About the Author: Austin Murphy is a skilled hunter with a passion for archery. With 17+ years of experience, he possesses extensive knowledge of various archery equipment, including the compound bow, recurve bow, and crossbow. His expertise in these accessories allows him to pursue his love for archery while honing his hunting skills with precision and finesse. As participant in NFAA and ASA competitions, Austin own around 8 Recurve Bows, 6 Compound Bows, and 2 Crossbows.
First, you need to understand that compound bows are designed by the laws of physics that have a system of pulleys and cables. These pieces of equipment are mounted to increase or decrease the amount of force applied on the bowstring to pull it backward to its maximum draw length.
And for the draw weight of a compound bow, it is measured in pounds. It is best for beginners to start with the lowest draw length to avoid fatigue.
This also improves the accuracy of shots and then they gradually increase the draw weight as soon as their attempts become consistent, along with becoming comfortable with their compound bow.
Read More: How to Tune a Compound Bow
How to Adjust the Draw Weight on a Compound Bow
Being an archer, the knowledge of properly setting a draw weight of a compound bow is necessary. So, let’s discuss it. A draw weight is the amount of force a person requires to apply on a bowstring to pull it back, higher draw weights mean higher force to pull the bowstring backward.
There are different ways to adjust the draw weight on a compound bow, for example, you can adjust the weight by bow press which is a special tool to tighten the limbs, by removing or adding weight to the bow or you can change the string length which is the most common way to add weight on a compound bow.
Check Your Current Draw Weight
Before adjusting the draw weight you need to identify your current draw weight. Draw weight is the force that is applied on the bowstring to pull it back to its full draw length. There are two types of compound bow, one that comes with a fixed draw weight and second that comes with an adjustable draw weight and length.
The weight of an adjustable compound bow is different for each individual, for example the draw weight for a child will be 15-25 pounds whereas for an adult man, it will be 25-65 lbs ( pound is the unit to measure the draw weight of a compound bow).
Read More: How to Adjust Cam Timing on a Compound Bow
Recommended compound bow draw weight ranges for different age groups:
| Age Range | Recommended Draw Weight Range |
|---|---|
| 5-9 years | 5-15 pounds |
| 10-13 years | 10-25 pounds |
| 14-17 years | 15-35 pounds |
| 18-24 years | 20-45 pounds |
| 25-34 years | 25-50 pounds |
| 35-44 years | 25-55 pounds |
| 45-54 years | 25-65 pounds |
| 55-64 years | 25-55 pounds |
| 65+ years | 20-45 pounds |
Limb Bolt Setting and the Sticker
The limb bolt setting must be adjusted before adjusting the draw weight. The limb poundage range depends upon the length of it. However, it can vary and can easily be determined through specified manufacturers’ measurements or rating stickers.
These stickers come along the bow and can be seen on the inside segment near the cam limb bolt located near the center of a compound bow which is known as a “riser” in the form of the circular knob which connects the riser and bow’s arms. You will need a screwdriver to change the settings of the limb bolts.
The screw (limb bolt) is an important part of the adjusting draw weight of compound bows. Tightening or loosening the limb bolts in or out changes the draw weight. That’s why the locking screw feature has been added to compound bows.
The drawback of this feature is that the locking screw mostly falls out due to the vibration of the shooting bow and that’s where tuners make money I mean play a part.
Actually, mostly the limb bolts are fixed tightly but the vibration of the bow causes the limb bolt to turn, which causes inaccurate shots.
No professional archer wants to have poor performance due to a little technical problem that can be solved in seconds with the help of locking screws to keep the bolts in place, so that’s why it can be problematic sometimes.
Read More: How Long Does a Compound Bow Last?
Adjusting the Draw Weight
Adjusting the settings of the lower or upper limb is the same. You need a screwdriver or wrench that matches the shape of the limbs so that tightening or loosening of limbs becomes easier.
Move the screw of a limb clockwise to tighten the limb and to create tension in the string which will increase the draw weight respectively and to decrease the draw weight, move the screw anti-clockwise which will loosen the tension.
But make sure of being careful while tightening the limbs so that both upper and lower limbs have the same pressure, an easy way to apply the same pressure is to remember the number of turns given to each limb and give both limbs an equal amount of turns for tightening or loosening.
Check the Draw Weight
It’s necessary to check the current draw weight with the help of the draw scale before you make any further adjustments to the draw weight.
After checking the current draw weight you can finally make new adjustments and you have to check that adjustment again to make sure you have reached the correct draw weight. Thus, a draw scale or a digital draw scale is necessary for you.
Read More: Choosing the Perfect Bow: How to Choose a Compound Bow Like a Pro
How To Find Your Ideal Draw Weight
It’s essential to find out your ideal draw weight especially if you are a beginner. Start with the lowest draw weight and spend maximum time practicing behind your bow to get comfortable with your bow and to find out your personal preference.
Once you are able to maintain a perfect posture and side then practice shooting from different distances, after practicing for quite a while with the lowest draw weight your shooting will become consistent.
Now it’s time to increase the draw weight and again practice on it for some and then increase the draw weight again. Keep repeating this process until you reach the highest point.
Once you have reached the highest point then it will become for you to understand the correct draw weight.
