What poundage for a starter?

[GO Rogers]

I have a 45 pounder coming from Maddog Archery, my first longbow!♠

[Spectre]

Originally posted by Night Wing:
I voted for the 30#-40# range. Lower weight equates to better form for a beginner which leads to better accuracy.

I guess that depends upon how strong the shooter is. Higher weights can equate to a cleaner release, too. For a guy strong enough to comfortably shoot higher weight, that is.

[Spectre]

Originally posted by Night Wing:
I voted for the 30#-40# range. Lower weight equates to better form for a beginner which leads to better accuracy.

I guess that depends upon how strong the shooter is. Higher weights can equate to a cleaner release, too. For a guy strong enough to comfortably shoot higher weight, that is.

[Turkeys Fear Me]

Originally posted by dan d:
Hmmm..... Confusing feedback here, the majority of the poll shows heavier (43% light 57% heavier as of this post) but yet most of the posts say go lighter.

Not that confusing really.  It's easier to vote anonymously than it is to defend your position.

 

[Plumber]

45 is good

[dan d]

Originally posted by Turkeys Fear Me:
 

Originally posted by dan d:
Hmmm..... Confusing feedback here, the majority of the poll shows heavier (43% light 57% heavier as of this post) but yet most of the posts say go lighter.

Not that confusing really.  It's easier to vote anonymously than it is to defend your position.

   [/b]

 that's what I was thinking when I typed it !
Dan

[Rebel Yelp]

I voted 40-50 only because you need 40+ lbs to be legal in many states.

Start out at 45 lbs. Order a Maddog Mutt and learn to shoot. The money you'll save will be put to good use toward arrows, field points, gloves, quiver, range time... etc.

My 2 cents...

[rdoggsilva]

I would start a new shooter light. This way they can get there form down, then move up in weight.

[duncan idaho]

It depends on physical conditioning and flexibility, a new person who is active:45 to 50

No matter what I take out a bow under 40 pounds to teach a newbie.  It is impossible to teach form and power at the same time.  some will grab a light bow and try to prove how far they can pull it, that person is generally unteachable.

[OntarioBirdhunter]

I started with a 28# then a 42# for hunting, I voted 40-50# because you mentioned 30 years old. At that age you should have no problems with a 40# ish bow. I found that alot of beginner rigs are quite slopelly put together, especially up here, when you get to hunting weight bows they tend to get better. You need a 40#  bow to be legal for hunting deer and Turkeys in Ontario.

[OntarioBirdhunter]

I should add my starter bow was a target recurve with sights removed, I wouldn't wish it on anyone as it produced alot of hand shock (sounds odd I know). Quality of the starter bow is important.

[KHALVERSON]

i say 30-40
once the form gets right then go up from there
i wish id started light and learned the right way from the start and not pushed for as much poundage as i could handle
i learned too many bad habits and my shootin wasnt as good as it could have been
because of my dam ego

[TWarrows]

40# max

[Lucas K]

You should think about starting around 30 lbs and if you can, find a shooting coach or take a lesson to get the fundamentals. Good luck and enjoy the ride...

[Bob Macioch]

I voted 40-50   but I think you should start @ 40

[TxAg]

I failed to read the entire thread, and I'm certainly no expert.

I can tell you that I started with a 53# bow a couple years ago...shot off and on. Now that I shoot every day, I've dropped to 40# and I shoot MUCH better.

[Mojostick]

35

[Thunderhorn25]

40-50 #

[bowkevin]

Start low and work your way up.