Typical longbow draw weight 120 lb. draw weight, and 350-grain arrow.

Typical longbow draw weight 120 lb Chart B shows what draw weight is needed for each archer to feel as if they are pulling the same as the 180 pound average guy’s 45# bow. Don't worry, we're here to make that journey smooth and enjoyable for you. Our archery expert explains how to find what's right for you. Now, you can hunt perfectly well for smaller game like turkey and rabbit with a 35 or even 30 lbs. For example, if you increase the draw weight by 5 pounds the speed of your arrows can increase by 10 fps. Nov 18, 2023 · The First Step: Ideal Draw Weight for Novice Female Archers The journey into archery begins with selecting a bow with a suitable draw weight. 7 m) long. Mar 9, 2021 · Build, Bodyweight and Suggested Bow Draw Weights When you’re shopping for recurve bows or compound bows you’ll find that draw weight is listed in pounds (lbs). This is because the large draw weight imparts more energy to the arrow. Nonetheless, here are the steps that you should follow to determine the longbow draw weight for hunting: The longbow; make it long, make it strong . How does draw weight affect arrow speed? The greater the draw weight, the greater the speed of the arrow shot from the bow. The 100lb and up military bows are an attempt to defeat armour. The shop owner seemed impressed I'd be drawing that much since I Recurve Poundage: ARCHER’S SIZE DRAW WEIGHT Small Children 10 – 15 lbs Large Children 15 – 25 lbs Female & Youth 20 – 35 lbs Male 35 – 45 lbs Large Frame Male 45 – 60 lbs ** The general consensus is to not go over 24-25 lbs if you are a beginner, regardless of this chart. 2 cm) draw length; the full range of draw weights was between 100–185 lb f (440–820 N). I'm pretty new at this and not a very strong woman so I thought I had it set pretty low and was just hoping to get it up to legal bear weight next year. 5 pounds to my bow weight (5 x 2. But do remember that 60-pound is an average longbow draw weight. 1 bow bag 1 hip Sep 7, 2023 · As mentioned by dubsar, medieval longbow draw weight is a bone of contention. Children between 40 and 70 may draw back 10 to 15. Jan 10, 2019 · Draw weight is the weight or force required to draw (or pull back) a bows’ string. Contains the following: 1 Sentinel excellent Longbow (please select draw-weight in the menu) 1 set of arrows medieval cut fletchings 6 basic arrowheads (field points or similar) on the arrows fitted for you. Grains can be converted to grams by googling it- “ grains to grams conversion”. In recent years, bows for kids and women have been designed to enable significantly Dec 14, 2020 · Bow draw weight, or poundage, is the force necessary to pull a bow back to full draw. It was ideal for mounted warriors who needed to ride with an effective bow and arrow at full speed. When you shoot a compound bow, every draw weight has a maximum and effective range. What is everyone's average bow draw weight for a longbow or recurve The conversation revolves around the ideal bow poundage for archery, with participants sharing their personal preferences and Jun 9, 2021 · So, that would mean a 70-lb draw weight would be shooting an arrow that weighs 350 grains (70 x 5 = 350). I've currently got a few different bows (recurve, hybrid longbow, and traditional D-shaped longbow) which are all 35# at my draw length (28"). This is confirmed by reproductions that have been made to the exact dimensions of the recovered bows. Draw Length: Typical standard is 28 inches, but longer draw lengths increase speed, while shorter ones reduce it. 5 pounds for the men and 33 pounds for the women. Considering the size, it would be pretty natural for you to wonder how much does a longbow weigh? Well, the weight will entirely depend on the construction material of the longbow. I think she is now ditching the pink. These bows have an average draw weight of 120lb (and median draw weight of 115lb). Arrow Weight: Heavier arrows are slower but often more stable and penetrate better, while lighter arrows achieve higher speeds. The draw weight is given in pounds, the abbreviation for which is lbs. