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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: nurayb on June 19, 2009, 06:03:00 PM

Title: What is a fast bow?
Post by: nurayb on June 19, 2009, 06:03:00 PM
I know that speed is not that important, but I am just curious what guys mean by a fast bow.  My 54@ 28 Kabekona shoots a 550 gr arrow at about 160 fps and my 58@ 28 Pronghorn shoots the same arrow at 165 and a 600 at about 155 fps.  This seems plenty fast to me visually but the numbers are a little less than exciting.  I know they will shoot through anything I am after so whatever.  Anybody have some numbers from their bows?
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: suzie_shooter on June 19, 2009, 06:10:00 PM
my indian magnum hunter shoots a 586 grain arrow at 186. it is 50@28 and i draw it to around 29.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: robtattoo on June 19, 2009, 06:16:00 PM
I think that anything over 160fps @ 10gpp could be classed as fast, to be honest.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: zwickeyman on June 19, 2009, 06:24:00 PM
To me, a fast bow will shoot around 180 fps with 10 grains per # with a 28" draw. Thare are a couple of handful of bows that will do that.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Guru on June 19, 2009, 06:27:00 PM
Same here....my bows(Kwyk Styks) shoot about 180+fps@10gpp
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: nurayb on June 19, 2009, 06:31:00 PM
Name some bows that will shoot 180+ at 10 10gpp
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: robtattoo on June 19, 2009, 06:35:00 PM
Horne Combo-longbow (Carbon model)
Morrison (pretty much any model)
ACS-CX
Kemfp Kwyk-Styks
Bob Lee recurves
Black Swan
21st Century
Habu

etc...etc...etc...
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Mo. Huntin on June 19, 2009, 06:44:00 PM
This is a neat thread.  When I was first getting into this trad thing me and a buddy were watching Bowhunter tv and Larry D Jones was getting ready to shoot a javelina and I said lets see how slow this thing is and he shot and that arrow smoked out of that bow so fast I could not believe it.  I don't know what bow he was shooting then but now I think he shoots a Dalaa.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Roy Steele on June 19, 2009, 07:03:00 PM
Dead is dead no matter how fast your arrow gets there.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: zwickeyman on June 19, 2009, 07:04:00 PM
I think Larry Jones used to shoot a Brackenbury. Way back in the 80's
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: tj69 on June 19, 2009, 07:07:00 PM
185fps and more with 10gpp is pretty fast I guess.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: deadpool on June 19, 2009, 07:23:00 PM
nurayb what exact;y is your draw lenthe?
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Michl on June 19, 2009, 07:24:00 PM
Its all about drawlenght-185 fps with a 27" draw is very fast, with a 31" draw its average(10grain/pound).
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: nurayb on June 19, 2009, 07:34:00 PM
I draw about 28 1/2.  I agree that for 30" and up achieving those speeds are much easier.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: champ38 on June 19, 2009, 07:51:00 PM
Ive got a Turkey Creek (double carbon) that shoots a 540 gn arrow 194 fps. I do draw 29 1/2" though and its 60@ my DL...one of the fastest Ive owned and light as a feather (almost)
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Matt D. on June 19, 2009, 08:39:00 PM
The Predator recurve was among the fastest bows I remember from the reviews in TBM.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Apex Predator on June 19, 2009, 09:57:00 PM
Most any bow can shoot 200+ fps.  The key is comparing apples to apples.  Ten grains per pound and drawing 28" kind of evens the playing field.  A release aid will add several fps, as well.  I think any bow drawn to a strict 28", shooting a 10 gpp arrow, and finger released shooting 180+ is fast.  The very fastest are probably 190-192 using the same criteria.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: James Wrenn on June 19, 2009, 10:15:00 PM
180 is fast.

Most all the fastest bows Blackie has tested in TBM top out at 190-194 with a release and only 9gns/lb.Looks like someone would send in one of these bows that shoot as fast as that with 10gns so we can see it apples to apples.  ;)
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Steve G on June 19, 2009, 10:39:00 PM
I just chrono'd my Saluki Ibex 49# I draw 29", shooting 30" 1916 w/ 125 ft's it shot 187 fps and shootind 2016 30" w/ 145 gr tips it shot 185 fps.  Any body know the respective weight of either arrows I'm shooting?
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Steel on June 19, 2009, 10:40:00 PM
I have my own indoor chrony setup and have tested every bow I have owned and recorded the results in my note pad. 170+ FPS at 10 to 10.5 grs per lb at 27" draw is very fast most bows I have owned are more like 160 FPS includeing alot of big name brand bows. I use a glove 10 shot average and the same AD arrow. I am sure my 27" draw does not help my FPS any I wish I had a bow that would do 190's but I am not there yet even with my best carbon limbed bows.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: vermonster13 on June 19, 2009, 10:41:00 PM
About 450 and 475 grain arrows.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Kingwouldbe on June 19, 2009, 11:02:00 PM
The holy grail is 60lb, 600 grain arrow 28" draw, going 200fps,  :eek:  now that's fast, if there is such a stick bow, I want one
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: nurayb on June 19, 2009, 11:58:00 PM
I would just like one that shot 180+
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Oliverstacy on June 20, 2009, 12:21:00 AM
I have a 60" Kajika longbow that is 55@29" and with a 580 grain arrow I have it going 180.4 fps.

