It's interesting to me to see that bows in the 40's sell very well compared to 50+ pound bows, either we all got older or I just don't get it
Lower draw weights, especially for hunting, certainly has positive aspects. For example allowing less physically strong folks to participate. It also has some potentially serious drawbacks like inadequate penetration.
That said, modern materials and designs are giving bows cast and efficiency not seen before.
There is a large difference in performance between a higher end super curve and a Hill style bows.
So if I can shoot a 45lb bow better than a 55lb bow and it has the energy and efficiency to perform as well then I'm better off and more accurate to do so.
A lot of us old guys ARE getting even older. Regardless, bow weights do seem to be going down for others as well. That may not be a bad thing.
If I drop a few pounds getting drawn on fidgety critters is easier. Especially with my 60" bows.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2:
I just had this conversation last week at the TBOF shoot. There were a lot of people trying to sell bows in the 60# + range and they could not give them away. Even 55# bows are becoming rarer to see. Yes, there is an aging traditional population, but like mentioned above, the general mindset seems to be that modern bow materials have led to more efficient bows at lower draw weight. It certainly has to be a plus for shooting form.
I'm looking for 60-63# and can't find much above 50#. Shoot predominantly footed tapered wood arrows with large 3 blade heads, so would like a bit more juice.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2:
I don't know what you're saying exactly, but have you been to a bow shoot, Walmart, or anywhere else in the past 10 years? I dare say physical fitness isn't exactly a trendy affair.
Quote from: Overspined on March 11, 2022, 10:13:37 PM
I don't know what you're saying exactly, but have you been to a bow shoot, Walmart, or anywhere else in the past 10 years? I dare say physical fitness isn't exactly a trendy affair.
It seems to me there have been gyms and fitness centers springing up all over the place for the last few decades. I see more people walking, jogging and riding bikes than I ever did.
I deleted a big long winded thing here but I hunted with a 65# bow for many years. It was sort of by accident that I ended up with a 45# bow and I found that it did everything I needed it to and it was more fun.
As a kid I always had big guns and heavy bows. I guess I thought I was going to do some pretty cool hunting. Never happened. A few deer and a bunch of aluminum cans is what I shoot. 45# is just perfect...maybe a little on the heavy side.
I still like heavier bows, but like so many, I just can't shoot them anymore. Now, I stay from 50 to 55# in draw weight. Many of us are older, and many more are just not in good enough shape to handle the heavy stuff, making lighter bows just more sensible. Besides, they work just fine, sometimes even better due the ability to shoot them more easily. I'm still seeing a large number of higher pound bows available, but fewer buyers. I still believe in hunting with the highest draw weight that can be controlled properly, but I notice that weight decreasing as I get older. Since the overall age of the majority of trad shooters is increasing, it is natural that lighter bows become more prominent. I still have a few bows in the 40# range waiting till I can no longer shoot the 50# range. As for me 50 turned into 70 at about 60.
A lot of us are getting older. And getting older is a far better condition than being 6 feet under. The efficient trad bows available these days make it possible for older hunters to keep hunting with a trad bow rather than taking up a rocking chair. I see high-quality, lower-weight, fast, efficient bows as a positive development for the no-longer-young among us who struggle with arthritis and other consequences of a long life. Just my two cents worth as a guy in his 70s who still likes to get out in the woods and fields with his trad bow.
I guess all those years swimming helped build my core, I still try to hike (back pack), Mt bike and shoot bows as frequently as possible. At 63, I have two bows the pull 70#+ that I draw several times every couple days, this lets me shoot and hunt with the 63-66# bows. My latest acquisition, Howatt TD is my current fall back bow at 60#. Have to keep shooting heavy I have too many wood arrows waiting to be made.
:campfire:
A lot of good points made here -aging trad shooters needing lighter poundage bows ,bow efficiency,arrow and broadhead improvements that promote good speed and penetration,and the ability to shoot longer and more accurately.I think maybe that the popularity of competitive 3D events and shooting techniques that require longer holding times (gap shooting and bare bow classes) with emphasis on extreme accuracy also might be a factor in the trend to lighter poundage bows.
Just a general aging for the "Trad" camp, there are exceptions but for most part as a group we are an aging/older
bunch.
Not including the aging bowhunters because at some point we will all have to lower our draw weight if we live long enough. But talking about the new bowhunters I'm seeing. They are usually lanky and weaker looking more like a female and 40-45# is about the most they will ever pull. Has nothing to do with bow materials or strings they couldn't pull a 65# bow of their life depended on it. My question what happens when they get older? They gonna hunt deer with a 25# bow?
