I was heading back in the house the other day from some time shooting in the yard, and my wife made an interesting observation that not only is trad archery a lifestyle, but that shooting heavy bows seems to add another dimension.
That coupled with looking at Raging Water's brood last week got me thinking about that little extra bit of time and effort that we make in working up to and maintaining our proficiency with heavier (70lbs+) bows.
This isn't to downplay the efforts that ALL trad folks make, but just an acknowledgement that there is another bit of challenge and joy that comes from mastering a few thicker lams that only those of us that do it and love it seem to get.
So, in an effort to share the joy, how about some of my fellow heavy bow shooters chiming in and trying to put into words what makes our lifestyle choice so rewarding?
If possible, no "why would you do that/it's stupid/I only need a 45lb bow/" comments please.
This is for the faithful in the congregation.
I enjoy shooting my heavy bows(70-75# for now maybe 80# in the future)I have a better release,much faster arrow and the joy to feel the poundage.For hunting I prefere to use lighter bows since with cold muscles it is easier to draw,anyway for sure it helps my shooting.
I'll just say that when I thought about shooting a heavy bow, it was out of curiosity, could I do it? When I got my Howard Hill Half Breed 75@28 I looked her over and drew her back, no problems. At 5'6" and 165lbs soaking wet not bad. Is it a lifestyle, no, but it sure is a whole lotta fun.
I guess I have always looked at it as why not do it if you can. I have wrestled my entire life and compete in strong man competitions, so why not draw a 80,90 or 100# + bow if you can handle that much weight. I guess I already had the lifestyle then added the heavy bow to it.
I think that there are diminishing returns with the ultra heavy bows. But boy you should have seen that arrow fly over the hill when I shot that microflight 12 stuffed with a dowel out of a 96 pound longbow through the 180 pound 8 pointer. Or the time I jumped a doe while using my 85 pounder and put the 2219 into a tree after it went nearly end to end through the doe. It takes a lot of conditioning to be able to keep it up without injury so be careful. As I said on another post, just to torque off a compunder that had been harassing me I showed him how many ways and times one could draw a 150 Jennings elephant bow that was on display, I hurt my elbow a bit doing anchor first and then push the bow to full draw, with draws left hand and right handed. I should have done two, instead I did eight and strained my elbow a little. heavy arrows and solid bows are fun but like I said it takes work. i have backed down some because of release finger issues after many years of shooting many many arrows keeping up with the heavy bows. I still draw my two 64 pound Schulz legends at the same time to keep my strength up, I just stay off of the worn finger joint when I do it and I shoot the heavies sparingly when I am in the mood. I am considering going to a heavier left hander, I am doing good with the lefty I have now.
I shoot heavy bows because, I can.
However, I did not start out with heavy bows. I started with a 45# at 28". Over time, I just got stronger and stronger. I, like others, have had shoulder problems. I have injured myself numerous times in Martial Arts and Weight Lifting.
With Archery, I try real hard to use my back muscles, not my shoulder muscles, and my shoulders are just fine.
I could go to my bow rack, right now, and draw an 85# bow back, cold - no warm up, and no injuries. However, I choose to warm up whenever possible. Just trying to be smart about what my body can and cannot do.
But, to your real point - it is a choice. Nothing is RIGHT about it - and nothing is WRONG about it. It is, what it is.
At 47 years old, it's fun. Someday, I won't be able to.
That's why my 66" 85# at 28" Howard Hill Half Breed has this inscription.
(http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac138/hemdell/HH%20Half%20Breed/CIMG5601.jpg) (http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac138/hemdell/HH%20Half%20Breed/CIMG5607.jpg)
In closing, I was shooting with my buddy Jerry Bischoffberger or "Bisch". He jokingly says, "I like my Girlie bows". He shoots 45#-55# bows, and he shoots "lights out". He has won numerous Belt Buckles at 3 D Shoots and has taken many animals in the US and Africa. He is a true Archer and Hunter and impresses the heck out of me with his "Girlie Bows".
So, Light, Medium or Heavy, it is just a choice.
Matt
Never really thought about it as a lifestyle. Just shoot them because the lighter bows don't leave the same impression. i don't have to work up to it, although lack of practice certainly affects my accuracy.
Bigjim
I dont shoot heavy bows, dont think i will ever be able to but i shoot as much as i can, thats around 53 to 58.
