I have been successful with heavier bows. I have some really old bows that I found at my grandma's house. Great for starting out. Anyway, I shot a deer at 40 yards with one of those at 80# and I have no idea what the let-off was. I know that my 82nd is overkill, but I like it that way and can confidently hit a 9" vital out to 60 yards. I actually don't get too excited. I blame Grand Theft Auto for desensitizing me.