20 years ago, I used an 80 pound bow. Now I've got a 60 pounder that is pretty similar in all respects to that old bow, except it's got more efficient wheels and has about 2" less brace height - 8" vs 10". This late model 60 pound bow shoots the same exact arrow the same exact speed as that old 80 pounder did. Back then, nobody ever asked if 80 pounds was enough to do the job.