What exactly is Let Off?

[wahoohunter]

Hello all,

i was just wondering, what exactly is the difference in different let off percentages? I currently have my bow on 80% let off, but it can be adjuted to 65%. What are the advantages/disadvantages of a high let off over a lower one?

[DJPLAP2232006]

Well 65% let off would give you more speed when shooting your arrow. Some also say that it is easier (more forgiving) to shoot and others like 65% because it creates more instinctive shooting.

80% let off allows you to pull a weight back and hold at full draw longer because you are not holding as much weight back.

Just my two cents it could be wrong but that is what I know and have heard.

[Schultzy]

You can hold your bow back allot longer at a higher percent let off.

[killadoe]

For example, if you bow is at 65lbs and you have it set on 80% let off, thats how much it lets off when the wheels break over. You will only be holding 20% of the 65lbs. That way you can stay drawn longer, and its alittle more comfortable to shoot.

[salukipv1]

I had 80%, and on my new bow got 65%

I think its one of those preference things, manufacturers say that high letoff allows you to hold longer, which I agree, but where they different on archers/manufacturers is they claim higher left off allows you to shoot more accurately, and Ive heard/read from some pros they prefer lower let off, ie theyre holding more weight, they claim holding more weight keeps them more stable/tight if you will, where as lower weight does the opposite.

This is one reason I went with 65%, the other, imagine your arrow going from 12lbs to 70lbs.....vs......20lbsto 70lbs, in my own head I see that is a greater change in froce applied to the arrow, to me a smoother release of that stored energy would allow for better arrow flight and accuracy. I haven't read about this, its my own theory, maybe someone else has written or studied it, I'm unsure, but for the above two reasons I went with 65%, oh and the record books put an * next to your name for 80% let off. Not a big deal to me, but for some perhaps.

Oh and Idaho requires 65% let off, wont allow 80%, less theyve changed things, though I doubt anyone would bust you for an 80% there, but who knows, you may want to keep legal!

[killadoe]

I feel like i shoot better with a lower let off bow. I feel like I can lock in a form better than the lose feel of a higher let off bow. I went with 75% on mine. Not quite 80 but still not 65.. My older bow was 70.