Guess who? I was reading the thread about bow poundage and different draw lengths and it got me to thinking. Why are lots of us going down in draw weight as we get older? Sure it’s easier to shoot but a lighter bow is easier to shoot at any age. Now aside from major injuries it’s possible to keep shooting our bows. Now heavier bows to me may not be what heavier bows are to Ron LaClair and the 100 lb bow shooters. For me it’s 50-60 lbs. After shoulder surgery I had to shoot a 38 lb bow. And while it did the job I just didn’t like it. So now 3 years later I’m up to 52 lbs. I did it very slowly. Just shooting progressively heavier bows until I got there. For me I have to be able to shoot it all day. Not just one shot. So if you want to shoot your heavy bow you have to work at it. I think going down in weight soon becomes the maximum weight we can shoot. Our body gets use to it. And I don’t lift weights. Just shoot bows. Any weight training would surely help. It can be done don’t give up

I agree, the trick is to shoot regularly at a decent weight. My bows range from 60-71#. Middle ground is 63-65#. That's what I hunt with. My 60# TD Howatt is my fall back bow. The 70#'s are brought out several times a month just so those 800-900 grain arrows don't bio-degrade. I try to shoot a couple dozen arrows three to four times a week, doesn't always work out though. Si Tu Puedes.

People shrink and get weaker as they get old.

JR, I'm a bit older than you--probably a good bit older at 78 :o). I have regularly shot bows year-round for about 50 years I guess. However, as we age, we do lose muscle mass. I'm not sure we can prevent that but might be able to slow it down some. It will differ from one person to another, but still happens. I believe that is the reason that most guys at least in the 70+ age bracket are shooting less weight than we used to shoot.

But...I'm happy to still be in the game. LOL

I shoot lighter bows now because I just don't shoot as often as I used to. That's really the only reason.

I hear ya Dave and I am only 65. Barring injury I think I will be able to shoot 50 lbs or so even though that is not really a heavy bow. people do lose muscle mass. I sure have but I am working hard to keep the bow poundage at 50. Who would have thought we would think 50 lbs was heavy? And I agree. I am glad you are still in the game too buddy.

Good subject and one we will have WIDE opinions on so this is only my 2 cents based on more than a half century (like a lot here) of personal experience as well as what I've watched in others, few that they may be.

For decades I shot 62-70lbs. Naturally I have dozens of arrows (some "special" to me, lol) that I don't NEED to use, but want to anyway. New arrows are not forbidden, for course, but if I buy any it would be maybe 6 that I'd set up and compare to my "oldies". That's ONE reason I still like "heavier" bows.

MY problem from age and multiple surgeries is not SHOOTING heavier (heavier as in over 50lbs) but STRINGING one. I can still shoot the Martin Howatt Super Diablo up on the trade thread, as well as in the classifieds, but the ONLY way I can string it is with the "tip to tip" bow stringers. The ones that have the flat "loop" that sits BELOW the upper limb tip? Nope. The damage to my low back is permanent and ALL my "lifting" power is in my right shoulder. One would THINK it wouldn't be much different that just pulling the bow when shooting, but something is.

The heavier bows aren't "needed". We all pretty much agree on that but may have differing opinons on what "heavier" is. That said, also for decades I have had bows heavier than what I normally shot. Like any physical endeavors exercising (pulling to anchor and holding" in this case) strengthens the muscles used.

FOR ME<<<<<<< having a heavy weight around to "play" with, more often than not on a daily basis, makes my shooting process rock solid and more easily done consistently.

I've mentioned previously the two 80lb Browning Wasps I had (H with it, I just them strung!) but don't recall mentioning the 90+ lb longbow I had for 10 years or so. All were sold during a low point in my life when I thought life was all but over. My two boys had no interest. I could kick myself in the seat of my pants for that stupidity.

So, I don't know about anyone else. No way I could BUT getting "weaker" as I aged was DUE TO no longer having my heavy work out bows to work at it.

Lots do not WANT to work at it. That is fine. Many ways work and each makes their own choices but if I wan't in the situation of wanting a "new to me" bow and being TIGHT financially, that 70lb Howatt would not be for sale and if I don't sell it, meh. I'll just buy something a bit later and still use it for exercising.

Too, the heavy bows are fun to me. When season was waning and I was lucky enough to have filled a couple tags (for meat) I've had tons of fun taking a bow out that's near my max, for no other reason than challenging myself. That doe I shot with one of the 80lb Wasps using a 790 grain hickory arrow and a 190 grain Snuffer was a TRIP!

Yes. It would take me longer to work up to shooting one again with enough confidence to hunt.....but all it takes is time and effort, and could still be done.

After decades of watching me do this, a long time Trad shooter a couple years my senior gave it a shot. While he normally hunts with a couple 42-46lb collectible Bear bows he bought a 62lb flat bow to play with.

The challenge he set for himself to work up to shooting that flat bow well enough to hunt with it, put a HUGE smile on his face when he whacked a young 6 pt. His abilities with his regular bows increased as well.

Weights CAN get to the point where pain just wont allow it but I've found some of that pain can be relieved just by improving the muscular strength around the afflicted joint.

Works for me. Your mileage may, and probably will, vary but I'm in full agreement with the OP. Going DOWN in weight is not, NECESSARILY, the best option and it's certainly not the ONLY option.

The willingness to spend the time and effort to WORK at it is not going to beeveryone's choice, and that's fine...but I think it's a VERY good one to try.

God Bless

Steve

My biggest regret is shooting heavy bows when I was younger. If I could get a do over I'd of bought a 45 pound Kodiak for all my hunting and shooting. Now I have arthritis in both shoulder and neck so 45# is heavy for me.

My fear is Injury that stops me from shooting. I like 40-50 max for hunting and 35- 40 for target. These bows will get the job done and I can shoot forever hopefully.

At 73 I shoot 40 to 45#'s but I still wouldn't stand in front of me, lol

I don't get hung up on weight

I just like a poundage that gives me a good feel comming off the fingers and I can comfortably shoot all day

at my age its 49#'s at my draw does both of those things

at almost 70 thats my stats- but everybody is different

I’m 69 and still shoot bows from 55-63# everyday my 60# bows I use for hunting saying bows ruin your shoulders is like saying lifting weights does

From the time I was 10 years old I shot 45# recurves, then at 14 years old my Dad bought me a 60# Bear Grizzly. I'm 63 years old now and I still shoot 60# to 65# easily and I can shoot for hours. I don't know what the future holds as far as how heavy a bow I'll be able to shoot but until then I'll be shooting and hunting with my 60# to 65# bows GOD willing.

I just like shooting bows and try to maintain a semblance of health at 76 years old. I'm also careful how I treat my body, and have shot constantly, likely a bit every month and more for the past near sixty years. I could likely still shoot some heavier bows, but I sure don't want to, nor do I need to, and really don't care what others use. Yeah, I can, and still do shoot some fifty- pound bows too, and do pretty well with them.

