Ever wonder what # bow you are realy shooting?

[ken denton]

I notice a lot of bows in the classifed are being quoted as a different poundage than the bowyer has marked on the bow?
Could be a different scale being used than the type the bowyer used?
Arother factor is the bow string on the scale hook( which might mean it is pulling down the weight of the bow( say 1 1/2# for a longbow) before you start pulling it to record the #.
Another factor is to put the bow handle on the scale hook ( might mean a truer weight)?
If you know the real # of the bow you shoot best, then you know what # when you buy another? Ken

[Cyclic-Rivers]

No, I just like to shoot.  

[lpcjon2]

you lost me at "Could be".

[BWD]

Nope, maybe, I scale all of mine. If my scale is correct I know, if not, then maybe.

[Whip]

I can tell you that bows do vary considerably in measured weight on my scale from one bowyer to another, and even from one bow to the next with some.  I see a lot of different bows, and weigh them all on the same scale.  Even if my scale is not correct, I would expect to get consistently high or low readings.    

The majority of the bows I weigh actually come in less than they are marked.  Some by a pound or two, others by more.  Occasionally, but less frequently, my scale shows the same or slightly higher than what is marked.  I did have one older Bear recurve that was marked at 45# and my scale read 54#.  More commonly, a bow marked at lets say 55# will weigh in at 52 or 53#.  The inconsistency from one bow to another is suprising.

I did use a bag that was weighed at the local feed store to calibrate my scale.  Maybe my methodology is wrong by a bit, but it does weigh a know amount correctly.

[frank bullitt]

Weights and Measures! I posted this problem awhile back. Folks who are having problems with arrow spine.

If your not sure of the weight that you are "Drawing", how can you be sure of the arrow spine?

Check and be sure, you need the numbers to add up!

[ksbowman]

I agree with Whip. Just because the bowyer has a certain weight marked on the bow it doesn't mean it is correct. I have a dozen bows and some are right on the money and some aren't. One is marked 60# @28 and actually weighs out at 64#.So without putting a bow on a scale and checking I wouldn't take it as written in stone.  Ben

[2treks]

About a year ago I got a bow in for a reduction and refinish. It was 8# light on my scale. I took a dumbell and put it on my bath scale to check weight, and then checked my bow scale, it was right on. I repeated my checking and re-checking on 4 other scales and all where with in a pound of each other. I have since bought a digital scale and a certified weight. I seldom get a bow in for work that is marked what my scale reads. I have had two Bracks in this past month that weighed as marked. Most others are with in a pound or maybe two. Chuck

[Ken Taylor]

Quite a while back I had a recurve that said 70# @ 28" and it was 75# at 28" no matter how I weighed it. At first I thought that I was measuring it wrong.

That's quite a difference but I guess percentage wise, it's not anymore than the others mentioned and in some cases even less.

My draw length with that bow was 31" (=  86#) so I had a bit of a hard time finding arrows back then.I ended up using aluminum 2419s.

[Holm-Made]

I have a guy that certifies local wrestling teams scales check my scales periodically.  I have 2 incase one wears out and goes bad.  Chad

[James on laptop]

It don't really matter to me as long as the bow is not too heavy.I don't even weigh bows I build.When they feel right,they are close enough.I only weigh a bow if wanting to test it with certain weight arrows and plan on posting about it or selling the bow.Other than that bow weight or arrow weight really just don't matter to me.  

[vtmtnman]

I've had high end stuff,cheap new bows and old Bear bows.I've never had a bow mismarked.Every bow I've ever scaled said what was marked on the bow...Be it at 28" or what it was supposed to be at 28".

[Tom]

I"'ve had two well known bows mismarked. One was 3# light and the other was 3# heavy, when you draw over 28" it can make a difference.

[Rob DiStefano]

imo, almost all bows are off in their marked drawing weight from their actual drawing weight.  lots of bowyers are still using inaccurate analog spring scales.  there's also the matter of drawn bow arrow length, which should be measured from the inside of the drawn string to the exact front of the riser/arrow shelf.

the real question is the accuracy and quality of the scale.

i've used a variety of quality spring scales over the decades, with ballpark results at best.  over the last few years i started using digital scales, with lots better results.  my latest is the easton digital bow scale, and that's proven extremely accurate when compared to post office digital scales.  

however, in the long run, 'ballpark' bow drawn weights are really good enuf for all of us shooters ... but maybe not bowyers, though.

[owlbait]

Since most bowyers now guarantee weights plus or minus "X" pounds maybe it should say that also? I do know that a bow I was waiting on took longer because of new materials and the weight wasn't right so the bowyer explained to me and I waited a little longer. Some bowyers may say, close enough, and ship it, marked at the target weight?

[Doc Nock]

I ordered one custom at 50#, promised to be +/- 3# of ordered draw.  It came in marked 54#. When questioned, was told if it doesn't work, he would take it down 3#.

Had it measured on 4 different bow scales and consistently drew 57#. Let me tell you...that much difference in weight for someone with shoulder issues anyway (arthritis), YOU KNOW IT!

Sent it back to reduce weight, made a few marks in the finish to tell, front and back of limbs and after 8 weeks, came back untouched and advertised to be 51#. Still was 57#.

That company isn't in business anymore.

[David Mitchell]

Doc, I had the same problem with a bow that was actually 7# over marked weight.  The weight does seem to vary a lot among bows and bow makers.

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by David Mitchell:
Doc, I had the same problem with a bow that was actually 7# over marked weight.  The weight does seem to vary a lot among bows and bow makers.

yeah, it's a two fold problem - hitting the expected weight/range, accurately measuring the drawn weight.

imho, at the very least all bowyers need to have and use the best digital scale available.  then the rest is up to their craftsmanship.

[wingnut]

Rob,

Just for clarification.  Standard ATA/AMO drawlength and weight is measured at 26.25 inches from the pivot point of the riser.  Not the front edge of the bow.

Mike

[Apex Predator]

Yep, measured from the deepest part of the grip 26 1/4" to the string for weighing one at 28" draw.  This normally is pretty close to 28" to the front of the shelf, but not always.