I have been obsessed with bows since I was 4 years old. When I was 14, 1965, I hunted with 55 pound bows, everyone else I knew was using 40 to 45. They were also using Hi-Precision broad heads, made right here, some kind of sharpened some not so much, I shot Herters and Zwickys. That year a guy hit a deer with a 55 pound recurve and the arrow went all the way through, he never found it. It was said that his bow was too powerful and if the arrow would have not gone through, the deer would have gone down sooner. People get dumb notions around here, I was ostracized for not believing those odd notions.
I will be 77 this summer. Last couple of years has taken its toll. Not that many years ago I shot 65# bows and loved it. Now I am struggling to figure out how to keep the arrows out of the dirt with 45-50# bows. No, getting old an'it for sissies.
This really isn't a new phenomenon. Even back in the heyday of recurves (60s to early 70s) THE most popular selling draw weight was 45# with probably all the manufacturers. Of course, there were guys who pulled more weight, just like there is today. Then compounds came along and a lot of guys could shoot 70# or even 80# bows. When the resurgence in trad bows came along with custom bowyers (think Bighorn, etc) you started seeing a lot of 60#+ bows on the market. I got into trad archery when I was in my early 30s and had no problem shooting 60-65# recurves and thought you had to be a real wimp to only shoot a 45# bow. Now at 62, My heaviest bow is about 55# and it's not that much fun anymore. I hunt with 50# bows and shoot 45# for fun at bow shoots. Funny how perspectives can change over time.
For me, it's not about fitness but enjoyment. I've got 60# bows and can and do shoot them some. But I've got a 45# recurve with carbon limbs that shoots just as fast as the heavier bow but I can shoot it much better. And for as long as I want to. To me, accuracy wins every time.
Quote from: Baylee on March 12, 2022, 11:50:46 AM
Not including the aging bowhunters because at some point we will all have to lower our draw weight if we live long enough. But talking about the new bowhunters I'm seeing. They are usually lanky and weaker looking more like a female and 40-45# is about the most they will ever pull. Has nothing to do with bow materials or strings they couldn't pull a 65# bow of their life depended on it. My question what happens when they get older? They gonna hunt deer with a 25# bow?
I live in farm country and some of these kids are plenty strong. I've just never met one that shoots a "trad" bow.
Funny story...I was working with a compound hunter and a couple of crossbow hunters. I guess they thought I shot a single string bow because I couldn't afford a compound. One offered to lend me a bow and one actually offered me money. Lol the never offered to let me hunt their farms though.
I ordered a bow from Scott Mitchell of Timberhawk,and I asked for it to be 56 pounds. He laughed and said it was one of the first ones over 45 pounds in a while. :biglaugh:
I've been wondering that a lot lately. I'll be 70 in just a few months, and it seems like I was 50 not too long ago. 45# to 50# bows have been working for me the past few years.
As I've ordered a variety of customs since 2003, I can recall at least 3 bowyers who stated it was a breath of fresh air to build a bow for someone that is less than 50# in draw weight.
I killed the first live deer I ever saw with a 42@ Ben Pearson Cougar (at my 26" draw) in 1970. I imagine I'll kill the last deer I ever shoot with a very similar draw weight. I've never found my equipment lacking. I do fail my equipment some times.
I shot a different kind of bow at 73#'s for almost two decades. I own a new model of this type for certain kinds of hunts, and at 56# it will out perform those older ones.
From time to time over the years I've desired to own one of Fred's original Bighorn recurves. I've never seen a used one under 50#.
Like the British kicker in "The Replacements" a lot of us folks are "wiry".
I can draw and shoot heavy bows pretty well, but I can shoot a 50# bow better. I can use proper form and hold if I have to. This year I had to hold for 17 seconds on a deer before shooting. If I was shooting my max draw weight, that deer would have gotten away. I shoot 3 blade heads and always get an exit. Often a full pass through. That's even with breaking scapulas, leg bones and even front knuckles. It just doesn't make sense to go heavier.
As the old saying goes, I shot 70s in my forties, now I shoot forties in my 70s. Works much better for me.
Several times i have seen guys improve their shooting dramatically just by dropping down by 10-15# in bow weight. At 10 years of age (1953) I was shooting a 40# Malibu Archery Panther. Later on it was 56#. Now, at 78 years of age, it's back to about 40#. Unless you work at it, the average person will lose significant strength in their seventies.