One thing, it sure is amazing to stand next to a guy shooting a 90# long bow and watch his 800 to 900 grain arrows fly, just amazing. Do it if you can and injoy while you can.
I can't pull a really heavy bow, about 65# is my max, and I usually shoot much lighter bows than that. However, I would think that if you could pull a bow in the 90-100# range, you might feel a kinship with the Welsh archers of yore who went into battle with their 90-100# warbows.
QuoteOriginally posted by stik&string:
I guess I have always looked at it as why not do it if you can. I have wrestled my entire life and compete in strong man competitions, so why not draw a 80,90 or 100# + bow if you can handle that much weight. I guess I already had the lifestyle then added the heavy bow to it.
Ditto here... it just goes along with the challenges...And it really is fun to shoot em bc with me anyway, I seem to have to concentrate more... Keeping good form.... pic a spot...etc...
I normally shoot 55-65. But any time going after BIG game I work up to 75-80. Its a goal, and fun to work towards. Then I get lazy and drop back down again.
My "go to" Predator recurve comes in at 73 lbs at my draw length. I do not consider this a truely "heavy" bow.
I shoot this draw weight, because suits me. I can shoot 100 arrows without fatigue, and I can sit for hours on a cold day and draw it with ease.
I hunt my local whitetails with it, and it literally crushes them. A quartering away shot that hits the opposite shoulder produces results similar to a deer hit in the same location as a .30-30. Often the deer cannot run, but rather flops forward a few yards. About five years ago, during late season, my armguard that helped keep my heavy clothes tucked in, was undone on the last strap closest to my body. I released an arrow at a big doe, and took her too far back becuase my string caught my armguard. My arrow fishtailed through the deer. She ran a half circle, and stopped at about thirty yards with only the rear end visible. I knew I had hit her, and as soon as I got my armguard squared away, I released a second arrow with the intent to center punch the hip. It did just that. My arrow smashed it`s way through the hip and landed on top of the crusted snow. She was unable to go anywhere, and died quickly from the wound.
At one time I shot bows that were heavier, but I found I lost some draw length, even though the draw weight was not a problem. It is like my skeleton gets compressed, through my shoulders and chest. I lose an inch by going above 80 or 85 lbs. I found any gain in performance is gone by losing draw length. This is why I settled where I`m at. Same bow...almost thirteen years.
As Raging waters said, it is indeed a choice.
Sometimes in the summer, I`m shooting my bow when I should be mowing the lawn...it`s a choice. :D
I say to each his own. Some people even like fat women. Me,myself I will stay with the light weights 50 lb is enough for me...Lighter women too. :laughing:
QuoteOriginally posted by Raging Water:
With Archery, I try real hard to use my back muscles, not my shoulder muscles, and my shoulders are just fine.
Matt
BINGO! :clapper:
I've shot what most would consider heavy bows for most of my life. I never really had to work at it much either. Back in my compound days I shot 86# - 95# pretty regular, hunting, 3D's, didn't really matter. Tradbows I started light, but in no time at all I found I could actually shoot the heavier weights better. I think it had (and still has) a lot to do with my release. The heavier bows kinda rip the string off your fingers and the lighter bows force you to think about your release.
Now, I've owned and shot 100# plus bows, and they are a hoot to shoot, but I could see they were going to eventually hurt me. So, I've kinda mellowed with age... I still have a couple of mid 70# bows that I shoot regularly, mostly so my mid 60# bows are that much easier to shoot. But, if push came to shove I'd hunt the heavier bows.
I'm actually just now tinkering with mid 50# bows as I'm seeing the same kind of returns from them by working on my release. When my release is sound with the mid 50# bows, I'm lights out with my mid 60# bows. So, basically I shoot from 55# - 75# to shoot my 65# bows well while hunting. Makes sense to me, and I'm sticking with it! ;)
Good for you partner on your undertaking. First, I'm no nut dragger matching attitudes with anyone. Long as you're ethical, you can hunt with me shooting anything you want. I shoot heavy because I love the way weighty arrows zip flat through the air burying deep into the target. My workouts allow me to handle this weight & it works nicely for me. Haven't had a problem trailing deer since I switched 33 years ago. My storechest is full of great times & hunting experiences. That's the way I like it.