I hope you all stay in the game with whatever it takes, and that you respect those who can't always do what you can. My camp is open to legal, ethical hunters of all poundage and persuasions. :)

I've always used around 55#. I can shoot it all day long and is enough weight to come off my fingers cleanly.

Injuries and surgeries PLUS age has me at 40 lbs. Can I shoot 45 or 50? Sure ! But I think I need to conserve my shoulders so I can stay in the game.

Another thing, when you start a thread titled wimpy bows? A little more respect may help you out with answers as well.

Spent a lot of my younger days in competition. Now it is about having Fun. Hold my beer. :))

Been bow hunting since '69 and all my bows were 52-57# range. Never shot any bow over 60#. Although most bowhunters back then were shooting 65-75# recurves and longbows for big game. Even today, I will be 70 in August, all my hunting bows are 52-56# and I can shoot them comfortably. I did notice quite a few guys over the years who shot real heavy bows all developed shoulder and elbow problems. There are no wimpy bows today, they will get the job done.

I shoot the poundage I want and don't care what anybody thinks about it.

oldhunter1942 times 2 ! I think alot of older hunters aren't wimping out instead they're finally realizing what their needs really are. For years I watched my wife and others kill deer with less than 40lbs but for some reason thought I needed 60 ? I go to many shoots and one thing I'm sure of ; for every guy who shoots a 60lb plus bow well there are 5 guys who THINK they shoot one well but don't.

Oldhunter1942 x3.

I really don’t care what others shoot, misinformation aside.

A simple truth, though, is if you don’t use it, you lose it.

old hunter 1942 timesX3 ... 80 years old i can still shoot my old 60 lb. herters but i don't want to tear my shoulders up anymore than i have to so therefore i will continue to shoot my 40# bear super mag.! does that really bother you tough guys? lolol

The term “wimpy bows “ doesn’t bother me in the least. Had it been “wimpy old guys “ maybe would have. But maybe not, my snowflake factor is pretty low.

I'm 78 and started with 30# as an 11 year old and 45# as a teenager. First hunting bow was 43# in my early 20s I peaked at 50# and now I'm at 47# for a hunting bow and 43# for a 3-D bow. I do work out and have for the last 33 years just to keep the muscles tuned up.

At 67 I'm strong, healthy, and feel great. I shoot #60.

not my term just what I hear bows called under 45 lbs. Lets face it a heavy bow is one too heavy for a hunter to shoot. LOL. How about girly bows? LOL

I can shoot bows in the 70lb range well, but not alot. heavier bows and long sessions will cause me lower back issues and prevent me from shooting, so I'm shooting a 47lb now and am shooting more consistently and controlled than ever. I even set up a 40lb ilf and that's super easy to shoot well for very long sessions. For the type of hunting we do for deer here in new england with shots rarely taken over 20yds, there really isnt much need for more than the minimum 40lb draw weight required by law from what I'm seeing.

I'm going to be 69 shortly and hunt with bows 50 - 60# I always hunted with heavier bow weights but I shoot all the time and maintain decent physical conditioning. You have to work up to heavier weights as stated above and then keep shooting to maintain the muscle and form required to shoot heavier. Get into a weight routine and stay with it.

heavier weight bows gives you a cleaner release.

Good shooting to All,

Tundra

You guys are a little sensitive. I shoot wimpy bows too. And for the record I don't care what you shoot. Pretty much my advice was what pdk said. Use it or lose it.

I’m shooting 61 lbs. at 63 years old.

Yep, use it or lose it.

Well at 51 and 4X shoulder surgeries I'm glad and blessed to shoot 45-53# bows.I had a 67# Centaur Triple Carbon I shot for about 3 months but it wasn't for me since I hold and gap shoot. But, it each their own. I've killed more game as a old man that I did as a young man busy still reminisce about 75-80# bows...

The bigger question to me is why the kids are shooting whimpy bows. It may be a great idea for small deer, and possibly they never get injured, but I doubt it. Check back in 40 years for the threads on 12 pound bows with the new xenon arrows.

We hear the military has a crisis of kids who can't complete basic training. So how well will these folks who start out at 40, based on what the codgers have done after 40 years in the field, can get by with.

It tickles me have these guys that shoot 60 to 65 pounds. Now watch them draw and Shoot the arrow then check the arrow length They are not really shooting that 60 to 65 pound Bow at 28 inch. They really drawing short out Of a tree stand for sure during a cold shot In November. Not close to 28 inch draw

There is always crossbows. Or that thing that shoots arrows out of a rifle barrel! Progress, guys! :)

Now if we can just fit this to a 7mmMag, we'll have somethin'!

Michigan is going to allow 10 hunters (lottery draw) to use those things. Boy did they get their foot in the door.

I have read the same comments about this issue every time it pops up. Use it or lose it. All it takes to draw heavier bows is to keep drawing them regularly. Age has nothing to do with it you just have to keep shooting those heavy (whatever that is) bows.

Well as one person pointed out everyone is different. What works for one person doesn't always work for another. And how many times have I read about people who wished they hadn't gone so heavy when they were younger and destroyed their shoulders. Even if you can shoot heavy are you maybe doing more damage than you need to?

My heaviest bow ever was 59#. I could still shoot it but only for a few shots. It is a lot of wear and tear on muscles and joints. Why do I need to when 40# will do everything I want to do and I can shoot it all day long. If the day comes when forty pounds seems like work I will go lighter to keep enjoying my shooting.

And if you need heavy draw weight to get a clean release I suggest you need to work on something besides strength and fitness.

Color me wimpy/girly at 40#.

I’m 68 and I’m currently enjoying shooting 45-50 lbs. Anything above 55 lbs I feel my shot sequence isn’t as controlled.

"It tickles me have these guys that shoot 60 to 65 pounds. Now watch them draw and Shoot the arrow then check the arrow length They are not really shooting that 60 to 65 pound Bow at 28 inch. They really drawing short out Of a tree stand for sure during a cold shot In November. Not close to 28 inch draw"

Have you checked the whimpy bow guys. In FITA, where a lot of the weekend shooters are shooting light bows, there is clicker panic where they can't pull through the clicker. Affects heavier bow shooters also.

I think you soon are overbowed at almost any weight your drop to, at least in jurisdictions where the legal minimum is 40. 40 pounds is whimpy for sure, but not that whimpy. It is perfectly possible for a healthy shooter to be overbowed at forty pounds. (While it is a different draw cycle is super common for compound shooters to be overbowed at 10 pounds. 20% of 50. You just have to trap them with lasers and video).

Anyway, 90% of 70 is still 63 pounds.