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. That arrow is then shot through that bow through a chronograph, which measures the arrow speed. Considerable practice was required to produce the swift and effective combat shooting required. This weight range allows the archer to master the basics of archery – stance, aim, and release – without the added pressure of managing a heavy draw. Equipped with a system of mechanics and pulleys, the compound bow allows for increased pounds of draw weight. What Is Archery Bow Draw Weight? The draw weight of a bow is the amount of force, measured in pounds, it takes to pull the bowstring to full draw. How were English longbows used in battle? English longbows were primarily used as weapons in battle and were highly effective against infantry and cavalry. By examining these findings, we can gain valuable insights into the capabilities of these archaic bows. Designed for long-range combat, it boasted a significant draw weight—usually between 80 to 120 pounds—giving the arrows shot from it Figuring out the right draw weight is one of the first things a first time archer considers when contemplating the purchase of a compound bow. For greater details please watch our video where Jul 8, 2016 · The bows, which employ grooved pulleys - called cams – and cables, reach their peak draw weights roughly halfway through the draw cycle. It could be deduced by the draw weight of these recovered bows that most English Longbows used for the purposes of war in the medical period would have comparable draw weights of well over 100 pounds at the 30-inch mark. The accurate range of Jan 27, 2022 · Can't choose proper recurve bow draw weight? Don't be upset. Jun 20, 2025 · Use the Arrow Weight Calculator here to get a highly accurate estimate of your arrow weight before you buy or build your next set of bow hunting arrows. Some archers easily pull 30 pounds, and others can pull over 70 Aug 5, 2023 · I was curious to see what sort of draw weights are typically used on bows folks use for target shooting both standard target shooting and 3D archery. draw weight, and 350-grain arrow. This draw weight, measured in pounds, determines the force needed to pull back the bowstring. A static spine chart below can help you select the correct spine. The IBO method (detailed in the arrow speed calculator instructions above) sets up a bow and an arrow weighing 5 grains per lb. Let's break it down simply: draw weight is the amount of force you need to pull and hold the bowstring at full draw. ) is the amount of force needed to draw the bow and the amount of energy transferred to the bolt or the arrow. The draw weight expressed in pounds (lbs. The labeled draw weight on most bows is measured at a 28” draw length Mar 6, 2025 · The draw weight of a medieval longbow is estimated to have been around 80-110 pounds, although some longbows were even heavier, with a few individual surviving bows having a draw weight as high as 185 pounds. A lower draw weight, typically between 20-25 pounds, is recommended for female novices. Firstly, lookup what type of person you are and from that Jan 29, 2024 · Since longbows were conceived as war weapons, old-world longbows were notably more potent than modern longbows. Turns out that my bow is at 42 pounds. Of the 23 archers I spoke to, 13 bows were used for hunting. e. FAQ’s What poundage do Olympic archers use? On average, between 40 and 50 pounds is a standard draw weight for Olympic archers Is a 50lb bow hard to draw? For most people, especially beginners, a 50 pound draw weight on a recurve is going to be too much to start with. I was in at the bow shop yesterday. Bow Efficiency: Higher quality materials and bow May 24, 2024 · The draw weight options of 30 and 35 pounds make this archery ideal for young and women shooters. 001" per inch of length During the bow building process your bow design and limb width will impact bow weight considerably. Every bow has a draw weight. They can shoot farther than straight-limbed bows, like longbows. 90-100lbs is at the low end of common war-bows so it is absolutely plausible for well trained women to be able to use them. Our tapered wood laminations taper at a rate of . Oct 7, 2024 · The draw weight of a medieval longbow varied depending on the type of wood used, the length of the bow, and the intended use of the bow. This is significantly heavier than modern recreational bows, which typically have a draw weight of around 30-50 pounds. Choose a recurve bow which has a draw weight of 40 pounds minimum. 5), making my 40 pound bow a 52. Powerful Medieval English Longbow, about 67 inch (1. Turks: An excellent overview including reliable estimates of draw weight, for 46 Ottoman bows (from the Topkapi Palace Museum and the Military Museum in Istanbul). I’m 6’0” and weigh 210 pounds. Several ancient sources mention draw weights as high as 180 pounds and longbow ranges of over 400 yards (365 meters). Also the shape of the line means that the energy stored in the bow is higher, and therefore the maximum draw weight can be lower than for a longbow while still delivering an equal or greater impetus to the arrow (to be honest, a good longbow can Choose a recurve bow which has a draw weight of 40 pounds minimum. 