does a bow shoot better when its set at its max poundage. I know it would be faster but what about forgivness and tunability. Why i ask is because im thinking of buying a new bow and i can draw 60 pounds comfortable

Do what is comfortable. A higher poundage bow will shoot faster but if you are straining to pull it back there your accuracy will suffer. 60 lbs will kill most things in North America and you wont notice a 20fps difference.


I can pull 80lbs but I shoot at 60lbs because it more confortable to draw after sitting for long periods of time and easier to hold a full draw for a longer period.

This question comes up often and I take notice that most people don't answer it completely. There are many variables to be considered. Any bow shot at it's max setting will shoot more efficiently and usually more quiet. As for efficiency it's usually a very minimal gain. Whether it will shoot better is a matter of interpretation. Better in what respect?

The bow may or may not shoot faster however. This is one of the variables. Yes it will shoot faster assuming that one can shoot the same weight arrow as at a lower draw weight. But depending on how much the weight is turned up it may be necessary to shoot a stiffer spined arrow which could be heavier in mass weight and thus shoot even slower.

What one will gain is more kinetic energy and resulting momentum to enhance penetration, but here again, how much is needed for the game being hunted and just how much is overkill?

Ohionovice is using a pretty good example of common sense. Don't shoot more weight than you can comfortably and accurately shoot. Bows have limb bolts for a reason. One is to be able to adjust the bow's draw weight to the shooter. Another is as a tuning tool (often overlooked). So what is your definition of "better". Is it to shoot a 70# bow maxed out and struggle with accuracy and stamina or is it to shoot the same bow at 65# and be able to place your shots with precision and confidence even with the bow losing 1.5% of it's efficiency? This is a decision for you to answer to your own satisfaction.

Yeah, I shoot a 70 lb bow, but it's set on 64 lbs because that seems to be the sweet point when I tuned it in. I can draw that comfortably with hunting clothes on, seated in a climber stand, and still get pass throughs. And it gets harder if you have been sitting in the cold all day before you get a shot. If 60 lbs is what you can draw, you may want to go with a 50-60 lb bow for hunting.

I'm of the firm OPINION that a bow maxed out at 60# will shoot better and be more efficient than a 70 pound bow turned down to 60#. I have no formal testing on my opinion but do have hands on side by side experience.

This is the kind of response I was looking for does anyone else have any more insight on this

I realty like the responses that everyone has given so far I just want to have a better understanding before I make a big purchase on some archery gear

I mentioned this same thing to my Martin dealer and he told me - No. But like BG stated somewhat: What is your definition of efficiency? Is it accuracy, speed, quietness, etc.? And how can one actually state maximum settings is the most efficient? If a bow is set at its maximum draw weight and draw length you are utilizing 100% of the bows usefullness thereby its most effectivness. But for me, I too shoot my 70# - 30"bow at 64# and 28" draw. I can shoot 4 -5" groups at 70 yds so to me that is the most effective. If I crank up the weight, it is uncomfortable and my accuracy drops off.