What Is The Recommended Max Compound Bow Draw Weight?

Max Compound Bow Draw Weight

When buying a compound bow, one of the most important aspects is to get your draw weight right. The draw weight is simply the amount of force in pounds it takes you to pull back the string on your compound bow. You’ll need to know the recommended max draw weight for your age and gender in order to ensure safety when using your compound bow (make sure you don’t exceed it).


This article will give you all the information you need about how to pick an appropriate draw weight for yourself or whoever will be using the compound bow. Safety, accuracy, arrow speed, and penetration are factors that can be influenced by having an appropriately set up bow with proper draw length and correct poundage. A compound bow is only as good as the person using it. If you’re not strong enough to pull back the string, then there’s seriously something wrong.

Max Draw Weight For A Compound Bow

The first thing that you need to know about choosing a draw weight for your compound bow is that different manufacturers have different recommendations on what max draw weight should be used for certain age groups and genders. You’ll want to look at the manufacturer of whatever brand of bow you decide to purchase because these ratings are often specifications they put in place so you can safely use their products without injuring yourself or anyone else who may be nearby when shooting it.


You can’t just go setting up bows with whatever poundage feels most comfortable or whatever someone tells you is the best poundage to use. There are serious safety concerns with compound bows. You could seriously injure someone or yourself if you don’t follow these guidelines which is why it’s so important that each manufacturer provides this specific information.

Max Draw Weight For Hunting 

If you’re using your compound bow primarily for hunting purposes, then it’s advised that you buy a bow whose max draw weight falls within the range of 15-55 pounds based on your age and gender. Most hunters prefer to shoot at targets between 20-40 yards because anything past that becomes increasingly difficult. When hunting at shorter distances, there really isn’t a need for more than 40 pounds of draw weight because accuracy and penetration become big issues rather than speed and kinetic energy.


A lightweight 40 pound draw, the compound bow is going to be sufficient enough for hunting purposes at medium distances, whereas a heavier 50-55 pound bow would be the better choice if you typically shoot at longer distances.

Max Draw Weight For Recurve Bows  

Since recurve bows are bare-bones, they require more pounds of force than compound bows in order to work properly. The Minimum recommended draw weight for men is 35 pounds, whereas it’s 45 pounds for women. However, women often struggle with pulling back recurves since they’re not as strong as men so there isn’t much point in having such a high minimum requirement other than general safety concerns.


Recurves can shoot slightly faster than compounds because of less friction and resistance on the arrow. It’s not a large difference, but it’s noticeable. If you can shoot with accuracy at 35 pounds then you’ll be able to do the same thing at 45 pounds, so there’s no need to increase your draw weight if it means sacrificing accuracy.

Max Draw Weight For Kids 

Due to the fact that kids develop at different rates and some are stronger than others, it can get quite difficult to pick out draw weights for children. Different manufacturers provide different ratings for recommended max draw weights depending on what age group the bow is intended for (i.e.: One brand may specify 40-50 pounds while another specifies 15-25 pounds). When in doubt about what weight to choose, go with lower poundages because arrows shot from bows with too much draw weight can shatter on impact which results in injury.


Always supervise children when they’re shooting bows and arrows. Since these devices are potentially dangerous if used improperly, it’s important that you always keep an eye on the child you bring to the range or hunting field. If your 3-year old shoots something other than an empty soda bottle then it would be wise to immediately take away his/her compound bow because there’s no telling what kinds of damages could occur if they were to shoot at a person by accident. Generally speaking, leaving kids unsupervised is a bad idea altogether even if they don’t have a weapon in their hands because there are lots of dangers out there that could harm them.


Generally speaking, if you’re an experienced shooter then your aim will be accurate at any draw weight between 15-40 pounds. As long as you can shoot accurately, then there’s no need to use excessively high poundage beyond that. A 60-pound bow is unnecessary for hunting or target practice (unless you plan on shooting at extremely long distances).

Target Practice Or Hunting?  

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Hunting archers typically choose bows with slightly higher draw weights than those who shoot for fun because their objective is to kill the game rather than just hit targets. Arrows shot from compound bows are known to pass clean through animals so it’s important for hunters to maximize kinetic energy by using stronger bows. Compound bows with maximum pounds of 55 pounds are powerful enough for taking down deer since they’re capable of penetrating through thick layers of hiding and muscle.