Well Mr Trailend. I can assure you I pull a true 28” draw on my 60# bow

Arrows from a 22 rifle:

That thing looks as though it would require a silencer permit. It has a tube fat enough to contain fletch, but with the end formed inward around the arrow. or the arrow formed around a pressure tube.

The PCP version isn't a firearm. The PCP version is expensive if you have any decent method of supplying the refills.

I think these arrow guns are a great idea. But a terrible idea in bow seasons, both from a safety perspective, and possibly noise, depends how loud they are. I don't think the PCP versions are all that loud.

The PCP option is a little safer which is a good marketing point for game commissions. This year there is a two shooter coming out from Umarex.

It will be interesting to see if the tech archery industry, gets eaten by the gun archery industry, since I don't see any reason why there will be loyalty to big archery tech when they don't know squat about PCPs.

There was a time when my lightest weight longbow was 80# and up to 120#

Now at 86 years old I don't shoot as much and my bow weight is 35#

Mother nature determents our bow weight

Maybe some of us worked at a physical job and busted our bodies up trying to scratch out a living? Not all of us can be dentists and have a cushy job our whole working life. Some actually had to work and bust our asses. It takes a toll on joints, bones, back etc.

I agree, a lot of talk about this weight or that is just food for talk, most know that good arrow flight and accurate shot placement are the things that count in hunting situations

Here we go again with this stuff. If all these young-gun Millennial Killas want to use their Guirly Man bows…. well the beat goes on Archers. ????

But with the race to the bottom; I can’t help but notice that many females are now shooting more pull weight than many of their bun-wearing male counterparts. At 58, I am no Spring Chicken and I certainly mean no disrespect to anybody for shooting them. But is it just me, OR does it seem like it’s now a challenge to see who can kill a deer with the lowest pulling weight bow and then turn around and brag it UP all the while on Fakebook? Back in the day, we were always brought up to shoot the most lethal weight you could comfortably shoot and to dispatch our quarry in the most effective way possible.

Obviously age and injury can wreak all kinds of havoc; but why willingly take a knife to a gun fight with these super low poundage Guirly Man bows? Of course we all should know by now that our shooting muscles go into atrophy quickly if not conditioned regularly. We can’t simply pick up our trad bows and shoot 5-6 arrows and be ready for hunting season like the compound and gun hunters.

Meh.

Heavy is a relative term.

What's heavy for me, may not be for heavy you, or vice versa.

Rick

I can still shoot my heavier bows( 55 to 65) accurately, just shoot my 40 to 47 lbs more accurate, always been that way for some reason

It would be interesting to know if archers have more shoulder problems than the non-shooting public. I have never shot the really heavy bows but shot 75 to 80# bows a big part of my life. I have been lucky with the shoulders and now at 68 years of age, 55# is a bit of a struggle but I shoot every day which is probably too much.

I am 74, very bad shoulders and knees. I am shooting only 30# but I am shooting better than ever. I no longer hunt and compete regularly at the traditional events.

I suspect most older guys have some degree of shoulder injury if they have lived an active life that involved some degree of physical work.

Always got to be one knifeman. And for the record you can do what you want. You chose one path and I chose another. And you have no idea what kind of shape I am in. I’ll race you 10 miles for a brand new Bear bow lol

Always got to be one knifeman. And for the record you can do what you want. You chose one path and I chose another. And you have no idea what kind of shape I am in. I’ll race you 10 miles for a brand new Bear bow lol

[[[ "I suspect most older guys have some degree of shoulder injury if they have lived an active life that involved some degree of physical work." ]]]

My shoulders were both torn all the hell long before I got into any serious archery shooting. I've shot heavy bows the entire time for 40 years. My shoulders always feel better when I shoot.

Rick

And lots of good points here. I can’t shoot heavy bows and will not injure myself doing it. I do plan on being able to shoot 55 lbs by continuing to shoot 55 lbs bows. And as a country we are getting really weak.

Always has to be one, and I speak for quite a few here, you is it. I might not be able to shoot heavy bows anymore, but id leave you in the dust elk hunting in the mountains. Of that you can be sure.

You started it. I posted about bow weight. Can not see where that is a problem. If you want to take me up on the bet lets do it. Since all I have done all my life is a cushy job you will have no problem. Your hatred and jealousy is evident. I am sorry you are miserable buddy. But this thread was a legitimate thread. I am sorry you can't shoot heavy bows. I can not either but I don't let it get me down. Not sure what your point was on here. Anytime you want to run 10 miles for cash against the out of shape cushy dentist let me know. No one else but you posted a nasty thread. I will not answer you again unless you want to run against me. The cushy dentist.

Jack, I could beat ya, but I'd have to kick you in the knees first. :-P :-D

Rick

Re: Bill Rickvalsky I agree re use it or lose it, but also agree no one can keep the same strength into their 70's and 80's

(Except for some estimable LW members...)

There is an old folk story about a farmer whose cow gave birth to a calf. The farmer figured if he could lift that calf every day, starting when the calf weighed 35 lbs., he would become incredibly strong. Didn't work out exactly that way....

In this story the growing calf is the inverse of the aging archer...

I could beat you for a hamburger.

My b.i.l. is 75 and does 150 pushups and situps every two to three days. He's in such great shape he's also active as a fastpitch softball pitcher, and he can still send it. He's got a flat stomach and solid muscle at 75 and that's no BS. Lineman for 51 years for Pacific Gas and Electric. You don't labor that many decades and have it disappear after retirement. His brother is my age, 67, and a retired lineman as well. That guy would likely take out any guy on this site arm wrestling. No BS. Dig deep or go home.

Getting old is not for sissy’s

Cool

Shoot the indoor once a week.

#35 - 45.

Got to love those old Howatt target bows.

Bob, that's great about your BIL

My Father is 98. WWII Navy guy. Still does masonry projects around house. Calisthenics every morning. Takes the dog out for a 1 1/2 mile walk every day.

But he's weaker than when he was 78. There's no escaping it no matter how many pushups one does.

I am 71 and never dropped bow weight from when I started shooting 51 years ago. Why.....Because I started with 48lbs at 28" and stayed there. You folks who shot/shoot 60--80 lb. bows were/are out of your minds !!! You were/are just asking for physical trouble down the road. Be safe....Des

I shot 55# for many years, but now shoot and hunt with 40#. 40 is my new 55! My wrists are painful and reformed after a lifetime of farm and heavy shop use. I can't pound nails in anymore with a hammer either, simply to painful.

71 and still shooting 50-60 # bows. But I don't sit around all day doing nothing either! Used to shoot 70-80 pounders....a work accident ended that!

Well I'm not as old as some yet...but we framed a 2 story roof yesterday and sheeted it...next week I have a 12" block basement foundation to do...last week we poured 90 yds of concrete.

I guess as long as I'm still doing that.

Shooting a 60# bow is gonna seem like pleasure and relaxation.

You have no idea what your talking about Desperado!!!!!

