Recurve Poundage Question

[mojorider]

I'm looking to continue my foray into Trad by adding a recurve to the mix. I'm currently shooting a Strickland 45# Longbow which has been a great bow to learn on and easy enough to pull, allowing me to focus on form.

Now, I'm planning on adding a recurve to be my go-to hunting bow and wondering what poundage I should settle on.

My draw length is 28.5 inches and I shoot 70# with my Matthews Monster MR7 compound (with 70% let-off) with no issues. I want to make sure that I have enough poundage to take elk, possibly even a moose. As for bower, Sarrels and Bob Lee are at the top of this list.

I'm thinking that 55# should be more than adequate. What say the GS?

Thanks again for all the great advice!

[Dave_]

I shoot 70 lb Mathews, but only 45lb recurve. That 45 lbs gets real heavy, real fast if I draw and a deer looks at me and I have to hold it.

45lbs is enough for deer, you don't want to go to heavy with traditional if you don't have too. More about accuracy. I would go test out recurves that are 45-55. If you can still shoot 55 just as easy and accurate as 45 than go for it.

[mikebyrge]

55# is more than enough IMO....good arrow-flight and shot placement is the key. I went through a light-bow / light-arrow phase and was getting pass-thru's with a 42# bow and sub 400gr arrows. I was very accurate with that setup and never made a bad shot.

[SwampRabbit]

I am planning on using my 48# recurve when I go up against an Elk someday... so that should tell you how I feel about 55#

I have pretty much come to the conclusion that what you can do with a compound is meaningless when coming over to the trad side. It is a completely different draw cycle. There are rules of thumb... but pulling through 70# and drawing to 55# to anchor are two completely different things. As you build strength, consistent form, etc... different weights will mean different things to each individual.

I won't be pushing higher than 50# personally... and will adapt to whatever is necessary for various animals. I already limit myself to about 15 yards on WT... on Elk I would go a little further... but not much. Maybe 20-25 yards.

[mojorider]

I shoot 70 lb Mathews, but only 45lb recurve. That 45 lbs gets real heavy, real fast if I draw and a deer looks at me and I have to hold it.

45lbs is enough for deer, you don't want to go to heavy with traditional if you don't have too. More about accuracy. I would go test out recurves that are 45-55. If you can still shoot 55 just as easy and accurate as 45 than go for it.

Agreed. My goal is to find the sweet spot I'm comfortable with pulling, minimizing the poundage. Just want to have some measure of investment protection so I can use the same bow/limbs for wt, elk....even moose.

[flywise]

55 is plenty
your 45 is plenty as far as that goes

[CaptJack]

with good modern fixed broadheads there is nothing in Texas that you can't poke a good hole in with no more than 40#
both of my hunting recurves are 50#
but if i ran into a good deal on a 45#er i wouldn't hesitate to pick it up

if i was going up north for elk or bear i'd take my compound, which is a 55# fingers compound and shoots the same 2117s & 2018s that i shoot out of both of my recurves.

[CaptJack]

my Quadraflex fingers compound

[SwampRabbit]

Agreed. My goal is to find the sweet spot I'm comfortable with pulling, minimizing the poundage. Just want to have some measure of investment protection so I can use the same bow/limbs for wt, elk....even moose.

This should make you feel better. Watch the video... 47lb longbow @26"

http://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=579269&highlight=elk

And now that you have the draw weight concerns out of the way... welcome to the real challenge... finding a bow that fits you like an extension to your arm. Just get out there and start shooting some bows until you find one. There are ALOT of options and different bowyers out there.

[splitfinger]

I just posted a like new recurve on the classifieds. It is a great short recurve which will handle your draw length and be about 53# @ 29". Check it out.

Doug.

[CaptJack]

my 1991 Partners (Mike Palmer / Bob Lee)

[CaptJack]

This should make you feel better. Watch the video... 47lb longbow @26"

http://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=579269&highlight=elk

And now that you have the draw weight concerns out of the way... welcome to the real challenge... finding a bow that fits you like an extension to your arm. Just get out there and start shooting some bows until you find one. There are ALOT of options and different bowyers out there.