It is going to be an absolute thumper with over 42+ pounds of KE waiting to offload.

Josh
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Rob DiStefano on June 20, 2009, 06:01:00 AM
a stick bow that does 180fps @ 10gpp = real fast.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Michael Arnette on June 20, 2009, 07:03:00 AM
You probably are not drawing all the way to 28"
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Jim Wright on June 20, 2009, 08:34:00 AM
Nuryab, Dan Toelke's new "Chinook" (1 pc. recurve) definitely will. My 60" is 54# at 29" and shot 551 grs. 183/184 f.p.s. with a dacron string. It also shot 660 grs. 168/170 f.p.s.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: TheFatboy on June 20, 2009, 09:17:00 AM
How do you know how fast your bow goes?
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Apex Predator on June 20, 2009, 09:18:00 AM
You have to shoot through a chronograph.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: TheFatboy on June 20, 2009, 09:26:00 AM
Ah...
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: bayoulongbowman on June 20, 2009, 10:23:00 AM
178 - 198....out of my bows
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Bonebuster on June 20, 2009, 10:54:00 AM
Predator recurves are fast.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: La. bowhunter on June 20, 2009, 02:00:00 PM
I have an old Dan Quillian Patriot that is 56 @ 28 and I draw 28.5 with a 635 grain arrow it shoots 184 fps.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: JL on June 20, 2009, 06:12:00 PM
I like fast bows. My 47# 64" Snakebit will toss a 30" 35/55 goldtip traditional with a 125gr head at 198fps. I draw 29" on good days. I guess I get about 50# out of her at 29".

JL
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Guru on June 20, 2009, 06:49:00 PM
that's a pretty light arrow   :eek:
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Quinn on June 20, 2009, 06:57:00 PM
My Roy Hall Navajo 3 pc takedown, 65# @ my drawlength of 29 1/2, shoots my 545gr arrows @ 197fps. I've got another Navajo, 48#, that I haven't clocked, but it seems to get it's 435gr arrows to the target just as quick. I think Roy builds a pretty fast (and smooth) bow.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: JL on June 20, 2009, 06:57:00 PM
463gr. according to a conversion table I used. I need to get a grain scale.

JL
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Stringdancer on June 20, 2009, 07:48:00 PM
A fast bow is one that reaches the target before the arrow.....   :biglaugh:
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Mway on June 20, 2009, 11:28:00 PM
I've shot an Indian Seneca recurve (58" 45/50# at my 27.5" draw) for almost 35 years and back when I still smoked, I could light & finish a cigarette by the time the arrow hit a 20 yard target.  

Folks have told me that a bow's a bow, and not to expect too much change in a modern bow as the science hasn't changed much.  I just ordered a Bob Lee 54", 53# one piece recurve and I am very interested to see the difference.

Mike in SC
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: joe skipp on June 21, 2009, 05:35:00 PM
I feel any bow that shoots an arrow 8-10 grains per lb in the mid 180's to mid 190's is fast.

Remember though, a lot of big game was killed over the years with bows that didn't shoot any faster than 170 fps and some even slower.

I have a letter from Fred Bear stating his 65# Super Kodiak with heavy fiberglass arrows never shot any faster than 168 fps...and look what Fred accomplished.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: wihill on June 21, 2009, 05:49:00 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Stringdancer:
A fast bow is one that reaches the target before the arrow.....    :pray:    :goldtooth:
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: snag on June 21, 2009, 06:59:00 PM
A "fast bow" is one that comes NEXT DAY delivery...wish mine would!
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: TonyW on June 21, 2009, 07:16:00 PM
I'm fasting now so I can buy one of them there fast bows.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Landshark160 on June 21, 2009, 11:49:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by JL:
463gr. according to a conversion table I used. I need to get a grain scale.