I once saw a young man struggling to shoot a bow of about 60#. He couldn't hold it at his draw length and his shots were not accurate. I had just bought a Hummingbird bow of about 45# and I noticed him eyeing this bow. I ask if he would like to shoot it and he said yes. He immediately tightened his shot group and was shooting with confidence. Long story short, He bought the bow for what I had just paid for it, and I have spent a lot of time looking for another one.
To often it's a macho thing. About 30 years ago there were two brothers nearby who were really caught up in it. One of them shot a bow of about 100#, and the other one was trying to shoot one of about 80#. It was hilarious to watch them shoot. They only pulled to about half draw, and let go immediately. Neither one could hit the side of a barn, but yet they were dead serious.
Quote from: Alexander Traditional on March 12, 2022, 06:24:50 PM
I ordered a bow from Scott Mitchell of Timberhawk,and I asked for it to be 56 pounds. He laughed and said it was one of the first ones over 45 pounds in a while. :biglaugh:
I just ordered a custom bow from a different bowyer. I ordered a 55#. He said I was first one to request 55#, all the previous orders were 35-50#
I'm shooting in the low 40# range now. Father time and wear and tear has caught up with me. Strength wasn't the issue that forced me to drop bow weight. No cartilage left in my bow shoulder. I still cut and split firewood and cut brush with no issues. It is the "pushing" movement that causes the pain. I'm grateful to still be able to shoot the weight that I can and once the shoulder is replaced, I will still shoot bows in the low 40#s.
It's not all macho, it's just what some people pull. Some are accurate and actually kill stuff.
Quote from: Terry Green on March 16, 2022, 03:59:08 PM
It's not all macho, it's just what some people pull. Some are accurate and actually kill stuff.
Yup, whatever you are accurate with is what matters. If not , you may have some long trails and nights. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I would say is far away from being Macho but it seems from many bowyers I have spoken to and what you see on the classified ads, 40 lbs bows today are the premium and anything over 50 is for Hercules. I'm approaching 60 fast and thankfully my health is fine, I workout everyday and I can still shoot comfortably at the weight I choose to.
Yes Kenny, accuracy is paramount. After that it depends on if you have enough mojo for the animal you are hunting. So sick of macho labeling.
.
Some say macho, others say mickey mouse.
I like running 630 grain arrows and 4 blades through animals. I do it frequently and it works. Been doing it for years. I must be macho.
Not that it's "heavy" but yesterday I pulled out my old 55# Howatt Hunter. I found a bundle of aluminum 400's in a corner that were already cut. They flew good with a 175 gr point. I've been shooting lighter bows for a while now so it took some shooting before things started to settle in but it was fun. Basically I ended up with an arrow that's about 100 grains heavier shooting about the same speed...still about 11.5 grains/pound. There's a big difference in the way it smacks the target.
The forty-something bows have been working fine for the hunting and shooting I do but I still have hopes of finding a big pig to shoot someday. Maybe I still don't need the extra ooomph?... but I like the bow and it's already paid for. LOL
I just picked up my first sub 50# bow...a Fedora 560 Hunter at 48#. Beautiful bow, seems to shoot well......don't like the feel of the draw. It just feels spongy compared to my other bows. That being said, it slings an arrow quite well. I'm not ready to move down in weight yet.
I never really thought of bow weight as being macho in any way, first of all no one can tell how many pounds you are drawing back just by looking at you so there is no one to impress. My thread here was meaning to point out how 25 years ago I would of bet I would see more bows over 50 if not 60 greater in availability, not so much these days. Thats all. No Macho Madness Mean Gene.
Quote from: Mike Bolin on March 16, 2022, 10:32:00 AM
I'm shooting in the low 40# range now. Father time and wear and tear has caught up with me. Strength wasn't the issue that forced me to drop bow weight. No cartilage left in my bow shoulder. I still cut and split firewood and cut brush with no issues. It is the "pushing" movement that causes the pain. I'm grateful to still be able to shoot the weight that I can and once the shoulder is replaced, I will still shoot bows in the low 40#s.
Quote from: Orion on March 11, 2022, 07:13:27 PM
A lot of us old guys ARE getting even older. Regardless, bow weights do seem to be going down for others as well. That may not be a bad thing.
I was at an event where Byron Furgeson was asked why he shot such a heavy bow. He replied that he couldn't get a clean release with a lighter bow. For him, and some others, that is probably true. However, for many of us, we get a clean release at 40-45#. We are fortunate that there is a place for all of us in this quest for excellence.
There are probably a couple things at play here...obviously aging folks reducing weight is one thing. New guys though, no matter when/what, tend to follow a herd. In the 80's and 90's the writers in magazines all shot heavy bows....and many folks (lots of folks on here) followed that trend and may have ended up overbowed following this trend. Issues certainly came from that for some folks.