7 m) long, 25 to 120 lb. This was to ensure that in times of war, well-trained and well-practiced archers could be called to arms efficiently. Oct 16, 2022 · After all, they are called longbows for a reason. Also the shape of the line means that the energy stored in the bow is higher, and therefore the maximum draw weight can be lower than for a longbow while still delivering an equal or greater impetus to the arrow (to be honest, a good longbow can Apr 4, 2024 · Choosing the right draw weight is an essential factor in a good bow choice. So, for instance, a bow with a maximum of a 70lb draw weight will have stiffer limbs than a bow with a 60lb maximum draw weight. Apr 23, 2025 · For the average archer, going over 30 pounds would be overkill. com Draw Weight for a Traditional Hunting Bow The first Philosophy of Use for a traditional bow is hunting. shoot a heavy How much draw weight did English longbows have? English longbows had a draw weight of around 80-110 pounds, although some were even heavier. 5lb and 40. Sep 7, 2023 · As mentioned by dubsar, medieval longbow draw weight is a bone of contention. – from the Latin word libra. It has a draw weight of about 120-180 pounds, which could propel an arrow at speeds of up to 40 mph Oct 28, 2024 · By Orgil Silk October 28, 2024 Recurve bows can shoot arrows at an average speed of about 120 miles per hour (mph). If you have a 30 lb draw weight on your bow, then you can only fire so far. The draw weight, arrow weight (measured in grains), and draw Apr 12, 2024 · Table of Contents What Pound Longbow is Recommended for Hunting? The recommended draw weight for a longbow used for hunting typically falls between 45 and 60 pounds. Therefore, it is important to find the right draw weight for the individual archer to shoot both technically sound and safely. My chart will make everything clear. May 17, 2021 · With minimum pound-pull requirements dropped from state regs, the question remains: Does your hunting bow's draw weight even matter? A relatively modest draw weight of around 50lb tends to be sufficient for this, which is why many modern and ancient hunting and target bows have such draw weights. How much did a medieval bow weigh? There is some dispute among scholars as to the draw weights of the bows, but the general consensus is that draw weights ranged from 100 to 185 pounds, with the average being around 165 lbs. The only complete bows we have are those from the Mary Rose, which although of a slightly later period, would be similar to later medieval bows in draw weight. The MR bows range in poundage from around 80/90 lbs to 160 lbs with most being in the range of 110/120 lbs. This ultimate guide with draw weight chart will do everything to choose the right draw weight. . Of course, everybody is running around and screaming that the sky is falling and they are all so sure that there is going to be a huge uptick in wounded animals from a flood of 30 pound bows hitting the field. Knowing the correct bow draw weight is very important in archery. And it's easy to draw so we adjusted it more. draw weights range (the standard English warbow had a draw weight of about 120 lbs). It’s much better to pick a too low draw weight than too heavy. Some compound bows can be adjusted over a 50-pound range, such as 15 to 65 pounds, while others offer a smaller range of poundage adjustment such as 10 pounds. the archer does not overstretch. The best longbows were made of yew, and might have required a force of as much as 150 to 180 pounds (70 to 80 kg) to draw. That’s Nov 15, 2021 · IBO speed is measured by shooting a bow with an 80-pound draw weight, maximized draw length, and a 400-grain arrow. May 15, 2023 · Nevertheless, we have compiled 12 chronograph tests on bows ranging from 35 lbs to 160 lbs, charting their performance. For quick reference, below is a summary of our findings. Every person has an ideal draw weight. . I finally got him to check out the pull weight on my bow. Children should shoot with less than 18 LBS. See full list on rangerexpert. A draw weight between 20 and 30 LBS will be suitable for most adults. I’m looking to get into archery, but I’m a little confused about what bow and draw weight are appropriate for someone like me. Jan 27, 2024 · Hey there, future archers and archery enthusiasts! So, you've decided to take up archery—awesome choice! One of the first things you'll need to figure out is the right draw weight for your bow. 120 lbs would probably be better if you are versing a french armoured knight however 85 lbs is still considered a warbow but it wouldn't inflict much damage. For beginners a rough guide for an optimal yet comfortable draw weight would be 30 -40 lb for females and 35 - 50 lb for males, measured at 27-28 inches draw length. Typically, it’s about 5 to 6 grains per pound for target shooting and up to 8 to 10 grains