It has allot to do with if you were a pipefitter by trade or a dentist………:)

I hate to disappoint the naysayers but I've been shooting 60# to 65# bows since I was 14 years old and at 63 years old I can still shoot 60# to 65# bows for hours and shoot them accurately. I have no shoulder or elbow problems. And I don't short draw my bow. But I do shoot every day, sometimes more than once a day so it keeps my muscles conditioned and strength built up. Like Supernaut said, " Use it or lose it."

oh but was he a dentist? Does he hunt? He is a bowyer, a long distance runner, owns a huge chunk of land that is going to be a 3d course for all his "friends", remember? Every day a new thread of fantasy.

He's not the only one. "LOL"

At what poundage does wimpy kick in? I like my little wimpy body and little wimpy bow.

Nemo I’ve lost allot from overuse and abuse……….):

I’ve shot around 60 lbs. for 26 years with the exception of about 2 1/2 years when I dropped down to 50 lbs. due to a stroke. I’m now back to 61. I killed a couple deer with the 50 lb. limbs and both pass throughs. The 61 lb. limbs just outperform the 50s by a noticeable margin. I shoot the 61 well, have no problems drawing or shooting it so why not shoot the best performing limbs? They shoot flatter and hit harder.

If nothing else the fish are biting.

Takes pure muscle to get some of those 3rd molars out. Good training for shooting heavy bows and running ten milers. ??

My newest fantasy is to have you sucking wind eating my dust in our ten miler since you are in such better shape than me knifeman. Bring the title to your truck too with a knew knife on the front seat. We can run it at Denton Hill. You won’t have to train since your can already leave me behind in the elk mountains. Lol. Your jealousy and hatred is ugly. I bet you were a bully in school lol the cushy dentist

It is very foolish to judge someone's physical ability based on their appearance or their career choice in my humble opinion.

My kick boxing coach was a 40 year old, bald, average height and build fella that you wouldn't take a second glance at if you passed him walking down the street. He managed properties and owned a gym so he had a white collar career. I can assure you that underestimating him would be a huge mistake.

At 15 I started with a 53 lb Darton recurve, I didn’t know it was to heavy. I shot that bow for years and did kill a old doe with it. I graduated up to bows in the 62- 65 lb range and shot them easily. Now at 68 I’m shooting 56lb . I just sold my 58 lb recurve and it really hurt my feelings. I’ve had a very physical life and worked in construction and warehouses all my life. I continued shooting in the 60 lb range after breaking both my bicep tendons a year apart , having multiple surgery’s and just dealing with a worn out body.and dealing with prostate cancer. I do shoot as much as I can and handle the 56 lb bow nicely. One thing that I have seen is, bow design makes such a huge difference , I have a R/D longbow a friend built me while I was dealing with cancer that’s 48 lb and performs really close to my 56 lb widow PLX longbow bow with the same arrows there’s just a couple feet difference on a chrono and arrow penetration on foam is pretty much the same . I’ve only killed one deer with the 48 lb bow but it put the arrow on the ground after passing through his chest You can’t ask for more than that. But even though performance is really close, I still prefer the feel of the heavier bow

I can't predict the future so until then I'll continue to shoot 60# to 65# bows because I can and I'm sure not going to worry about 10 or 20 years from now if I live that long. And if the time comes where I have to go to a lower poundage, so be it. Given enough time and we'll not have to worry about it.

Never underestimate opponent, Grasshopper. May have arse handed to you.

Wise words grizz. Kung Fu was a great show!

unless he is a cushy dentist. LOl. Just sits in a dental chair all day. And an old one at that.

I think it's fascinating that while this sand kicking contest of a discussion is going on there are two threads that came up about dealing with shoulder pain.

Blessed are those of you who are able to continue to maintain heavier draw weights. You have been able fend off the aging process at least in this aspect of your lives. Then there are those among us who have not been so fortunate but still want to keep shooting and hunting as long as they can. Don't knock them for doing the best that they can to stay with it.

And they shouldn't knock people who can still shoot heavy bows and shoot them accurately. It's a two-way street.

Old age doesn't start until you're in your 80's. You kids in your 50's and 60 bragging that you shoot 60 to 70# are not there yet......just wait, you're old age is coming, that is if you're lucky enough to live that long.

EXACTLY NEMO!!!!!!!!

[[[ "Blessed are those of you who are able to continue to maintain heavier draw weights. You have been able fend off the aging process at least in this aspect of your lives" ]]]

Some of us still shooting heavier haven't done that at all.

We're just hard headed. :-D

Rick

"Old age doesn't start until you're in your 80's"

I'll respectfully disagree. I know people in their 40's that are flat out busted physically and I've known people in their 80's and 90's that are still very fit. My neighbor lived to be 100 and she worked in her yard every single day and volunteered at the hospital as well.

We all age differently but things can be done to stave off the physical breakdown. Life choices and lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, etc.) play as big a role as, or bigger IMO, than genetics.

I take care of myself. You all can do as you see fit.

Gut...I am just saying that I suspect if you shoot heavy draw bows for a long time you are asking for shoulder problems in the future. Just my opinion. My 48# bow weight has regularly passed through antelope, bear etc. with out problems, so why would I want to add the strain of more poundage. However, Shoot what ever you want...I now don't care if it's 100#'s plus...I was just trying to give a bit of helpful opinionated advice ...From now on I'll keep my opinions to myself.. Shoot away & Be safe....Des

I’m not a big guy but I shot 65# for years with ease. Now I’m done to 49# on my regular longbow. I still have my 53#’s that I get out once in a while. I do have issues with my shoulders which is why I’m at 49#. None of them caused by shooting heavier bows but instead from 46 years of physical work in construction. Some of us are built different and some of us haven’t abused our bodies for decades.

It’s all about what you can physically handle & shoot safely. For me, I lose focus shooting anything under 50#. Normally I shoot 70#+ bc I still can. This week, I’m shooting my ‘56 60# Bear Cub. I noticed if I shoot 50-55# for more than a week or two, it takes about that much time to shoot 70#+ comfortably again. We’re all different ages, and all in different physical shape. At 71, I workout 3 times a week, just to keep what I have. Just enjoy and employ what you have, right?

Re Nemo: "And they shouldn't knock people who can still shoot heavy bows and shoot them accurately. It's a two-way street."

Maybe I missed something. I only saw lower draw weights knocked as wimpy or girly. I didn't see any nasty names for heavier weights thrown out. So it's a one way street it seems.

Wow! The chest thumping sounds like Mohawk Drums!

Bill, Someone doesn't have to call someone a name to knock on them. When someone makes comments like guys who shoot heavy bows will get shoulder and elbow problems. Or guys who shoot heavy bows short draw their bows. Or guys who shoot heavy bows are not as accurate (I've seen this comment on other threads) it's still knocking on guys who can still shoot heavy poundage bows. And wimpy was used by the OP not the guys on here who shoot heavy poundage bows unless I missed it. Don't blame every guy who shoots a heavy poundage bow for what one guy says. Supernaut and I shoot together sometimes and he shoots a lighter poundage bow and I shoot a heavy poundage bow and we respect each others choices so no it's a two way street.

