Time to get heavier...

Mntmaniac · January 27, 2013, 11:22:00 PM

Just my second post here... major neophyte...however, I've done my best to soak up as much technique info as possible both here and elswhere.

Currently shooting a 35# Recurve and have been now for a month. Comfortable with my form and fortunate to have some good resources loacally. I feel that i'm ready to increase the weight but dont want to jump up to quickly...

Simple question for advice...

5# increase 10# or 15#, I'm in no hurry...

Stumpkiller · January 27, 2013, 11:24:00 PM

5# is a good step; but most hale men can shoot a 45# bow without much difficulty.

45# is almost a 30% increase over 35#. That's a big jump (when was the last time you got a 30% raise in pay?).

Mike Schlegel · January 28, 2013, 12:29:00 AM

Do your local resources have 40 and 45 lb bow you can draw to see how they feel? If not go with the 5 lb increase.

Good luck and welcome to the "Gang"

nineworlds9 · January 28, 2013, 12:39:00 AM

Unless you plan to keep the 35# bow to practice with I wouldn't go up any higher than 45.

Richie · January 28, 2013, 01:22:00 AM

Welcome

Charlie Lamb · January 28, 2013, 08:37:00 AM

You should be able to handle a 10# increase without any problem.

FarmerMarley · January 28, 2013, 11:45:00 AM

Go slow and watch your form. I went up too fast when I was first getting started and I was not paying attention to my form....I ended up with some bad habits that took a long time to get rid of. I also ended up with several bows that were too heavy for me when I used proper form and got to my tru draw length.

xtrema312 · January 28, 2013, 12:05:00 PM

There are a lot of variables. Is that a 35# bow or 35@your draw length? Are you very young, older than say 45 and do you have a history of injury to shoulders or upper back? Does it feel very easy to draw and hold it for a while? 5# is always a safe recommendation, but if your are 20-40, average building, and fit, I would say 10# if you have real good form in how you draw, good back tension, and you are getting full draw length now. Now if you were shooting 50# I may not recomend jumping to 60.

Mntmaniac · January 28, 2013, 02:56:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by xtrema312:
There are a lot of variables. Is that a 35# bow or 35@your draw length? Are you very young, older than say 45 and do you have a history of injury to shoulders or upper back? Does it feel very easy to draw and hold it for a while? 5# is always a safe recommendation, but if your are 20-40, average building, and fit, I would say 10# if you have real good form in how you draw, good back tension, and you are getting full draw length now. Now if you were shooting 50# I may not recomend jumping to 60.

True, forgive me...
Shooting a 35# Samik Sage TD Recurve

35# @ 28", I'm 44, fit, feel like my form is there and shooting 8" groups at 20 yds with the occasional flyer and I try to shoot instinctively.

Usually shoot 40-50 arrows then quit and shoot just about every day, either in the back yard, indoor range or the outdoor range. However, yesterday, I shot about 80-100 arrows, just having fun, staying relaxed and never felt fatigued.

Again, i've been shooting a solid month now, focusing primarily on my form.

So I guess I feel like I'm ready to upgrade...

January 28, 2013, 03:00:00 PM

Try a 50 before you buy.

Mntmaniac · January 28, 2013, 03:12:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by pavan:
Try a 50 before you buy.

Good idea...I'm only only a few minutes away from the Robertson's shop, so I'll try there first.

BowZen · January 28, 2013, 04:01:00 PM

Go up in weight slowly so that you can maitian the correct form OR YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN(This I say from Experience).

bowless · January 28, 2013, 04:41:00 PM

Are you planning on hunting or just "target" archery? Target shooters often stay with a light bow.

Mntmaniac · January 28, 2013, 05:13:00 PM

Hunting primarily... but I enjoy shooting.

TomBow · January 28, 2013, 05:20:00 PM

Just another thing to consider: bow style.
Try as many bows as you can as different models of bows will probably feel different at the same weight. That's why some shoot longbows, some shoot recurves, and within those groups, one bowyer's bow may not be the one that shoots best for you. Not to mention grip style. Take your time, don't rush into a purchase, there is no hurry.
Form is the most important thing IMO, if you can't maintain solid form with a heavy bow than a lighter bow is the best FOR YOU because you will be able to shoot it with consistency. Best of luck!

bowless · January 28, 2013, 05:27:00 PM

Young, fit, 100 arrows with no problem, I'd go up #10 without hesitating. And you'll find a wide selection in the classifieds at great prices.

Sirius Black · January 28, 2013, 05:30:00 PM

Welcome!

MnFn · January 28, 2013, 06:44:00 PM

I tried to go from a 45# recurve to a 60#longbow with a more traditional grip- didn't work so good.
I could have saved myself from some aggravation. I have been doing all my hunting with 50-55# range bows for the last 5 years or so.

meathead · January 28, 2013, 06:58:00 PM

I don't think I would try to go up more than 10 lbs. That is a pretty big jump.

huntingarcher · January 28, 2013, 07:12:00 PM

Welcome to the Gang Brad.If you are talking about Dick Robertson's shop,you are a lucky man.They will guide you along.

I would say for you a 10# jump will be easy.
Enjoy!!!