Newbie to compound bows

[dmv9]

<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.

[notellumcreek]

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?

[dmv9]

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.

[chukar58]

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. 

[dmv9]

The bow is already at it's minimum draw weight.

[sirfunkeybut]

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?

[dmv9]

I believe it's 70% or 80%

[blacktailcody]

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.

[dmv9]

Gee thanks, that make me feel so much better when a 10 yo can pull it. 

[Mike450r]

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.

[blacktailcody]

  He is a beast of a kid if that makes you feel better.

[Okanagan]

<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.

[Button Nubbs]

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.

[GregE]

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.

[Redbeard]

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