At my age I thump my chest gently.

Nemo,

First of all suggesting that people shooting heavy bows are more at risk for shoulder problems isn't a knock it is a fact. Sure there a a certain number of people who manage to get away with it but they are not in the majority.

Second, I've been watching these threads pop up on the Leatherwall for 25 years. Far and away the wimpy, girly comments outweigh the knocking on heavier draw weights by a long shot. So yeah maybe it's a two way street but there are more lanes going in one direction than the other.

The title of the thread is about old guys. Well "old" has a broad definition. I will be 76 this year and have health issues that directly affect my muscle strength beyond just aging. Some guys posting hear in their mid sixties and shooting heavier bows are spring chickens from my perspective. Ten years ago I could handle my 59# Marriah Chinook with no problem. I just ordered recently a new longbow at 40#. I intend to hunt with it. I am not interested in being called a wimp for that.

I respect whatever anyone wants to shoot and is able to shoot. If someone is competent and ethical in their shooting and hunting I have no quarrel with whatever they choose for their bow.

But if you were to be totally honest more people are put down for light draw weights vs heavy.

By the way babysaph was just joking around with the wimpy comment because he doesn't even shoot heavy poundage bows as far as I know.

From my experience it’s been allot harder to shoot a 30# bow accurately than it was back when I pulled 65# to 80# bows.Just can’t get by a bad release pulling 30#,the slighted bit of pressure on the wrong finger and it’s over,everything dang near has to be perfect every shot.

nope. I am a wimpy bow shooter as well. I used the term but didn't coin it.. I am lucky to be shooting 52 lbs. I agree with Supernaut. I have the worst genetics every but so far I am doing ok. But I work at it. I am not fat. (and that is a big problem as we get older). Guys can't carry around 50-100 extra pounds so they think its old age. And I had to work hard at it having a sedentary job for over 40 years. And the truth is sometimes working hard at an outside job does nothing for your cardiovascular health. Some of the most unhealthiest people worked tough jobs. I also agree with the guys that say shoot the heaviest bow you can shoot accurately. At one time it was barely 35 lbs after my surgery. But anyway. Carry on. I am going to shoot my wimpy bow.

Bill I've been on the leatherwall 24 years, and I've seen the comments go both ways pretty even. Sorry about your health problems and hopefully you will be shooting a bow longer.

&* here and hunt with 60#, lucky to be healthy.

keepemsharp I agree I feel blessed to be healthy at 63 and not only to be able to shoot my 60# to 65# bows and shoot them accurately but also to bow hunt as hard as I do. Every year out of the early archery season and late archery season after Christmas I only missed a couple days. Last year I was blessed with a nice 10- point in the early archery season in November. I'm already scouting for this year. :)

I'd sure like to hear from a few LW's who have had both their shoulders completely replaced..... how long did it take to get back to hunting weight, what their PT strategies were and will the pain at drawing ever stop. All surgeon's are not created equally having my left done by a military surgeon (who retired after my surgery and a much much younger civilian doctor who did my right. I'm right eye dominate but have always shot right handed but now my left arm is much better at drawing than holding. 25 years in carpet trade probably took its toll but 45# is my new norm. 70 if lucky.

Seems like a couple of years ago on one of these draw weight threads a guy talked about an African hunt he went on. He said on the hunt there was a 55 lb. bow minimum. He said his bow was only 48 lb. so he just wrote 55 lb. on his bow. So I say shoot what you can, be happy and let your conscience be your guide.

" I shoot a bigger bow than you do"...lol..I imagine this is all normal stuff.

Bring a 100# bow into a garage full of buddy's and everybody gotta take a crack at it...some won't get it back, but as they pass it around...somebody will, yea!! They will say.. "Yer the man!..be some laughing,some ribbing....but in the end, nobody really cares.

All Normal.

Like it was mentioned before...There's always Fishing :)...4finger

Spin fishing is for wimps. Bait casting is for real men. Fly fishing is for pansies. :-)

:) Bill...the Internet Never Lies ;)...4finger

SUPERNAUT, there ARE exceptions

Ron, I agree 100%. Best to you sir.

Same to ya

Same to ya

Hang in there Ron.

Everybody is different. It’s what makes the world go around. Some guys are overbowed with 40 lbs while it takes 70 lbs to do the same for the next guy.

Those that shoot so called heavy bows should not call archers wimpy that shoot lighter draw wts. And, guys that shoot lighter wts should not assume that someone who shoots a heavier wt is overbowed or headed for injury because of it.

MP

Man, that is a really great photo Ron!

Man, that is a really great photo Ron!

At 78 years I have nothing to prove. if i shoot well with 35-40#, then that's what I'll shoot, and with no apology. What you shoot is not as important as how you shoot. You won't see many competitive shooters with high poundage bows, even in their prime

Lead the way Ron, and we will follow.

Mdph X@

" Those that shoot so called heavy bows should not call archers wimpy that shoot lighter draw wts. And, guys that shoot lighter wts should not assume that someone who shoots a heavier wt is overbowed or headed for injury because of it."

Perfect response! To each their own...

And I can assure one poster that I hit anchor with a straight arm with any weight I shoot, or I won't shoot it, and that's even in December with 55-60#. Pictured is one of the bows for the elk hunt last year...

Use it or lose it, but not if it hurts.

I’ve dropped down to 40# bows, although mostly I used to shoot 50# sometimes up to 60#. At 63 I really don’t have any problem drawing my heavier bows I would have shoulder pain after shooting for a while. Knowing what’s coming tends to make you not want to shoot as much. I’m completely happy now at #40 , best accuracy I’ve had in a while and haven’t had shoulder pains from shooting in a while. Enjoying shooting is a great thing.

After surgery on both shoulders, I'm happy to be shooting! I had longbows in the 50-60 lb range and now I'm shooting bows in the low to mid 40 lb range. Being 75 and with other health issues, I am thankful that I am able to shoot as often as I do.

I got this picture from Ron Rothhaar's (Roger Rothhaar's son) facebook page. Roger is an inspiration to us that are getting older. Even at 78 years old and two shoulder surgeries he was a heck of a bowhunter and archer.

No way Rothhaar’s could take a nice Buck like that with an ole junky “Widow”………haha

I'm 70 and have had a few friends that can't pull 40 pound bows because their DEAD. Keep on Trucking if your able. : )

Great point Will! My hope is that all of us can cast an arrow til our dying breath… be it with 10 pounds or 90.

"There's always fishing". I think that's what this thread is really about.