I'm a mason and have done hard physical work for almost 40 years . When work was good and steady I would come home from a days work and shoot 75-100 arrows out of an 80# Longhunter or my 76# BW without any issues . Now as I've gotten older and my back is giving out I find I'm drawing with my arms more than my back muscles and my shooting is starting to suffer . That said if I drop down below 55# I find I have a terrible release . Mid 60's to low 70's seems to be comfortable when I'm feeling right . I feel you should shoot the heaviest bow you can handle easily as you can always go down as you get older . My thoughts only .
A life style choice? Well maybe, more like a commitment to keeping up on the poundage. For accurcy and to keep your muscles and soft tissues in tone.
Jason
because I can. Because no one wants to borrow my bows. Because I hunt elk first, and everything else second. I enjoy getting pass thrus with three blades on marginal shots. because I get more speed out of heavier arrows.
But most of all, the squirrels seem to take it the hardest. Lose to many of those buggers with my 50# bows.
After so many years of shooting your body and muscles develop and allow you to shoot heavier bows.Its a graduation in our sport.For years I had a harder time shootig lighter bows and as Felix pionted out heavier bows allow a crisper release.Five or 6 years ago after my 2 spinal operations I was back down to 45-50# which was a complete blow to me .In the last few years repeated shooting and gradually increasing my weight I'm back up to 60-65# again.I just like heavy bows and the benefits they offer especially with larger game.
I have a 70# longbow that I use to shoot all the time, it was my only bow and I was shooting a lot! My "new" bow is a 60# and I do shoot it more that the 70 pounder, just cause I don,t shoot as much any more( working on that) but still like t let go a few arrows with my 70# one, it just feel good!
cheers
Been shooting heavier weights since I was a kid. Guess it has to do with my Dad buying me a 45# Kodiak when I was 7. I may not have been drawing 28" at that age but, by the time I was 12 I was shooting 65-70# recurves. Still don't know if I was drawing 28", probably not. But I believe this is the reason I always have shot heavy weights. Grew up doing it, and it has just always felt right.
Sold my 108# HH at age 40, and have pretty much stayed with 65-80# for the past 15 1/2 years.
Decided about 3 months ago to better prepare for an upcoming Africa hunt I wanted to start shooting 100# bows again to gain strength and endurance. Well made a post in classifieds looking for a bow. This past Thursday I received Raging Waters (Matt Hamiltons) 102# Bamabow Hunter at the Post Office.
At almost 56 years old I was very surprised that I can almost get it to full draw. Figure just by shooting it I should be there without over doing things in a month or 2 at the most. (Can actually make full draw left handed, But I'm right handed as is the bow. Left arm keeps breaking down when drawing right handed, need to work on left arm strength.)
But for me the best thing about shooting heavy weight bows...... It sure is a lot more fun than going to the Gym for exercise.
nice matt i have to say that i have never seen anything like that on a bow
Have shot heavy bows for over 20 years, although my definition of "heavy" has changed a little. I bought a used Jerry Hill 76# back about '92, it came apart on me. Sent it to Jerry to see if he could repair it. He said no, but he'd build me a new bow for 1/2 price. I had him build me a 68" 80# Wildcat and shot it effectively for years. Killed several deer with it over the years. It began to be a little much a few years back, and to make a long story short, I've reduced my poundage to 65#, which many would still consider heavy. At age 52, I'm happy with a 65# Hill-style bow. Time and age may further alter my definition of "heavy", however. As long as it'll still shove an arrow through a whitetail, "heavy is as heavy does." :)
"Every passion has its destiny"
Billy Mills
I don't really think it's a lifestyle choice, it has more to do with who we are, and what feels right.
I don't arm wrestle little skinny guys, because it just wouldn't feel right.
I don't put on the gear and fight little skinny guys full contact, because it just wouldn't feel right.
And I don't shoot my wife's little skinny 52-pound bows because they just don't feel right.
I do shoot my 75 and 80 pound bows because they feel JUST RIGHT.
(Plus they kill elk dead).
. . . and mule deer, and bears, and wild boar, and big nasty Australian buffalo, and anything else that gets downrange of a heavy arrow launched from my bows.
My bows are not heavy to me, they are just right------Sweet and smooth as honey!
Greyfox said something important about release many guys don't think of. A heavier bow will give you a cleaner release with the string naturally falling off your fingers. I try to get friends to shoot heavier and once they do they say like RIK above said it really feels right.
Drawing a heavier bows demands boths arms and back to work in unisinc just as one went lifts weights maintaining control of the bow very rarely having issues like dropping your bow arm after release.