However, nowadays new, young guys are likely listening to podcasts where the podsters promote really light bows, or they might try to emulate target archers with light bows (watching "tuning" videos on YouTube). This is going to lead to problems with inexperienced guys shooting animals with bows of marginal horsepower, without much forgiveness for error. Wouldn't surprise me in 10 years if the cohort of today's new young guys are discussing why they have moved UP a few pounds when they get more hunting experience.
R
This circular discussion has just made one more loop. Some shoot heavy, some shoot light. Some handle heavy quite well, some do not. However, it is still up to the individual to choose, and it is not up to the rest of us to pass judgement on either group. Quite honestly, injured shoulder notwithstanding, if I could still handle the heavier stuff, I would still be shooting it. As for macho, who cares what others think? This argument is a little old by now. While both sides have valid points, I doubt if any minds have been changed.
Yep, Sam, that's my point. Fads come and go.
R
Seems like there are as many reasons to shoot lighter or heavier bows as there are archers. I shoot bows because it is FUN! And at age 70, a 40# selfbow is more FUN than a heavier bow.
Honest Jon
Guys, shoot whatever blows yer skirt up. I honestly do not give 2 coyote poops ... :laughing:
A friend of mine's daughter ordered a 55# longbow back in November because she has no issue shooting that weight. I still believe you should shoot as much weight as you can handle accurately. I shoot 63# at the age of 63. I still workout a minimum of 3 days a week with weights and body weight exercises. I may have to drop down in weight in the future, but my body will tell me when it's time.
I moved to 65# DHH circa 1979, after my first Ben Pearson 45#@28", as a youngster. That weight has been my median mark since. Built up my core with years of distance swimming, so heavier bows weights feel good. With steady shooting 65-70# pounds is comfortable, if I take too much time off 60-63# is my easy/comfort zone, until I work back into 66-67#. 70# is OK if I stay at shooting and with my longer bow. Still playing with my 58" Bear Grizzly. Try to shoot it 3-D this season and get familiar with it. Like to shoot 740-900 grain arrows depending on wood selection, with gnarly heads 160 grains and up.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2:
I've had my own bows since I was 4 and from 14 - 54 shot 45#, one hunting bow and one target bow, and even dabbled a bit with wheelie bows. When I got back into trad full-time I focused on learning about different designs, bowyers, makers, design theories, materials ,etc., and trying a lot of different bows. Now I own too many bows and shoot bows 26-60# interchangeably. It is really cool to shoot a 26# 1961 Howatt with tiny arrows from 50 yards and watch those little darts arc through space then hit the target with hardly a sound. It is also cool to shoot a properly-silenced 60# hunting bow with big heavy arrows, where the bow makes hardly a sound but the arrows hit the bag target like Jeff Torborg catching Sandy Koufax in the last two innings of The Perfect Game...six Chicago Cubs knew that Lefty was going to throw nothing but fastballs, nothing but strikes, yet none made contact, every pitch hitting the catchers glove like a old time wooden sledge. Since I practice with some many different combinations, I can hunt with many combinations, depending on what I'm hunting and how I'm hunting. The super recurves make a lot of speed for their draw weight, but I cant get them hunting-quiet.
This thread has got me thinking about my heavier bow and how much I loved shooting it. So, I strung up my 65# Wesley Special and took her out. It was FUN! I am just fine for about 30 shots, and then I get tired. Form breaks down, causing sloppiness. Yep, I'm definitely still old, but I still wish I could pull this bow for 50 or more arrows. If I could, I would still shoot this bow as my standard equipment. I suppose being able to control it well for 30 shots could keep me in shape to hunt with it, but I also prefer to shoot 3D shoots with the same bow I hunt with. I'll stay with my lower pound bows for most serious work. My release is still better with the heavier weight bow. Too bad my shoulders aren't up to it.
Quote from: Baylee on March 12, 2022, 11:50:46 AM
Not including the aging bowhunters because at some point we will all have to lower our draw weight if we live long enough. But talking about the new bowhunters I'm seeing. They are usually lanky and weaker looking more like a female and 40-45# is about the most they will ever pull. Has nothing to do with bow materials or strings they couldn't pull a 65# bow of their life depended on it. My question what happens when they get older? They gonna hunt deer with a 25# bow?
Not sure where the line is for "aging bowhunters' but I am 55 and took up traditional archery in November. I am anything but lanky and weak at 6'2" and 280 lbs and a former college defensive tackle. When researching what weight to start with I was told in the 30's to low 40's.