It was really about whether a 40 lb bow would kill a deer with 3 inch right wing feathers.

No, you need 2 inch feathers and a super curve.

A holier than thou attitude and a 67 step shot process helps as well grizz.

;-)

I am thankful I can still shoot.

"Maybe some of us worked at a physical job and busted our bodies up trying to scratch out a living? Not all of us can be dentists and have a cushy job our whole working life. Some actually had to work and bust our asses. It takes a toll on joints, bones, back etc."

I know what you are saying is true, but I worked in something nearest to banking, and this is how that worked out for me:

Fun part about banking where I live is that it is not covered by worker's comp. I think it is the only segment that isn't covered. Normally the way people get injured out in banking is they pull open a big file drawer, and the whole lot falls on top of them. I would imagine a lot of dentist got taken out from mercury poisoning, at one time.

I’m one of the busted my ass and broke down my body guys. But I don’t draw it like a freakin sword either. Had I been smart, I’d be the dentist and some of you could run me down for it.

Sorry about the photo.

"At 78 years I have nothing to prove. if i shoot well with 35-40#, then that's what I'll shoot, and with no apology. What you shoot is not as important as how you shoot. You won't see many competitive shooters with high poundage bows, even in their prime

Lead the way Ron, and we will follow."

I thought Ron did shoot heavy bows in his prime. The top Olympic shooters, may shoot 50 pounds plus, and that is with a full hold, and a long series of shots. When heavy bows were king. I think a lot of shooters were shooting instinctive, and were not holding at full draw for 10 seconds per shot.

Yessir, I’m just happy to shoot any poundage and still walk the woods.

For years, I lived a leisurely life until I was finally forced to shovel snow. Being in a feeble state, I hurt my shoulder and could no longer handle 54# bows. I dropped to 45# and then settled back in at 47#. My shoulder seems to have healed, and shoveling what little snow we got didn't bother me this winter. So, I'm sticking with 47#, for now. If I get hurt again, I'll just get 42# limbs and keep going.

Joe

No mercury poisoning. That is a big fallacy. Not around enough mercury to be poisoned. LOL. 60 minutes lie. And I hope I am still alive at 78. Shoot what you want. Its all good. I am still in the wimpy category. 60 pound to me is what I consider heavy but some say 40 is heavy. Heck we do know that 27 pounds will kill a deer. I believe some kid did it. LOL

I guess if its that important to you to shoot heavy weights, go for it, but i dont feel the need to shoot 50+#’s at foam targets, or even deer, when i know far less weight will do the job. When i attend a big archery shoot i like to fling alot of arrows, light poundage allows that without all the aches and pains.

In golf, the goal is to shoot your age. Done that a few times. As for archery, At 76, I stopped "shooting my age with my favorite HH WS 70# @ 28. That'll be my max for sure. Got the HH Big 5 @ 65# for when I really old..lol

Deno

Thank you, each of you for candidly sharing your own story. Everyone of us is different, therefore there is no "right and wrong", only different. At 80 plus, I have endured several shoulder surgeries, TO EACH SHOULDER, and am happily still shooting recurves. Sure the weight is a little less, but with two complete pass throughs on Whitetails in February, who cares. I hope to be able to shoot a bow right up to the time that I quit breathing, and if it means dropping down in weight again, I'm good with that. I encourage each of you to think ahead.

Craig good one for Baby,, I’m older an maybe Smarter , But not wimpy, An not young an dumb as the saying goes, I want to enjoy shooting my bows as long as I Can.

I used to hunt with a #63 longbow then got Tendonitis in my right elbow. Also I have a torn rotator tendon that has somehow stabilized. The heaviest bow I now shoot is a #55 Bear Kodiak . I hunt with it on occasion, I also hunt with 43, 45, and #40 recurves. I now have tendonitis in my left elbow and am 71 yrs young. I tried shooting Left handed and Its a whole new world.

All I know is ever since I started swigging Viagra pulling 60lbs on my recurves and longbow feels like 30lbs . Oh BTW even my accuracy has tremendously improved . Back to 20/20 -vision and have donated my $350 plus glasses . Check with your SawBones it might not be for everyone!!! ...... Wife doesn't nag anymore about my never ending TRAD collection either don't Ya know !,,,,

ha!

Babysaph, since the vast majority of archers in the paper taget world shoot bows pulling/holding in the mid 30# range am I to conclude that the sport is for old people and wimps? Should I wait until I'm 80?

Sounds good Monkey but you can come to WV as well. And for the record it is not important to me to shoot heavy bows. Heavy bows to me are over 60 pounds. I am no where near that.

I re-read the posts above, again, even my own. I spent much time thinking of the replies of hunters who have as much if not more experience than I and I hold their opinions in high regard.

The one thing that may have been mentioned (maybe I missed it) was, every one of us has a very good idea of what the bow weight will be when we find an "oldie but a goody". While there are others around, 45lbs has been the norm for hundreds of bows from the 50s and 60s. Back when everyone who bowhunted, hunted with trad equipment here, everyone I knew hunted with a 45lb bow, except two. A union construction worker....and me. We both shot 55lb bows and everyone told us we were nuts! I didn't even HUNT deer then, lol.

The thing my brain keeps nagging about is how "the average" (is such a beast exists) has turned back the pages of time and NOW, the oh-so-very-few trad hunters I know....shoot 45(ish)lb bows.

Way back "then", it was a time of cedar or "Micro-Flight" arrows. Not once did a trip to the nearby county seat NOT include stopping by the hardware store which, at the time, was as much a bow shop as it was anything. The gleaming Bear and Pearson bows lined one whole wall with cardboard boxes of arrows stacked 3-4 deep the entire length as well.

A lucky buyer would get cornered by Jack, the owner, as he shared stories of hunts he and his brother had gone on. It seemed to be a ritual one must be included it before picking out a bow.

Arrows were chosen by checking the end of the box for the "bow weight" they were spined for.......and out the door the buyer would go. As for "form", I knew of one guy that did NOT snap shoot and he shot indoor competition. Finished 2nd place in the state......twice, shooting 3 under and "gap", but he killed deer too.

The general equipment shooters use in this weight range today are often superior to that used then......but no one felt they were shooting inferior equipment back then so.....for one, I'm going to "back up and regroup".

I think I'll pick up something "around" 45lbs at my draw length and just go hunt. It's always worked and Ron called out the obvious fact that I don't like to admit......I'm NOT going to get younger, or much stronger.

LOL.....fact is I may have to spend about the same amount I did for a bow back then too. Getting older can take a toll on more things than just strength. That said, 80 dollar bow or 800.....my job is to put a properly flying, sharp tipped arrow in the right spot.

As said many times.......that's the single fact that will never change, no matter what we shoot.

Thank you for allowing a second opinion. If not.....sue me. You won't get much *grin*.

Hunt safe. Shoot straight. Give Thanks.

