80# bow?

[Jpsmith1]

Currently shooting a 70# hoyt powermax that's maybe 8 or 9 years old.

I've never had an issue drawing 70 except for a short period of time during rehab from an injury when my strength was at an absolute bottom. Within a month, I was back to shooting it like normal.

I'm also 50 years old and starting to have worries about longevity in the sport.

Are there any real physical drawbacks over time to shooting a heavier bow? It seems like most of the guys I talk to are shooting 50-60.

 

[LostArra]

After getting pass thru on elk with a 50# longbow I see the only indication for an 80# compound would be possibly dangerous game like cape buffalo or brown bears. I've not hunted either so I don't know.

I have killed a good number of elk, deer and hogs with 45-55# trad gear and 55-60# compounds. I've never felt I had too little horsepower. I like being able to draw my bow with very little movement and lighter draw allows that even in cold weather. If I was strong enough to have decent practice sessions and draw it easily in the cold I would probably shoot a heavier bow. I'm almost 73 yr old so I'm just pleased to still be hunting with a bow.

The effect of draw weight on causing injury or shoulder tweaks varies from one individual to another. Sometimes you don't know if you are an unlucky one until it happens.

 

[Matt5266]

I don't see the need for a 80 lb bow at all to be honest except if it's just a want?

Flatter shooting? Sure probably, but just shoot more and figure out your drop. I see it being more of a hindrance than a benefit, such as extended periods at full draw.

 

[Billy Goat]

I have a friend who's older that is now needing to take a year off shooting, he first shot RH, switched to LH after a shoulder issues. Has been chasing a few things, had dropped down to 40# and now can't handle that.

Neurologist thinks its combined years of shooting wear on his nerves. Don't know all the specifics, but its not joint/muscle issues, its nerve damage. I told him to stop shooting a tuning fork, get a Mathews.

I think our bodies are like engines, your joints can lift or move (X) amount of weight in a lifetime before wore out. An engine will make (X) amount of horsepower, can burn it up in 300k or 30k, depends on how you run it.


Proper form is the main thing, but yes, repetitive motion causes wear. More draw weight increases the forces on the joints.

I haven't met an archer who wishes they use to draw more weight.

 

[mattmann]

I stepped up to an 80# now this year with my PSE Mach 33. It’s the absolute smoothest bow I’ve shot and felt like my Mathews 70 so I didn’t notice the difference in weight. I’d suggest trying one if you’re interested. I was sold after the first shot!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Catterz]

If your shoulders are solid and you don’t take time off shorting you will be fine. Nothing wrong with 60# either

 

[Halligan]

Honestly, shouldn't be problematic if you take care of your shoulders from both a mobility and a strength perspective. If you wanted to be cautious, you could shoot at 75 lbs for a bit, then make the move to 80.