Always Wondered
 

I have wondered for quite sometime now why the bow manufacteurs havent come out with a bow that is set for 55#-65#.
I have been on these forums for almost 4 years and have read alot of polls,people's posts and so on and I have noticed that a great majority of their bows is set at 65#'s max.Give or take a lb or two.
I for one like to have my bow maxed out for my shooting.It gives me ease of mind knowing it is shooting to its full potential.I have decided that when I purchase a new bow it will probably be a 60 lbr hopefully going to say 62 lbs maxed.It will definately make much easier and enjoyable shooting.
Now on the other hand if a bow was made to max out at 65-66 lbs it would be a no-brainer for me.
I would think it would be good for the average shooter or experienced who likes the low poundage as well.Here they can shoot 55lbs all off season and pump up the poundage before hunting season if so desired.
Is it just me or a bow that has these capabilities would be a great seller.?
You would have to forget about AMO and IBO specs.
Say for instance,BOWTECH,came out with a bow like the Tribute or Allegiance(maxing at 65-66 lbs);)they would have to come up with their own speed rating as one of their selling qualities.
Say BSR(bowtech speed rating)----here they would take the mostcommon draw length of say 29 inches,an arrow of say 400 grains and bingo,you got your average speed.Post it on BC and you know what your goinna get for the average shooter.
So what does everyone think----Would a bow set for 55-65 lbs be a good seller or just stick with the way it is.?

RE: Always Wondered
 

I like the concept.My next bow will definately be a 60 pound bow,that like you i hope maxes out at about 62.

RE: Always Wondered
 

I think 60- 65# is a good idea, as far as their own speed ratingI think it would look like their bows were slower in comparison to bows with ibo ratings.

RE: Always Wondered
 

You know I always set my bows at 63 lbs 70 lb is just too much. Sixty lbs pull will kill a deer. I enjoy shooting that much more with it set at 63. Im not hunting Grizzlys or Moose. Just a monster Buck! Hehe

RE: Always Wondered
 

A 45 lb. pull will kill a deer.

It is just at that point shot placement becomes more critical than any other factor.

RE: Always Wondered
 

I'd definately go that route ,I've been thinking of the 70lbr ,but haven't made the decission yet because 70lb's just might bot be right for me in certain situation's ,but 65 would be perfect .

nubo

RE: Always Wondered
 

I agree about the 65# max bow and tried to special order my last one that way- I didn't quiet get what I asked for:(.

As far as the speed rating goes 65#x 5 gpp= 325 grain test arrow. No need in a new formula.

Although a 29" draw 400 grain arrow "hunting" formula would be nice to see before buying.

I also let down my 70# bows to ~65, but always wonder how it effects tunability sincethe string length, cable length and cam timing marks are allbased on a bow set up at peak weight. Letting the bow down shrinks the ATA at tad bit and increases the brace thus altering all of the above mentioned tuning parameters. Is it enough to matter? I don't know but it's something I always wonder about.

RE: Always Wondered
 

Yeah, even though I'm getting up there in years (54 soon) and have had shoulder injuries, #65 is a good weight for me to pull. Don't know how much faster it really is than my 60 pounders, peaking at #61 or 62 though.

Ironically enough, both of the MQ1s I owned peaked at #66. The only thing is, the first one was a 60-70 bow, and the last one was a 50-60.;)

RE: Always Wondered
 

I'll sign the petition. That is a great idea. Hope some one out there who cares is listening! If a manufacturer is reading this it may be a selling point. You may sell more bows! After all isn't that what it's all about?

RE: Always Wondered
 

That's not a bad idea. You could get max effieciency from your bow
while shooting your comfortable weight.

RE: Always Wondered
 

Extreme1,
You are definitely on to something here. I for one would buy a 65lb version also. I find its a nice compromise. Imagine a 32" ATA , 7 1/2" brace, 3 3/4 lb bow that could shoot a 325gr arrow @ 325fps ! Hell they couldn't make em fast enough. I would call it the "carbine". Anybody listening? Bowtech, Elite ? Anybody?

RE: Always Wondered
 

I'd buy one too. I don't really like to pull 70 lbs. so I back mine down to 65 lb. just like everyone else. Using a bow peak efficiency at 65 lbs. would be awesome.