If you hunt then it’s important that you get a bow with enough kinetic energy to bring down your target and also one that can handle the amount of draw weight you’ll be using. While 40 pounds may be sufficient for hitting targets, it won’t have enough force to penetrate an animal so there would be no point in using it while hunting. It’s all about the velocity, which is why hunters need more poundage than archers who just shoot at targets.


A low-speed rating on a compound bow means reduced kinetic energy whereas higher speed ratings mean increased power. Kinetic energy has everything to do with arrow flight because faster arrows exert more force on impact than slower ones (although arrows with a higher mass also contribute to greater forces). It doesn’t matter how big or heavy your arrow is if it’s moving too slow because you won’t cause as much damage. Arrows shot from compound bows are known for penetrating through animal hide and muscle tissue, which helps maximize the chances of a one-shot kill.

Lower Poundage For Target Practice

Generally speaking, experienced archers are capable of hitting targets accurately at any draw weight between 15-40 pounds. Higher poundages are available but aren’t necessary since these devices are powerful enough to shoot various types of arrows cleanly through paper targets placed 40 yards away. If you’re using a 30+ pound bow then there’s no point in shooting at 20 or 10-yard targets because the arrow will go right through them without having to exert any effort.


If you’re shooting at a paper target, the only thing you need is accuracy since there’s no living creature behind it. You can either improve your aim or shoot lighter poundage until you reach the desired level of accuracy. If shots from a 15-pound bow fly wild then try using a 20-25 pound bow because sometimes these things correct themselves over time (even if they’re slightly off).


Target practice with compound bows is fun and challenging but also requires patience because you have to wait for the perfect shot before firing an arrow. It’s not like taking down animals in which hunters usually fire multiple arrows when they get the opportunity to do so. In this case, it’s not necessary to use excessively high poundage because these devices are capable of accurately shooting arrows through targets placed 40 yards away.

Maximum Draw Weight Is Around 50 Pounds

Most hunting compound bows have a maximum draw weight of 55 pounds so you can maximize kinetic energy by using stronger bows. Arrows shot from this equipment usually pass cleanly through the bodies of the target game so it’s important for hunters to choose one with enough power. Compound bows with maximum draw weights between 40-55 pounds are powerful enough for deer or other types of the game because they’re capable of penetrating through thick layers of muscle and skin. If you’re an experienced archer then it won’t matter if your bow has 25 or 45-pounds since there’s no need for a lighter one.


The draw weight on compound bows is measured differently from that used for other types of equipment, which means that you have to use a test device before attempting to shoot it. These devices are usually either provided by the manufacturer or included in the package so they can be used to measure poundage without causing damage to the bow itself. You must pull back slowly instead of powering it up at once because doing so puts stress on all the parts and may cause breakage if too much torque is applied during strenuous activity.


Just because a hunting compound bow has a maximum draw weight of 45 pounds doesn’t mean that you should test it out with 50-55 pounds. If you’re an experienced archer then there’s nothing wrong with doing this but it’s not necessary for beginners to test out the limits of their equipment because it can be dangerous. You should gradually increase poundage in small increments until it hits the maximum mark, at which point you must stop and check all parts before continuing if necessary.

Maximum Draw Weight Is Around 70 Pounds  

In some cases, a hunting compound bow has a maximum draw weight of 70 pounds or more. These devices are capable of throwing arrows fast enough to penetrate through several layers of muscle so they’ll hit bone on impact. Higher draw weights also mean greater kinetic energy upon release so these bows are more powerful than lower ones with maximum poundage below 50 pounds.


When using a new hunting bow with 70+ pounds then concentrate on accuracy instead of firing multiple arrows at targets. It’s not advisable to use more than 25 pounds of force when shooting so you should gradually increase poundage until it hits the maximum mark before starting to practice for real. Firing tests with compound bows is only necessary if you want to see how far an arrow can travel and how accurately it can hit a target after flying across a distance.


Most hunting compounds don’t have this high amount of draw weight but some models designed for experts are powerful enough to penetrate through deer or other types of game with good accuracy. If you don’t intend on hunting then there’s no need to choose such equipment because most hunters prefer ones between 40-55 pounds since they’re powerful enough. Using less poundage makes it easier to aim and shoot arrows effectively so they can get used to handling a bow with less power before increasing it.