I bought an ILF bow to start so I could swap limbs once I find what works for me. Since I wanted to be able to hunt deer with it even to start I got limbs I was told would peak at about 40 at my 30" draw length. It turned out to be 46lbs. I shot compounds most of my life between 68-74 pounds and had no issue with that weight. I can easily draw my recurve back but I can't hold it back and keep my form like I see in the various instructional video's I see on Youtube from people like Tom Clum, Matt Zirnsak and Clay Hayes to name a few.
At this point I can't imagine stepping up past the low 50's pound weight. Since I was already successful taking a doe and putting the arrow through the scapula I am not sure more weight is needed for whitetails. I would feel more confident with more weight if I went elk hunting. Even then I am pretty sure if I limit my shot distance it can be done with good shot placement and a good broadhead.
Farminhdale, I don't know if 55 is old or not, but I would go back to it in a heartbeat. As an athlete, you know how to build up slowly, and carefully, so go for it. As you go, my advice is to pay closest attention to your release at whatever poundage you are shooting, as it is one aspect of form that so many of us struggle with. Just make sure you are comfortable with your equipment. Shoot what you like.
Sure looks like "different strokes for different folks" to me. I was impressed once to see a guy of about 160# pull and shoot an 80# bow seemingly without straining. Then again there was the guy shooting a 29# recurve with good accuracy and a flat trajectory. It helped that he was drawing about 30 inches and shooting lightweight arrows. They both had my respect. :deadhorse:
Quote from: Ryan Rothhaar on March 17, 2022, 09:49:39 AM
There are probably a couple things at play here...obviously aging folks reducing weight is one thing. New guys though, no matter when/what, tend to follow a herd. In the 80's and 90's the writers in magazines all shot heavy bows....and many folks (lots of folks on here) followed that trend and may have ended up overbowed following this trend. Issues certainly came from that for some folks.
However, nowadays new, young guys are likely listening to podcasts where the podsters promote really light bows, or they might try to emulate target archers with light bows (watching "tuning" videos on YouTube). This is going to lead to problems with inexperienced guys shooting animals with bows of marginal horsepower, without much forgiveness for error. Wouldn't surprise me in 10 years if the cohort of today's new young guys are discussing why they have moved UP a few pounds when they get more hunting experience.
R
Yes, I agree totally. Only a few short years ago I could list a 60 to 80# bow and sell it in 2 or 3 days no problem for what it was worth..... now you can't hardly give one away. And, no matter what the REAL numbers are people will still make outlandish brainwashed claims about how their lighter weight bow will perform the same as the same bow 10#s heavier. In reality, they are living in a land of make believe.
I'm 66 years old now and have had to drop my draw weight down quite a bit in the last 10 years. I always shot heavier draw weights because i was in good physical shape and felt a hunter should draw as much weight as he could comfortably, and i still do believe that. I could easily draw an 80# bow until about age 55.... Right now i leave my 60# bows alone for the most part. I'm still trying to heal up a torn shoulder muscle and am not shooting much at all right now.
I figured out real quick that after pulling muscles, you just don't heal up as fast as you used to in younger years. This forced me to lighten up quite a bit.... I've used lighter draw weight bows to practice form and shoot 3D and i found i always had a cleaner release using a glove with heavier draw weights. (I like to hunt with a soft glove.) I went to a tab on my target bows and that helped my release consistency. But my target bow is still 49# and hunting bow is about 55-57#.
As a bowyer the majority of my bows i build are from 42-50# these days, but still build quite a few up to 55-57# each year. But.....I just sent one to Germany with 80# & 100# limbs. go figure.... Kirk
Quote from: Kirkll on March 28, 2022, 02:07:32 PM
I just sent one to Germany with 80# & 100# limbs. go figure.... Kirk
Hi Kirk,
Go figure what? What are you trying to say?
Quote from: mgf on March 28, 2022, 03:13:52 PM
Quote from: Kirkll on March 28, 2022, 02:07:32 PM
I just sent one to Germany with 80# & 100# limbs. go figure.... Kirk
Hi Kirk,
Go figure what? What are you trying to say?
Just saying that there are still a few guys out there that shoot seriously heavy bows even though the trend is lighter weights now. Poor wording on my part. Kirk
Not a macho boast here please, one benefit I have found is when I start my shooting drills, I like to use my 76lb self bow to take a few shots, not more than 10. What I find is that when I drop down to my 54lb recurve, it feels like I'm drawing much less so it enables me from the start to feel comfortable during my shooting. Not saying everyone please run out and buy a 100lb bow, just adding a simple help that might get one of your heavier bows off the shelf for a bit of fun.