God Bless, Steve

In the 50s and 60s, you could get famous for shooting a deer. The idea everyone shot 45# average back in those days, is mostly about recreational shooting. Remember when Hill cavorted with Hollywood stars and Marylin shot a longbow? Yeah, the game was so great, there must have been millions of bow hunters, bagging a deer every year.

Lets face it, when you get old you give up, not in the sense of not facing all kinds of challenges, old age is very generous with those. No, in the sense of when I was getting into adult archery around 1980, I didn't know I would never shoot an Kudu, or an Elk. It could have happened, with different breaks. Now I have a property with deer, moose, and bear on it. I am mostly interested in the deer. If I were to follow Barry's path and put up the equivalent to his 400 stands (on a per acre basis), sure 37 pounds might be enough... I should get a close shot...

You don't have to look that far, if you can find any old posts from 20 years ago, people here were disparaging of a 10 grain arrow from a 35 pound bow, shot at 305 fps. It wasn't the world you hear about today. A 350-400 grain arrow from a compound was thought to be immorally under powered. But nobody seem to want to talk about it.

Pumping Iron at the Gym and doing push ups. Will build Bow muscles

Both the guys I bought my custom bows from td me the maximum weight bow to effeciently deliver an arrow from is around 62-65#. They would be Rocky Miller and Jim Brackenberry. They both build me bows that pull 62# at 29", my draw length. That was back in the 80s and I still use them both regularly. Just keep working out and or shooting. I am 66 now and in better shape than during my 40s and 50s...as good as mid 30s probably. I have a 45# Tigercat that I rarely shoot.

I have a #40 Grizzly. It's a nice shooting bow, but there's just not near enough mojo there for me to take more then a few shots.

this is why i shoot my 40# super mag. when in my tree stand or blind.

iowacedarshooter I like mine also. Mine is 55#@28". I'm pulling 57# at my draw.

I get a bigger kick out of the guys bragging about 60# bows, then they draw them about 22”, a 60# bow, drawn 22” is really about 42#, possibly less, and will fling an arrow more like a 30# bow. I draw my 35# 29”, which turns it in to a 38# draw, and will hit harder than that 60# bow. Some macho tupes get hung up on poundage. The old production bows of the ‘60’s and ‘70’s were just about all 40-45#. Theres a reason, most guys can handle that weight, and its enough to kill deer, yet shoot all day in tournaments.

"LOL"

Me too Nemo

If I drop weight within a few weeks it doesn't feel lighter anymore. Bow muscles are built by shooting. Dropping weight seems like a slippery slope. Shoot as much as you can handle. I've seen enough of Nemo's pictures to see he can target shoot and hunt with the weight he chooses. Do what you need to stay in the game and enjoy. I've met quite a few older gents who could shoot 60 lbs accurately.

Yep.

Lots of fluffin in these justification threads.

I wouldn’t want Nemo shooting at me with any weight bow.

Hey R.grinder I invite you any day to come and watch me shoot my 60# bow I Absolutely Asure you I pull a true 28” just because you can’t don’t assume nobody else can!!!!!!!!!

Haha! 22” draw with a 60# bow??!!

I shot my 60# Super Diablo the other day and don’t recall seeing 7” of arrow sticking out past the shelf and I know my arm was straight and I hit anchor…also know the arrow hit the target and not my boot!

Some people seem to be upset and intimidated by others choices and ability to fulfil those choices.

Soooo, if you older fellas are yanking some heavy bows where do you think you'll be in ten years. I'm 70 so in ten years I'll be happy if I can pull my pants on. : )

In ten years I'll be 76.... ?? But I don't know where I'll be...If I can't pull a bow string back 29", then 62# won't be an issue anyway will it?

I’m 70 years old myself and in 10 years I might not be able to pull my pants on but I live in the woods so that’s ok. But today (at 70) I can still shoot my 50# bows and hit my mark. I’ll worry about my britches later.

I am 79 this year and have tried to give up the stick bow world several times due to medical issues. When you where born a hunter and live and breath the outdoors, the thought of not being a part of that life is not acceptable. But you may have to modify the equipment. Don't give up on that life until that life gives up on you. Have a blessed easter.

Will tell I will be 69 in October and I plan on drawing 55# when I am 79!

This thread got me thinking Imma check my draw length. Videoed draw with phone yesterday. Marked arrow at 28". #60 was 27.5, #40 was 28. This was cold not warmed up. Everyone that shoots and works out knows about being warmed up for performance.

I know exactly my draw length and bow weight. All you need is these not to expensive tools.

Nemo is a killing shooting machine. ??

WOW!this is an exciting thread of thought! i'm glad i turned 80 so i don't care what anybody says! lol also you guys better be careful what you all say about that r. grider guy! he is a tough old cookie from tenn. that ya'll don't want to mess with! don't ask me how i know! ya'll have good day!

Nemophillist,

I think you just set the record for the lightest "bow" ever used to kill a 1600 pound animal.

"LOL"

GUTPILEPA, my post did not say “everybody that shoots 60# bows shoots 22” ! “ Jeeez, calm down dude, im not trying to challenge your masculinity……

Wow! It is kind of hard to believe the Davids and the Goliaths are still duking this one out with over 180 posts and counting. And still nobody is winning.

Everybody is different. Nobody is wrong because of what they choose to shoot. Enjoy your archery, bowhunting, bowfishing, target shooting in whatever way makes you happy.

Happy Easter

You are what you are. Draw what you can.

Draw what you want as long as it allows you to do the shooting/hunting at hand.

Now I'll hold my breath and hope I don't get banned...from another forum.

Exactly! No more posts from me, feel like im feeding a beast !

Does anyone remember who once posted they hunted in Africa where there was a 55lb or more bow weight required. This person said his bow was only 48lb at his draw so he wrote 55lb on his bow and hunted with it.

Bill R. X2. We don't need this simple discussion to lead to an old fashioned duel @ 20 paces (or less if instinctive) :) :).

Just because you can't and/or don't think you need it, doesn't mean I can't and don't like to do it.

Stay in your lane... and I'll do likewise.

If a person can shoot, and assume that also means handle, 65-75# why would they not? What on earth is stopping them? And this is a question I would like to know the answer to. I think the chance of getting hurt increases with age, for most people. So even if you can shoot heavy, maybe one should not, though that is not always the case. And often one does not know what one should have done until something bad happens, and it can be harder to recover with age. No owners manual, particularly not to the model one actually owns.

On the 40-50 pounds thing, the problem is we have no scientific data. Just claims. If you look at Africa where they had to qualify in, in the modern world, they came up with real data. It doesn't agree country to country, so it isn't perfect. But it isn't purely anecdotal from people trying not to be dropped.

