Help me make the wise decision

[8up]

I just sold a 2006 Assenheimer I thought it was pretty and it shot well but was bulky compared to the bear I'm shooting. It was 62 inches and felt heavy. If I were going to shoot a takedown it woud have to be a really light one(not draw weight) I might would like the Fedora 560 t/d 54"

[dachba]

Just a note on speed.  If you are going up in weight to get more speed than your old bow, there is no need.  Any Fedora should beat that old Bear hands down.  
Dave in Ft. Collins, CO

[Curveman]

I jumped from 50-61# years ago and I am glad I did though at the time I did it solely so I could legally hunt moose in NH.  I needed to work at it a bit but now the 61# is a light bow. Joint problems my arse. It is the lack of weightlifting and excercise that is causing the joint problems. Some YOUNG guys now can't move a glass without pulling a muscle. The general softening of the American male. When I HAVE to go lighter I will. Pushin' 50, I ain't there yet. I'm not going gently into that good night! I want to hunt BIG game in Africa one day soon!  

[southpawshooter]

There is nothing wrong with going up in weight. You have everything to gain from the added horsepower as long as you can control it well.  If your heart is set on more poundage my suggestion would be to order the 55# bow and get yourself a bowfit in the heavy size (50 to 80#), and maybe the companion video. 3Rivers Archery sells both.  Start using the bowfit right away, and by the time Mike has your bow completed you will be ready to take on the additional weight in a controllable manner.

[8up]

Wow this is an old thread. I ended up with a 53# @ 26" and have not been able to control it very well. I actually called Mike today to have him narrow the handle and take a few pounds off....Ron

[dachba]

8up, bringing it back up is my fault.  I did a search on Fedora and this thread popped up.  I became interested in it and posted without thinking it was an old thread.  It's good, though, to hear the resolution of your weight issue.

Dave in Ft. Collins, CO

[Brian Krebs]

I think the 50 pounder should be fine. I shot a 350 pound bow for over a decade; and my forearms got so big; the string hit me everytime. I had a doctor cut off the skin from my arm and had it tanned; and then re-attached to serve as a natural armguard; but eventually it wore out; and I am not sure it was worth the effort.
50 pounds should do the job unless you flight shoot elephants: like I do all the time. Yes I get excellent penetration on everything from squirrels to rino; its really expensive to buy brooms and cut off the handles for arrows.

[Diamond Paul]

I wouldn't go over 50lbs; if you are shooting 45 now, 10lbs is a big jump on a stickbow, like adding 30+ pounds on a compound, or close to it.  Have him make it the weight you want at your draw length, for sure.  50 is plenty for anything except maybe a big bear on this continent.

[Grendal]

Go with the 50#'er - it's plenty.