Recurve Bow Power: Is 45Lb Enough?

If you're looking to get into archery, you might be wondering whether you need more than a 45lb recurve bow. The answer depends on a few factors, including your physical strength, experience level, and intended use.

For beginners, it's generally recommended to start with a lower draw weight—around 20 to 30 lbs—to focus on developing proper form and technique. This is especially important if you're planning to hunt, as precision is crucial for clean and ethical kills. Starting with a lower draw weight doesn't mean you're weak; it's about building the specific muscles used in archery and refining your skills. You can always increase the draw weight as you gain experience and strength.

If you're specifically interested in deer hunting with a recurve bow, a draw weight of 45 lbs is generally considered sufficient. While lighter bows can kill deer, they may lack the penetration needed if the arrow encounters heavy muscle or bone. Bows with draw weights of 45 to 55 lbs will provide enough force to reach the vitals of a whitetail deer, which is the most popular big game animal for hunting. Keep in mind that accuracy is also crucial, and the average successful shot at a whitetail deer is between 15 and 17 yards.

So, do you need more than a 45lb recurve bow? It depends. If you're a beginner, starting with a lower draw weight is advisable. If you're an experienced archer and/or planning to hunt larger game, you might consider a higher draw weight. Ultimately, the right draw weight for you will depend on your individual needs, strengths, and goals.

Is 45lb enough for hunting deer?

A 45-pound bow is enough to hunt deer, but only if the arrow is placed well and the deer is not too large. The kinetic energy of the arrow is determined by the bow's draw weight and the arrow's draw length. A kinetic energy of 40 pounds is enough to kill whitetails, but 50 pounds or more is required for larger game such as elk, moose or bear.

Many deer have been killed with 40 to 50-pound bows. A 45-pound bow with a sharp broadhead will kill the same deer as a 55-pound bow. However, a heavier bow will deliver better performance than a lighter bow, assuming the same arrow is used in both.

It is important to consider the minimum draw weight for hunting whitetails in your state. In some states, the minimum draw weight is 40 pounds. If you are not strong enough to use a bow with this weight, you should build strength with archery exercises and time at the range.

It is also important to never sacrifice form. Always use a draw weight that you are able to pull back semi-comfortably when sitting in a chair. Additionally, you should always use a fixed-blade broadhead.

What are the dangers of handling a recurve bow?

Handling a recurve bow can be dangerous if the correct safety precautions are not taken. The most important thing for beginners is to start with a lightweight bow. Starting with a high weight can lead to poor form and injury. Most beginners are advised to start with a 25-pound bow and work their way up.

When stringing a recurve bow, there are three stringing methods in order of safety: using a bow stringer, step-through, and push-pull. The first two methods are generally safe, but the push-pull method can cause you to lose an eye if your hand slips.

Dry-firing the bow (drawing and releasing without an arrow knocked) can also cause significant damage to the bow. The bow is designed to release energy into the arrow, so not having an arrow in place means that energy goes back into the bow, which can be damaging.

Additionally, it is important to develop the correct muscles for archery. The correct muscles to use when drawing a bow are your back muscles, not your shoulders and arms, which are not designed to carry heavy weight.

Archers should also be aware of their surroundings when using a recurve bow. In some states and counties, it is illegal to hunt with a recurve bow that has a draw weight of less than 40 lbs.

What are the correct muscles to use when drawing a bow?

Drawing a bow is a full-body activity that requires a lot of strength and focus, and it is important to know which muscles are used to shoot a bow, how to engage the right muscles when drawing and shooting, and how to strengthen them to prevent injuries.

The muscles used in drawing a bow include the back, shoulder, arm, and core muscles. The primary muscles that produce most of the force include the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, teres major, and trapezius. The latissimus dorsi is the largest muscle in the back and is used to pull with either arm and twist the body. The rhomboids, teres major, and trapezius collectively help pull the arm and shoulder blade back. The anterior and medial deltoid stabilise the arm that holds the bow, while the posterior deltoid is used for the arm that draws back.

The forearms, biceps, triceps, and obliques are also important muscles for drawing a bow. The forearms are used to hold the string and grip the bow. The biceps are used to pull the string back, while the triceps help to hold the bow. The obliques are used to rotate the torso and keep it steady as you pull.

The rotator cuff muscles are secondary muscles that help to stabilise the force of the major muscles and provide security to the joints. These include the subscapularis, infraspinatus, teres minor, and supraspinatus.

To improve your draw strength, it is important to strengthen these muscles through exercises such as rows, hammer curls, and shoulder raises. Bodyweight exercises like pull-ups and inverted rows can also be effective, but weight training is considered the gold standard for building draw strength due to the wider variety of exercises and the ability to select weights.

What is the correct draw weight for a beginner?

The correct draw weight for a beginner depends on a variety of factors, including age, gender, body type, and strength. It is important to select the proper draw weight to ensure a positive and enjoyable learning experience. Being "over-bowed" can lead to poor form, discomfort, and even injury.

For recurve bows, the recommended draw weight for beginners ranges from 10-28 pounds for youth and 16-30 pounds for adult women, while adult men typically start with 22-38 pounds. These weights can be adjusted based on athleticism and upper body strength.

For compound bows, the recommended draw weight for beginners ranges from 10-36 pounds for youth, 14-40 pounds for teens, and 26-60 pounds for adult men and women, depending on strength.

It is worth noting that draw weight is typically measured at a standard draw length of 28", and the actual weight of the bow will vary based on the individual's draw length. Therefore, it is important to measure your draw length before selecting a bow.

Starting with a lower draw weight allows beginners to focus on proper form and technique, which are crucial for accuracy and safety. As their skills develop, archers can gradually increase the draw weight.

What is the correct draw weight for a child?

The correct draw weight for a child depends on their age, body shape, fitness level, and physical strength. For example, the recommended draw weight for a child aged 8-10 using a beginner recurve bow is 10-12 pounds, while for a child of the same age using an intermediary recurve bow, the recommended draw weight is 10-14 pounds.

For older children, the recommended draw weight increases. For instance, the recommended draw weight for 11-13-year-olds using a beginner recurve bow is 10-14 pounds, while those using an intermediary recurve bow should consider a draw weight of 12-18 pounds.

The draw weight for teenagers (aged 14-17) using a beginner recurve bow is recommended to be 12-16 pounds, and for those using an intermediary recurve bow, the draw weight is suggested to be 16-22 pounds.

It is important to note that these are general guidelines, and the correct draw weight for a child may vary depending on their individual characteristics and archery experience.

Frequently asked questions