mrwake, at 40 pounds you can kill an elk with ease, a average size deer should be a walk in the park. My wifes bow (Fred Bear) only goes to 42 pounds as well. I have went back and read through your replys with your post in young hunters. Washington Hunter is correct you did recieve some excellent advice. I know you are young and with only pulling 40 pound worries you but don't. DON"T WORRY about more speed, an overdraw or even a super light arrow. Each an every year people who shoot with traditional bows kill bear, moose, elk, and deer. A lot of these archers are using heavy cedar wooden arrows and their speeds are in between 180 to 200 fps. If I were you I wouldn't go below 350 grains with arrow weight, in fact I don't like to drop below 400 grains. In some states like Idaho you have to use a 400 grain arrow and have to be able to pull 40 pounds. As a archery education instructor I teach many many young archers and a few women. Most can't pull the heavy pounds that most adult men can. But does that make them less efficient????? Heck no in fact I have many contact me and show me photos of animals that were killed by them using the legal limit of 40 pounds. Again don't worry about speed instead worry about being accurate! Oh by the way the 95% or more of the most successful hunters I know shoot their animals at 20 yards or under. So again speed doesn't matter, and if it does take you frustration out in the weight room that way you will be able to pull more weight and have more speed with a heavy arrow.