RE: Always Wondered
 

me too, i took the70lb limbs off my x-tec and put on a 60lb set. i was always told you want to shoot the top end of the bow. what do you think?

RE: Always Wondered
 

True.Thats why they come up with a whole new system to accomodate us hunters.Think of it this way,there wont be to many posts on "how fast do you think my bow is shooting" any more.With a loaded string,and set up to the stated specs,it will give us a ball park figure on speeds then trying to calculate the difference in arrow weight,deductions in draw length and so on.It will be directed to us,the hunters.

A 40 lb bow will kill a deer,and shot placement is the #1 key to success.
But I am talking about a bow that is rated from 55-65 lbs----wouldent that be sweet.

Agreed:)

Been wondering about the very same thing myself.Thats why a bow that maxes at 65#s would solve everyones problems.No more worries.Its a comfortable compromise between lite and heavy poundage bows.

lol---Maybe we should get one going.Maybe even start a POLL and see what the average Hunter thinks.

65 lbs just seems to be avery popular weight,at least I have noticed that over the years.

Bowtech,you listening;)

Any magazine article I have ever read on bow tuning says that a bow will always shoot its best at max poundage,limbs bottomed out of course.

RE: Always Wondered
 

Terrym, That's the bow I'm after- but MUST have a smooth draw.
The 3.74# total weight is one thing I doubt they know how to make anymore.

Bearbuster, that seems to be the common claim, but if limb reliability is a question I'm thinking backing 70# limbs down is a better option than maxing 60's out. Seems the cracked & splint limbs are usually blamed on extreme limb deflection when aVFT stylebow is at fault, and if that's the case I would think 70# limbs could handle more "stress" than 60's maxed. No worries with your Hoyt though...

Flawed thinking??

RE: Always Wondered
 

Extreme,

I completely agree with you. Most people understand that a bow pulling 40 lbs could kill a deer but often times you get macho men thinking a 70 lb. bow (even an 80 lber.)is what you need and anything less won't get the job done effectively.

Personally, I probably won't hunt with more than 60 lbs. Unfortunately, I bought a 60-70 lb. bow not knowing what I could handle. The pro shop didn't help me out much either, probably a hair too long on my draw as well. Until I buy a new bow (because buying new limbs and cams is pretty much out of the question), I am in the same situation you guys are in. Not being able to reach your peak draw weight to optimize performance. Some are able to reach it, but feel comfortable with 65 or so. I am happy to see that actually. Shows we want to be able to down deer, not always impress people with blazing arrow velocities.

I would like to see bowlimbs carrying a max load of65 lbs. Older archers frequently talk about broader range of limbs, closer to 15 lbs. I believe. Someone here might be able to back me up. At some point the market shifted to the poundage that manufacturers are putting out at the moment.

Can that be changed? Sure, but the market has to be there!! Is this the new trend? Who knows. Make your voices heard!! You never know who is watching. . .

;)

RE: Always Wondered
 

OR a person could buy a 60#er and put the new RCS on it and get 65 #s out of it.just a thought.

RE: Always Wondered
 

Bols,

I agree with you 100%.
I have seen way to many times where a guy is pulling 70 lbs and is working to hard to get it back to anchor.Maybe it is the macho way,or they just want to shoot their bow at max potential,who knows.
I personally shoot 70#'s out of my patriot,not finding it hard for me,but I will tell ya,when the weather gets cold out and you are sitting on stand for hours on end and the oppertunity arrises it gets harder the longer you sit.Thats why my bow is set down a bit when it gets cold.I like the 65# mark,feels comfortable but would still like to have it bottomed out.I guess we cant have our cake and eat it to;)

I will back you up and say it was the Bear bows a while back with the 15 # increasments? Probably wrong,but I do know what you are saying:)

RCS----please explain?



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RE: Always Wondered
 

Or you could get a 70# bow and install thinner pivots, back the cable tension off a couple twists and have a 65# bow. The limbs would last forever and pivots are dirt cheap.

