My Dave Johnson cedar longbow is 81 @ 27...heavy, but not too heavy...
To answer the gentleman who asked...here is why I shoot a heavy bow:
It was a gift from a very special friend, so I determined to learn it well...
It is a challenge, and I am up for the spirit of a good personal challenge to improve...
It is beautiful, graceful, powerful, and deadly..(kinda like my wife) and I appreciate that about it...
It has a story.
And because for me, and me only,....it's a celebration.
It takes effort to learn a heavier bow properly. It takes time and hard work...and success must be earned.....
When success is achieved....so is the personal reward. Kind of like a good stalk......
After a particularly arduous lifestyle, I am still healthy enough to work with my heavy bow, and I thank God everyday for that, and the other blessings in my life.
Everytime I pull and "get into" that bow, and hold it at anchor, then feel the string rip out of my fingers and see that 800 grain wooden arrow simply blast and drive into what ever I am shooting at.......it's a celebration for me.
I have just had rotator cuff surgery and am working back up to my biggun....it is hard, and it is taking effort, and it can be discouraging.
But I will get there, and soon. And once again I will be celebrating every shot.
Celebrating life, health, vitality, the ability to work and achieve a personal goal..and mostly just being alive..
Celebrating the life's work of a Master Bowyer like Dave Johnson....and his creation.
Someday I will no longer be able to properly shoot this bow, and I know that. When that happens I will shoot less weight...and celebrate those equally....
I truly enjoy the effort of pulling a heavier bow and the feel of my back as I pull through anchor and feel that string rip out...and the release takes care of itself.
I love the feel of the heavy bow as it launches a heavy arrow with total authority, but with almost complete silence.
I love to see that arrow hit, and keep going...
I love the confidence that I do not have to ask a forum if my setup is enough....I know it is.
Mostly, I truly enjoy the work it takes to shoot it well, and hunt with it well...any success must be earned, as with any good thing in life.
I don't care if anyone ever knows what my bow's draw weight is, or what their opinions are regarding heavy or light, or whatever....it is a personal thing for me, and I will continue to enjoy it as long as I can.
And on the day that I can no longer pull and shoot this bow, I will put it up and regard it fondly.
OR...I will gift it to a younger man who can spend time with it...celebrating.
Russ