10#'s is a BIG jump

upatree · July 21, 2008, 04:01:00 PM

Irecently purchased a Damon Howatt Mamba 60#'s 58long 28 draw. I have a 45 and 50 # recurve already and shoot them with no problem. I really like the way my 50# DH shoots so I decided to take a chance on a 60# DH bow. MAN what a difference. :eek: I will have to set this bad boy aside as to not develope really bad shooting habits (It's not like I have the best to start). To all of you that shoot this weight or more, I tip my hat to you. Just wanted to share my experience.
Corey

Schafer · July 21, 2008, 04:04:00 PM

That is a bummer!

Jedimaster · July 21, 2008, 04:12:00 PM

Yes, 10# is a big jump especially if your shooting at the upper end of your comfort zone. Most people find that one bow will be more comfortable for them than another at a particular draw weight. This is a good reason to "try before you buy" whenever possible. Is it new? Maybe you could return/exchange it. If it is used you might find someone willing to trade.

Orion · July 21, 2008, 04:18:00 PM

10# is a big jump. Also depends where in the range one does it. For example, a jump from 40# to 50# probably doesn't feel anywhere near as much as 50# to 60#.

Also, did you check the actual draw weight on your bow. Lots of times, bow weight wasn't marked very accurately, particularly with older bows. It could easily be 5# heavier than you think. On the other hand, it could also be 5# lighter. Then you may have a problem

Tom · July 21, 2008, 04:20:00 PM

Or you could shoot a few arrows every other night and slowly try to build up without hurting yourself. Definitely is a difference.

upatree · July 21, 2008, 04:27:00 PM

It is a used bow. I don't plan on giving up this soon. I will try to fling a few to see if it does get easier. I really enjoy shooting my 50# mamba hi-speed.

donw · July 21, 2008, 05:22:00 PM

take it slowly and you may adapt very easily...

Earl E. Nov...mber · July 21, 2008, 06:26:00 PM

Try shooting just 3 or 4 arrows a day and concentrate on form while you do.. A week or two and you should be shooting it just fine for sort sessions.

upatree · July 21, 2008, 07:02:00 PM

Thanks for the positive responses. If I could figure out how to post pics, I would let ya'll see it.

Charlie Lamb · July 21, 2008, 08:16:00 PM

What I did years ago when I decided to move up in bow weight was this. I moved from 48# to 69# and for the first couple of months I thought I'd bitten off more than I could chew.

The entire first month I stood the strung bow next to the door to my bedroom and every time I walked by it, I picked it up and drew it to full draw... and held it for as long as I could.

I didn't shoot an arrow, only drew it. Finally my muscles responded and I started shooting it. I concentrated more on controlling the bow and executing good form more than accuracy.

With time and dedication it became easy to handle and was a terror on game.

Be patient and good luck.

Curveman · July 21, 2008, 08:23:00 PM

I made the same jump when I bought my first custom bow. Why 10#s? I was new and well, the guy in the shop told me, correctly, that to legally hunt moose in NH I was required to have a 60# bow. Although I lift weights it still took a little work to get those specific muscles to work well in that motion together but now a lighter bow feels easy but very uncomfortable with having to refigure out a smooth release etc. I could shoot heavier but why bother-I have my "moose bow!"

upatree · July 21, 2008, 08:38:00 PM

I just finished shooting about 2 dz arrows. The bow seems to like goldtip 5575. They were pretty tight while the others were scattered. I am realy impressed how much flatter my arrow flies with the increase in weight. 2dz was plenty enough and I hope I can start to become comfortable within the next month or so. It's time to order a few goodies to add to it.

M60gunner · July 22, 2008, 12:15:00 PM

I do what Charlie lamb says. I keep my bow strung and pull it a few times each day. Years ago when I was alot younger I shot a 80# Black Widow, don't ask me why, And I used to do simple pushups and pull my bow each day. Oh yes, pull it with both hands. I learned that from an old Price Albert VHS on building archery muscles.
No, I donot shoot that much weight any more. At 63 years old I am shooting bows between 55-65lbs. The 65lb. bow is getting to the point where it will be a workout bow only soon. It is funny how life can make a full circle. I shoot my 55lb. bows alot more these days, same weight I started with in high school.

upatree · July 28, 2008, 09:46:00 PM

Here's a update of my progress.

I tuned the bow and it seems to like 7 3/4 brace hight. It was much quieter at this brace hight. I set the nock point for 3 under and she shot pretty darn good. I am new to traditional archery and I have been reading and trying to gather as much information as I can about tuning a recurve. It's getting bettery and more and more fun every day.

Arwin · July 29, 2008, 12:17:00 AM

Funny how 10 additional pounds can feel like 100, LOL! Go slow.

Shaun · July 29, 2008, 12:46:00 AM

When you jump up in weight, do like Charlie and others said and think about form... full back tension, solid anchor point, elbow back in line with the draw. I am working on getting comfortable with a 62# selfbow and have trouble pulling it for the first couple arrows still, but do fine when warmed up. I am trying to get those muscles built up to get that first arrow to full draw and solid form. After all, its that first one that I want to hit the mark hunting.

Deff · July 29, 2008, 01:41:00 AM

Charlie's advise is right on --
After recovering from open heart surgery last winter, I found that I could't pull 40 pounds let alone the 60+ I had been accustomed to.
I left my bow strung, hanging on a peg in the bedroom and pulled it as far back and held it as long as I could at least three times a week. I did not attempt to shoot until I could comfortably draw and hold it. It took me over three months to build up to holding 60 pounds but now I'm shooting better than ever. Good Luck!

Rob DiStefano · July 29, 2008, 06:09:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by Charlie Lamb:
What I did years ago when I decided to move up in bow weight was this. I moved from 48# to 69# and for the first couple of months I thought I'd bitten off more than I could chew.

The entire first month I stood the strung bow next to the door to my bedroom and every time I walked by it, I picked it up and drew it to full draw... and held it for as long as I could.

I didn't shoot an arrow, only drew it. Finally my muscles responded and I started shooting it. I concentrated more on controlling the bow and executing good form more than accuracy.

With time and dedication it became easy to handle and was a terror on game.

Be patient and good luck.

Heed what Charlie sez - this is a right way to up draw weight ... TAKE YOUR TIME and DON'T GET HURT!

foudarme · July 29, 2008, 06:36:00 AM

I think it would be a great mistake to use your bow like a muscular training tool..neither good for you nor the bow...
In your country you have the chance to get a solution for whatever you need in archery..see on this link and you will get what you need for reinforcing your muscles without hurting them...with this tool, I jumped from 60# to 80# in less than 2 monthes...

Bonebuster · July 29, 2008, 07:27:00 AM

As already mentioned by Orion, Martin bows are sometimes a bit heavier than what is marked.

I have a Mamba(the grey one) from around "96", and it`s marked 70lbs@ 28". EVERY scale I have ever put it on shows at least 74lbs@28".

I guess my point is, you may be jumping up a bit more than ten pounds.

Fifty pounds is a good draw weight, but if you are able to step up in weight a bit, you will like the performance on game.