a heavy bow article worth reading

park · August 04, 2013, 11:10:00 PM

Ishi had a 45# bow.I have a #45 ben peason cougar and it feels good.I think this is healthy debate and dont see bashing.I like to read REAL opinions and not what is popular.I dont think there is a wrong or right way.

Sam McMichael · August 04, 2013, 11:46:00 PM

I am not sure how to explain what I perceive after reading a lot of the responses on this thread, but I will add a little more mud to this watery debate. When I read the original article put forth, it indicated that the average guy could work up to heavier bows if he was willing to do the work. This, by nature of the writer's tone, implies the ability to place an arrow appropriately and to use adequate broadheads, proper form, etc.

Some of the proponents of the light bows (and this is solely my interpretation of some of the responses I have read so far)go on to emphasize that arrow placement is the key as if they think it unlikely that the average archer is capable of achieving this same degree of form and control with the heavier bow.

It is my belief that the original writer of the article was simply a believer that a hunter should consider a heavy bow, and that he believes that shot for shot a heavier bow/arrow is likely to perform more effectively than lighter equipment. In other words, not a put down to lighter equipment but rather seeking a slight performance edge. Keep in mind that his article was written at a time when many gun hunters and game managers did not feel that any archery tackle is sufficient for hunting, and many of these were in open opposition to the legalization of bow hunting.

I really am enjoying this thread, because of all items of discussion related to bow hunting, I think most hunters feel more passionate about this topic than any other. If archery lasts for another thousand years, archers will be participating in discussions just like this. I love it.

ironmike · August 04, 2013, 11:55:00 PM

check this out,trying my 90 pounder for the first time..it's gonna take a while http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR9P3...ature=youtu.be

ironmike · August 04, 2013, 11:56:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by ironmike:
[QB] check this out,trying my 90 pounder for the first time..it's gonna take a while http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR9P3

ironmike · August 04, 2013, 11:57:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by ironmike:
[QB]
QuoteOriginally posted by ironmike:
[QB] check this out,trying my 90 pounder for the first time..it's gonna take a while
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR9P3...ature=youtu.be

ironmike · August 05, 2013, 12:04:00 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR9P3i1BuBg&feature=youtu.be

ironmike · August 05, 2013, 12:09:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by ironmike:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR9P3i1BuBg&feature=youtu.be

my first crack at shootin a 90# bow,it's gonna take some time,my brace arm is not there yet.but in time, it will be,,i remember when a 60# bow felt this hard at first.

wckid2 · August 05, 2013, 12:26:00 AM

When you can sit in a tree for 3-4 hours motionless on a 30 degree day and then grab your 90-100 pound bow and shoot it accurately your ready. Until then your heavy bow is a bad choice and ill advised.

Stykbow62 · August 05, 2013, 12:31:00 AM

It's one thing to say "I can shoot a 90 or 100lb bow".
It's another to draw it back slowly in a hunting type situation, in the cold and use proper back tension and make an accurate shot.
I don't practice by just jerking back 90lb and letting it go.
I try to have proper practice shooting my 55lb recurve, going thru a shot sequence, good form, back tension, taking my time and making an accurate shot.

ironmike · August 05, 2013, 12:52:00 AM

no doubt,this is a novelty for me ,i'll shoot my 75#rs all morning all thoughout the year,cold or warmed up,i bought the 90 as something to build up to,i've got an 80#r coming this week to fill in the gap between my 75 and 90 pound bow.,i'm already fit and able ,i'm just working my sport up and over for the fun of it all!it's gonna take some time to develop on the 90.that's the fun!

Stykbow62 · August 05, 2013, 01:01:00 AM

Nothing wrong with having fun with it.

Stykbow62 · August 05, 2013, 01:20:00 AM

Nothing wrong with having fun with it.

wckid2 · August 05, 2013, 01:36:00 AM

Ironmike I watched the youtube video. You sound like Grizzly Adams and just as strong by the looks of it.

3arrows · August 05, 2013, 10:43:00 AM

Over the years I have found I would rather shoot against someone with a heaver bow compared to a light one.To bad most of the heavy shooters are gone.

NOMAD88 · August 05, 2013, 01:07:00 PM

I made a jump from 54# to 65# this year. My hopes to going up in weight is that I can build stronger muscle and be able to shoot any bow in another 30 years. If you don't build and use the muscles imo you will surely lose them sooner. CAUTION Always consult your physician before beginning a workout regimen.

Bowwild · August 05, 2013, 01:22:00 PM

I got as far as when the .22 rifle was compared to a 50 pound draw weight bow.

I stopped reading. I can smell contempt when I read it.

I'm glad this wasn't the first post I've ever read on Trad Gang or I wouldn't have been around for the 2nd one.

In 44 years of bowhunting I have NEVER lost an animal because I was shooting equipment too light for the job.

ironmike · August 05, 2013, 03:12:00 PM

yeah,the regiment required for shooting a heavy bow is truly just as scientific as any regiment in the games or sports requiring specific goals and levels of performance and endurance,you can shoot a 45 pound bow all your life and eat twinkies for breakfast lunch and dinner,there isn't a regiment required to shoot a bow like that,providing that there is no handicap or infirm condition.that old writer i believe had an indelible impression on him to be equal to anything in the woods while your in the woods.in california,you can not carry a side arm while bearhunting,...i will not go bear hunting without at least a 65# bow..80 is better,especially when i hunt alone..on the ground..we don't have trees stands out here.

shirikahn · August 05, 2013, 03:17:00 PM

My father always stressed cut on impact broadheads, good FOC arrows, and bow poundage. His K-mag was 65 lbs...that's a lot with it's short length, string angle makes that 65 lbs bite pretty hard! We took a lot of moose together, and his did nothing spectacularly different than mine, 10 lbs lighter. That being said I am not against heavy bows...I'm actually for shooting the heaviest possible that still maintains consistancy, form, etc.

Zog · August 05, 2013, 03:23:00 PM

For me it isn't the power but the release. I picked up an 85 lb bow and was amazed at how much better my shot was. I figure it must have to do with the heavier bow forcing me to align my body better, and the cleaner release that the heavy draw gives me.

But I'm only good for about a dozen shots, then I start to shake and the 55 lb'er wins hands down for the next 100 shots.

Just me - not advocating or arguing anything.

August 05, 2013, 03:48:00 PM

One thing about all of the heavy longbows that i have had over the years, they don't all shoot the same. I had one bow that was way too heavy out to the tips and another built by Jerry Hill that was not. The Jerry Hill was ten pounds lighter and shot a heavy Acme cedar many yards farther than the heavier bow. When doing further testing, the heavier bow would not shoot as stiff a spine as the JH. Further comparison found that a 64 pound Schulz would also shoot the stiffer arrow farther than the 89 pound bow and it also shot the stiffer arrow straight. Then there was the 96 pounder that was able shoot an even stiffer arrow farther yet and it was smoother than the 89 pound bow. Sometimes the numbers on the bow,as far as performance is concerned, are just numbers.