I used to shoot a 90 pound and have shot a 100 pound hill. Then agent orange, dibetices, heart disease, and extreem disc disease made me come down to 80 pounds and then 70 pounds and now 65 pounds. It does take effort to shoot the big ones but I always loved it.
How did Hill put it when he saw someone straining on a too heavy bow, "I could cut washers off your rump." I see people blowing their form when shooting heavy stuff and torquing their bodies to get the bow back in some of these pictures on here. It concerns me that they could hurt themselves. I hurt myself a couple of times with the super heavies, the worst time was with that damn Jennings thing. What ended up getting me was not the shoulders , but the release fingers. I made certain that I was not violating the Hill form when I shot the heavy bows, even good form cannot prevent everything that can wear out. I never ever look down on someone that shoots a light bow, especially if they are out shooting me. A good shot is just that and a bad shot is just a bad shot, the wayward arrow forgets very quickly how hard the shooter was straining.
I don't think the bows were are discussing fall anywhere near "ultra heavy."
For me, ultra heavy would be around 110 pounds or so. For some of the larger guys here, I am guessing it would go even higher.
70? 80? Pretty light and comfortable actually, unless you never train to be stronger than the bow.
If I had to strain to draw my everyday hunting bow, I would be (1) overbowed, and (2) a moron for hunting with a bow I had to strain to shoot.
Rik,...showoff! 70 to 80 is not exactly light for the average bowhunter. You are blessed. I tried a 110 longbow once and it stopped dead two inches from anchor, I could not budge it to save my life after that.
I can't shoot an 80 pound bow without straining unless I work up to it. Then I'm okay, but naturally I'm not capable of shooting anything over about 65 pounds without starting to strain. Body type, bone structure, etc all plays a role. You play with the cards you are dealt.
I dont shoot a heavy bow, 55# is what I am hunting with this year. I have noticed that the bow I shot the best was the heaviest I have owned at 66#. If I go below 50#, bad things happen to my form and release. The added weight seems to tighten up my form and "force" me to do things right. Usually anyway. Lol.
Do any of you guys have similar issues when you pick up lighter bows? Fred touched on it, and I know I have issues with lighter weights....just curious.
Ishi,I'm the same,for the life of me I have a hard time with light bows.More strain the better.Like you said it forces me to do everything right.
When I was shooting 80 to 90 pound bows when I would try one of our 50 pound bows , it was like the empty bucket in a bucket brigade. The empty bucket gets tossed in the air when a heavy one is expected. It was like I did not know how to pull it, all the wrong muscles kicked in. I did eventually get myself to back the weight down a bit. Still today, I can hardly feel the difference between a 50 plus bow and a 64 pound bow, maybe if I would stop working out with my two 64 pound bows simultaneously that would change. However, it is more important to shoot healthy than to not shoot at all.
It takes training to be able to shoot and HANDLE heavy bows. When I shot heavy weights I shot every day. There was a time when I didn't own a bow under 80#. My favorite 3D bow was an 83# Zebra longbow. My heaviest bow was a 120# LD longbow. Over the years my bow weight steadily declined.
I have bad shoulders from years of shooting those heavy weights. I'll be 75 years old next spring, the same age that Howard Hill was when he died. Howard was down to low 40's in bow weight in his latter years because of arthritis in his hands and shoulders. I have the strength to shoot a 60# bow but if I do my shoulders keep me awake at night. I just got a new bow made for myself and it's 45#...light weight?..yes, but it doesn't hurt when I shoot it... :)
Ia Hawkeye said,
QuoteShooting heavy bows is limited by genetics, health, age and common sense.
ALL YOU ULTRA HEAVY BOW SHOOTERS WILL PAY FOR IT SOMEWHERE DOWN THE ROAD.It may take 30-40, years or more, but it will happen.If not you will be an exception.
AMEN
Ron,you are 75 young at your age,but I think that everyone does what he likes better and can,so everyone can enjoy the sport.one of the reason i am actually going up on the poundage is for not going down!!
I can't say I think it's alife style but you do what feels best for you. I've shot the moderate weight bows for 30 plus years because I could. I always believed you should shoot the heaviest bow you can handle accurately. I'm the same age as Greyfox and can shoot 3D courses with my 80# Longbow and I have trouble with my release using anything much under 70#. Maybe it's because I'm a little guy and I get a kick out of big guys grunting to pull my bows back but I've killed a ton of game with them and will probably shoot them until I get old. The doe I just shot was with the lightest bow I own at 68#. The deer died and the arrow went through so I guess it works. You can only kill them so dead.
