We are frequently asked our advice regarding
some aspect of our sport. While we are not the sole authority on any
subject, we don't shy away from offering our advise or suggestions. We
encourage our visitors to use our hunting forums
to get a wide range of opinions. But we thought we would throw out our own
advise on some of the questions we are asked. If you would like us to
respond to a question, send it to us at questions@bowhuntinginfo.com.
We can't promise to publish your question, but we will give every question an
honest look.
Question:
If two bows have the same
arrow speed but one is 50-60 lb. draw weight and
the other is 60-70lb. Draw weight does this mean that that one is more
powerful, or are they equal? I am planning on hunting deer, elk, and black
bear. So I think I should have a powerful bow.
Answer:
Arrow speed is dependent on a number of factors,
only one of which is the draw weight of the bow. The draw weight of the
bow can vary depending on a number of factors including draw length, and cam
type. A moderate cam bow with draw weight of 55 lbs. at 30 inches, might
shoot an arrow slower than a fast cam bow with a draw weight of only 50 lbs.
at 30 inches. Arrow weight will also affect arrow speed. The
lighter the arrow, the faster it will come out of the bow. However, a
faster arrow will lose velocity at a more accelerated rate than a heavier
arrow. In other words, a fast light arrow may be moving faster as it
leaves the bow, but at 40 yards it may be slower than a heavier arrow out of
the same bow. Remember that most bows list their speed by IBO and AMO
standards. Each are different, and your personal draw weight, length and
cam type will most likely result in an arrow speed LESS than either of these
standards.
Much to consider. Another factor to consider
when choosing a bow for hunting is kinetic energy. On smaller game,
whitetails, turkey, antelope or mule deer, etc., kinetic energy is not that
important. Any bow at 45 lbs. or better within 20-30 yards will do the
job nicely, if the arrow is placed right. On bigger game however, Elk,
Moose, even big bear, you need more energy to drive the arrow shaft to it's
target - the vitals. Take a look at our kinetic
energy calculator. It will give you some idea about speed and arrow
weight. A lighter arrow will give you a faster flatter arrow flight, and
as such is more forgiving of misjudged distance. However, the lighter
arrow decreases your kinetic energy. For big game you want to be as
close to 65 ft-lbs as possible. To get there you have to consider draw
weight, draw length, arrow weight and the distance you will be shooting.
A lot of guys will buy a really high draw weight
bow to increase their arrow speed. They will increase their speed, but I
have seen too many guys with over powered bows unable to keep their shots on
target. Always choose a bow you can shoot, comfortably AND accurately.
We owe that to the game we hunt! I personally hunt with a high energy
cam bow. I do hunt both Elk and Moose, so I use a bow in the 65 lb.
range at my draw length of 27 inches, and I use a 2314 aluminum arrow. I
limit my range and practice till my arms fall off!
