I think that any archer that shoots a single cam, 80% let-off, 35" bow well, would do just as well with the older equipment, if not better.
Except for a few individuals, I absolutely agree with that, Danny.
Case in point. A couple years ago, IBO had to REDUCE the maximum yardages in Compound Aided and Compound release classes to, I think, a maximum of 45 yards. Now, in the early days of IBO, the maximum yardages were ' around 60 yards' , which meant that some of those targets were actually closer to 70 yards.
Back then, the good shooters were shooting clean rounds, the not so good shooters were bouncing arrows off the trees. What have we gotten for all the money and effort? Shorter distances to shoot at and the good shooters are still shooting clean rounds and the not so good shooters are still bouncing arrows off the trees.
Really, if you compare the scores that are being turned in NOW with the scores that were being turned in 15 years ago, they' d average out pretty close to the same.
Faster, more advanced bows, much shorter distances but no real difference in scores. What does that tell you about the average skill level of today' s shooters? What does that tell you about the emphasis on speed?
The emphasis on arrow speed has resulted in very hard drawing bows, low brace heights and bows with some NASTY reflex in the handle. Torque-amatics! They have totally ruined bow shootability for the average guy. Each and every time someone has an accuracy problem the number one response is about form, and rightly so. The old bows would let you get away with form flaws and lapses in concentration that today' s bows make you pay dearly for.
I still maintain that most people would be far better served to forget all about high speeds and shoot a deflex riser bow, 65% letoff energy wheels, no less than 40" axle to axle and no less than 8" brace height. The extra skill you have to develop at judging yardage a little closer would be WAY offset by the increase in shootability, MUCH easier tuning and arrows that go exactly where they' re aimed. My opinion... I' d rather worry about aiming the arrow to the right spot than having to wonder if my form is exactly right.
That goes double when we' re talking hunting bows.