65% versus 80% ?

[SPITFIRE]

let off pros and cons?

[Chuck]

The only thing I can think of off hand would be that some states require 65% or less let off.

I hunted in Oregon for elk and they have very specific archery rules. One is 65% or less let off on all bows. They also do not allow mechanicals for any big game animals.

I think some of the first bows with 80% let off had issues with there valley and wall but I think those problems have been resolved on the newer bows with it.

[hondakid]

I would have to say the biggest pro for 80% is you can hold the bow back longer. Lets say you have a deer walking towards your lane and you drawback before it gets there, then of course it pauses to look around. So instead of letting back down you can hold it and wait for it to continue moving.

Con of the 80%, most people don't hold as steady with a lighter weight. With less weight bracing against your arms you can't anchor the pin down as good.

The best bet is to find the bow you like and try shooting it in both setups. Myself I found the 80% to not be a problem for shooting accurately.

[Lwapo]

I have heard that with the higher letoff bows, there is a greater risk of dryfiring the bow. Many shops have signs up that warn against this.

Scene...

A guy pulls back a 70 lb bow, it has 85% let off. As he is holding it back, he sizes it up, aims it, likes how it feels. As he goes to let it down, the full 70lbs hits and he's not expecting it. THWANG! He's buying the bow he just dryfired.

Anyways, that's what I've heard. Nothing that being careful won't solve.

[Kelly Johnson]

65%
Faster
More efficient
stores more energy
Forces you (Generally) to shoot from the wall
Less suceptible to creep
Obviously takes more holding weight at Full draw

80%
Bigger valley
Easier to hold longer
More comfortable to most
Sometimes a tad more forgiving for the afore mentioned reasons

Switching from 65 to 80 is a breeze regarding form and focus...you can always pull against the wall to achieve the weight your comfortable with to steady it.

Switching from 80 to 65 takes some getting used to unless you do, indeed,yank that string the whole time while shooting the 80.

I have shot and shoot both now. I'm more accurate with the 65 but I have to shoot it exculsively for a week or so to get the muscles back in check.

I've gone back and forth with it this pre season and I think I'll hunt with the 80 (74% to be exact) as I prefer the seemingly increases valley for cold muscles in a tree;)

[TrekJeff]

Just a guess, but simple physics say that the 80 would have more torque once you hit the power wall, probably enough to change grips to maintain yout target.. I'm only comparing my 60 to my buddy's old school whitetail hunter. His is almost like shooting traditional..he may have a 10%.

I also am pretty sure there is a let off maximum for P&Y and other trophy calssifications.

[kccaro]

I don't want to hijack the thread, but I can't help but wonder what the terms, "wall" and "valley" mean. Can anyone explain this to a novice?

[Ninja]

The wall is the farthest back spot of the draw....where you cannot draw back any further.

The valley is the area between the wall, and when the let-off stops.

[SPITFIRE]

thx for the replies guys, Im in the market for a new bow after the season is over and plan on trying alot before I make a choice. Money isnt going to be an issue on this purchase but it also could be a cheaper one if it feels rite to me.