JL
JL, my 30" 35/55's with a 200 grain point weigh 480 grains.  That's with the standard aluminum insert.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: ishiwannabe on June 22, 2009, 02:39:00 PM
I am more worried about the noise of my bows than their speed. I have no idea what they average...
as long as they average it quietly.  :D
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: tj69 on June 22, 2009, 06:15:00 PM
Hey snag, its worth the wait!
I know what I am talking about!   ;)    :goldtooth:    :biglaugh:
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Flt Rck Shtr on June 22, 2009, 06:43:00 PM
I'm shooting a 575 gr. Easton Epic out of a Centaur Carbon Elite. It's smokin fast and quiet to boot. All a guy can ask for I guess! Well I'll have to add, It's a shooter also!!!
                                     James
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: larry on June 22, 2009, 07:12:00 PM
a fast bow is one I buy on Monday and sell on Friday....now that's fast
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Greg Skinner on June 22, 2009, 07:35:00 PM
With a 27" draw I doubt there are many (if any) bows that will shoot a 10gpp arrow 180 fps. I'm pretty happy with my HH Tembo 57#@27" that shoots a 605 grain arrow (10.6 gpp) at 160fps. A number of years ago when I got my first chronograph and did some speed testing the first thing I discovered was that draw length is everything - regardless of the bow. So I just try to maximize everything else in my setup since I can't lengthen my draw any more.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Steel on June 22, 2009, 08:18:00 PM
Greg I have the same 27" draw and like you said 180+FPS at 10gr per LB I have yet to see that number from any bow I own. I have two around 170 at 10.5 gr per LB thats as fast as I have ever tested and I have had alot of name brand bows includeing several of the newest carbon and carbon/foam core limbed bows. 160 FPS is very good out of most bows. I don't people understand how hard it is too get those 180 FPS out of shorter draws. I also weigh my arrows on a Dillon power scale for exact weight and use brass washers if needed to get 10.5grs per lb. I use a indoor Chrony setup and shoot from 8Ft away using a glove 10 shot average. I can throw in a lite weight arrow/no string accesories in one of my fastest bows and do 180 FPS I bet but I test my bows with wool puffs and hunting weight arrow just like I hunt in the field.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Dick Langer on June 22, 2009, 08:28:00 PM
Accuracy kills
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: trashwood on June 22, 2009, 09:25:00 PM
I don't think there is a fastest bow.  I think there are fastest arrows.  Ya start getting down to 6 or 7 gpp and all the bows get pretty fast...not sure for exactly how long they will be fast but they are sure nuff afterburner speed.

rusty
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: L. E. Carroll on June 27, 2009, 04:19:00 PM
Well after all of this I had to go test my "Favorite" stick yesterday.  Shes a beautiful Morrison Shawnee I was lucky to "Score" from Bob Walker.  She draws 56#@28, Mesquete  "B" riser and "C" Dakota bamboo limbs.  I shot GT 5575's cut to 29 1/2 BOP with 250 grn screw in FP's, dipped and crested and with 3-5" shield cut feathers...total weight 563.7 gr.
My speeds were 184 fps. and thats with a super quiet and very smooth drawing bow.

Always knew the was a good reason I liked it soo much  :wavey:    :jumper:
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: foudarme on June 28, 2009, 06:48:00 PM
there's what I get with my shooting machine and my 72#@28 ACS shot at a true 28" draw length;  6.75 brace height; string 12/18 strands:

6gpp; 431gr arrow: 236fps
7gpp; 508gr arrow: 220fps
8gpp; 577gr arrow: 215fps
9gpp; 650gr arrow: 200fps
10gpp; 718gr arrow : 192fps
11gpp; 799gr arrow: 182fps
12gpp; 866gr arrow: 179fps
13gpp; 937gr arrow: 170fps
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: foudarme on June 28, 2009, 06:56:00 PM
another ACS test made a few days ago with my shooting machine for a 13.6gpp ratio, using the same 72#@28 ACS than above (I have 4 ACS) with my actual hunting setup (string 12/18, shortened serving, silencers sims super string leeches, brace height 6.75, 2 plastic tips protectors):

27" draw length; 940gr arrow, 13.6gpp: 160 fps
28" draw length; 983gr arrow, 13.6gpp: 164 fps
29" draw length; 1020gr arrow, 13.6gpp: 172 fps

considering speed, your draw length changes everything...it is better to have some long arms rather than a fast bow     :biglaugh:
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Builder on June 28, 2009, 07:19:00 PM
I shoot a 615 grain arrow out of a 48# longbow. Very slow, very quiet, extremely forgiving and shoots complete pass throughs on Whitetails every time.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: Pegen on June 28, 2009, 07:27:00 PM
my 64" longbows shoot 170-175 with 10gpp arrows and 5" shield fletching
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: 7eyes on June 28, 2009, 11:43:00 PM
If you want speed, get a gun.

Speed is not at the top of the list for a great bow, but it helps.

What works is silence and accuracy.
Title: Re: What is a fast bow?
Post by: manfromthepast on June 29, 2009, 02:32:00 PM
Vintage 1970's 66" Jack Howard Gamemaster Jet 55# @ my 28" draw shooting 555g arrows = 175 fps.

Vintage 1980's 66" Jack Howard Gamemaster Jet 60# @ my 28" draw shooting 605g arrows = 175 fps.

Both bows using Jack's "stretchy" string material, not fast flight.  

I know there seems to be a trend toward shorter bows with most of today's hunters in treestands, but I think a lot of guys would be impressed with the improvement in their accuracy if they tried a well made longer bow.  I know I was.