Since I'm not trying to push certain bow weights I am trying to address those of you who shoot moderate to heavy bows only. (70# and up). When I saw my 60th birthday fast approaching I thought I would just stick with my 72# Bear T.D. for all my hunting and shooting and leave my heavier bows alone but...I can't help myself to pick up my 80# longbow and stump shoot with it now and then. As an old fart I'm thinking I hooked on these bows like a drug. Any of you fall in to this same thing?
I prefer the feel of heavier bows too, possibly simply because I'm bigger and stronger than average - so the poundage I use works out to the same ratio as guys who shoot 50# bows.
I've shot heavier bows in the past (and still own a couple), but these days my favorite is a 75# longbow... not because of the lower poundage, but rather just because I like that bow.
I had been thinking of getting the same bow in 80 - 82# since I can still handle that poundage easily, and there are a couple of hunts I want to do where that poundage would be an advantage... but I turned 61 last month and I've been wondering if it was worth it or not.
Hmmmm... probably not, especially since I need a new snowmobile for next winter... and around here that's a six month season, LOL!
My hats off to you guys but I'm 60 also and I just can't handle the heavy bows anymore. I'm shooting 60# and can shoot it all day but when hunting season comes around and I spend my time hunting instead of shooting, the bows in the 75# range are too much. Certainly think there's a lot of advantages to a heavy bow for hunting if you can handle it. For some reason, my bow hand shakes and I'm very unsteady with the lighter bows but I don't have a choice as age has caught up with me.
I don't know Gordon. The way you were drilling that target ACROSS the lake a few weeks ago... I think your pretty dialed in. :thumbsup: :notworthy:
I have always shot heavy bows the best. My go to bow is 73# and my heavy bow 83#. If you shoot them all the time not an issue. A late friend shot 90# plus longbows every day of his life at 64 he battled cancer for a year and within 3 months was back to 90 #+ again! he always said a few arrows everyday does the trick. He is hunting in the clouds now.
I shot 70# pounds for about 20 years. This was probably heavy for my size and muscular structure. In my late 50's I tore an arm muscle overshooting one day and it knocked me out of archery for a year. When I got back in I found that I had to back off to 55#. I'm still at this weight at 63. Sure miss the cast of the heavier bow.
I grew up shooting 90# before I knew any better. 15 years of that and an elbow injury that sidelined me for an entire season, taught me something. Shoot a lot! Daily if you can.
I no longer shoot 90# but still shoot an 85# longbow on a regular basis. It is a short bow but it handles well and does not have much handshock so it's fun to shoot. Regular practice is key in my book. Praying for a turkey come Saturday!
Justin
I shoot 70#, love the speed I get with heavy arrows from it. I like how the release is different too, I feel that with a heavy bow I can make more mistakes on the release and get away with it because there's more tension in my back pulling through the shot.
I also like the penetration.
i agree with bendotwood x 10
it sure helps with string jump on spooky whitetail also
its a sweet feeling to see your arrow skipping on rocks AFTER its passed through vitals
also, longbowman, I think you're on to something with the 'drug' comment....
I have no proof,but I have long thought there is an endorphin release with a heavy bow that you don't get with light bows...such as a good work out
for me 70-75# is the spot, but I'm about to be 53 and not sure how long the old elbows and shoulders will take the abuse...I just keep the Aleve handy!
Texasking, Don't worry about it. I turned 60 Sunday and shot an hour with my 80# longbow. I'm a little guy, 5'8" & around 160# so it's just a matter of what you like I guess. Someday I'll have to drop down I'm sure but I'll let my body tell me. I truly think it is like a drug even though all the benefits mentioned are why I began shooting heavy in the first place. When I hear people telling of hitting the shoulder and not getting any penetration I just smile!!
Have shot a 70# bow for 40 years now. I am 65 yrs old and still shooting. Bowhunt, British Columbia, Texas, Colorado, Neb. plus many 3D shoots.
Yes I shoot 100# plus bows.
How do you do it? Do you tell yourself to use a rotational, back muscle engaging, push and pull. Or do you let the draw elbow glide back till you hit anchor??
I used short tarp straps hooked to chest pull handles. I duplicated the identical drawing motion. It helps if you begin this when you are younger.