Hunting Washington Forum
Washington State Hunting Forum and Northwest Resource Site
Please
login
or
register
.
1 Hour
1 Day
1 Week
1 Month
Forever
Login with username, password and session length
News:
Free:
Contests & Raffles
.
Home
Help
Calendar
Advertise
Login
Register
Hunting Washington Forum
»
Equipment & Gear
»
Archery Gear
»
Newbie to compound bows
Advertisement
Advertise Here
« previous
next »
Print
Pages: [
1
]
2
All
Go Down
Author
Topic: Newbie to compound bows (Read 5117 times)
dmv9
Past Sponsor
Trade Count:
(
0
)
Longhunter
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 595
Location: Westside
Groups: NRA
Newbie to compound bows
«
on:
September 22, 2013, 12:47:06 PM »
<shy>
Is it "normal" to have difficulty pulling a 60lb draw? And by difficulty I mean it's been a week and I'm still trying to get to a full draw. The bow is already at it's minimum draw.
I'm using a t-strap mechanical release but think about a T-handle release. Would that help?
I'm getting closer, should I just tough it out and keep trying?
</shy>
I was thinking about lengthing the cable but the Nock guy mentioned something about it lengthening the draw. I think the draw is fine right now.
Logged
Advertise Here
notellumcreek
Non-Hunting Topics
Trade Count:
(
+1
)
Longhunter
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 964
Location: enumscratch
Re: Newbie to compound bows
«
Reply #1 on:
September 22, 2013, 12:49:34 PM »
60lbs can be a decent pull for someone, it all depends though. Did you get your bow set up at a shop and did they have you shoot it there and everything? How many times have you been trying to pull it back in a day for this last week?
Logged
CBM- commemorative bucks of michigannn
dmv9
Past Sponsor
Trade Count:
(
0
)
Longhunter
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 595
Location: Westside
Groups: NRA
Re: Newbie to compound bows
«
Reply #2 on:
September 22, 2013, 12:58:43 PM »
No I got it from a member here. Been trying 3x a day. Almost at the let but not quite. Just wanted to see if 60lbs was a decent effort for a newbie. I don't lift weights or anything but I can deal with heavy moving and stuff.
I was sore the first day or so after trying, but not anymore.
Logged
chukar58
Trade Count:
(
0
)
Hunter
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 233
Location: westside
What's in your freezer?
Groups: Washington State Bowhunters, RMEF
Re: Newbie to compound bows
«
Reply #3 on:
September 22, 2013, 01:12:32 PM »
Learning to draw a bow can be a challenge for muscles that are not trained and strengthened. I would have your bow shop adjust the poundage down to a comfortable level and start shooting. If you are shooting well increase the limb adjustment bolt or screws 1/4 of a turn each about every four days. You will not really notice the increase in draw weight and before you know it you will be shooting 60 lbs or more.
Logged
dmv9
Past Sponsor
Trade Count:
(
0
)
Longhunter
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 595
Location: Westside
Groups: NRA
Re: Newbie to compound bows
«
Reply #4 on:
September 22, 2013, 01:39:52 PM »
The bow is already at it's minimum draw weight.
Logged
sirfunkeybut
Trade Count:
(
0
)
Sourdough
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1308
Re: Newbie to compound bows
«
Reply #5 on:
September 22, 2013, 01:44:34 PM »
Look online, they have a design for training the muscles needed for it made out if surgical tubing. What's the let off of the bow?
Logged
dmv9
Past Sponsor
Trade Count:
(
0
)
Longhunter
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 595
Location: Westside
Groups: NRA
Re: Newbie to compound bows
«
Reply #6 on:
September 22, 2013, 02:00:55 PM »
I believe it's 70% or 80%
Logged
blacktailcody
Non-Hunting Topics
Trade Count:
(
+2
)
Longhunter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 579
Location: PA, WA
Re: Newbie to compound bows
«
Reply #7 on:
September 22, 2013, 02:45:01 PM »
It just takes time you will get it. My 10yo brother grew up in a family shooting bows and he has been able to pull 60lbs. since he was 9.
Logged
dmv9
Past Sponsor
Trade Count:
(
0
)
Longhunter
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 595
Location: Westside
Groups: NRA
Re: Newbie to compound bows
«
Reply #8 on:
September 22, 2013, 02:52:06 PM »
Gee thanks, that make me feel so much better when a 10 yo can pull it.
Logged
Mike450r
Political & Covid-19 Topics
Trade Count:
(
0
)
Sourdough
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1214
Re: Newbie to compound bows
«
Reply #9 on:
September 22, 2013, 03:00:34 PM »
Well, since you asked if it was normal I am going to have to give my opinion of no it is not normal for an adult male to have difficulty with a 60# draw weight. Not trying to be discouraging, try it with an experienced shorter present and maybe you will get some pointers. I say it would be technique as strength shouldn't be the issue.
Logged
blacktailcody
Non-Hunting Topics
Trade Count:
(
+2
)
Longhunter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 579
Location: PA, WA
Re: Newbie to compound bows
«
Reply #10 on:
September 22, 2013, 03:04:40 PM »
He is a beast of a kid if that makes you feel better.
Logged
Okanagan
Political & Covid-19 Topics
Trade Count:
(
0
)
Longhunter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 706
Re: Newbie to compound bows
«
Reply #11 on:
September 22, 2013, 03:53:31 PM »
Quote from: dmv9 on September 22, 2013, 12:47:06 PM
<shy>
Is it "normal" to have difficulty pulling a 60lb draw?