In SA, with 40 pound draw weight bow, you get to shoot, as an example, a Duiker. They run 11 to 140 pounds, though the stories I hear seem mostly to be the Jackrabbit sized ones. You can also shoot a Jackal. However, you also need to develop 50 foot pounds which would take about 250 fps in a 40 pound bow, so in reality, you would need to shoot over 70 pounds, 200fps, with a 7.5 grain arrow - Out to 30 yards on an 11 pound antelope that is named after it's flinch. I want to shake that guy's hand.

To have a go at a Kudu, you are in the 80 pound range I would guess, whatever gets you 60 foot pounds of energy.

The vitals on African game are harder to reach within the protection of the rib cage, so there is that.

So I've been following this discussion and I'd like to know where the separation is on bows. Is it 40#, 45#, 48#, 50#? I've had to move down in weight the last several years from shoulder injuries at work. Now my main bow is 49# which I always considered light. Always thought anything under 50# was light. I've healed some and can shoot my 53 and 55# bows but don't see any need any more.

Why do so many on the LW want to blame shoulder injuries on their bows? Tons of people have shoulder injuries and surgeries and have never picked up a bow. I believe many shoulder injuries are caused by doing work someone is not accustomed to doing and then attempting to either lift something too heavy or just over working themselves. There is a lot to be said for staying in working shape and also shooting your bow on a regular basis.

I'm not going to Africa but I know exactly how my forty-something pound bows perform on the game I hunt.

It's not a problem and we don't need any more data or science.

Something we might want to consider is the countries that don't permit bow hunting at all.

If one flips you statement around:

Convincing more countries to accept bow hunting, will probably require reliable data for their decision making process, as Africa had to develop for their decision making process.

If I did go to Africa, I would be overseen by a PH; He would be responsible for cleaning up any mess I made; I would be responsible for heavy game fees for any wounded game I shot and that could not be recovered. I prefer our system of hunting in the NA, but theirs is obviously more accountable. And the thing is, we don't own the game, it is a public resource in NA. Some day there will be a more demanding process.

We have seen very little improvement in traditional gear in the last 40 years, kinda the point. There certainly is some. But in that same period the velocity potential of compound systems has almost doubled, so if people are dropping weight from aging out, why would the natural path of dignified retreat not be to a compound system? Trad boards have always been big on arrow penetration. Does it really make sense to drop from 70 to 40 in trad gear, when a 40 pound compound may be in the ballpark of a 70 pound high performance recurve?

I don't believe there's a problem here that needs a solution.

Wow 203

My latest bow.

RWH, 42#@28".

Nuff for me.

Is this a record for one of babysaph's trolling threads or has he done better?

Drama basics 101. "Learn how to build the drama." Like all the clips surrounding the weather forecast on the computer. Or the crawl at the bottom of a newscast. Or youtube clickbait pics. Or 'National Tattler' headlines on the Walmart checkout isle. 100% human drama designed to instantly pull an emotional response. "Hey, now I gotta check THAT out!" haha

Monkeyball X2!

I am getting along in age and only have a 26" draw. If someone made a good quality,all wood finger-shooting compound I would use it. Don't have nothin' to prove.

I started with a compound but never liked them and it wasn't long before I went single string full time. If I thought that physical limitations were preventing me from shooting a heavy enough bow I'd go to a crossbow before I ever considered a compound. In my state crossbows have access to the entire archery season...that's how you sell hunting licenses.

I just hang mine up in the air to keep it light

I like light weight bows. Anything more than 1 1/4 lbs is unnecessary and too heavy for me.

Shooting same as I did 59 years ago. Back then, shot a 48lb 1962 Kodiak Magnum and a 1963 32lb Tamerlane. Now my rack of old Bear rosewoods range from 30lb to 45lb so almost exactly the same.

My 45bows will shoot anything I want to shoot, and my 30 to 40lb bows are comfortable in my late seventies shooting all day. Could even shoot another 54 target weekend field tournament at four arrows per target and pull back steadily till the end. Plan to shoot the same weight range in twenty years (late seventies).

I am 62 now. When I was 18 I shot 80-90# no problem.. as i have aged. the weight remained in the 55# range.. nowadays I shoot 3D with 38-40# and hunt with 48#,,,,. It is reverse evolution for me. LOL

I shoot what I can manage, the keyword being manage. I've seen more than a few folks struggle with bows that are entirely too heavy regardless of age. I guess they think they have someting to prove or t h ey may have overbought. Shoot whatever you like and whatever weight you want, as long as it is manageable.

Jim

I’ve done better

Holy Cow! This thread just won't die!

That’s because all us wheezin geezers need something to post about.

Yep.... this place is BORING.

Liven it up Babyboi!

Start that selfbow yet?

Didn't think so...

"Holy Cow! This thread just won't die!"

Oh it will die! People are aging out. I am hoping for a few more decades, but you never know.

It is the eternal question, is it more epic to have a 1000 post thread, or a thread that ends after 10 posts and starts over 100 times.

You mean we all have to DIE for this to end?? Oh Man!! :)

Durnell, fluffing is an excellent term...Lol

I have not started the selfbow. I am building a new cabin and it takes all my time. And good point Bowlin. I swear I just saw a thread last night asking about left wing vs right wing feathers. LOL

I seperated my right shoulder, 2nd degree injury, while skiing, flipped and landed it square on the top of a mogul with all my weight behind it. It hurt like hell for months, but gradually stopped. No surgery on it, doc said no to that, it will heal with few problems. He was right, it has never hindered my throwing or shooting, or any other physical activity. It just looks like hell. I consider my self very lucky, or blessed, fortunate, whatever you want to call it, to still be able to shoot without pain.

Older guys n wimpy bows ain't nothing . Shoot I know of two cases that on their wedding honeymoon night these women carried the "men " into the honeymoon suite . One of these old fellas married over 43 years was never able to beat his wife in arm wrestling. He also in secret once told me his wife handled all the finances and since the day they tied the knot , she has had him on an allowance like a growing up "young une" . Not that it's a bad thing but he only owns a FrankenBow !

Shoot what ya can when ya can.ya know a miss with a 44 mag can't match a hit with 22 RF.The thing is ya gotta to hit your target 100# or 35# you are still trying to hit your mark Heavy bows don't make you a better archer.Our age health and many other things all come into play when shooting.God bless you all because you shoot bows and that's more than good enough me Osr

Shoot what ya can when ya can.ya know a miss with a 44 mag can't match a hit with 22 RF.The thing is ya gotta to hit your target 100# or 35# you are still trying to hit your mark Heavy bows don't make you a better archer.Our age health and many other things all come into play when shooting.God bless you all because you shoot bows and that's more than good enough me Osr

About 3 years ago I was having a sore shoulder all the time whether shooting or not.Then I had an accident , I shot myself through the hand with a 3300# pressure washer. Had to switch over to a compound for 3 seasons. It was a whole different challenge. Last winter I got to shooting my recuves again at about 45# and loving it!