When I started(50 years ago) I was shooting 50#. When I started shooting "shoots" I realized the faster and flatter an arrow got to the target the easier it was so I got another bow 61# and another 70#. These were my field round bows, eventually I stopped at 88#. There wasn't any recurve class then and the compounds had taken over. I am shooting 60-65 now and enjoying it, any less just doesn't feel right.
QuoteOriginally posted by Ron LaClair:
It takes training to be able to shoot and HANDLE heavy bows. When I shot heavy weights I shot every day. There was a time when I didn't own a bow under 80#. My favorite 3D bow was an 83# Zebra longbow. My heaviest bow was a 120# LD longbow. Over the years my bow weight steadily declined.
I have bad shoulders from years of shooting those heavy weights. I'll be 75 years old next spring, the same age that Howard Hill was when he died. Howard was down to low 40's in bow weight in his latter years because of arthritis in his hands and shoulders. I have the strength to shoot a 60# bow but if I do my shoulders keep me awake at night. I just got a new bow made for myself and it's 45#...light weight?..yes, but it doesn't hurt when I shoot it... :)
Ia Hawkeye said,
QuoteShooting heavy bows is limited by genetics, health, age and common sense.
ALL YOU ULTRA HEAVY BOW SHOOTERS WILL PAY FOR IT SOMEWHERE DOWN THE ROAD.It may take 30-40, years or more, but it will happen.If not you will be an exception.
AMEN [/b]
:notworthy:
I used to shoot mid-70s poundages. As long as you do everything exactly right, no problem. Unfortunately, none of us does everything exactly right every time. I now shoot high 50s and leave the advil behind.
I agree with about everything that's been said. My heaviest bow is around 75#- lightest is 65# and like some others have posted, I don't feel they are particularly heavy. Ron brought up a great point; I'm not a big guy, and I'm 56 years old. I have to shoot regularly- every other day at least- to shoot my heaviest stuff. I'm really beginning to pay, physically, for everything I've done to myself and in comparison to most of them, shooting a bow has been pretty benign. I know that the day is coming when I'll drop some weight and I know that 70+ pounds isn't at all necessary for the game I hunt. However it keeps me in shape to a certain degree and if I maintain myself, it doesn't hurt. If I take three months off for whatever reason, I have to train back up. I don't think that's all bad. BTW- these weights are all I could ever shoot well but I'd shoot 100 lbs. if I could. Its not necessary, I know, but I don't believe anyone ever lost an animal because he or she was shooting too much weight. They may have missed a few, LOL, but all else being equal, they didn't lose'em cause of high poundage. GY
I'm only 55 and mostly shoot 50#'s...but am wanting to hunt cape buffalo with trad gear. I'm planning on working up to ~70# for that, but will do so slowly. That isn't a heavy bow, but it's a heckuva lot more than 50#! I gave an 80# Martin Hunter to a fellow about 3 years ago...and don't regret it one bit...don't miss it, either! :knothead:
I shoot a 80# longbow now and have another on order and Im wanting to go heavier my target weight is 90# I have no trouble shooting all day with my 80# now. Its somethong I have always enjoyed shooting a Heavy arrow (850-1000gn) and a heavy bow to here that BIG Thwack So i guess it is a life style :goldtooth:
I used to shoot in the mid 80# range...
Arthritis in my hands cured me of wanting to shoot heavy.. I take that back - if I could I would..
Now I think moderation is key, avoid extremes..
I've shot 70# LBs for hunting most of my life and agree that when a 700 gr. arrow zips thru game it's impressive. Now at 58 years young, I'm having BigJim build me a 60# TC to hunt with. Will still shoot the heavier bows but don't think I'll be giving up much in the field with one of BigJims creations!
I just ordered a 62# longbow. I should probably work up to that weight somehow-are there exercises I can do other than "Bowfit"-style products?
I have always shot #70 to 75# longbows as I found out early that I shot the heavy bow better than light bows. From my gun hunting era I have always prescribed to you can never be overguned or overbowed as long as you can handle it well.
I am currently shooting 82# in preparation for Oz buff hunt next year. I feel no need to go up above the 82# - launching a 950 gr arrow at 160FPS should do it for most critters on earth as long as I do my part. If not there is a .458 Lott in the vault!
