Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Archery Gear => Topic started by: dmv9 on September 22, 2013, 12:47:06 PM

Title: Newbie to compound bows
Post by: dmv9 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.
Title: Re: Newbie to compound bows
Post by: notellumcreek 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?
Title: Re: Newbie to compound bows
Post by: dmv9 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. :)
Title: Re: Newbie to compound bows
Post by: chukar58 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.
Title: Re: Newbie to compound bows
Post by: dmv9 on September 22, 2013, 01:39:52 PM: The bow is already at it's minimum draw weight.
Title: Re: Newbie to compound bows
Post by: sirfunkeybut 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?
Title: Re: Newbie to compound bows
Post by: dmv9 on September 22, 2013, 02:00:55 PM: I believe it's 70% or 80%
Title: Re: Newbie to compound bows
Post by: blacktailcody 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.
Title: Re: Newbie to compound bows
Post by: dmv9 on September 22, 2013, 02:52:06 PM: Gee thanks, that make me feel so much better when a 10 yo can pull it. :sry:
Title: Re: Newbie to compound bows
Post by: Mike450r 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.
Title: Re: Newbie to compound bows
Post by: blacktailcody on September 22, 2013, 03:04:40 PM: :sry: :sry: He is a beast of a kid if that makes you feel better. :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Newbie to compound bows
Post by: Okanagan 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.
Title: Re: Newbie to compound bows
Post by: Button Nubbs 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.
Title: Re: Newbie to compound bows
Post by: GregE 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.
Title: Re: Newbie to compound bows
Post by: Redbeard 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
Title: Re: Newbie to compound bows
Post by: sirfunkeybut on September 22, 2013, 06:11:39 PM: Also, and some might disagree, my buddy has a single cam bow that is he'll for me to draw back at 60-65 but I can draw my bow back at 72 and it has a cam and a half
Title: Re: Newbie to compound bows
Post by: dmv9 on September 29, 2013, 01:36:14 PM: Took the bow to the Nook Point today. The draw weight was 65lbs. They tuned it up and got it to 56lbs.

We went to the range and adjusted the sights. It was dead on!

Big wassup to Brian at the Nook!
Title: Re: Newbie to compound bows
Post by: Huntergal on October 09, 2013, 03:07:10 AM: DMV Thank you for the question. AND Thanks for the response very informative. I am thinking of getting a bow. I want some more elbow room out there. Thanks again.