Correcting the draw weight also depends on your personal performance. For example, if you are interested in hunting then the higher weight would be great as it increases the speed and distance traveled by the arrow.
This is because a higher draw weight transfers almost 80-90 percent of energy applied on the string to the bow which makes the bow hit the target harder and penetrate through it. The heavier weight makes the bow steadier. You need to be very strong physically so you get a muscle pull.
You might be interested in: Learn about the costs associated with tuning a compound bow in our article on Tuning a Compound Bow.
What Effects does the Draw Weight have on Compound Bow?
Draw weight affects the archer’s ability to shoot, a higher draw weight is difficult to pull whereas a low draw weight makes this process easy but the arrow speed and trajectory also become low.
Draw weight adjustment increases the archer’s safety as high weight can cause potential injuries to the arm and long-term fatigue, this feature helps to decrease the weight according to a person’s physical strength.
Read More: Untwisting the Myth: How Many Twists Are in a Compound Bow String?
It also gives you a lot of experience in shooting with different draw lengths which improves the stability and accuracy of a shooter.
You might be interested in: Learn about the twists in a compound bow’s string and their significance in our article on Compound Bow String Twists.
Arrow Velocity and Kinetic Energy
Compound bows are different from traditional bows made in the old days. They have a system of pulleys and cables that works according to the laws of physics. The main purpose of a compound bow is to transfer the maximum energy that is applied on the bowstring into the arrow, now here comes actual physics.
Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by a moving object which directly depends on the weight and speed of the object. The heavier objects possess high Kinetic energy and will move faster. That’s why arrows KE must be high to penetrate through a hard object like wood or even bone.
Arrow Distance and Trajectory
Higher draw weight requires high force to pull the bow string back to its full draw length. That energy is then transferred into the arrow which increases the speed of the arrow as well as its trajectory to hit a target placed far away. A high trajectory means that the arrow can travel a very long distance in a very small time.
The higher kinetic energy of the arrow means a higher trajectory and fastest speed as both are related directly to each. The feathers of the arrow also rotate at a high speed due to the high KE of the arrow which keeps the arrow in a straight path.
Bow Stability and Accuracy
High draw weight increases KE in the arrow which increases the arrow’s trajectory and stability as well as its accuracy to reach a target. High draw weight makes the bow steadier while the fast speed of the arrow makes it hard for gravity to work on it which directly improves the accuracy of the arrow to reach its target.
Bow Performance in Different Situations
Practicing shooting during heavy winds can change the direction of the arrow and will reduce its speed and trajectory while in cold weather it becomes hard for an archer to pull the string back to its full draw length as compared to the summers.
Archer Fatigue and Physical Demands
Never start with the highest point because the higher poundage means more force to pull the string to its full draw length which will cause fatigue and muscle injury especially if you are a beginner.
Practicing at the lowest draw weight will make your shots consistent, also stand straight and maintain your posture to avoid muscle pull, injury, or long-term fatigue.
Read More: How Fast is a 50 lb Compound Bow?
FAQs
How to lower draw weight on a compound bow?
First, determine the highest draw weight by raising it to a maximum, then unscrew both upper and lower limb bolts, and next determine the poundage with the help of a bow scale. Continue repeating this process until you reach your correct draw weight.
Does draw weight affect accuracy?
Incorrect draw weights affect the power of the arrow, its accuracy to hit the target, and its speed. If you set a high draw weight it will require more physical power to pull the bowstring and if you are a beginner then you won’t be able to do that which will further result in fatigue and inaccurate shooting. Start with the lowest draw weight then increase it gradually until your shoots become consistent.
What is the normal draw weight for the bow?
Most adult males and professional archers prefer 60-70lbs of draw weight, draw weight varies according to different age groups for example for a small child it would be 15-25 lbs whereas for an average woman, it would be 30-40lbs whereas for an average man, it would be 55-65lbs.
Do all compound bows have adjustable draw lengths?
Archers always prefer compound bows with an adjustable draw length and weight and almost all compound bows have this feature, draw length is the distance a bow allows to pull its string backward for a comfortable and accurate shot.
How do I know if my draw length is correct?
To find out your perfect draw length, measure your height in inches then subtract 15 from it, divide your answer by 2 and your final answer will be your correct draw length or at least this method will give you the starting point, you can adjust the length afterward experimenting and practicing with different draw lengths.
Is a heavier bow better?
Yes, they transfer maximum energy to the arrow which makes the arrow move at the fastest speed and hit the target quite harder, penetrating through the body of the target. They are steadier and great for hunting, compound bows with 100 lbs or more draw weight are considered heavier bows.
Does draw weight affect FPS?
Yes, high draw weight increases arrow speed due to the amount of energy transferred in the arrow by the bow. It also improves the accuracy of shots as heavier bows become steadier.
End Note
Always consider the draw weight before buying a compound bow as a beginner, it is the amount of force required to apply on the bowstring to pull backwards to its full draw length, this force is measured in pounds.
Spending more time behind your bow, practicing, and experimenting is the easiest and best way to learn about the adjustment of the draw weight.
But always remember to start with the lowest point and then gradually reach the highest point to avoid fatigue and inaccuracy. Whereas too low draw weight will slow down the arrow speed and it will not reach its target.