I shot 80#s when I was young and Im paying for it now, bad elbow and neck, and Im not quite 60 yet, Wished I'd have shot 52 # then as I do now I want to be able to shoot when I get really old If that happens!!
About the only thing I can do with a heavy (#65 and up) would be to carry it for someone who could shoot it.
I guess I'll have to stay with the "girlie" bows.
More power to you who can shoot them, enjoy.
When I went back to trad bows in 92" it was an 80# Martin Mamba as it was the only recurve in the bow shop and the owner was more than willing to trade even with my compound and get rid of it. Shot it for three years but I got rid of it as it stacked badly. I then ordered a new bow and dropped down to 60#. Ive been shooting 60 to 70# bows for the last 20 yrs now and really enjoy the feeling of sending a nice heavy arrow downrange. Its also easy to get a clean release with my beat up fingers and I never worry about any penatration issues shooting at anything. My observations on shoulder, elbow, neck issues is that usually something else is involved. Weightlifting, softball, football, vehicle accedents, falls from ladders, roofs, trees, are the most common causes of injury and shooting bows when injured just makes it worse. I havent shot or owened many bows above 70# as I havent found any I really liked......yet.
wish i could shoot 65# let alone 75#, but these dayze - at my age and physique - i can't do either as consistently accurately as i can 55#.
that's just the way it is for my life of trad archery bowhunting, and for me, 55# is just fine 'n' dandy. could be worse, LOTS worse. :eek:
I have zero experience with heavy recurves (or longbows). It would seem reasonable to me that lifestyle is an accurate descriptor of those who love em. Surely, they have to (at least after certain ages)include working out more than just shooting their bows in their routine?
From age 13 or so to 57 I've never had a desire to shoot recurves heavier than 55# at my draw length. I don't even think I've ever asked someone at a 3-D or club shoot what draw weight they pull -- unless they invite me to shoot their bow. It isn't something that matters to me in the least.
I am impressed with folks who hit their target. Everything I read above from those who shoot heavier bows than I do indicates they also rate accuracy very high. Truthfully, I'm sure I would be even more impressed with someone shooting 70#+ draw weights accurately.
I know my choice of draw weights and the arrows these bows shoot, limits the game I may hunt. I'm glad I have no interest in shooting elephants (nothing against it either) or rhinos because I know I'm unequipped to do it.
I have no doubt if I were willing to put extra effort into building up archery muscles, I could likely add 10 pounds to my draw weight. I'm satisfied to pull myself into my treestands for as long as I can.
I've shot heavy bows for years! They are fun to shoot butyagotta work up to them and then shoot often. My favorite bow is my 94 lb Wesley special but recently have been making 100 lb plus sinew backed Osage bows. Like Matt said it's a choice.
I shot 70 # bows drawn to 30 inches or for about 10 years.Not real heavy.But i shot about 250 arrows a day year round.Too much time on my hands and kinda obsessive/compulsive it seems.I hunted and shot 3-d with those bows.Didnt seem very heavy really,comfortable actually.
I like a heavy bow and if you shoot one well with no problems and good form and accurracy more power to you.I would shoot as heavy as I could as long as it was comfortable,smooth with no strain and accurate.
I can still get an 85-90 # bow back too full draw.I never trained specifically to shoot a heavy bow.
Injuries and shooting issues eventually got me down to lighter weights of around 48 to 55# at 30".I would have considered that girly stuff back in the day.The good news is these lighter high performance bows really do deliver a fast arrow.Combined with a really well made and straight flying arrow and clean release you can still kill most any animal in North America.
I do respect and appreciate a heavy pulling bow thats shot well by its owner though quite a bit.It takes discipline,practice,control and some natural God gifted ability.It also lets you have a chance to kill some seriously big game and thats cool beans.
Nowadays I mainly shoot my 80#/29" Fox longbows, and reason being my buffalo hunting plans.
It took a very long time to build the strength and accuracy to shoot 80# bows. So at least for me it is an archievent to accurately handle these bows. At point I realised that I was way overbowed and dropped maybe 15# to less than 60#, and from there I have rebuilt up to 80#, which now feels a really light. I guess I could pull a much heavier bow than 80# if I had one.
Also almost 20 years I have been doing workouts in gym, and it is one of those few things I would not give up easily.
i shoot the heaviest longbow that i can push pull string...if i cant push pull it then its too heavy for me.
