Bow not reaching peak DW
 

I have my vectrix bottomed out, and I took it into Gander Mtn today to chrono it, but their chrono is broke. While there, we pulled it back on their bow scale, and it only hit 68 lbs. Why would a bow not reach its rated Draw Weight? Bow problem, or scale problem?

RE: Bow not reaching peak DW
 

String and cable could have crept some which will lower the poundage or it could be a scale problem check it on another scale and see.

RE: Bow not reaching peak DW
 

It's typical for some bows to be either a little high or a little low of claimed max DW. My buddy's Matthews will only go to 68 lbs. and my Allegiance goes to 75 lbs with everything being in spec.

I know it's not a good feeling when that happens. With that being said.

The only way to see if it's a scale problem would be to use 2 different scales and see the results. What type of scale are they using? if it's a hand held spring scale they can be off by a few pounds. Mine is low by 2-3 lbs. If it's one of the Easton Digital scales I'd trust it.

RE: Bow not reaching peak DW
 

Not digital, just a spring scale....I guess I'll check it again next time I make the trip to my preferred pro shop, don't know when that will be though.

Good call on the string creeping too, I didn't even think of that.These are the original crappy Fuse strings, and it wouldn't surprise me a bit. I'm about 1 1/2 weeks away froma set of bucknastys arriving tho, so string creep won't be the issue when these arrive, maybe that could bump it back up to 70.


It's not that big of a deal, heck I am about to turn it down to 60# for turkey season, just wondering if it meant something was wrong.


I guess while I am at it I'll go ahead and throw out another question, My bow is set at 65% let off, what is the down side of switching it to 75%? There has to be a down side to less holding weight, I'm to narrow minded to spot it though.[&:]

RE: Bow not reaching peak DW
 

Would this require the string to need to be twisted some? I put my general on a spring type draw weight device and only got 66lbs....not 70. Limb bolts are completely tightened down.

RE: Bow not reaching peak DW
 

PW, you'll want to twist the cables, not necessarily the string and at times, all 3/2 depending on bow. Twisting the cables will preload the limbs some increasing poundage. The elongation or creep of cables will lessen the poundage, same as untwisting the cables.

Some scales are also off. I know my spring style scale is 1 pound off but I know that when working with it.

RE: Bow not reaching peak DW
 

I have a digitial scale and will test it with that before doing anything.....problem is the battery is dead and is difficult to find replacements for. I would take it to a bow shop and have them do the twisting......I'm to big of an amateur to do stuff like that.

RE: Bow not reaching peak DW
 

Check Lancaster archery for batteries, anyone that sells the scales should have them.

RE: Bow not reaching peak DW
 

More than likely a loss of a few FPS but nothing major.

Just make sure you practice with it at 75% to make sure you dont get any fliers due to torque brought on by the less holding weight.

RE: Bow not reaching peak DW
 

If the bow is shooting well, I wouldn't worry about it. Probably only about 5 fps loss in speed. Twisting the buss cable will generally increase the draw weight - at least on a Hoyt bow. Best take it to a shop if you decide to go this route, though.