for hunting scenarios. up to a point Longer is better only if such length achieves a higher draw-weight. This Archery Calculator lets you calculate the estimated arrow speed and kinetic energy based on the draw weight (pounds) and the draw length (inches). moreover, the M120 comes with an innovative pin-and-tilt system that lets you adjust the bow’s shooting angle to your desired level. Why is it important to calculate FPS? Draw weight is the measurement of how much pressure (in pounds) is required to pull a bowstring all the way back for arrow release. Of these 46 bows, 7 have draw weights of 160lb and higher. Mar 25, 2024 · In medieval times, the English Longbow draw weight determined its power and range, making it a formidable weapon in warfare. Among the men, draw weight ranged from 44. So now we are limited by draw weights. The tensile force varies from bow type to bow type Shortening the arrow, lowering the bow weight, changing the point/insert weight combination, or adding weight to the back of the arrow can all stiffen the dynamic spine of an arrow. That’s literally ten times the peak size of a male whitetail in summer. Moose: Moose can range from a low 440 lbs for females, up to a staggering 1,500 lbs in males depending on the season. When the cam rolls over, the draw weight lets off, so the archer is holding significantly less poundage at full draw. This is crucial for ensuring the best performance while maintaining safety and preventing injuries. The Horse longbow was a powerful military bow about six feet in length. This range offers a balance between sufficient kinetic energy for ethical kills and manageable draw weight for accuracy and consistency, especially during the stress of a hunt. These bows have an average draw weight of 120lb (and English Longbow Draw Weight Shooting the longbow with consistency and accuracy takes much practice. Basics of Draw Weight Draw weight refers to the force required to pull the bowstring to a certain point For bows in the 70-lb. A resource for historic arms and armor collectors with photo galleries, reviews, reference materials, discussion forums, a bookstore and a comparison tool. range, start with 6 grains of arrow weight per pound of draw weight, while for bows in the 60-lb range, use 8 grains of arrow weight per pound of draw weight. So, a 50lb draw bow needs 10x50 grains or 500 grains. What Do Arrow Sizes Mean? With an impressive draw weight of 120 lbs, this bow is sure to pack a punch. Higher draw-weight shoots a heavier arrow further, but clearly the law of diminishing returns applies here (see below). The arrow speed calculator will help you determine your arrow speed given the weight of your broadhead, draw length, and other factors. Mar 24, 2021 · Mongolia: The 14th century Mongol bow from Tsagaan Khad (Cagaan Chad) is perhaps a good example. Feb 13, 2018 · I'm just curious because my home state of Utah just barely lowered the minimum legal draw requirement from 40 lbs to 30 lbs. 7lb for women (measured on the fingers at full draw). A 100 pound draw warbow would need an arrow weighing 1000 grains. English Longbow Starter kit, ideal for beginners and re-enactors. May 24, 2024 · The longbow, a formidable weapon of medieval battle, held significant advantages over its enemies. Can anyone weigh in on if that's a somewhat "normal" rookie draw weight, and if 40 pounds (legal minimum) is possibly attainable starting at 30 pounds? Lastly, I posted asking about Pink bows. Want to know what you can do with a #25, a #30, or a #40 draw weight recurve bow? This list will give you all the information you need. Do yourself a favor and read my article to learn how to choose your correct bow draw weight. Drawing requires more effort than a traditional recurve bow but is much easier to hold at full draw for extended periods. Dec 11, 2020 · You should be between 30 and 40 yards away from them with an 80 lb draw weight and 300+ FPS. Aug 19, 2025 · That means their bow’s draw weight is 40 pounds. Many English kings made it mandatory for able-bodied men of a certain age to practice archery regularly. With my 5 extra inches of draw length, I’m adding 12. However, the speed can vary a lot depending on the bow’s length, draw weight, draw length, string quality, and other factors. Oct 26, 2024 · Key Considerations: Draw Weight: The heavier the draw weight, the faster the arrow generally flies. Finding You'll need four pair of our tapered wood laminations and two pieces of fiberglass. What does the Bow Draw Weight mean? The tension weight indicates the force you need to apply to fully tension the tendon of a bow. bow, but for anything larger than that (deer, elk) you’ll need 40 lbs. And, even if you could, there is a good chance you will miss your target. There is, however, an excellent overview including reliable estimates of draw weight, for 46 Ottoman bows (from the Topkapi Palace Museum and the Military Museum in Istanbul). 