Thoughts on 80lb bows.

[S.Clancy]

I love my 80+ pound bow. Shot both Elite Impulse 34 @ 82 lbs and Hoyt Faktor 30 @ 82, both are great. BTW, my right rotator cuff is hosed from lifting and I have no discomfort or limited ability drawing. You're supposed to draw with your back, not shoulder stabilization muscles. Just stay strong and shoot logs!

 

[Billy Goat]

I have owned or shot and tuned for other's a few 80# bows. At this point I don't remember any of the numbers they produced.

Hoyt Katera
Hoyt Alphaburner
Hoyt Rx3 Ultra
Bowtech destroyer 350 with barnesdales.

No body has shot these bows as well as they did a 70# bow. Both the Katera and bowtech were upgraded so it was the exact same bow, just heavier poundage. Granted these aren't setups that your counting X's or rings with but it is still something to take into consideration. To some extent it can be like a rifle hunter who isn't a very good shot who just takes a bigger gun so his poor shot placement can makeup for it, hopefully.


In all fairness I'm not opposed to using an 80# bow. I still shoot one some, tho I don't know why. I think if someone is going to have one they should have a different bow of lighter poundage to practice with throughout the year. I have seen target panic come about from the heavier draw weight. I think unless you shoot a lot and are already a bigger individual any bow past 70# is going to be detrimental to your shooting, so proceed with caution.


But yes a slower IBO 80# does draw slightly smoother than a "speed" bow at the same poundage. But anymore for me past 60 sucks anyway.

 

[dkime]

I'm about this closeto ordering an 80# Evo NXT, because I feel bows of this speed range would really shine at higher poundage's. I'll follow up in a few months if I go with it.

 

[Desk Jockey]

I'm definitely not saying a 80lb bow is for everyone and it isn't but all I am saying is individuals that want to send a heavier arrow faster. Instead of looking to a 70lb speed bow give an 80lb bow that has a good draw cycle a try. It seriously isn't as bad as a lot of people make it out to be. Especially the way cams are designed these days vs years ago.

I think I agree with the idea of a heavier non-speed bow vs a speed bow. My first bow was a #65 turbo HOYT. Not much of a valley. Very jumpy. If I let down at all it took off. Winged a few arrows off targets and tweaked my shoulder twice because of it. I bought a non turbo 34” set at #75. Shoots the same arrow about 15-20 FPS faster. Much more forgiving and easier to hold at draw. No more turbos for me. I do find it harder to draw in an awkward position (kneeling) or less than perfect stance though. As far as #80, I would say I am not exactly there with you on this point. I am closer to 50 than any other significant age and have done some evil to my shoulders. Even though I am fairly strong still, I see lighter bows in my future. Ideally, I would like to be shooting for another 15-20 years and I think heavy bows are just too much wear and tear on the chassis for me.

I wouldn’t say a heavy bow is a bad idea for everyone, but I think for most, it presents some risks both near term and long term that just aren’t worth it IMO.

 

[Beendare]

I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers...shoot what you want to.

I'm just sharing 4 decades of archery from a 62 yr old guy. Hey, I am currently shooting a 50# recurve...which is 3x what the 80# compound guys are pulling.

I'm just pointing out- an arrow works through penetration...and with what we know now about arrow weight and BH efficiency.....a guy can develop a very effective system with a lighter bow AND have less wear and tear on joints.

One only has to look at pro hockey and football players in their 50's to see how torn up their joints are.....

I just got off a hunt with a buddy that played in the NFL back in the day........ big strong dude but he will tell you his joints are a mess.

 

[Brandon_SPC]

I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers...shoot what you want to.

I'm just sharing 4 decades of archery from a 62 yr old guy. Hey, I am currently shooting a 50# recurve...which is 3x what the 80# compound guys are pulling.

I'm just pointing out- an arrow works through penetration...and with what we know now about arrow weight and BH efficiency.....a guy can develop a very effective system with a lighter bow AND have less wear and tear on joints.