Where did I get this idea? Well, BowTech had the incorrect pivots installed in my 2006 Old Glory. With the thinner pivotsinstalled and cables backed off a couple twists the bow was right at 65 pounds. If your bow requires a .200 pivot, install a .100 or .160 pivot and you will be on your way!!!:D

RE: Always Wondered
 

Mildot, great idea. I've two different size pivots in my possession but no micrometer to see what I have. I know I have "heavies" in my bow case and "standards" in my bow.

RE: Always Wondered
 

Have you guys really found that much difference in shooting 70 lb limbs at 65 lbs? For years, I've been shooting 70 lb limbs at 60-65 lbs and the difference between the same model 60 maxed out and mine were completely insignificant in my opinion. Some bring up the question of noise, saying that bows not maxed-out are louder. If so, I can't tell by listening. Maybe I got lucky with my bows. Maybe news ones are different from mine. Or maybe, it's not a big deal.

In fact, I used to really like my old Martin. It had a 15 lb adjustment range and I'd shoot winter leagues at 55 lbs. I never saw any difference in arrow flight and it was known as the quietest bow in my league at the time. For sure, one advantage is durability. Your limbs should last forever if you are a a good amount below the max draw weight.

RE: Always Wondered
 

I always wondered the same thing. Why not 55#-65#

RE: Always Wondered
 

Exactly what I have been saying all along.Seems everyone who is buying a bow that has a draw weight of 60-70 lbs will have it turned down to around 65 lbs.

So wouldent a bow shipped to the dealers,being adjustable from 55-65 make more sence in the long run;)

MilDot---installing thinner pivots can solve the problem like you said,but its extra time,and money to have this done.It would be the cure all for the guy who wants to shoot around 65 lbs and still have his bow maxed out..

I tried starting a Poll to see how everyone feels about this subject,but cant seem to figure out how its done:eek:

For a guy ordering a new bow from any manufacture,can he have the bow ordered to him with the thinner pivots or is it a do it yourself project?

RE: Always Wondered
 

Extreme, if your shop has a good repor with the rep for that area and is willing to take the extra time to do it i would think YES, you should be able to order one that way.

I ordered a heavy 60 in hopes of getting a bow that maxed at 64# I did this at the advice of the pro-shop I used back then. The first bow came in pulling 62#- not "heavy" at all. Turned out the rep never ordered the "heavy" just a standard 60. The next bow I received was shipped pulling 64#. But they shimmed 60# limbs to pull this off using "heavy" pivots. Those limbs didn't last 6 months in that fashion. Thanks for nuttin', not a heavy 60 in my book, just a jacked up 60.

Like I said, if your shop & rep are willing to do so and KNOW exactly what your after I'd think a 65# bow could be had with thinner pivots from the factory. I'm not sure how the thinner pivots would throw off your ata or brace though (possibly no accurate documented specs to work from)

RE: Always Wondered
 

I have experienced this just yesterday. Ever since I got my70# bow with incorrect thinner pivotsinstalled and with weight backed off to 63 pounds the bow has had ahollow low tone vibration sound and feel to it. I just figured that was the nature of the beast for mylonger ATA Old Glory. The Tribute was silent. Well after last night, I got the thicker pivots installed and dialed the bow up to 70# and WOW! it is very quiet and no shock, just like the Tribute. Took my 443 grain arrows right up to 288 fps from 270 just by changing out the pivots. Now that should put me up into the 80 ft pounds of KE range.[:-]

RE: Always Wondered
 

Actually, I'd like to see 55-70 or maybe even 50-70. I don't shoot at 60-65 because it's all I can comfortably full. I can pull 80, but my arrow spine usually shoots best in the low to mid 60's. If I was to use my bow on a really large big-game animal, I'd probably want to up arrow weight and stiffness and use a heavier draw weight. The ideal bow would have a wider range, not a lower draw-weight range.

RE: Always Wondered
 

Martin archery used to offer alot of different weight ranges.
I ordered a Martin pride years ago , that had a weight range of 50-65 #.
I dont know if you can still order Martin bows with weight ranges like that.
I had shoulder surgery back in 1995, so i like smooth bows, i found a super smooth bow, The Merlin XS Alpha.
This bow, i can draw at 71 pounds, and it feels like my Switchback at 62 pounds. It's a real sweet bow. It has 70% letoff, and is real quick too!