Adjustable Let-off?
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 13
Adjustable Let-off?
Most contemporary bows have adjustable let-off. I am wondering if there is a trade off between % let-off and arrow velocity. For example, the 82nd airborne has an IBO of 342-350 with the speed mod, and has adjustable let-off of 65%-80%. If the bow is set to 80% let-off, will it be slower than if it were set at 65% let-off?
#3
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,175
RE: Adjustable Let-off?
It's strictly a matter of how the bow stores energy. Given similar cam design, an 85%let-off doesn't store as much energy as a 65% let-off, which doesn't store as much as a 50% let-off. Less stored energy available, the less energy can be transferred to the arrow, so the less speed the arrow can have.
BUT - A great deal depends on how rapidly the bow drops from peak draw into the valley. If it's a bow that maintains peak draw weight forever, until your eyes bug out from the strain, thensuddenly dumps you like a gob of mud into a narrow ditch, the difference in performance will be negligable. Stored energy will be very close to the same. If it's a long, slow let-off that cradles you gently into a comfortable, wide valley, then the high let-off bow won't store nearly as much energy andyou'll see a greater loss of performance with increased let-off.
BUT - A great deal depends on how rapidly the bow drops from peak draw into the valley. If it's a bow that maintains peak draw weight forever, until your eyes bug out from the strain, thensuddenly dumps you like a gob of mud into a narrow ditch, the difference in performance will be negligable. Stored energy will be very close to the same. If it's a long, slow let-off that cradles you gently into a comfortable, wide valley, then the high let-off bow won't store nearly as much energy andyou'll see a greater loss of performance with increased let-off.
#4
RE: Adjustable Let-off?
If it's a bow that maintains peak draw weight forever, until your eyes bug out from the strain, thensuddenly dumps you like a gob of mud into a narrow ditch,