5-54lb and 35-45lb amongst the women. or more. The standard method of estimating – and selling – the raw arrow speed of a compound bow is complex and specific. 50lbs of draw weight is difficult to hold at full draw steadily for enough time to shoot accurately for a beginner, because it takes time to learn how to utilize the correct muscles The design of the limbs means that although you still need more force to pull further back, the amount of force you need to add gradually lessens. Thanks! But I still don't understand why Williams uses 50, 75 and 80lb bows for his tests. I’ve been lifting weights for 13 years, so compared to the average newbie archer I’m very strong. Many archers set their bows for too much draw length and weight. Oct 3, 2024 · The bow draw weight calculator is a tool designed to help archers find a comfortable draw weight based on their body weight. The original draw forces of examples from the Mary Rose are estimated by Hardy at 150–160 lb f (670–710 N) at a 30-inch (76. If you need numbers I can deadlift about 600lbs, squat 450, and bench 335. Sep 19, 2024 · Recurve bows can shoot arrows up to 400 yards depending on factors like their draw weight, draw length, arrow weight, shooting angle, and the archer’s skill. Online help guide for selecting proper draw length and draw weight for your new compound bow. It also appears that many early military bows might have had similar draw weights. Oct 2, 2024 · The FPS of a bow is influenced by the draw weight, arrow weight, string material, bow design, and the efficiency of energy transfer from the bow to the arrow. Full high-strength fiberglass construction offers more durability than a wooden longbow. Our table below shows you different categories of people, children, youths, men and women and a corresponding (average) weight category and from that a suggested draw weight. of draw weight. Apr 1, 2022 · In Olympic archery, competitors use recurve bows with a mechanical sight that draw an average of around 48. However, the length of this longbow, that is, 54 inches, is comparatively shorter than others in the list. We are going to discuss what it is and why it matters to become successful in the sport of archery. Experienced longbow archers say that speed isn’t an issue (unless the bow shoots below 140 lbs) as they prefer a longbow with a shorter riser (15-20 inches) and longer limbs due to a smoother release. Whether you’re hunting deer or bears, the JUNXING M120 is the perfect choice for you! Use Report color:No selection Feb 5, 2024 · The ATA provides guidelines on recommended arrow weights per pound of bow draw weight. Jul 15, 2025 · Note: This calculator is basing on IBO Standards: 30 inch draw length 70 pound draw weight 350 grain arrow The bow speed from manufacturers is far different from reality. In archery, the draw weight of the bow plays a crucial role. An arrow is generally about 10 grains per pound of draw weight. ATA speed is measured with a 70-pound draw weight, 30-inch draw length, and 350-grain arrow. Sep 28, 2023 · The draw weight of a bow contributes significantly to how easy or difficult the bow will be to shoot, but it will also determine the bow’s effective range. Jan 20, 2020 · Some now in the ‘The Heavy-Bow brigade’, in their pontifications purport that the medieval longbow averaged 200lb draw-weight! While they represent a minority of archers who shoot in the heavy bow, there are those who have a ‘machismo’ attitude to it and like to make it a condition that one has to be macho enough i. Longbow and recurve draw weight is measured at 28 inches while compounds have a set draw weight. It affects the control and precision of the archer and can also influence physical strain and fatigue. Replica made to match the original in dimensions vary from about 120lb to 180lb. The following draw weight charts provide a basic guide for draw weight selection for compound and recurve bows based on body type, game size, and weight. Our calculator is Free to use. Maybe I am weaker than I thought – after all it takes a long time for even a super fit person to train the muscles used in archery, but in reality there’s more to it than that. This is usually measured at 28 inches, and is predominantly because the average person has a 28 inch (or thereabouts) draw length (Draw length is how far you can pull back the string. Most modern compound bows have anywhere from 65-85 percent let-off. Seven-foot bows were found on the Mary Rose and today's heavy bow archers regularly use such size bows. For example, if you consider a six feet tall