Compound bows give hunters more accuracy but they need to be pulled back slowly instead of powering up at once or else the equipment will break. If you want extra accuracy then choose one with 50-55 pounds of draw weight because anything lower won’t offer enough power for precision. Avoid using compound bows that have more than 70 pounds of maximum poundage unless you’re an experienced archer because beginners should start off slow and focus on learning how to handle a compound bow properly.

How far can a 20lb recurve bow shoot?

A 20lb recurve bow should be able to shoot at least 150 yards. Some can shoot up to 200 yards while some only hit the mark around 50-100 yards.

How far can a 25lb compound rifle shoot?

A 25lb compound bow should be able to reach about 300yards, depending on how well it is engineered and strung correctly. Given that there are many variables in engineering, I would say that such a range is pretty good for such a powerful bow.

What’s better: A 45-55 lb Draw weight or 65 lbs?

This really depends on your experience and physical capabilities. If you’re an experienced archer then it won’t matter if your bow has 25 or 45-pounds since it’ll be easy for you to handle. If you’re just starting out though then it’s not a good idea to use such high poundage because your arms and back won’t be strong enough yet. You should practice using lower pounds first before increasing them as time goes on.

Is a 50lb bow too much?

A 50lb compound bow is powerful enough for hunting but it may be too much weight for beginners to use if they lack strength and experience. The best option would be one around 40-45 pounds so it’ll be easier to handle until you build up your strength and accuracy with practice.

How much can a 55lb bow shoot?

It really depends on how well the equipment was engineered and strung. However, I’d assume that it won’t shoot beyond 400 yards unless you’re firing at a flat surface then it might go that far or even further depending on how high the arrow has been fired from. Compound bows need stabilizers when shooting such distances so they don’t veer off course because otherwise there’s no way to make a compound efficient beyond a certain distance.

Is a 50lb bow too much for a beginner?

A 50lb compound bow is not ideal for beginners because they usually have trouble controlling heavy pounds at first so it’s best to start off with something lighter and easier to use. It’s only necessary to increase poundage as accuracy improves and the body becomes stronger over time, depending on how old you are or your physical capabilities.

How do I know my draw weight?

Check the specs on your compound bow. Most equipment is within 40-60lbs so you should choose something around that range if it’s your first time buying a compound bow. You can adjust poundage later as accuracy improves but for now, just play it safe by choosing one at the average range.

What can you hunt with a 50 lb bow?

This is a very powerful compound bow that can be used for hunting small games like rabbits and deer. It’s good enough to take down a bear too but you’d have to hit it in the right spot or else there’s no point of firing an arrow from such high poundage. You’d be better off with a shotgun or an elephant gun to take down such powerful prey.

How much do compound bows cost?

A 50 lb compound bow can vary from $400-$1000 depending on the brand name and other features. It’s really expensive compared to recurve bows because there are more materials included that go into building one. You should expect to pay more for higher quality but you should choose wisely otherwise you might end up buying additional equipment like stabilizers, peep sights, and other accessories that aren’t needed for beginners and experienced archers alike.

How much does a 60lb long-bow draw?

A 60lb recurve bow would only go as far as 100 yards so it won’t perform as well as a compound. It’d be a good idea to go with a 40-50lb draw weight if you want an efficient longbow instead of going too high with pounds since it won’t shoot as far and the string will break. The best option would be around 30lbs with a draw length of 27 inches for beginners who aren’t as strong yet.

They can slowly increase the poundage as they become stronger but it’s better to start off light and work your way up than risk breaking the bow early on due to inexperience and lack of strength. Which is more expensive? A 50lb compound or 55lb recurve? A recurve costs less than $100, whereas a compound may go for $400-$1000. A compound bow is a complex machine that requires more materials and engineering to build so it’ll usually come with a higher price tag.

How much do recurve bows cost?

A quality one would be around $80-$150 depending on the brand name, draw weight, and other features. You can find cheap ones for as low as $30 but it’s not recommended to buy them because you get what you pay for in most cases. They’re generally unreliable and difficult to use even though they’re easier to shoot than longbows.

Age in years / Weight range in lbs

0 – 1 year / 10 lbs (or 11 lbs)

2 years / 15-20 lbs (15 lbs)

4 years / 25-30 lbs (25 lbs)

6 years / 35-40 lbs (35-40 pounds, the ideal range is 30 to 40 pounds for kids this age.)

8 years / 45-50 pounds (45 lbs)

10 years / 55-60 pounds (55lbs)

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