Heavy Bow Shooters Only

longbowman · April 17, 2014, 08:49:00 AM

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?

Ken Taylor · April 17, 2014, 01:07:00 PM

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!

Gordon Jabben · April 17, 2014, 02:49:00 PM

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.

SKITCH · April 17, 2014, 05:01:00 PM

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.

hunt it · April 17, 2014, 07:58:00 PM

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.

lbshooter · April 17, 2014, 09:16:00 PM

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.

Justin Falon · April 17, 2014, 09:56:00 PM

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

bendotwood · April 19, 2014, 07:34:00 AM

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.

TexasKing · April 19, 2014, 08:26:00 AM

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!

longbowman · April 21, 2014, 03:20:00 PM

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!!

acolobowhunter · April 22, 2014, 03:57:00 PM

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.

marlon · April 23, 2014, 05:09:00 PM

Yes I shoot 100# plus bows.

swampthing · April 23, 2014, 06:39:00 PM

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??

April 23, 2014, 08:31:00 PM

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.