Normal is a wide spectrum. The middle range of men in the bow drawing spectrum will handle 60 lbs. while one end of the normal human range will have a LOT of trouble with that draw weight and a comparable few on the other end will draw it with hardly any effort. FWIW when I started bow hunting, 60 lbs. was considered "heavy" for a recurve.
Your question took guts. You may achieve 60 lbs. if conditioning your muscles is the problem, but you may need to go to a lower draw weight. We used to kill deer easily with 45 lb. recurves, and a friend of mine shot an arrow clean through a huge javalina with a 33 lb. recurve.
It would help if you got a bow expert to isolate what is giving you trouble. There are several possible factors: Natural muscle strength, conditioning of those muscles, physiology of skeletal and musculature, technique, equipment, or some combination or other factor. I have members of my extended family with exceptional strength -- and members so far on the weak end of the core muscle spectrum that they needed physiotherapy as children to learn to walk normally.
Grizzly bears are built stronger than black bears, etc. You can condition and build muscle, and you may have to work at that more than others, but a lighter draw weight may serve better. If you struggle to draw you won't shoot as well. Technique may help if your physical structure is a problem.
Figure it out and go for it.
Logged
Button Nubbs
"Fish CSI"
Washington For Wildlife
Trade Count:
(
0
)
Frontiersman
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 3862
Location: kenmore
Re: Newbie to compound bows
«
Reply #12 on:
September 22, 2013, 04:27:05 PM »
If your not drawing properly it can be a lot more difficult get with someone who is expierenced. Use you back muscles. Not your arm.
Logged
Team nubby!
GregE
Trade Count:
(
0
)
Scout
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 281
Location: Shelton
Re: Newbie to compound bows
«
Reply #13 on:
September 22, 2013, 04:42:40 PM »
Several good comments here about conditioning- and lack thereof. I've been shooting bows since the '50s and many of my friends have trouble ( or can't ) pull my 62# bow. Technique helps.
When I help new shooters I have them try to rip a bath towel several times each morning and evening- getting the shoulder blade area muscles involved. It's going to take time but starting with a bow too heavy for your abilities isn't helping. Garage sales and friends good deals are rarely your best bow.
Logged
Keep 'em Straight!!!
(and quiet)
Greg
Redbeard
Political & Covid-19 Topics
Trade Count:
(
0
)
Scout
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 272
Location: Hanging out somewhere.
Groups: NRA
Re: Newbie to compound bows
«
Reply #14 on:
September 22, 2013, 05:04:31 PM »
I switched from right hand to left hand a few years ago. I had to condition myself to pull left handed. Took a while until I could pull 60. Now I pull 70 without a problem. Keep working at it and don't get discouraged. It shall come in time. My 2 cents
Logged
Advertise Here
Print
Pages: [
1
]
2
All
Go Up
« previous
next »
Hunting Washington Forum
»
Equipment & Gear
»
Archery Gear
»
Newbie to compound bows
Advertisement
Advertise Here
Quick Links
Front Page
Donate To Forum
Advertise on H-W
Recent Posts
Articles
Forum Rules
Recent Topics
Greenriver quality Elk permit
by
lewy
[
Today
at 02:08:05 PM]
Selkirk bull moose.
by
lewy
[
Today
at 01:22:11 PM]
Bow mount trolling motors
by
Stein
[
Today
at 09:05:06 AM]
Oregon results posted.
by
trophyhunt
[
Today
at 08:51:12 AM]
best draw for moose unit wise
by
hunter399
[
Today
at 08:31:10 AM]
Idaho 2025 Controlled Hunts
by
trophyelk6x6
[
Today
at 08:24:13 AM]
2025 OILS!
by
Ridgerunner
[
Today
at 07:40:49 AM]
FFL preferences or warnings in Olympia or south Sound area?
by
lhrbull
[
Today
at 06:59:24 AM]
Nooksack Archery Tag
by
LongBomb
[
Today
at 06:29:37 AM]
I’m on a blacktail mission
by
Turner89
[
Yesterday
at 11:33:35 PM]
AKC lab puppies! Born 06/10/2025 follow as they grow!!!
by
scottfrick
[
Yesterday
at 09:54:06 PM]
Basin elk
by
hughjorgan
[
Yesterday
at 09:50:49 PM]
Getting back into dogs
by
bearpaw
[
Yesterday
at 09:06:14 PM]
Cowiche Quality Buck
by
Nwgunner
[
Yesterday
at 08:55:00 PM]
MA-10 Coho
by
WAcoueshunter
[
Yesterday
at 08:50:46 PM]
Is FS70 open?
by
CarbonHunter
[
Yesterday
at 08:09:04 PM]
Muzzy Mission Quality!!!
by
NOCK NOCK
[
Yesterday
at 07:49:11 PM]
Colockum Archery Bull Tag
by
Smittyk44
[
Yesterday
at 04:23:53 PM]
49 degrees north late Moose tag
by
Buzzsaw461
[
Yesterday
at 04:11:52 PM]
I'm Going To Need Karl To Come up With That 290 Muley Sunscreen Bug Spray Combo
by
BULLBLASTER
[
Yesterday
at 03:53:35 PM]
SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal