I have some of the same shoulder and hand issues as some of the other folks have stated. I shoot bows up to 54#. I can still do it but when I drop down to 44-48# I find I don't suffer as much and my shooting also improves alot.Most game [deer sized] can be taken with a 40-45# bow.

I've got arthritis in both hands.Over the years I've dropped in weight from upper 60s to low 50s and on a cold day could go even lower. I'm OK after I warm up,but sitting in a stand for a few hrs. and then making a cold shot causes a lot of pain.