I recently purchased a PSE Lightning LC. Although the rating on the bow is 60 to 70 lbs, he left it on 55 lbs on the scale. Does this affect the consistency of the bow? I've moved it up to 65, just for the speed, etc., but I was wondering.

Poundage settings will affect the bow...However, being set on 55 would not mean that the bow would not be consistent.. Figure out where you are comfortable holding the bow..Set it there and enjoy..55 or 75 either one will easily kill a deer...Good luck, I hope this helped.

I've always heard they perform best at or nearer the peak weight. They're definitely quieter on the upper end. The one thing I'd worry about with it set below the minimum is that the limb bolts are backed out pretty far. The less thread you have engaged the more likely for bending, stripping etc etc etc.

It has been my experience, which is extensive when it comes to setting up bows, that the closer to max poundage you shoot them, the better they repeat.(more accurate)
If you only want to shoot 58lbs., buy a 60lb. max bow.

Thanks for the info.

My intent is to work up to full strength pull. I've been out of bow shooting for about 15 years, so I don't want to take it slow. Hopefully, that will mean better technique and more accuracy.

Set the poundage where it is comfortable for you. I have a friend who shoots at 55lbs without any trouble. I shoot at 70lbs but I am half again as big as he is.

try and stay within your comfort zone.
I shoot 60 lb I am only a small guy my neighbour shoots 50lb and he is almost twice my size but thats where he is comfortable.

Don't know if it hurt's the consistency, but it can definitely increase noise. I've been around a couple fellows shooting 70# peak bows that were let down to 55# or so. The bows made a fairly loud "slapping" noise when shot. One fellow tried every silencing product he could get his hands on, with no success. He also shot heavy (by today's standard) arrows, so that bow should have been darn quiet.

Be very carefule when backing limbs out to below minimum ratings. On pivoting limb pockets, the amount of threads on the limb bolt holding the pocket and limb are lessened. Increasing the chance of stripping out and falling apart. Also, on non-pivoting pockets, the limbs need to be contained within the limb pocket to prevent the limbs from shifting or sliding backwards during or at full draw. Can you say ouch! Todays higher end bows are not any less accurate with the limbs backed out, they are less efficient...meaning that at 70# with a 350gr arrow will shoot faster than the same bow shooting at 60# with a 300gr arrow.

Besides the DANGERS listed above. You most likely have some spine or tuning problems to deal with. Did you purchase from a pro shop? If so, I'd find another.