Anybody bowhunt?

[MandyH]

Well I don't guess I was being snide at all. I was simply stating what I had found while trying to check on different bows. Thanks Buckhorn Farm on the info, we are going in the morning to a bow shop to check out what they have to offer.

 

[Tailfeathers]

Mandy, I just quickly skimmed over your post and the replies. I don't have a lot of time but I'll try to me as helpful as I can as fast as I can. It's almost 2300 and I need to go start supper.

I've been bowhunting for 30+ years exclusively when it comes to big game. Yes, you're right that lowing the poundage will affect the performance of a bow. Normally speaking, you better off shooting 50# peak weight on a 40-50# bow than 50# on a 50-60# bow.

That being said, with today's tremendously more effective and efficient bows, the difference is most likely so minimal as to be basically a moot point.

More important will be matching everything else up. Make sure the draw length is correct, the FOC is correct, the arrow weight is correct, the broadhead choice is correct, etc. Figure out your kinetic energy based on arrow weight and arrow velocity. There are plenty of charts that will help you with that along with recommended kinetic energy requirements for specific species. Go with a good sharp cut-on-impact broadhead (and there are plenty of 2, 3, even 4 blade models) and not a chisel point or probably open on impact type. Then stay within your maximum effective range, take only good broadside, or quartering away shots, practice, practice, practice - and you should be good to go!

Oh, almost forgot. I currently use a Hoyt Deviator that I've had for years. I shoot an XX75 2514 that is 30" long. I think it weighs just under 600 grains if I remember right. I am shooting 67 pounds and get between 247-250 fps depending on my release. I shoot fingers. I still have a Darton Lightning as well and I have it set up to shoot the same - just different arrows length and poundage but same weight and speed. I got the Deviator about 3-4 years after they came out off of eBay at a fraction of the cost of what they sold for brand new. Needless to say I am quite happy with my eBay purchase.

Hope that helps.

God Bless,

 

[Cetawin]

Mandy...I love my hoyt gamemaster (recurve). Following a right shoulder injury, I bought more limbs, so I have two sets of limbs for it...I have 45 lb for hunting and 60 lbs for target, competition and etc. It makes it much easier when holding it at a draw and waiting for the buck or doe to turn, etc etc. holding the 45's instead of the 60's. I would not give up my hoyt for anything in this world...I can get lower weight limbs if I needed too.

What I found was that there was no difference in the takedown power of the 45's and the 60's nor between my recurve and DH's big bad compound, my recurve and the 45's is easier in the bush. Plus I hate all the gadgets and gizmos on the compound. A good broadhead and a clean shot work, no matter what limbs you have. I have a friend who drops whitetails with 40lb limbs.

Good luck in your choice...try not to worry too much about your heart and the weight of the limbs...take it slow and with time and practice, you can get back where you were. Heart problems is not a death sentence to everything that you used to do...it is just a compromise on how you do them.

 

[chickinlickin]

MandyH-

I picked up a 2005 hoyt utratech this spring off of archerytalk.com. It's a great bow. I only paid 350 and got the guy to throw in a bunch of extras. It's adjustable from 50-60 lbs....this is my first compound and I'm a 48 yr old man....and it's pretty comfy for me to pull back at 60 lbs. I'm shooting it pretty well, too, I might add.

If you are thinking of a new one check out archerytalk.com for the classifieds....You could probably sell yours there,too.

good luck -