One only has to look at pro hockey and football players in their 50's to see how torn up their joints are.....

I just got off a hunt with a buddy that played in the NFL back in the day........ big strong dude but he will tell you his joints are a mess.

I see your point and yes I could also shoot the minimal weight and develop a well made system. Heck we see it with the ashby set ups and shooting trad. But comparing high impacts sports at a professional level vs a sport that is not high impact is two completely different things in my opinion. It's like trying to compare and apple to a potato.

I honestly am curious if there are studies that show the difference between say a 65lb bow compared to an 80lb bow will hinder your shooting career. Especially at what the average bow hunter shoots.

 

[Newtosavage]

Only thought I have on 80+ lb. bows is that, like so many custom rifles, they are completely unnecessary. But, unlike custom rifles, they can actually be harmful (physically). Most custom rifles are only financially hazardous. LOL

 

[Newtosavage]

I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers...shoot what you want to.

I'm just sharing 4 decades of archery from a 62 yr old guy. Hey, I am currently shooting a 50# recurve...which is 3x what the 80# compound guys are pulling.

I'm just pointing out- an arrow works through penetration...and with what we know now about arrow weight and BH efficiency.....a guy can develop a very effective system with a lighter bow AND have less wear and tear on joints.

One only has to look at pro hockey and football players in their 50's to see how torn up their joints are.....

I just got off a hunt with a buddy that played in the NFL back in the day........ big strong dude but he will tell you his joints are a mess.

My 50# recurve sends arrows all the way through the critters I shoot with it, including a 250# boar with a thick shield. I'm sure you've seen the same thing. Just like real estate, archery is about location, location, location.

 

[Billy Goat]

I look at our joints similar to how an engine builder spoke to me about an engine. It's only going to make so much horsepower in it's lifetime, and each one is different. But any given motor is going to make a certain total amount of horsepower. You can run the piss out of it and burn it up in 30k miles, or go easy on it and don't push it and get 300k.

I feel like my knees and back are only going to lift so much weight in my lifetime. No more 80-100# weighted pack training hikes. Do under 50#. I'd bet the same thing can be said for a shoulder joint, however it isn't an even metric for everyone. But given the arthritis in my family I'm not pushing it anymore than I feel is necessary.

 

[Rob5589]

If you can do it, go for it. No downside to slinging a 600+ grain arrow at 260+ fps.

Cam design and draw cycle will be of bigger significance than 70 vs 80 lb limbs.

 

[nphunter]

I ordered 75lb limbs for my Hoyt Carbon Turbo and feel like they are perfect, it maxes out at 77lbs, at 27.5" draw I am shooting a 496gr arrow at 285fps. I feel like it is a great setup for me, I am shooting a Trypan on the tip of that arrow and it is devastating to whatever it hits. I have killed elk with a 60lb bow as well, I just don't have the confidence with the 60lb setup for elk. Shooting lighter weight requires smaller COC type broadheads which leave smaller holes. Since switching to 77lbs I have killed every animal I have hit with an arrow, prior to when shooting 60-65lbs I can't say the same.

I spent the first half of my adult life doing a job that required a lot of upper body strength, I'm not sure if that is what made it easy to draw or just my technique for drawing but I can easily shoot 100 targets multiple days in a row with zero issues. I'm not a gym rat and I don't do a lot to keep in shape but I do shoot a lot all spring and summer. I have buddies who have 80lb bows that shouldn't be shooting them and have seen a pile of people over bowed by 70lb bows.

People are so much different, built different etc. people are always put into this big pile like everyone is built the same, that's like comparing a shetland pony to a Belgian Draft horse, sure they are both horses. A load that would crush a Shetland a Belgian wouldn't even know it was on it's back. People are the same, pulling a 40lb bow for one person may be harder on them than the next guys pulling 80lbs.