longbow that is of European yew, it will be around 3 pounds. Now, the minimum draw weight for hunting in most jurisdictions is 40 lbs, so that pretty well takes care of the lower range. For teens, 18 to 24 LBS is recommended. Most compound bows allow about 10 pounds of adjustment in draw weight. He seems to be trying to evaluate the efficacy of plate armour vs longbows, but if the average longbow was 120-160lb, why is he using bows half that weight? Nov 15, 2021 · Even Olympic archers have lower draw weights because they know they can control their draw weight. Aug 8, 2022 · The survey found that the average draw weight for a male recurve archer is 49. Aug 16, 2024 · When buying a bow, one of the important things to know is bow draw weight. However, those drawing 160 to 180 pounds If you're trying to find what the best recurve bow draw weight is for you, this is where you want to be. A lot of starting archers choose a draw weight to Aug 30, 2024 · Draw weight is the force required to pull back a bow’s string to the full draw position, typically measured in pounds (lbs). It’s basically the grade of bow you have, and defines how much power you can expect from the output, and at what speed. This gentle Sep 18, 2024 · A few factors influence the draw weight, but the most notable is the stiffness or rigidity of the bow limbs. With its tall frame, often equal to the height of the archer, and its powerful draw, the longbow could launch arrows over considerable distances. Handmade Medieval One-piece English Longbow with a maximum draw of 120 lbs, about 67 inch (1. 5 pound bow, which is a huge increase! Mar 3, 2023 · Compound bows have different draw weights. Another common speed rating is the ATA rating, which uses a 30-inch draw length, 70 lb. The draw weight of the English longbow can be much less or higher than that. Although the draw weight of a typical English longbow is disputed, it was at least 81 pounds-force (360 newtons) and possibly more than 130 lb f (600 N). Learn factors affecting performance and steps to find your perfect match. Most archers in medieval England would have possessed considerable upper Jan 3, 2022 · Horse longbow The Horse longbow is best for both galloping and archery. Crafted from yew wood, this tall, powerful bow measured up to six feet and demanded extraordinary skill and might from its wielder. It is important that the string is only stretched to the extension length, i. Picking a too light bow, has little disadvantages for the archer. These charts are based on a mildly deflexed and reflexed longbow design. An archery arrow size chart helps you select the right arrows for your bow based on the specifications like draw weight, draw length, and the arrow shaft’s material. While this sounds impressive, the fact is you won’t be shooting anything that far. (see Weapons of Warre). There is a lot more to draw weight than you might think. Discover the ideal traditional bow draw weight for your archery journey. Caution! Jan 8, 2023 · Typically, the average draw weight for a longbow will be 60 pounds or less. Apr 26, 2011 · I just expected her to be able to draw more. May 15, 2023 · Summary of Historical and Archeological Evidence In the below video, we explore the question surrounding the draw weights of historical Warbows, particularly during the Medieval period. Newer longbows have much lower draw weight and, as a result, have a shorter maximum range, ranging from 200 to 300 yards (182 – 274 meters). This reach gave a strategic upper hand in battles, allowing to engage the enemy from afar and disrupt their formations before they could close the How to Use the Arrow FPS Calculator Using the calculator is quick and simple: Enter Arrow Weight (in grains) Example: 400 Enter Draw Weight (in lbs) Example: 60 Enter Draw Length (in inches) Example: 29 Click “Calculate” The tool will display: Estimated FPS (Feet Per Second) Kinetic Energy (ft-lbs) You can also click “Reset” to clear all fields and try again with different values. Jul 27, 2020 · At worst you can say the average trained female might be slightly weaker than the average trained male archer, and the bows proposed are the lightest of common bow weights so that would make it very possible. It’s a crucial factor affecting arrow speed, accuracy, and the overall shooting experience, making it one of the primary considerations when selecting a bow. The average speed becomes known as the IBO rating of that particular bow. Thus, when a Oct 21, 2013 · The 220 pound fellow at the top of the chart with 122% of the average guy’s weight may perceive that 45# draw weight as 35# on his larger musculature compared to the average guy’s feel. hmmun pzq bsc babvlt xbyhbyd jigetze qndy ymej whkx oibd lkgu gmxxx mos dlltry kplx