Bow weight reduction

[manny718]

How does reducing the weight of a bow affect performance? with age and arthritis in my shoulder I would like to reduce the weight of two of my bows. These bows are precious to me, and I would like to continue shooting them. Anyone knows any good companies?

[glenbo]

Personally I would try to contact the bowyer who made them. There is a limit to the amount that can be taken off safely. I just traded a bow I loved because I couldn't justify the chance of ruining it. As far as performance it makes sense that less poundage will yield less energy. How much are you looking to lose?

[manny718]

Hey glenbo,I'll like to go down  5 pounds to 45. There John mcCullough bows. I believe he's not working on bows the last time I talked to him.

[glenbo]

The bowyer that made the bow I traded said 10% would be his max. I would have to guess it would be between 2 and 3 hundred for a reduction and refinishing per bow plus shipping both ways. I just shipped a 60" bow to New Mexico and it was 70$. Food for Thought

[pdk25]

Contact Shane at Great Plains. He has alot of experience at reductions.  I would be very surprised if he couldn't do it for you.

[McDave]

According to BW and Robertson, 5# would be about the max.  With "age and arthritis" 45# may be too much, if not now then soon.  At 79, 36-38# feels pretty good, and I hope it will stay that way for a while.  I know it's not going to get any better!  Just be honest with yourself and get into a weight you can enjoy for a while.

[SS Snuffer]

I know where you are coming from.
I had my shoulder replaced and my Kanati reduced from 43 to 38 lbs. by the Jason Kendal, the maker, great guy, he charged me $20 plus shipping and did a great job! 5 years and 4 nice deer more but I eventually had to go to a 33 lb. Black Hunter long bow but I'm pretty deadly with it. It's nice to be able to aim for a few seconds before I drop the string.

[Tom]

I've had Shane at Great Plains reduce three bows for me and he did an excellent job on all three. Reduce and refinish and really pleased with his work, not the fastest but done right. Would not hesitate sending another bow if it comes up again.

[Pat B]

Mike Treadway reduced the weight on my Treadway longbow by about 9#(56#@26"- 47#@26"). When I brought it home I shot the arrows I made for it originally(POC, 600gr) and I could hardly tell the difference except it was easier for me to shoot. 

[manny718]

Wow, Thanks for the advice. I will be definitely trying one of the recommendations.