For me, I will stick with my heavy draw bows until I feel like I can't shoot them as well any longer. I like the confidence I gain with them and honestly, I really see no downside since I can shoot them well and shoot all day long. I've done several 3D shoots where you have to be on your knees, sitting, reaching around trees, shooting sideways and all kinds of awkward positions and have never had an issue or thought to myself that I'd wished I was shooting a lighter drew weight.

 

[Beendare]

I honestly am curious if there are studies that show the difference between say a 65lb bow compared to an 80lb bow will hinder your shooting career. Especially at what the average bow hunter shoots.

I haven't seen any specific studies...but there are examples everywhere if you talk to guys in their 50,60,70's that have lived a full life. I'm offering a, 'live to fight another day' strategy.


MattB gave you a good example from an orthopedic professional....I've heard the same. I have many Ex pro football player buddies that are all stoved up....its always the tendons, joints and ligaments. Its not just pro athletes, ask a carpenter or any tradesman....arthritis is a BIOTCH!

Ask a guy like Kifaru Aron- who is a beast in the mountains- why he doesn't run anymore? I know my answer why...and my guess is his will be similar; fight another day- We want to be able to hike/hunt as long as possible hopefully into my late 70's.

If you are shooting any archery, the 4 way rotator cuff exercises are a must........just as stretching your calves 3x per day will save you from getting the plantar or Achilles injuries. You don't need to do rotator cuff bands like its a bench press- a little goes a long way and its no doubt these are the reason I can shoot by looking at my shoulder X-ray.

For those in doubt, its analogous to a knee joint. We all know that If you keep the muscles around the knee in good shape...there is less chance of injury. Same with shoulders.

Shoot straight!

 

[Brandon_SPC]

I haven't seen any specific studies...but there are examples everywhere if you talk to guys in their 50,60,70's that have lived a full life. I'm offering a, 'live to fight another day' strategy.


MattB gave you a good example from an orthopedic professional....I've heard the same. I have many Ex pro football player buddies that are all stoved up....its always the tendons, joints and ligaments. Its not just pro athletes, ask a carpenter or any tradesman....arthritis is a BIOTCH!

Ask a guy like Kifaru Aron- who is a beast in the mountains- why he doesn't run anymore? I know my answer why...and my guess is his will be similar; fight another day- We want to be able to hike/hunt as long as possible hopefully into my late 70's.

If you are shooting any archery, the 4 way rotator cuff exercises are a must........just as stretching your calves 3x per day will save you from getting the plantar or Achilles injuries. You don't need to do rotator cuff bands like its a bench press- a little goes a long way and its no doubt these are the reason I can shoot by looking at my shoulder X-ray.

For those in doubt, its analogous to a knee joint. We all know that If you keep the muscles around the knee in good shape...there is less chance of injury. Same with shoulders.

Shoot straight!

I get what you are saying and completely agree with a live to fight day but I don't think it is as bad as it was back in the early compound days. For the guys that are also in their 50s, 60s, and 70s that shot 80lb bows they are nothing like the bows today. Technology has advanced so much that hunters today arn't drawing bows like our pops and grandpas shot. Those guys that shot 80lbs bows back in the day were corn fed full grown men. haha With bows that only had let off in like the 50% range, cams that did not allow for a smooth and easy draw etc. Yes with those bows I could see how they can cause shoulder injury. With that said I personally don't see how an 80lb bow today like a Prime CT5, Elite Energy 35, etc could be worse on your shoulders than shooting a 70lb I could be wrong in this but I'm just not seeing it. In that case I better stop going to the gym and running because I should have a broken body by the time I am 50.

I also do agree with exercising these joints and muscles around the joints. In general people need to be doing that. In regards to Aron and running he just doesn't need to run for what he does. Some people arn't meant to run and some are. Each individual is different and honestly I am not saying 80lb bows is for everyone but it's worth a look at.

 

[Muley15]

I currently have a RX4 Ultra at 81 lbs and I will say this........for me, it all depends on the bow. All bows aren't equal and I bet if you shot my bow you would never think its 81 lbs. I would much rather shoot this style of bow that has an easy draw cycle and forgiving than shoot a pure speed bow at 70. I shot a CT5 last year at 73lbs and there is minimal difference in the pull. If you look at draw force curves of bows you can see going to 80 on a certain bow is no big deal.

