light wieght trouble

[Paul J.]

I bought a new custom bow that is 61#. I have always shot 66 to 70# bows. normally it does not
take me any time to adjust to a new bow, but I am having alot of trouble with this one. I already have this brand of bow so i believe it is
the weight that is the issue. anyone else have this problem?

[fowlarcher]

I wouldn't call it a problem, but I shoot my 62# recurve better than my 51#. I believe it is due to better use of the back muscles and a crisper release. Also, more weight feels less like a toy and more like a serious bow to me.

[Dave Lay]

I have always shot 60-65lbs (30 years) and have a heck of a time with lighter bows. I am not sure why, other than what was said above, the muscle memory in the back/arm/hand is out of wack or something..

[John Scifres]

You probably need to work on your release.  A heavier bow is better at encouraging crispness.

[Pinelander]

I would guess that it's the loosing of the string. A cleaner release can sometimes be attributed to the string getting ripped out of one's fingers.

[Grant Young]

I wouldn't get in a weight debate for anything- I have no opinion I would want to inflict on anyone else- but I've shot bows in the same weight range for over thirty years and have had trouble adjusting to significant weight changes in either direction.I've eperienced more accuracy issues when decreasing weight, especially at unknown yardages. I'm sure I would have adjusted over time if I'd felt compelled to really try but I don't have any health issues as of yet to consider and I can't think of any other reason to go light. I know when the time comes I'll know it and adjust accordingly but until then my bows are all within 5-7 lbs. of one another.                          Grant

[longbowman]

I know exactly what you're dealing with.  I've shot 75 to 80# for years and got a 60# bow and I shook like the perverbial dog and razorblade thing.  I had bad releases and floated all over the place.  Needless to say I'm shooting 75# again and can't figure out why, at 54, I decided to try that light to begin with!

[Dr. Ed Ashby]

I have the same problem. Mine definitely results from my poor release, which is the result of a congenital bone deformity in my right hand. I'm physically incapable of obtaining a truly clean release with my right hand.

The difference results from both the ability of the higher poundage to rip the string from my fingers more cleanly and the greater limb stability of higher poundage bows. The heavier (higher mass) and stiffer limbs of the heavier draw weight bows helps the with the recovery from abnormalities or variances in the release. They are able to 'whip the string back into alignment' with the limbs before the arrow clears the string. If your follow-through is good, the shot will 'self correct' for the poor release before the arrow leaves the string.

I also find this a great advantage when I have to take that first 'cold shot'; when my release is noticeable not as clean as it is after a few warm-up shots.

The only lighter draw weight bow I've found that I can shoot well as heavier draw weight bows has been the ACS-CX. The significantly greater limb stiffness that results from the Adcock Cross Section limb profile compensates for the limb's lower mass; giving fast recovery of the string's travel.

Ed
TGMM Family of the Bow

[StickBowManMI]

I also have a poor release and I shoot heavy bows better than lighter bows. I like it when the string is ripped from my fingers (almost as a surprise) it makes me shoot much better.

[Paul J.]

I think you all have hit the nail on the head!
It seems with the lighter bow I have to concentrate more on my release. My release feels
awkward. Needless to say, I pulled out my  old 70# Silvertip and I am ordering a new set of limbs for my the new bow. thanks for the responses!!

                          Paul

[Paul J.]

Just as a side note... I ordered the 61# bow for
no other reason than just to try something different. honestly having trouble shooting a
lighter bow was the last thing on my mind. i guess it goes back to the old saying: if it aint broke don't fix it!!

                                  Paul

[John Scifres]

May I suggest you try a much lighter bow, like 35# for a week or so and focus solely on your release.  Close your eyes even (big target/backstop and close shots should be assumed).

Then see if your 60#er feels more crisp.

[Night Wing]

I've shot light weight trad bows all my life. Started with a 35# target bow. Shot very well with it using a tab. Went to a 40# hunting bow and I couldn't get a clean release. I was a using a bowhunter's three finger glove with it. On a hunch, I went back to a calf skin tab and got a clean release from the 40# hunting bow. Try a tab. It might solve the problem.