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Old 12-09-2004 | 09:01 PM
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max the dog
 
Joined: Dec 2004
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Default RE: Draw weight - rookie needs advice

Go with what feels best. How I've always been to find that out and it works pretty well is the hold the bow at a typical shooting position with your bow arm fully extended. Knock an arrow and your release and draw back. If at any point of the draw either of your arms shake from the strain of drawing, the draw weight is too much. You should be able to draw it back smoothly and hold it there for at least 20 seconds without your bow arm feeling the need to lock it's elbow. That's another sign the draw weight is too much.
In a hunting situation you absolutely don't want a bow you're going to have to strugle with. When your joints are cold and stiff your strength will be a lot less so that 60 pound draw could feel like 70 or 75. Better that you have an easy to handle 50 or 55 pound draw that is easy to shoot accuratly than a heavy 70 pound draw that causes you to shake and miss the target.

Another side note, I always use an arrow weight of between 8 to 12 grains per pound or draw weight. If you go lighter you will get speed and flat shooting but at the expense of penetration and increased noise. If you go heavier you will get a quiet bow that penetrates real well but you will have to be absolutely sure of your range because you will be shooting arrows with a mortar trajectory.
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