We all got older and we all got sore shoulders from shooting bows that were too heavy.
Just a side note,I have a copy of "Ye Olde Sylvan Archer" from 1943.People were disagreeing about light vs heavy bows even then.I'm serious,1943.They were also disagreeing about how many blades on a broadhead and light vs heavy arrows.Some things never change. :deadhorse:
JimB, I imagine the cavemen sat around the campfire debating these same questions. I wonder what their consensus was.
May :biglaugh:be Sam,may be!
That is great, so we'll never know!!!
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :o
Yesterday I ordered my first custom longbow, a Toelke Whistler 60" TD, 45# @ 28", I have a 29+ drawlength.
I hunt whitetails and this is all that I need.
Lonster
I'm 57 years old, non collegiate defense tackle, 187 pounds 5'9". Don't work out. Been shooting my 64# moab since LTR hunt in February in progression to get back to my 70# Moab 'Herd Bull' and Morrison Cougar 'With Athority' for a hunt I'm planning. And it's not a hunt for Bambi.
Signed, your beloved Macho. :campfire:
As I approach Grizzerhood, I am thankful for my health and all the physical sports and things I did in my youth. Pulling and shooting upper 60#'s and 70# bows is invigorating. Hearing the arrow hit the target almost as soon as you release the sting is fun. And the thump of a 700-900 grain arrow really settles your soul. If I get lazy then I'll always have my 60-63# bows to shoot, but the boys always want to come out and play. Take care of yourself and stay healthy!!!
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2:
Quote from: Wudstix on April 06, 2022, 02:03:50 PM
Hearing the arrow hit the target almost as soon as you release the sting
Yeah, Wud.... that's how my 70# Moab got it's name. I was at the famed Paradise and shot it for the 1st time in front of others and when I shot the 1st arrow and it totally smacked the target with a 630 grain arrow someone said "With Athority".
90% have never ran the numbers on their equipment....
90% have no clue the efficiency of their equipment...
90% don't want to hear it....
90% have no clue about broadband performance as they have never ran group hunts or leases for YEARS and kept records or killed enough animals to know......
90% don't kill enough to even know...
90% have never seen an animal and wondered if they had enough bow... ( aka this animal with saddle bags I could see from 70 yards away sent me back to my truck to trade my 60#er for my 70#er and 90% won't take the time for the video to download https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=168282.0
Yet 90% will make fun of the 10% and tell them they don't know what they are taking about and label them....
OMG, someone finally said it. :clapper:
Great post Terry
Although I think you are being too generous at 10% :)
Quote from: Terry Green on April 06, 2022, 02:54:13 PM
Quote from: Wudstix on April 06, 2022, 02:03:50 PM
Hearing the arrow hit the target almost as soon as you release the sting
Yeah, Wud.... that's how my 70# Moab got it's name. I was at the famed Paradise and shot it for the 1st time in front of others and when I shot the 1st arrow and it totally smacked the target with a 630 grain arrow someone said "With Athority".
90% have never ran the numbers on their equipment....
90% have no clue the efficiency of their equipment...
90% don't want to hear it....
90% have no clue about broadband performance as they have never ran group hunts or leases for YEARS and kept records or killed enough animals to know......
90% don't kill enough to even know...
90% have never seen an animal and wondered if they had enough bow... ( aka this animal with saddle bags I could see from 70 yards away sent me back to my truck to trade my 60#er for my 70#er and 90% won't take the time for the video to download https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=168282.0
Yet 90% will make fun of the 10% and tell them they don't know what they are taking about and label them....
What numbers is it you think most haven't run? No doubt that many don't kill the number or size of critter that Terry does but I'll bet they know whether or not their bow does what they need it to do.
A wise man once suggested "The right tool for the right job"
:thumbsup:
Terryx3..
R
Was listening to some fellas at the gun range talk about the knock down power of their various favorite pistol cartridges. What they carry and why and how they think your choice is inadequate and what studies they quote fir supporting evidence.
Not one of them had ever been in a gunfight. Not one been shot at or used a handgun to defend themselves.
Was it Mike Tyson who said everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth?
If I could shoot 70 well and regularly I would. Because more can be better.
But not is better.
I'd you can shoot more weight safely (to your body) and accurately than I think you should if you are hunting bigger game.
I would shoot a wildebeest with my 50lb bow but not a cape buffalo.
