Just got my hands on a 50# PMAII. Been a widow nut forever and have always had it in my head I had to shoot at least 55 pounds and usually shoot bows 57-60 pounds. I have tended to struggle off and on with shooting issues and never quite would admit dropping down in weight would help...too macho I guess. Shooting my new/used PMAII 50#@28 is awesome. It shoots faster than my 57# PLV and is comfortable as heck as a 62 incher. For the first time in years I'm feeling more and more in control of my shots and my ability to hit anchor and make a confident shot without snap shooting. Just had to share. Take care and good shooting.
Good for you. Sounds like you are happy with the change. It's never good to strugle with weight.
Best of luck, and keep at it!
I recently bought a bow that is five pounds lighter then I normal shoot, I'm on the fence. I like the speed of my 50# but like the ease of the 45#
Used to think I had to shoot 60 plus. Now my max is 50 and I have several in the 45-48 pound range. It's amazing what a few birthdays can do for you
The best kept secret of traditional archery, lower bow poundage
I agree longbowmark
I too just picked up a bow that's 46lbs. Down from the 55 and 60lb longbows I've been shooting in an attempt to work on better form. Feels like a kid's bow and I have to keep reminding myself that it will get the job done!
Thanks for the replies gentlemen. Good luck and good shooting to all of you as well.
Just shot my 45# and I am now getting rid of my 50#
Its all about efficiency. You can find a million posts titled "what's the minimum poundage to hunt XXXwhatever". The meaning is clear but, the real question is what is the minumum recommended arrow momentum.
If an efficient 45# lb bow system gives the same momentum to the same arrow as an inefficient #55 bow system, then the only thing the 55# does better is keep that achy shoulder complaining.
When i got burr in my rotator and had to lay down the #55, I got a modern RD bow, a Dryad Windtalker u-finish blank. I'm pulling about 43#@27 and with a 6 strand skinny string, whisper quiet launch of extreme fwd of center 13gpp arrows that fly straight like darts and tipped with razor sharp single bevel 2 blade Tusker Concordes -- well, my confidence is up, come on October.