We got my wife the same bow. She started out at 30lbs and has been moving up to 40 slowly. She is at 35 right now and doing great. I believe that a fixed blade will be on her arrows at the beginning of season and have the confidence in her to be able to execute the shot. Parker has the step up deal where for a few $ you can send it to the factory and they will put the 40-50lb limbs on it. Probably after this next deer season we will do that for her. But definately the starting out low kept her interested long enough to become a pretty good shot and now she enjoys it thoroughly.