Inspector Callahan said "a man's got to know his limitations." That includes his equipment.
Guys I'm new here and don't know if this is a sore subject or maybe there's a back story that I'm not aware of, anyway I feel obligated to explain what I'm shooting and why.
I have always shot a compound bow and usually have them set between 70-72 lbs. I have a 30" draw.
I've killed over 100 whitetails with a compound bow. Sounds like a lot but I killed my first one in 1987, so 100 deer over 34 years isn't too impressive.
I purchased a 50# or 55# Bear TD recurve around 1989 or 1990. I shot it and hunted with it a couple of times, never really liked it because it stacked really bad.
Have always been interested in traditional archery and finally got to the point in my life where if I'm ever going to do it then I need to do it now. So after lots of research I ordered a 40# Black Hunter longbow from Amazon for like $109.00. I have NEVER really wanted a longbow, always a recurve, but all of my research kept pointing me towards a R/D longbow. This bow is so much more pleasurable to shoot than my old Bear bow AND to my surprise I'm grouping pretty good at 15 yards.
I ordered a 40# bow because everything that I read said that I should start out with a 35# to 40# bow.
I have ALWAYS wanted a pretty custom bow and since the late 1980's I have always wanted a Black Widow recurve. However, instead of a recurve I've ended up with a R/D longbow, so I began to research custom longbows and I finally narrowed my search down to Toelke.
I called Dan Toelke and pretty much told him what I just typed in this post. His recommendation was a 60" Whistler, 45#. He chose the poundage based on what I will be hunting with the bow, whitetails. He said that when he gets the bow built he will call me and tell me the specifics on the arrows/point weights that I will need with the bow.
I'll be hunting whitetails and I'll never be shooting past 20 yards. I'll be shooting a SHAVING SHARP 2 blade broadhead. I have lots of experience with sharpening broadheads as I shot Simmons Landsharks for years, I would drive over to Jerry's house and buy them from him right there in his basement where he was making them.
So there's my explanation as to why I'll be shooting a 45# longbow.
Do I feel underbowed? Not at all, I know my limitations. I may be a little optimistic but I think that I can kill just about any big game animal in North America with a shaving sharp, two-bladed broadhead shot from my 45# longbow from a distance of 15 yards. And there is my limitation, 15 yards and that is why I've ordered a new custom bow and plan on archery hunting with nothing but my longbow from here on as long as I'm physically able to.
Lonster
Quote from: Terry Green on April 06, 2022, 02:54:13 PM
90% don't kill enough to even know...
90% have never seen an animal and wondered if they had enough bow... ( aka this animal with saddle bags I could see from 70 yards away sent me back to my truck to trade my 60#er for my 70#er and 90% won't take the time for the video to download https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=168282.0
Yet 90% will make fun of the 10% and tell them they don't know what they are taking about and label them....
I guess I missed it but who's making fun of you (or anybody)?
You might be close with that percentage. We don't have any big boars around here...no moose, elk or buffalo of any kind either. I haven't noticed anybody arguing that 40# was the ideal weight for such game.
There's probably a large percentage of us that don't ever get the chance to shoot at anything larger than an average whitetail.
My heavy (ish) bows mostly sit on the shelf because I don't have any use for them.
It's interesting how this thread has turned into a contest of sorts but I believe the original intent is how lower poundage bows have become more desirable in recent years than bows of greater weight. Bow sales prove it, bow trades prove it, there is a higher demand for it and I'm sure there are many reasons why. Personally a bow in the low to mid 50's is plenty enough for me to do everything I seek to do in the traditional archery and hunting world. Is it macho, no. Is it impressive, don't care. Is it what works for me, you bet.
Quote from: PrimitivePete on April 07, 2022, 05:01:35 AM
It's interesting how this thread has turned into a contest of sorts but I believe the original intent is how lower poundage bows have become more desirable in recent years than bows of greater weight. Bow sales prove it, bow trades prove it, there is a higher demand for it and I'm sure there are many reasons why.
I don't see anyone arguing that. Just people continually labeling folks and making outlandish claims that are totally invalid. Not just on this thread, not just on Tradgang, but elsewhere. I know the main reason for lightweight bows in the last 3 years or so, but I won't post it here as 'feelings' matter more now than then. No, I don't shoot heavy bows, 52 to 55#s is my range, but like stated earlier, if I ever get a chance to shoot cape buffalo, that weight aint going to cut it, and I'll be labeled 'macho' buy the 90%. :saywhat:
Quote from: Russell Southerland on April 07, 2022, 05:15:08 AM
Quote from: PrimitivePete on April 07, 2022, 05:01:35 AM
It's interesting how this thread has turned into a contest of sorts but I believe the original intent is how lower poundage bows have become more desirable in recent years than bows of greater weight. Bow sales prove it, bow trades prove it, there is a higher demand for it and I'm sure there are many reasons why.