I regularly shoot bows in the 75-85# range, simply because I can & it's fun to do. The added -& biggest- benefeit I can see, is that I hunt with bows in the 63-66# range.
On a cold December morning, after 5 or 6 hours in a stand, that 66# is still a breeze to draw back.
Unless I get the chance to go back to Africa or get down to Oz, I really can't see me hunting with the heavier stuff, but as long as I can honk it back to 31" without turning myself into a chubby pretzel I'll continue to train through summer with them.
I'm trying to train myself to go really heavy for next spring, just to see if I can. Gary Davis has a perfect Osage stave, 84" long that he's going to build into a 120-130# bow. He's told me that if I can shoot it, I can have it! Can't pass up a 'Double-Dog-Dare' like that! :goldtooth:
If I was a tree-stand hunter, I don't think I would hunt with the bows I hunt with now.
Sitting in a tree all day in cold weather would make it a bit hard to draw and shoot accurately with a 75 or 80 pound bow. I think I would drop down to 55 pounds and call it good.
My bows are great though, for the kind of hunting I do, in steep terrain. Even when the temperature is well below zero, I am usually sweating pretty good and my muscles are totally loose and warm when I shoot an animal, due to the hiking I have to do to get to them.
Different tools for different jobs. That's the secret to success.
I was suprised that I could pull a 70# Hill so easily. I thought it would really give me trouble, but I was okay for 5 or so shots. Maybe beyond that I would be in trouble. I can hold my 53# bow for about 15 seconds before the shakes set in bad. Possibly I should think about shooting a heavier bow someday. I really like the amount of control I have with the 53 pounder though.
QuoteOriginally posted by Rik:
Sitting in a tree all day in cold weather would make it a bit hard to draw and shoot accurately with a 75 or 80 pound bow. I think I would drop down to 55 pounds and call it good.
That is a good point. One day elk hunting we hunted into an area that had a guy in a tree stand. We were working hard covering a lot of ground and were wearing our lightest weight camo. The guy in the tree stand was bundled up and freezing. He looked like he would have a hard time pulling anything back. He was stiff and miserable. So the type and style of hunting could affect what weight one should shoot.
More heavy draw shooters than usual with some new names. Good to see. If you got 'em smoke 'em. Can't rag anyone for hunting 50#. Don't like them raggin me either. Ain't a contest. I'm no better hunter/shooter than anyone but sure very lucky to be able to shoot my bows.
Well... enjoy it, be thankful for it, and hope you don't end up with a chronic, life-changing illness. My draw weight capability dropped 24# in ONE DAY about ten years ago.
My 47#er is my usual "heavy" bow these days, but I'm holding onto trad archery, kicking and screaming, until it is pried from my fingers.
My goal used to be a bow over 80#... now it is simply to keep shooting. I still enjoy the HECK out of it, as I know you do your heavy bows.
Sometimes a lifestyle, sometimes genetics, sometimes athletic training... and sometimes the evidence of destiny (or God's will!)
Shoot straight, and enjoy! :archer:
PS- Thanks for an interesting and civil thread!
I got it for years, now 3 shoulder surgeries later I say shoot what ya want but think down the road a bit. Anything that I hunt can be taken with 45-55#s and I shoot around 52#s mostly now. Shawn
Fred Eichler has shown us that any animal in North America can be effectively taken by a skilled archer using a 54 pound traditional bow. Still, for some animals a heavier bow is needed. I can shoot a 75 to 80 pound bow, but it quickly becomes a strain. A 70 pound bow is near the limit of my comfort range where I can hold at full draw and shoot accurately. Other than animals like hippo, rhino and elephant, a 70# bow at my 29.5" draw is adequate for just about anything that walks the earth. I like shooting bows in the 70# range, but where less weight is needed, I will probably shoot my lighter bows for comfort and the ability to practice for hours.
I don't consider myself capable of shooting truly "heavy" bows of 80+ pounds well.
Allan
Allan
I shoot 65# @ 30". I know that isn't heavy. I thought that would be a heavy "enough" jump since my other bow is 55#. Now I don't like the feel of 55#. 65# just feels better. I want to try something truly heavy. i.e. 85#..... one day i'll come across one.
I feel like push-ups and pull-ups are the best bow exercises other then actually drawing a bow. What do yall think?