I am barely post something here due to the fact that all I need is right here, thanks to you guys. I really appreciate this. It is such a pleasure to read all the PowWow posts everyday.
Though, I have an issue that bothers me: I want to change my bow to a stronger one and I don't know how does it felt for some of you the transition from a weaker to a stronger one. :help:
Many thanks
45 to 60 is a huge jump. Depends how easy 45# is for you. If you go buy a costly bow at 60# and have never shot at that weight, you will struggle for sure.
If I were you, I'd shoot 50, then try 55, then 60. See if anyone can let you shoot their bows in those weight ranges.
A jump at that weight difference usually ends up altering your form, so be careful.
Yep, 15 pounds is a huge jump. I would try to go up 5 pounds at a time if possible. By going up too much at a time you are likely to cause all kinds of form problems.
Thanks for your reply guys.
For me 45# it seems to be very easy that's why I want to try the 60.
If it were me I would maybe try to find atleast one intermediate step at say low to mid 50#'s...if that isn't an option I would definately advise you to keep the practice sessions short in the begining with the heavier bow to ensure that you aren't altering your form due to fatigue that is sure to set in (and pretty quickly) with that big of a jump in weight.
Good luck to you Hogo!
Travis
You have to walk before you can run......work your way up slowly. Down the road it will pay off!!!!
Take your time 15# is a major change depending on age and conditioning. What others have said makes sense. 5# jumps are the max I would do. I would give it 6 months to go up that much.
Good luck!
Thank you very much guys for your kind advice.
I struggled with just a 10 pound change. I wound up getting a lighter weight that was only 5 pounds over what I was used to. 15 pounds is a big jump in my opinion.
Definately agree with the others here. Fifteen pounds is a very big jump. When I increased in weight I did it five pounds at a time.
I've got a #45, a #50, and two that are in the low #60s.
A #15 jump is asking for trouble. Either through an injury or hurting your morale when accuracy drops off the face of the Earth.
I made the #12 jump from my #50 to a #62. Looking back, I wish I had bought a #55 in between.
I was shooting a #74 compound at the time...and the jump was still plenty big.
I can tell the difference in 2 lbs.
Octavian,
I just made a similar jump, 48 to 63. 48 was easy and 63 feels great. I am getting some of my best groupings right now with the 63.
Dave
Seattle
I've been shooting 54#@28", with a 28" draw. Just got a little Super Mag 48@28". Man, I like that weight. Seems to thump them in pretty good, too. Like the others say, maybe try 50ish to get the feel for it. It wants to be fun...
For those who know me, I guess my opinion on this issue wouldn't count. :saywhat:
Matt
I share the opinion of taking 5# increments up. I have an old but persistent shoulder injury and 5# changes are huge to me. I will likely never shoot over 55# on a regular basis although I shot one 60# bow that just felt fabulous. Most 55# bows are tough on me. I prefer to keep it lighter and hope that I will be shooting for many many many years.
I am with Hopewell Tom. I really like my 48# bows.
Well, I kinda get the point. I will try it firstly the mighty 60#, from some friends, then if I am comfortable with it I'll take it.
Do you think that a recurve will draw easily than a long bow?
The perfect excuse to by more bows! Gotta have one of each at every draw weight from 40# to 60#. See honey, I told you!
I say find a cheap 60# bow and try it,, you may have the strength to shoot it..
If not hang it on the wall and find another cheap bow in the lower 50's and give it a try.
Once you have found your weight, buy the bow you want and sell the trainers.
I jumped from 43 to 60lbs. Some issues I encountered:
1) I could not shoot many arrows with the heavier bow for quite some time. If I did, form and complete draw suffered.
2)It took a long time time build up the muscle group needed to shoot more shots.
3)I encountered injury during the process -elbow-(I am 52) and that set the whole process back.
But every body is different. But thats what mine required.
Just my 2 cents
Joshua
Jumped from a 48# recurve to a 62# Hill-style longbow. It was like trying to learn to shoot all over again. Still is frustrating as I come through it.
