Because AMO and IBO use a 30 inch draw I have found that the speed of the bow when shot with a shorter draw length is not consistent (comparable) with what they report. I am assuming there are some bow geometries that are better suited to producing speed with a short power stroke.
Because my draw is so short I’d like to shoot the fastest bow possible. I am currently shooting a switchback with acceptable results but would like to upgrade if I can find something faster.
Any thoughts???
Mike/ky's Link
Frankly, I won't chronograph it, as it is considerably faster than my longbows.
Speed is fine, but accuracy is final. If it shoots well for you, speed is not that important.
So short brace height – less then 7.5" helps the short guy?
PS - Shortbow I disagree to some degree – speed helps in the energy department. I want it all, more speed and accuracy.
Shari Fraker killed 20 elk or so with a 50 lb bow.
But, this is all for fun, shoot what you want. I didn't pick my Mathews by running all the bows I shot through a chrony, others might.
Thanks for the comments.
The X force is sweet. It will give a lot of speed at lower draw lengths. I really enjoyed shooting it. it drew nice and really flung em out there.
I can only get my switchback up to 240 @ 26" with 68 lbs. It shoots well but I'd like to have more speed and more KE.
As for the short draw, here is the way it works.
The longer the arrow stays attached to the string the more chance for the shooter to move and screw up the shot. Long draw shooters are already on the string about as long as they can be. When they shoot a short brace bow the arrow is on the string another inch or two and the shooter's form becomes a much bigger factor.
A short draw shooter can stay on the string a few more inches without that effect.
Say a guy has a 30 inch draw with an 8" brace. The string is already back 8" at rest and so he pulls it back another 22" to anchor. Give him a 6" brace bow and he now has a 24" power stroke. Enough longer so that he can make his usual little foible and it shows up!
Give a guy with a four inch difference, 26" draw, the same two bows and he will have only an 18" power stroke on the first bow and a respectable 20" power stroke on the second bow, just 2" shorter than the long draw shooter but no where near the "touchiness" that long draw experiences at 24". In fact, the short draw guy with a 20" power stroke (6" brace) will be easier to shoot well than the long draw guy with the 8" brace!
If you are wanting a 70 Lb. bow then consider the Bowtech Allegiance. I had a Switchback and the Allegiance is 18 F.P.S. faster set exactly the same. Brace height is 7 1/4'' on the Allegiance. I liked the Allegiance so much I bought a 2nd one.
Mine is set on 61# 29'' draw
438 gr. @ 269
366 gr. @ 292
341 gr. @ 301
326 gr. @ 307
My wife has a Equalizer set on 41# 25.5'' draw. She shoots a 308 gr. arrow @ 234 F.P.S. that is fast considering the brace height, draw weight and length.
At 60# and 26'' draw you could pick up 25 F.P.S. for each 10# increase in draw weight and 5 F.P.S. for the 1/2'' longer draw length. I estimate an Equalizer set on 60# and 26'' draw would shoot that 308 gr. arrow @ about 289 F.P.S. that would be 57# of KE with a very light arrow. It's an estimate, but I think it's a good one.
With the equalizer you could go down in draw weight to 60 lbs. and probly be shooting alot faster than you are now at 70 lbs.
The allegiance would be another great choice. They are smoking fast. I got the guardian and I love it.
At 27" and 60 lbs. I am shooting 279 fps. with my 300 gr. arrows. At 360 gr. I am still shooting 260 fps. That may be a great choice for you as well.
I looked at one of the elites because I knew they were supposed to be fast. I think they are nice bows but I simply didnt like the draw cycle on it. Too harsh for me.
Sounds like the equalizer would be a good choice for you. They are also less expensive than some of the others and lighter in weight as well but you might give the guardian a spin too.
rick
