who used to shoot high poundage??

[Joe Subler]

Just curious who has switched from shooting high poundage bows (say 60 # and above) to lower poundage bows and why?  In my younger days I used to shoot 60 to 65# bows but am now shooting nothing above 55# due to back and shoulder problems.

Joe

[KHALVERSON]

back when i was younger and tougher i would shoot mid 60# range @28  drawn to 29
but gettin older and wiser finally takes effect
i found that i didnt need all that weight and shoot low to mid 50s @30 in now and my accuracy has greatly improved with much less fatigue
kevin

[COOCH]

I can't say that I totally switched from my 74# bighorn but I've been shooting a 56# widow psa and it's kinda growing on me. It's shot thru every critter since I got her.

[centaur]

I used to shoot 70#, but I'm happy with 55# now. The deer don't seem to notice the difference.

[Mike Bolin]

Used to shoot bows in the 75# to 85#@28" range. Dropped down to the mid 50#s and have noticed that every animal I shoot is just as dead. Seriously, if my bow shoulder would allow me to I would still probably be in the 60#s somewhere. Mike

[monterey]

At one point i was shooting 70# in a Martin recurve and then down to 60.  It's a continuous downward slide!      Shoulder problems have been tough adversaries.  Having the problems results in a gradual loss of strength in the shooting muscles to boot.  Now I'm down to 37 and 42 but hope to be able to recover strength to be at 50 eventually.

[Jim Wright]

I used to shoot a 67 lb. Bighorn t.d. recurve in the early 80s. I started shooting again 5 or 6 years ago and my bows are now from 52 to 58 lbs. I shoot practically nothing but 3d animals (haven't lost one yet). With that said, there is nothing in North America I would not hunt with the heavy arrows I shoot and I don't feel I need a heavier bow.

[Sixby]

Getting lighter all the time. For years it was 64 at 64 my favorite combination.
Now I elk hunt with 58 and preferr shooting 40 to 50 lb bows just for fun.

God bless you all, Steve

[Red Beastmaster]

I started at 45, worked my way up to 65, then worked my way back down to 45. The journey took me 25 years and a couple thousand dollars to end up right where I started.

My elbow, shoulders, back, and neck thank me every day for making the change.

AND, I'm shooting better than ever!

[David Yukon]

My first real trad bow, is a 72# 68" long bow, that I don't shoot realy often, after that I went to a 60# hybrid 62" longbow, that I shoot the most, and i just recently got a used BW PSA 46#@28(52# at my draw) and like it a lot!! I think if it was to do all over again, i would go 50# on all my bows.... But I aint bying more bows... unless I sale some...

[Gray Buffalo]

Started back in the 50’s with a 40# bow and worked my way up to 80# over the years and here lately 55 felt so good I now shoot 50 to 52 #  

[Javi]

Used to shoot 85 on a regular basis and up to 100 on occasion... nowaday 50-52 is about my max although it isn't a big chore to pull more... just don't see the need...

[YORNOC]

Shot 60-65 on average and 75 for awhile. But advice from older guys who all said the same thing...wear and tear is inevitable made me think. Can still shoot in the 60's but dropping to  50-55 has made shooting easier for me, more fun, honed my accuracy, comfortable, better all around. If I go for Bison again I will work my way back up to the 70's, but for most hunting situations I personally do, these heavier draw weights are not needed.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

It's amazing what a little age and seasoning does to your preferred draw weight. 20 years ago i hunted with 84# and could draw a 100# . i think it had something to do with swinging a 2 pound hammer for 15 years 10 hours a day.    

About the time i gave up the wood framing  i started backing off on draw weight. i love 45-50 for 3D and deer hunting, and about 57# for elk hunting now.

[Widow's Son]

I used to shoot a 60# recurve then went to a 46# Black Widow. I have a vintage Super K at 45# and I just unintentionally "won" a 52# 1966 Kodiak on a certain auction sight. I bet it's a great bow however. I'm so lucky.

[straight_arrow]

I finally wised-up and moved down from a 73# schafer and a 70 # widow to a 58# Wapiti.  More control and confidence with the same killing power.  It's all about a good placement not the poundage.

[doowop]

Back in the day I hunted with 71. 36 years later I hunt with 50. Hope this ain't a pattern!

[duncan idaho]

I shoot between 63# and 72#,however,traditional archery is like any other martial art, you must physically train to be strong and healthy. A good flexibility/strength routine will help keep your shoulders healthy and give you more years of pain free shooting.

[bobman]

I'm only 60 so maybe I will when I get old.

I try to do at least 200 pushups every third or fourth day. I take a walk and do 50 reps every 1/8th mile until I get done with them.

 I also row on a water rower machine for 30 minutes twice a week.

So far I can pull my 68 lb bows without any problems

Lower back problems are my nemesis ....car accident

[Benny Nganabbarru]

I used-to shoot an 80# recurve, and quite a few bows in the 70#s. I am now trying some in the 50#s, but think I prefer the 60#s.