I'm going to be 67 this next year and I still shoot somewhere around 53 or so pounds on my Hoyt. I use a Slick Trick 4 fixed blade head on Beman ICS hunters. I am practicing just about every day to keep in shape both with holding the bow up on those long "wait for one more step" shots as well as just keeping steady on target. My ethical long shot is 40 yards and most of the ones that I have in our stands are 20 to 30. I know that it is not going to get any easier and especially when it is cold and you have been sitting for a while. So for you guys that are a little older what do you find is the best total package in respect to poundage and arrow combination to get the job done?
I would say stay at your poundage and have a heavy arrow with good FOC. Try and get a finished arrow weight at 450+ and shoot a 125-150 grain head. That will optimize your penetration at a lower poundage and quiet your bow. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
53 to 55 lbs is more than enough. If that weight is hurting your shoulder or you foresee it being hard to draw in cold weather, drop back down to 45-50 lbs and pump up your broadhead weight. That combo is more than enough for a pass through.
Well pivaska, I'm right there with you... but I'll be turning 68 in April. I'm shooting what is listed in my signature below. To stay in shape I shoot in winter leagues and the basement a few times each week. I think I'm going to work on my legs more this year... usually I just concentrate on my upper body. Your set-up and mine are pretty close. My draw and arrow weights are a tad lighter than yours... but they 'get-the-job-done' within 40 yards.
When I shoot my 50lb (about 52lbs) bow I much prefer to use a heavy arrow somewhere in the 500gr range. I have no problem with penetration provided I don't hit shoulder. I use Rocky Mountain Snyper and Rage 40KE, would not recommend any head over 1 1/2" cut. I keep shots with that bow at 30yds or less, not sure how necessary that is, I just feel more comfortable doing so. At 52lbs and with a 500gr arrow I would not describe that setup as fast!