Cant decide: 60# vs 70#

TimberPig · 03-06-2007, 11:36 AM

I'm ready to order my new Guardian after selling my Outback, but I cant seem to decide on draw weight. In the past I have always shot somewhere between 64# and 68#, depending on what felt comfortable that year. I also could never seem to achieve the full 70# on my Mathews bows, maybe due to string stretch. Some folks tell me I will likely get a little more than the rated poundage out of a Bowtech. I'll be shooting around 29.5"-30" draw, depending on whether I stick with a loop. I have no problem drawing a 70# bow but I do wear out quicker when practicing.
I expect a 60# Guardian will shoot as fast as my Outback did at 68#, which was in the mid 280's. But I could obviously bump that up easily with a 70# bow.
I've always read that a bow is most efficent at its highest draw weight, so I guess my question is, what do I lose by shooting a 70# bow at less than 70#'s? Also, is a 60# bow quieter than a 70# if they are both maxed out? I hate making these decisions...

nalbrecht · 03-06-2007, 12:33 PM

I shot the Guardian today at Dakota Archery and the bow was set at 70#. I had little trouble drawing it but I thought there was a distinct breaking point. I would go with 70# and max it out.

Liv4Rut · 03-06-2007, 03:16 PM

I would get a 70#, if you don't want to shoot 70, shoot 60

It would be a heck of a lot better than a bow that only goes to 60 and you can't go to 65 in case that is what you were comfortable at.

gunrunr · 03-06-2007, 03:57 PM

We did a test the other day with two Guardians - one set at 60# and the other at 70# - both were 29" draw and shot the same hunting weight arrow. The 70# bow was only 12 feet per second faster than the 60#. Draw weight has less of an influence on the final speed than draw length or arrow weight. Shoot what is comfortable for you but if you want to shoot around 60#s I wouldn't buy a 70# bow and back it that far out. You are changing the designed engineered angles on the cams etc. and introducing more chance of noise into the system. My general rule of thumb I tell customers is if you want to shoot 65# or more get the 70, if you want to shoot 64 or less just go with a 60#er and max it out (you won't get more than 61 or maybe 62 pounds out of it maxed but a few pounds isn't going to make that much difference) Personally, I wish they would make a bow that maxes at 65# and I think it would be a best seller!

TimberPig · 03-06-2007, 04:57 PM

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We did a test the other day with two Guardians - one set at 60# and the other at 70# - both were 29" draw and shot the same hunting weight arrow. The 70# bow was only 12 feet per second faster than the 60#.

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So what speeds did you get out of them Boyd, and what grain arrow? I would have guessed the difference at more like 20fps, 12fps isnt that much.

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Personally, I wish they would make a bow that maxes at 65# and I think it would be a best seller!

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I know I'd buy one!

Thanks for the opinions so far. Still thinkin, but I imagine I'll end up with a 70...

Steve-O · 03-06-2007, 06:11 PM

When I look at this I want my bows always set at max weight, bows always perform at max weight, so if you shoot 64 #'s I would go with 60 #'s.

If 70 # is to much for you then definitely go with the 60# for max performance out of the bow.

When a bow is tightened all the way down less vibration and bow is much quieter.

Hardcorehunter · 03-07-2007, 04:16 PM

The ONLY adavantage with the 70# bow is kinetic energy. I have a 28.5"-29" draw length depending on which bow I am shooting. With my draw length I can shoot the same arrow out of my 60# Tribute that I shoot out of my 64# Vectrix. When I cross the 64# pound line and step from there to 70#, I have to get a heavier spined arrow. So I have really gained nothing except more kinetic energy. I have my vectrix set on 64# until I go for big game like elk. The only difference from 60-70# that you will notice on a whitetail is about 1" on how far the arrow sticks in the dirt after it blows through the deer. If you are strictly a whitetail or smaller animal hunter, you should stick with a 60# bow as it is WAY easier to hold on full draw for extended lengths of time while waiting for the deer of a lifetime to make that final step. Just my 2cents. I learned this several years back from tech guys on archery hunting forums. I was thickheaded and just thought for sure that the 70#er had to be faster and better. For what it is worth too, my boy at 11 years old blew his arrow totally through a deer and stuck it in the dirt with a 38# bow at 20 yds.

THA4 · 03-08-2007, 08:59 AM

id go 60-65 only because it is easier to draw in akward situations, 60lbs is plenty of gumption...
but if you can handle more, go for it

TimberPig · 03-09-2007, 02:10 PM

Ok, I cant stand it any longer. Boyd, you have a PM.

Thanks for the opinions guys.

teeroy · 03-09-2007, 06:43 PM

i'm leaning towards a 60 pounder, when i sell my tribute.

hey willie, isn't it about time you went and picked up your guardian from boyd?