I've got a #50 bow that I love, and have been thinking of adding a second set of limbs. So would you go #55 and work into them or go down to #45 for fun easy shooting. Mostly a deer hunter, but like anyone I hope to chase larger critters in the future.
If you can handle the weight go up for sure , if you are comfortable with less weight go down .
I would go up.
What's wrong with 50 or 45 ?
Why think of ordering new limbs if you can't think of the change you want to effect?
Killdeer :dunno:
Dang Killie, you'd cause a guy to think! Lol
QuoteOriginally posted by drewsbow:
If you can handle the weight go up for sure , if you are comfortable with less weight go down .
x2
Get both- cover all bases
QuoteOriginally posted by bfrbmj:
Get both- cover all bases
A voice of reason... and an empty bank account, lol.
What's your draw length, if your shooting 50# at your draw you don't have to do anything.
A five pound move either way is not enough to spend the money on. You not only have the expense of the limbs but potentially a whole new set of arrows for the new draw weight.
Whatever you are thinking of killing with 55# I am sure you can do it with what you already have.
That being said, I started with 45# and ended with 45#. It took me 25 years, a lot of bows, and a couple thousand dollars to work up to 65# and back down again. So don't listen to me! :)
If you want to hunt larger critters, then 60# is an all around good weight. And ten pounds is doable, unless you're 70 years+. Even if you get lucky in your own state's elk lottery, 50# is just edgy. Yes, you can kill with 50#, but elk have heavy bones and you really don't want to shoot at a big hog with 50#. All threads here about hogs show that 60#+ with 650 grain arrows penetrates about anything.
Maybe think about how old you are and hows your strength and health conditions holding up. If you have a desirable bow a set of extra just maybe around and if you don't then maybe it may be a waste of money for you and you could consider another bow either heavier or lighter.
Heavier or lighter limbs mean nothing killing wise its not the bow that does it its only delivered by the bow. Know you bows cast and if your arrows are matched and tuned to the bow your in good shape.
The lighter set of limbs you will enjoy more shooting a lot and the heavier limbs will cast the arrow more power but not that much increase.
You didn't say if you were thinking of the same length either you could go with shorter or longer and accomplish a couple things and you can probably add differant core materials to your limbs to speed them up also who knows it could be limitless and only you can deside that for yourself.
Also another set of limbs could totally change the look of the bow also depending on glass options or veneers again options other than weight changes and killing capabilitys.
Now you have a few more things to consider with limbs added but first I would consider will I be able to get any money back out of this or will I loose it and be gone.
If its a desirable bow the answer is mostlikley and if its not then you would have a hard time doing anything else with them and wasted.
Hope this helps.
Glenn / Cat
I'm 32 and draw right at 28. I think you all are right, i can already see running light, medium, and heavy arrows should be enough to keep me busy for a while. Maybe i should save funds for more arrows and maybe help fund a hunting trip.
Or another bow later on from the classifieds, but you've got the idea.
45
Since you say you love the 50# bow, I will go out on a limb and assume you can handle it adequately. If so, you don't need to be especially eager to go up or down. String that sucker up and HUNT. This is a good hunting draw weight.
Going up to 55#, if that is your choice, may give you a slight edge in the hunting arena but could be a bit tiring on the 3D course or practice range, at least until you work up to it. (Just make sure you can still shoot with good form.)
Going down to 45# won't adversely affect your ability to hunt most commonly sought game, and it is more comfortable to shoot for extended periods of time.
If I were making the decision, I would go up. It is not usually that difficult to work up to 55# from 50# if your health is good. Just do so slowly over a period of several weeks.Can you shoot somebody's 55# bow a few times to get a feel for how hard you think it will be to get used to? If you think it is too much, then don't bother. After all, you do like the 50# bow that you currently have, so there is no real need to feel any pressure to change, unless you are like many of us and are looking for a good excuse to buy a new bow.
You're the only one that can determine how much weight works for you. Shoot as much poundage as you can with comfort and confidence.
If you can handle more weight and shoot it just as accurately as you can the 50# bow then by all means go up in poundage.
Just food for thought-
For example: Setting up a 47# Orion w/ACS RC limbs will have the comparable performance of numerous 54# range bows.
You are better off getting a second complete bow as opposed to buying an extra set of limbs. Consider buying a used bow from the classified section. For a youngster like you who apparently is athletic, you would probably be better off going up to 55#, which is enough bow for any animal in North America when combined with the right arrows and broadheads, along with accurate shots. If you want to shoot lots of arrows for 3D competition, a 45# bow could be perfect. Eventually, you will want to have bows in all three weights. Take your time to figure out what you really want to do with your bows and then figure out what kind of bow is best for each use.
Allan
QuoteOriginally posted by Killdeer:
Why think of ordering new limbs if you can't think of the change you want to effect?
Killdeer :dunno:
I'd go up, but Killy makes a great point. What is it you're trying to accomplish? After having expended much coin on bows ranging from 50# to 80#, I find that I enjoy shooting ~60# the most. That being said, I hunted last season strictly with 50# bows. Find what you like, find what you're comfortable with...and get busy hunting!
Buy arrows and go hunting. I`ve spent up several hunting trips buying and trading bows and have finally realized that I can only shoot one at a time....RC
I would definetely go up in poundage.If you are young and strong you will be able to handle the weight.
whats the difference between 45 and 50? Id say 50 and 65 or 70 would make good companions.
Give some thought to what killie said, that's the voice of reason. If you don't have a reason, why do it?
I worked myself up to my age, 57lbs @ 57 years, but in the last few years I have enjoyed working my way back down.
My opinion, since you're primarily a deer hunter, go down in poundage.
I'm so glad that I moved up from the 45-50# range bows. I started shooting a 60# Howatt Hunter and it improved my shooting instead of hurting it.
Right now I am shooting a 60# Browning Nomad Stalker that I got from Cyclic-Rivers(Charlie Jansen)and it seems its become my go to bow. Just like my hand reaches for it everytime I shoot.
Only way I'll go down in poundage is if I have to. I'd love to find a Browning in the 70# range.
Just do plenty of dumbell rows and rotator cuff work and get a heavier bow. You'll love it once you get to shooting it the same as the 50#er.
I'd keep with 50. Ain't many animals in the world that you won't kill with 50 with the proper set up.
If you don't plan on hunting buffalo or mastadon, why not just stick with what you have? 50# is plenty for just about any north american game.
If you just want to shoot something else, then flip a coin...
I love to sell bows, limbs and other things but more importantly I enjoy helping people make the right choices long-term. As others have said already, +/- 5 pounds of draw weight won't make a lot of difference in how effective you kill especially as a deer hunter from a kinetic energy and shock standpoint. HOWEVER, If you can shoot 5 pounds more or less more effectively and consistently, you will kill more. Any age shooter can feel a difference of 5 pounds. Even a 2 pound difference can help some shooters be more consistent at all ranges. Try a set of limbs or a bow that is more and less in weight and see if this helps you first before deciding anything. Let the shooting experience be your only guide as to the value of the potential investment!