 

[180ls1]

So over the last year I have had the pleasure of shooting a couple 80lb bows around the 330-340ibs and some high rated IBO 70lb bows in the 350+ibo speeds. From what I have experienced I am starting to love the 80lb bows over the fast 70lb bows. Over the course of a year I have had or shot the following bows:

• 82lbs Elite Impulse 34
• An Elite E32 build that had 80lb option limbs
• Shot an 82lb Hoyt RX3 Ultra
• Shot an Elite E35 at 82lbs
• Shot an Obsession Lawless at 72 lbs
• Had a Bowtech SR6 (still loved this bow) at 72lbs
• Shot a Matthews Triax with 80lb Wake limbs

Granted this is a very small sample but from what I have found the draw cycles on 80lb bows, that range in the IBO speeds of 330-340, have been more of a pleasure to shoot than a 70lb speed bow 350+ ibo. Between the buildup, rolling into the back wall, how jumpy the bow is. etc I have also chronoed the 82lb Impulse 34, 82lb Hoyt RX3 ultra, and the Bowtech SR6 at 72lbs. Here are the following speeds.

Hoyt RX3 Ultra:

Draw weight: 82 lbs

Draw Length: 30”

Speed: 500 grain arrow 298 fps and 620-630 (forgot the exact weight) grain was 265 fps

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Bowtech SR6 on Performance

Draw weight: 72lbs

Draw Length: 30”

Speed: 500 grain arrow 298 fps and 620-630 (forgot the exact weight) grain was 265 fps. Exact same speed as the Hoyt RX3 Ultra

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Elite Impulse 34

Draw weight: 82 lbs

Draw Length: 30”

Speed: Shot a 610 grain arrow at 267 fps. I never got to shoot a 500 grain arrow but I would assume it would be around 295-298 fps.

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My final thoughts, if you are looking for a faster bow or want to shoot a heavier arrow faster do not be scared to look into an 80lb vs going to a 70lb speed bow. I bet a lot of people would honestly be surprised on how they draw and how well they shoot. They arn't like the 80lb bows 10+ years ago.

How did that impulse 34 feel at that weight? I am looking at that setup right now.

 

[fatlander]

How did that impulse 34 feel at that weight? I am looking at that setup right now.

Probably like you were pulling a dump truck. I had a 70# impulse and that was without a doubt the harshest drawing bow I’ve owned.


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[180ls1]

Probably like you were pulling a dump truck. I had a 70# impulse and that was without a doubt the harshest drawing bow I’ve owned.


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Good to know. Thanks.

 

[cured_ham]

I am really enjoying the 80lb limbs on my Black 5. Not that much stiffer than 70. I also really like the higher holding weight. Sitting at 70% let off it holds great.

I am also a bigger dude. 6-4 and 210 pounds. If I had a hard time pulling it or lacked the endurance to use it for a full 3 spot shoot or a night of 3D I would not shoot it.

For me I treat it like any other weight bearing exercise. If I can only do it with poor form for few repetitions then it is too heavy and until I have built up to it I avoid the exercise.

 

[180ls1]

I am really enjoying the 80lb limbs on my Black 5. Not that much stiffer than 70. I also really like the higher holding weight. Sitting at 70% let off it holds great.

I am also a bigger dude. 6-4 and 210 pounds. If I had a hard time pulling it or lacked the endurance to use it for a full 3 spot shoot or a night of 3D I would not shoot it.

For me I treat it like any other weight bearing exercise. If I can only do it with poor form for few repetitions then it is too heavy and until I have built up to it I avoid the exercise.

There is a lot of truth in this. Its interesting to see the push back on 80lb bows. I am 6'3" 230 and have no doubt I pull 80 easier than most guys pull 70.

 

[cured_ham]

It is mindboggling to think that different people have different capabilities. Next thing we know people will start wearing different size boots.