Why Low Poundage ?

[Coachy]

I have noticed a trend with you fellers over here in the USA ,, a lot of you only shoot 40-50# . Why ? Over here we use 55-70 # , is it 'cause we are stronger      Just joking    
 So can anyone tell me ?

[GrayRhino]

Maybe its because you Aussies are hunting for bigger bodied game like buffalo, large feral pigs, ......and cane toads!

Seems like most guys here in the States are shooting 50-60 # which is plenty for most of our hunting needs.

Besides, we can't buy Vegemite as easily as you all can, and that MUST have something to do with it.  

[Molson]

The truth is, our bows are 80-90#.  We just mark 'em low so as not to insult the rest of the world.  

[longbow357]

i think the fact that whitetails are probably the most hunted/popular big game animal in the US has something to do with it mate. not particularly large in the body compared to other species.
another factor as i see it is that these days seem to be a growth period for trad bowhunting, with a lot of compounders or newbies trying it out, and getting good beginners advice from some of the old salts on how to get started right.

thats just a guess though, and i'm also keen to hear more from some yanks on this one.

brian

[James on laptop]

I can't answer for others but I pick bow weight according to what I will hunt with the bow.I see no need for shooting a heavier bow if I don't need it.Anything too heavy and it just makes it harder to find your arrows after they blow through something.I can't see setting up for a buff if all I plan on hunting might be a bunny.  

[macbow]

Some of us are just getting old.  :rolleyes:  
Ron

[ncsturkey]

The rest of us are smart  

[GrayRhino]

If you can shoot 70 #, then you ARE stronger than me!

[Stephen_D]

Because it gets the job done. A pass through is a pass through, and dead is dead.

[Txjourneyman]

I think its because you guys are upside down. Gravity is working for you and against us so its easier for you to draw.LOL!

[Barney]

I must be Austrailian.    

[ChuckC]

I like Molson's response !   Funny.  Actually...we have an honor code over here.. When we say "45 pounds", it is actually "65 pounds".  hahahahaha

I believe the draw weight has fluctuated over time, due to popularity, need, and other issues, age being one of them.  Most of us hunt deer and deer sized or smaller critters , and from tree stands.

For those purposes, 45 pounds will be enough to pass thru a "vitals" area most times and it also keeps your elbows and shoulders intact.  
ChuckC

[Scott S.]

Just an observation:
You see a lot of heavier (55# +) bows for sale or trade with the notation of "selling due to shoulder injury."

To expand on what ChuckC said, the vast majority of vintage bows of the 60's and 70's on the market are 45-50#.  It seemed to work then for our whitetails.  I also think some of the high poundage mentality comes from high compound draw weights.

That being said, I will shoot mid-50#'S because I get a flatter trajectory and don't need to estimate the yardage/distance as precisely as I would when I shoot mid-40#'s.  It matters little at 15 yds but is a factor at 20-25yds.

[hormoan]

The only exercise I get is pushing my luck. What a burden it is! I don't want my bow to make the fun I have with it WORK\\EXERCISE.    


                      Brent

[LazerRay]

I shoot a 54# bow cause it is enuff and I like my shoulders and neck I may get a set of 60-65# limbs for machoism that overcomes me every now and than.
LR

[Terry Green]

I shoot a 70# bow cause it is enuff and I like my shoulders and neck I may get a set of 90 - 100# limbs for machoism that overcomes me every now and than.  :D  


These type threads always crack me up.

[Charlie Lamb]

Me too T! Always draws out the 40-50 crowd while the 55-70 crowd remains silent.  :D  

But then I'm just an old fart with good shoulders who shoots 70-75 anytime he wants... as always!  

(now would be a good time to put on your flack jacket if you have one.)

[Van/TX]

We be wimps.  Y'all just ain't caught up yet  :D ...Van

[mike g]

I use a 52# Hill bow and can shoot it for a couple hrs straight....

[John Scifres]

Most people I know hunt with 50-60#.