What just happened here proved my points. One person is saying "close" while the other is saying "not even close" about the same bow company.

As I stated in the beginning of this thread "Bow/arrow speed is a relative issue and, like many things in life, should be measured by a standard when comparing different manufacturers". I will even add to this statement that the speeds of bows will vary even within a manufacturer's line of bows; and, from manufacturer to Dealer to another Dealer, etc.

So the big question would always be "FAST, compared to what?" One person's 300 fps, using their technique and test equipment, could very well be 290 or 310 when tested by someone else.

What's the point, you may ask. One point is that speed, a totally relative issue, is used too much in this industry as a sales tool. The concern should be more on the shootability of the bows, form factors, and better education of some of those who are supposed to be guiding others.

This gets right back to statements that I made earlier: "Other points that have to be considered in this equation are the brace height and cam design. Some of the vary fast cam designs make for a great lower poundage 3D bow but can rip at your shoulder in a higher poundage hunting situation. Couple this with too long a draw length and you could be doing some permanent damage to your body.

I didn't post this to be critical of anyone's equipment or choices. I see these problems all the time in my shop and it gets depressing, seeing customers who really enjoy the sport, getting frustrated and developing personal injury because they're over-bowed." And a lot of these problems relates to ADVERTISED SPEED and the apparent quest for the best(speed that is).

Now don't misunderstand me, speed quest is something that can be good. It pushes the technology to its limits and makes the manufacturers seek higher levels. Auto racing has been a Godsave for the lives of many today because of developed safety measures; but, the speeds they achieve are reserved for those who can really handle it and not for John Q. Public.

Bottom line is, don't let speed be your deciding issue on the purchase of your next bow. Choose what you can handle and choose something that you can enjoy for years without inviting personal injury.

Speed - How do you measure it? - is the title. I guess the subject goes well beyond what I originally intended.

Thank you for letting me get up on this soapbox and I hope some of you share my concerns.