After generally shooting 65- 80 lb bows, i thought id shoot a couple of my lighter poundage bows this evening that havent been shot for a while, WOW! what a difference.
Handling the poundage was no problem, but the difference in back tension and release really made it a challenge to put it where i was looking.
I had to really work to go up in poundage, but i think that shooting a lower poundage will hold some challenges as well.
Any others out there have a similar experience when dropping down?

I normally shoot 56-61# and I shot a 45# bow for a little bit and i couldn't shoot it very well, I was harder for me to shoot than my heavier bows

QuoteOriginally posted by mountain lion:
 i couldn't shoot it very well, I was harder for me to shoot than my heavier bows

That's cause you're an animal Juan!  

I find the same to be true, I think it is an issue of trajectory in my case.  Once I get used to shooting the faster, flatter shooting bows, my brain has to make a big adjustment to "lob" the slower arrows in.

I don't find it to be an issue. I usually shoot about 42# and frequently shoot a 50#, hut I can take a 30# and do very well, as long as the arrows are the right weight.

Jim

I've been shooting a 30# bow some lately and have found that it really makes me pay close attention to my form......even more than with a heavier bow.  Good form practice for sure.  Think I'll continue doing it once a week or so.  Kinda fun too for a change.

I find it a bit harder to get a clean release with a lighter bow......it just take some time to get it right.

Yeah, I have some problem going back to the light bows.  I guess it is just a question of what you are used to shooting.

I sold my brother-in-law my 40# Bear Tigercat and at a shoot earlier I was shooting my 65# longbow. On one day I carried my 45# grizzly and after I let him shoot it he wanted to shoot it the rest of the round,no problem I'll shoot the Tigercat. I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with the 40# bow. When I drew it it was like I couldn't feel the thing.I joked to my wife "Now I remember why I sold it to him".

ah two friendly faces i know.  i notice when i shoot my bear thats about 10 # heavier then my whc kestrel that i shoot kinda sloppy , rushing the shots i guess. i would say because my body knows its easier so i kinda yank the string and dont set in my anchor as i normally would.  i like my bear recurve but man is loud. ill stick with the kestrel.

You can go too light, IMHO.

A lot of archers won't admit it but a lighter bow will expose form flaws, especially releases. I am experiencing that right now rehabbing my elbow from surgery. I've been shooting a 30# bow for three weeks now and that's the case with me. I'm willing to bet if you perfect the form and release on the light bow your effectiveness on your heavy bow will increase.

Probably a good point.... consistent form is a must

QuoteOriginally posted by reddogge:
A lot of archers won't admit it but a lighter bow will expose form flaws, especially releases. I am experiencing that right now rehabbing my elbow from surgery. I've been shooting a 30# bow for three weeks now and that's the case with me. I'm willing to bet if you perfect the form and release on the light bow your effectiveness on your heavy bow will increase.

Bingo!