Well, I've done it. I liked the Wes Wallace bow so much, I couldn't stop shooting it, and at 63lbs(for me) it crunched my old shoulder! Deer season is one week away. I have learned a valuable lesson. I sold the heavy bow, and will hunt the first few days with a 52lb Hawk and 500 gr 2016s. Even my old stand-by Takedown at 57lbs. hurts me now. (I'll miss the 600gr arrows)
Point is, I've been at this for many moons, know better, and messed up. You guys be careful!
I'm getting better already, but as far as I'm concerned,my heavy bow days are over. <img src=icon_smile_blackeye.gif border=0 align=middle>

Been there, done that. I knew better too, because of all the spine problems I've got, but it's hard to put a bow down when you're having a good time with it. Wound up hurting myself so bad that I can't even get a 40 pounder to full draw anymore. Had to go compound, but at least I can pull 55 pounds on a round wheel bow.

Wish it was 20 years ago when I was shooting longbows up around 100-120 pounds. Knowing what I know now, I would've never shot over 60.

Fellas,

That is exactly why my longbow is 51#. I can draw it comfortably, it delivers an arrow with authority, and I feel no pain!

Bill

Praise the Lord, He is worthy

A friend of mine, who isn't really into archery, wants to shoot super heavy longbows-100lbs or more. I wish he'd realize how dangerous that is. However, he points out that Howard Hill use to pull heavy bows without problems, and you just have to work up to it. I love my shoulder too much though, and might be pushing it at 60lbs. I shoot 55lbs now, which is pretty comfortable, but I was thinking about 60lbs for my next longbow. I hope you're guys shoulders heal up.

God bless,
Brandan

Well the good news is that a good bowyer can take some poundage off, so I sent my favorite Takedown, &quot;squeeze&quot;, back to Randy for a little weight reduction.
I have always shot completely through things and out on the ground beyond, but you really don't have to.