My parents recently found a PSE Bowmadness xs that I have been wanting for a good price however, I was planning to get a 50-60 lb draw and they found it only in 60-70lb draw. Im just wondering if I will be comfortable with that weight. I havent bow hunted much. I am about 5'10 and 215 and losing weight. What do you guys think?
I don't think you can really base draw weight on a person's size. Bow muscles are not those that are frequently used day to day so you might be pretty strong but still be struggling a bit to jump right into a 60 lb bow. Or.. you may have no problem at all. Can you go to a local bow shop and try pulling some 60 lb bows back and see if you can do it comfortably?
I'll third the other two.... I have a nephew who is about 130#, and he draws 60# fairly easily, yet I know a guy that is about 6' and 250# that has a hard time w/ 60#, and shoots at about 55#, and I know a couple "girls" who shoot 60#!!!! The training of those muscles is the big KEY in draw-weight. If you're looking for a beginner bow, look at "beginner" bows. That Bow Madness if you've never shot it may be too much bow for you and push you away rather than towards archery d/t a BAD experience.
I'll just add that you really need to draw the specific bow you intend on getting. The cams on some 60# bows will make them feel more like a 70# bow of another cam design. That XS is a real nice bow but if I remember rightly the draw cycle was a little harsh. It's better to shoot less bow than more, especially when you're starting out.
Make that four! I agree with the others. One other point is....don't try to be macho and shoot a bow that is too heavy for you. You may check with your shop and see if they can order the lighter limbs for you.
When hunting North american big game you will never need a bow more then sixty pounds, That being said i think you should get the 50-60 and start at 50 and work your way up. Thats what i did and now im pulling sixty extremly easy. BTW im 5-11 175.
A question on this theme. Would it be a good idea to simply work out with any particular bow by repeatedly drawing and letting it off in a controlled manner? I am not saying dry fireing, but just cycling through the bows movment? That would certinly build all the muscles for the draw. and get in some decent practic with your individul set up.
You could do this in theory but you wouldnt get the benifit of working on your form and trainiing your muscles to repeat the same motions every time. Muscle memory sorta speak. Only actually shooting will get the results you would need. IMO
Yes, but for those of us in the city it is a bit unpractical. The longest shot in my apartment whould be about 20 ft. and what if I missed or the arrow passed through my target? Hard to explaine to the chinese couple next door why there is an arrow in their living room.
Look into indoor ranges...I live near New York City on the Jersey side and go to a place with (6) 25 yard lanes with a 3D area. You'd be surprised what the suburbs have to offer. Good luck with everything...and to reiterate...it's not the poundage the ladies love, it's the grouping. I shoot a 62lb bow and I've been clocked at 282 fps. That's plenty for anybody.
