rather than just shoot for a while until you grow out of it.

Again, any specific medical issues you might have might make my advice worthless.

[Sam McMichael]

I agree with McDave. 40# is a good stepping stone weight  as you progress to your desired 50# hunting weight. Just be sure to take your time. Stay in touch with your doctor during this process. Good luck.

[rutro]

Hey thanks for the replies. I did't mean to imply anyone here should offer medical advice, I won't even ask my Dr. for medical advice. We usually talk fishing or what's happening at the Lake, Lake Fork in E.TX. When I told him I was shooting the bow again he said Cool. So I'm looking at bows again.

[Dave Rice]

I share a bit of your pain. After my 3rd shoulder surgery I sold all of my bows, arrow making supplies, etc., and got out of the game. But, I just don't enjoy hunting during rifle season, and won't use a crossbow. Doing lots of exercises now as I wait for my new bow to arrive.

No help in my anecdote, except to say that you're not alone, and best wishes.

Dave

[rutro]

Thanks for the reply Dave. I was kind of hoping someone with the same problems might post. I picked up a 40# Samick Journey since I last posted. I was pleasantly surprised when I first pulled it. Its a smooth drawing bow, and very forgiving. I can get tighter groups with it than I can with the Pearson. It is a mystery why. I just can't shoot it as long.
 I was wondering what kind of exercises you are doing? I have a big yellow rubber band and have been doing one arm curls with it, but that's as far as I've been. Just pulling the bow seems to help more. I've been pulling the 40 every day for 12 or 18 times. It just seems to take so long to build up, I want it now!!!

Lord, give me patience--RIGHT NOW!    


Of course everyone's different, but I recall reading an article years ago and the auther said, once you reach that comfortable place, increase weight in two pound increments.  He gave a lot of reasons why, but I don't guess there's any need to go into those.

[rutro]

Jim said;
"Lord, give me patience--RIGHT NOW! [Smile]"

 Amen brother!!
 Wouldn't that 2# increments be something!!! If only I had the bows.
 But on the subject of form. Yesterday I was trying some things to get the back muscles more involved. Release is something that I've struggled with. Then I read somewhere about getting the drawing arms elbow back behind the arrow. When I did I felt the back muscles working and as I pushed out against the bow the release just happened. It was one of those "ah HA" moments. Now I kind of understand what I've been doing wrong.