IMO speed is a good thing because it allows me to shoot ever heavier arrows and make more energy and momentum. Besides not everyone hunts only whitetail deer. Some of us hunt bigger animals such as elk and moose and a heavier arrow at a faster speed is a good thing.

Take two bows. Assume that they are equal in every aspect except for the speed rating. One is rated at 320 fps IBO and the other is rated at 290 fps IBO.

Bow #1 will launch a 500 grain arrow at about 268 fps and make 79 foot pounds of energy.
At 20 yards the arrow would be 10 inches low with 74 lbs of KE, at 30 yards 23 inches low with 71 lbs of KE, and at 40 yards 43 inches low with 68 lbs of KE.

Bow #2 will launch a 500 grain arrow at about 243 fps and make only 65 foot pound of energy.
At 20 yards the arrow would be 13 inches low with 60 lbs of KE, at 30 yards 29 inches low with 58 lbs of KE, and at 40 yards 53 inches low with 56 lbs of KE.


Even with bow #2 shooting a 410 grain arrow making equal launch speeds the heavier arrow will retain its energy and momentum to greater distances which will still offer a flatter trajectory.


So at 40 yards bow number 1 has more remaining energy than bow number 2 does at the bow. There is also a 10 inch differance in trajectory at 40 yards making range estemation ever more critical.


That's why I would rather have a faster bow provided it is still a very shootable bow to begin with. Some fast bows I would never consider hunting with. Example... the Hoyt turbo tec. Harsh draw cycle, extremely short valley, and a 6" brace height. To me this is not a fast bow designed with the hunter in mind.