If you are using 55-65 spine arrows out of that bow and pulling 32", you are seriously underspined. By a lot. I have, in the past used some r/d longbows that were 55@28, and I pulled them over 31"(to 65# or so). I needed around a 90# spine for use with 125 grain heads, and over 100# if I wanted to go up in head weight.
In chosing a bow, start with looking at what the manufacturers themselves recommend. Most will have a chart on their websites for the recommended bow lengths in regards to draw length. I'd recommend going the used route, so you can figure out what you like and not be out a lot of money.
Second, your 55@28" bow, pulled to 32" is probably pulling close to 65-70#, maybe more if it's really stacking.
Like I stated earlier, your draw is about 1/2" longer than mine, so I can give you some direction in bow length. You'll want to stay within the manufacturers' recommendations, and watch for the string angle at full draw if you choose to go with a straight-limbed bow.
-For takedown recurves, 64"
-For takedown r/d longbows, 66"
-For straight-limbed longbows, 70".
-For one or 2 piece r/d longbows, 62" (due to the short riser)
Of course there may be some variations on that due to bow design, but it's a good rule of thumb.
Regarding arrows, finding wood arrows at the length and spine you will require is going to be difficult. I now only shoot wood out of my Hill style bows, where my draw length is slightly shorter than with my recurves or r/d bows.
With the other bows, I shoot carbon and settled on using Arrow Dynamics Hammerheads full-length, with the stock insert. They are a very tough, spine tolerant shaft that lets me use anywhere from a 125 to 200 grain point. The fletched shaft and stock insert without a point weigh right at 500 grains, so my finished arrows weigh right at 700 grains (with the 200 grain heads).
I've also used Goldtip 7595. I think they ended up weighing 625 or so with 200 grain heads.
At any rate, a long draw has some serious advantages. Your long draw adds at least 20 feet per second over someone with a 28" draw pulling the same weight. You can drop way down in weight, if you choose, and still fling an arrow with authority. Right now, my chosen hunting bow is a
[email protected] Hill. I shoot 65-70 spine wood shafts with 145 grain heads. It's as fast as a bow 10 pounds heavier but only pulled to 28".
The downside is that we don't have nearly the flexibility in arrow choices and combinations. Wood arrows require custom lengths and really high spines. Bamboo arrows are a viable option, but require a little more effort to get them just right. I do use them out of my self bows and bamboo backed bows, though.
Lastly, go to the A&H archery site for some very helpful information on tuning your bow.
http://www.acsbows.com/bowtuning.html Whatever setup you choose, following the procedures described will help you find the right arrow combination.
Topic: time for an upgrade - advice appreciated (Read 411 times)