I don't see anyone arguing that. Just people continually labeling folks and making outlandish claims that are totally invalid. Not just on this thread, not just on Tradgang, but elsewhere. I know the main reason for lightweight bows in the last 3 years or so, but I won't post it here as 'feelings' matter more now than then. No, I don't shoot heavy bows, 52 to 55#s is my range, but like stated earlier, if I ever get a chance to shoot cape buffalo, that weight aint going to cut it, and I'll be labeled 'macho' buy the 90%. :saywhat:
What invalid claims have been made?
X5. Inferiority complex is rampant now adays.
mgf, you got any trad bow hero pics you can share?
X6! I totally agree and have been holding my tongue for a long time. So many are following *fake gurus* on the big tech platforms and so many are now just parrots of fake parrots. Yeah, figure that out and you'll be much better off in life in general.
Oh, and BTW, we do need more kill pics from those that label others. Not seeing any for years from some. (theme tune from Jepardy here).
Quote from: Russell Southerland on April 07, 2022, 07:12:48 AM
mgf, you got any trad bow hero pics you can share?
Does that mean that you aren't going to answer my question?
No pics but I've plainly stated that I don't shoot anything larger than an average whitetail.
mgf, yeah, I'll answer you question, can you not READ what's on this thread? Have you not read what's on OTHER threads? So, you have a lot of things to say that don't amount to much on this thread, so since you don't have any pics and you only hunt whitetails, have you killed ANY big game animals WITH a Tradbow?
Quote from: Russell Southerland on April 07, 2022, 07:56:04 AM
mgf, yeah, I'll answer you question, can you not READ what's on this thread? Have you not read what's on OTHER threads? So, you have a lot of things to say that don't amount to much on this thread, so since you don't have any pics and you only hunt whitetails, have you killed ANY big game animals WITH a Tradbow?
(theme tune from Jepardy here).
Quote from: Russell Southerland on April 07, 2022, 07:56:04 AM
mgf, yeah, I'll answer you question, can you not READ what's on this thread? Have you not read what's on OTHER threads? So, you have a lot of things to say that don't amount to much on this thread, so since you don't have any pics and you only hunt whitetails, have you killed ANY big game animals WITH a Tradbow?
The largest thing I've killed is whitetail deer. I own bows up to 65# but my 45# bows have performed well. That's the only claim I make.
I started with heavier bows and dropped weight with experience. When I was younger I equipped myself to hunt big mean animal...heavy bows and big guns. Those hunts never happened. Now I choose my equipment to meet the needs I really have.
Yep, I emailed admin JonCagle. Calling experienced hunters that have given wealth of information here over the years monkeys is worse than what you claim. You sir are part of the problem.
Shoot heavy , shoot light , just shoot straight ! Lighten up and have some fun. WHAT OTHERS SHOOT ISN'T WORTH GETTING UPSET ABOUT. A 65lber is as heavy as I go even on a moose. I will say that a light bow is all you'd need around here with such thin skins..
Quote from: Russell Southerland on April 07, 2022, 07:56:04 AM
So, you have a lot of things to say that don't amount to much
I was reading this on my phone before and I guess I missed this...What did I say that you think is so incorrect? Did I insult you in some way? You sure are taking an insulting tone with me. Why?
Quote from: Alexander Traditional on March 12, 2022, 06:24:50 PM
I ordered a bow from Scott Mitchell of Timberhawk,and I asked for it to be 56 pounds. He laughed and said it was one of the first ones over 45 pounds in a while. :biglaugh:
Off topic...congratulations, Scott builds one of the best bows around!!!
When I look at some of those who push an agenda or argue a defenseless point I often review their post history. Most often I find no posts of animals taken or awards won at tournaments.
Then there are the ones who say they don't take pics or use a cell phone or . . . fill the blank.
Unconfirmed kills are not useful as proof to others of your real world experience when you are challenging another's position or ability. At least not in my opinion.
To me it doesn't matter if it's whitetail and pigs at your home or lease or plains game in Africa.
Some folks can afford a $20K moose hunt, others cannot but being able to successfully hunt/kill your available game counts.
However even in disagreement name calling is in bad form and normally used when your position is otherwise defenseless.
Hey Coocksie, got gun powder?
Degrading fast!!!
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: