Irecently purchased a Damon Howatt Mamba 60#'s 58long 28 draw. I have a 45 and 50 # recurve already and shoot them with no problem. I really like the way my 50# DH shoots so I decided to take a chance on a 60# DH bow. MAN what a difference. :eek: I will have to set this bad boy aside as to not develope really bad shooting habits (It's not like I have the best to start). To all of you that shoot this weight or more, I tip my hat to you. Just wanted to share my experience.
Corey
That is a bummer!
Yes, 10# is a big jump especially if your shooting at the upper end of your comfort zone. Most people find that one bow will be more comfortable for them than another at a particular draw weight. This is a good reason to "try before you buy" whenever possible. Is it new? Maybe you could return/exchange it. If it is used you might find someone willing to trade.
10# is a big jump. Also depends where in the range one does it. For example, a jump from 40# to 50# probably doesn't feel anywhere near as much as 50# to 60#.
Also, did you check the actual draw weight on your bow. Lots of times, bow weight wasn't marked very accurately, particularly with older bows. It could easily be 5# heavier than you think. On the other hand, it could also be 5# lighter. Then you may have a problem :bigsmyl:
Or you could shoot a few arrows every other night and slowly try to build up without hurting yourself. Definitely is a difference.
It is a used bow. I don't plan on giving up this soon. I will try to fling a few to see if it does get easier. I really enjoy shooting my 50# mamba hi-speed.
take it slowly and you may adapt very easily...
Try shooting just 3 or 4 arrows a day and concentrate on form while you do.. A week or two and you should be shooting it just fine for sort sessions.
Thanks for the positive responses. If I could figure out how to post pics, I would let ya'll see it.
What I did years ago when I decided to move up in bow weight was this. I moved from 48# to 69# and for the first couple of months I thought I'd bitten off more than I could chew.
The entire first month I stood the strung bow next to the door to my bedroom and every time I walked by it, I picked it up and drew it to full draw... and held it for as long as I could.
I didn't shoot an arrow, only drew it. Finally my muscles responded and I started shooting it. I concentrated more on controlling the bow and executing good form more than accuracy.
With time and dedication it became easy to handle and was a terror on game.
Be patient and good luck.
I made the same jump when I bought my first custom bow. Why 10#s? I was new and well, the guy in the shop told me, correctly, that to legally hunt moose in NH I was required to have a 60# bow. Although I lift weights it still took a little work to get those specific muscles to work well in that motion together but now a lighter bow feels easy but very uncomfortable with having to refigure out a smooth release etc. I could shoot heavier but why bother-I have my "moose bow!" :)
I just finished shooting about 2 dz arrows. The bow seems to like goldtip 5575. They were pretty tight while the others were scattered. I am realy impressed how much flatter my arrow flies with the increase in weight. 2dz was plenty enough and I hope I can start to become comfortable within the next month or so. It's time to order a few goodies to add to it.
I do what Charlie lamb says. I keep my bow strung and pull it a few times each day. Years ago when I was alot younger I shot a 80# Black Widow, don't ask me why, And I used to do simple pushups and pull my bow each day. Oh yes, pull it with both hands. I learned that from an old Price Albert VHS on building archery muscles.
No, I donot shoot that much weight any more. At 63 years old I am shooting bows between 55-65lbs. The 65lb. bow is getting to the point where it will be a workout bow only soon. It is funny how life can make a full circle. I shoot my 55lb. bows alot more these days, same weight I started with in high school.
Here's a update of my progress.
I tuned the bow and it seems to like 7 3/4 brace hight. It was much quieter at this brace hight. I set the nock point for 3 under and she shot pretty darn good. I am new to traditional archery and I have been reading and trying to gather as much information as I can about tuning a recurve. It's getting bettery and more and more fun every day.
Funny how 10 additional pounds can feel like 100, LOL! Go slow. :thumbsup:
When you jump up in weight, do like Charlie and others said and think about form... full back tension, solid anchor point, elbow back in line with the draw. I am working on getting comfortable with a 62# selfbow and have trouble pulling it for the first couple arrows still, but do fine when warmed up. I am trying to get those muscles built up to get that first arrow to full draw and solid form. After all, its that first one that I want to hit the mark hunting.
Charlie's advise is right on --
After recovering from open heart surgery last winter, I found that I could't pull 40 pounds let alone the 60+ I had been accustomed to.
I left my bow strung, hanging on a peg in the bedroom and pulled it as far back and held it as long as I could at least three times a week. I did not attempt to shoot until I could comfortably draw and hold it. It took me over three months to build up to holding 60 pounds but now I'm shooting better than ever. Good Luck!
QuoteOriginally posted by Charlie Lamb:
What I did years ago when I decided to move up in bow weight was this. I moved from 48# to 69# and for the first couple of months I thought I'd bitten off more than I could chew.
The entire first month I stood the strung bow next to the door to my bedroom and every time I walked by it, I picked it up and drew it to full draw... and held it for as long as I could.
I didn't shoot an arrow, only drew it. Finally my muscles responded and I started shooting it. I concentrated more on controlling the bow and executing good form more than accuracy.
With time and dedication it became easy to handle and was a terror on game.
Be patient and good luck.
Heed what Charlie sez - this is a right way to up draw weight ...
TAKE YOUR TIME and DON'T GET HURT!
I think it would be a great mistake to use your bow like a muscular training tool..neither good for you nor the bow...
In your country you have the chance to get a solution for whatever you need in archery..see on this link (http://www.3riversarchery.com/product.asp?i=799X) and you will get what you need for reinforcing your muscles without hurting them...with this tool, I jumped from 60# to 80# in less than 2 monthes...
As already mentioned by Orion, Martin bows are sometimes a bit heavier than what is marked.
I have a Mamba(the grey one) from around "96", and it`s marked 70lbs@ 28". EVERY scale I have ever put it on shows at least 74lbs@28".
I guess my point is, you may be jumping up a bit more than ten pounds.
Fifty pounds is a good draw weight, but if you are able to step up in weight a bit, you will like the performance on game.