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Work up to war bow weight
SteveO:
I would advise anyone who wants to work up to a heavy draw weight bow to do so, but not to neglect the weak side while you're at it. I shot an 85 lb hunting bow for several years. I built up to that weight without a great deal of difficulty, being young at the time, and had no issues shooting it for fairly extensive sessions on a regular basis. Later in life I developed upper back problems which my chiropractor attributes to a twisted spine caused by the muscles on the drawing side being so much stronger than those on the other side. You can even see it on an x-ray. It would take twice the work and about 4 times the dedication to actually do one's build up both right and left handed, but it might prevent problems later.
If I could actually HIT anything left handed, it wouldn't be so bad, but my halfhearted attempts to work on the weak side with a smaller bow have generally fizzled after a short time. I've read articles by guys who can shoot the same bow either left or right handed, which allows one to shoot about 270 degrees without moving around in a tree stand. Those folks may develop bow related problems but I bet it won't be spine twist.
nickf:
I just noticed my long reply full of wisdom.
It all about one thing,
JUST GETTING STARTED
my first attempt at a really heavy bow (70#) failed, my second one was increedibly heavy, 78#. after that I made a 90pounder, and I couldn't believe myself drawing it. ONly shot that 90pounder once, drew it quite often, then I made 2 more 90pounders and my fave; the 115#.
I'm just into the real shooting, wich happened in the last few weeks, and after 4 days of shooting, I'm getting really easy with it. your first draws will be heavy, but just make some ugly, massive bows for training, draw them a little, and make a heavy 'real' bow. shoot it regularry, and you'll laugh about your earlier 'archievements'.
I'm already thinking about doubling that 'really heavy 70#'. more or less ;) at least, I got a 130# in the planning. bet it will give them arrows some range!
...and yes, that won't be my fave shooter, but a strength-gainer and show-off bow :p
Nick
tomato:
Good Topic for use beginners.
Hello Everone! Names Tom and I am a 22yr old Englishmen in Goregous Queensland Aus.
What advice would you say to a 58kg fellow wanting to get a heavier pound Bow?
currently loose a arrow form a 50lb ash bow.... is it asking to much to try and pull a 70lb or 80lb bow? is this even festible?
The Goal is to shoot a 100lb Yew Bow.
All advice and comments weclome.
Loki:
Hi Tom,
First thing you need to do is read up on the medieval style of drawing the bow,you have to bend your body into the bow to shoot the higher draw weights.To practice that technique you'll need to have a full compass bow tillered to 32",there's no point spending a lot of cash on a yew bow to practice with,go for a cheaper laminated bow first.
I'll PM you some links.
Davepim:
--- Quote from: Loki on June 30, 2009, 11:53:02 am ---Hi Tom,
First thing you need to do is read up on the medieval style of drawing the bow,you have to bend your body into the bow to shoot the higher draw weights.To practice that technique you'll need to have a full compass bow tillered to 32",there's no point spending a lot of cash on a yew bow to practice with,go for a cheaper laminated bow first.
I'll PM you some links.
--- End quote ---
I'm with you there Loki!
I've been lucky since I build my own self yew bows, so can work up through increasing draw weights relatively cheaply. Drawing almost ANY bow correctly will strengthen back muscles and tendons, but it would be hard to go straight from a 40lb bow to a 100lb bow in one step.
Dave
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