But the muscles are getting stronger, and the grouping is slowly tightening up as I concentrate on my form.
How much is due to the differences in bow design vs weight? No idea, but I wish I had taken an intermediate step.
It is a big jump but it can be done.
If you go right to the 60# bow don't start shooting it and expecting good things. Treat it like a work out, not shooting practice. Pull it back, hold a second and let it down. 3-8 reps, wait couple minutes do it again. Do this several times a day for a week or two and you will get there much quicker than you think. You can grab some dumbbells and work some of those muscles also to help. If you try shooting it right away your form will fall to pieces and you'll develop some bad habits.
good luck
I'd do one increment inbetween, say 52#. Then to 60#. Remember, smooth drawing bows will not feel as heavy either. All bows are not created equal.
Thanks again for your kind advise. It is a real pleasure to read all about your experiences.
I started with a 60# recurve.
After a long time...months..I was able to shoot 8-9 consistant shots.
I'm 6'2" 230lbs and not very tubby.
I switched to a 55# then a 45# (where I am now).
The 45# is by far my favorite. I don't feel any need to go up at all.
You're talking a big jump.
It can be done.
Why hurry it?
Trade and buy used bows to work your way up over a couple years. I think you'll enjoy archery more if you do.
I started with an 80# Mamba that stacked like crazy so when I dropped down to 60# it was a piece of cake. That was twenty years ago and I still shoot 60 to 65# bows the best. Just work up slow and steady and work on consistant form.
Use your commom sense & not hurt yourself. IMO you'll work up to 60# in short order by exercising with a heavier bow both hands. Draw in increments & hold each for a certain count.
Sadly right now I don't have the money to buy some bows, (even used ones) in order to get used to the weight, so I will ask my friends to borrow me from time to time their bows.
Anyway, resuming all your thoughts I strongly believe that I have three options:
1 - Try to increase the weight from 5# to #5 until the desired weight is reached.
2 - Buy that darn thing (60#) and work hard accommodating with that huge power.
3 - Borrow from friends the desired bow in order to see how it works.
Hugo, How about telling us about bowhunting in Romania?
Well, there's not so much to be told. In fact bow hunting is strictly forbidden in our country (although hunting with shotgun is allowed...)
What we can do is to go to closest countries (Turkey or Hungary) where this kind of hunting is allowed.
In our country, we can do mostly field target practice, 3D shooting, etc. I know, it's sad because our ancestors leave us this wonderful heritage of bow hunting and now after 1000 years we cannot get it.
Is this evolution??? Are we a better civilized people without guns? I don't think so.
Here even the possession of a handgun is strictly forbidden,(but allowed to some elitists) but this is another story.
A great man once said: "Free man wear guns, slaves, don't".
OMG, I derailed from the problem... sorry.
You can do this. Just take your time and work up to it. I believe it was Fred Bear who said "if you want to learn to shoot a 60# bow then shoot a 60# bow. You won't learn to shoot a heavy bow by shooting a lighter one."
change "learn" to "be able to"
Gee, thanks Stan. I like Fred Bear's thinking.
I shoot 45-50lbs fairly easy whan I tried a 60lb bow I was short drawing and had trouble getting to my anchor.I'm comfortable at 48 lbs have found that at this weight I can hold anchor and still shoot well.
I have a short barbell that I can go up to 75#'s on. I bend over a chair with one hand on chair and lift weight as if drawing a bow. Can work both shoulders this way. This has helped me thru the years.
Good one above Kent. Tie a cord across to better simulate pulling a bowstring. Exercise both hands equally & maximize your pull full. Should take 2 weeks or less exercising every 2nd day to get to 60#. Maybe start w/50# or 55#? Do at least 2 sets (3 is better but don't hurt yourself) of 10 reps each hand.
Go try a 60 and see if you can do it you might surprise yourself. Your not going to do it buy not doing it.