This has been a really good thread for me. I've enjoyed reading it.
I got back seriously into bowhunting in 2010, and, reading other materials, convinced myself that I should have a 48# bow made up. After all, I was 60 years old, and old man.
Five years latter, I'm shooting 65# and wondering if I could or should go higher.
It's been threads like this that have made a difference with me. I know Fred Eichler has gotten all his game with 54#. But, if you can shoot more and shoot well, perhaps you should do just that.
Monty Browning comes to mind! He's shooting 90# with a 1,400 grain fish arrow. I suppose that's "overkill" on a whitetail. Even so, a bad bone shot may well end up with a pass through.
Also, I would like to say that my wife getting me back to the gym has been a major factor with this.
Convincing myself that I could shoot heavier was about as easy as convincing myself I am too old and should go down in draw weight. (yes, there is a little ego there. But, that's okay too).
Again, thanks for this thread.