...What's the difference between 65% & 80% let-off?...

[fairfax1]

....15 points, you say?

OK, now that we've got that out of the way. I mean - what's the difference perfomance-wise? functionally?

Do you get the same speed, or KE, when it's cranked to 80% vs. when it's at 65%?

Is accuracy -or stability -or noise -or vibration, any different?

Wear on the string different? limbs?

In short, what are giving up in order to have a much lighter hold?

[Ken]

When I got my new bow, I switched from 65% let-off on a 60 pound bow, to 80% let-off on a 70 pound bow. I am holding less back now than I was before, while increasing 10# in weight. For hunting, I don't think I would consider anything other than 80% let-off.

[Byron]

fairfax1,

What you are giving up is stored energy in the bow. The energy available to transfer to the arrow is the area under the force-draw curve. By holding 20% of peak draw weight instead of 35%, you give up some of that stored energy for a given peak draw weight. Thus, you will lose some speed and KE. Some people find that they are more stable and accurate holding 65%. Noise, vibration and wear should be essentially equivalent.

Basically, go with what you are comfortable with.

Best Regards,
Byron

[Swamp Monster]

:yeahthat:

It comes down to personal preference really. I like 65% (though I haven't switched modules in my hoyt, it's 75%) the best. I feel the draw is a little smoother, the breakover is a little less severe it seems and it's easier to let my draw down if necessary with out excessive movement. More importantly, I feel I'm a touch more accurate when holding more weight becasue that weight helps to steady my bow arm. High let off bows to me just don't feel right, but thats all subjective.

When you see IBO/AMO ratings from a manufacturer, it's always rated at the lowest available let off due to the slight increase in performance. Generally, you're only looking a few fps difference in most cases so depending on your set up, it's not enough to make or break the effectiveness of your rig.

[wolfgang510]

Another variable I think is important is ethics. If these new bows come out with any higher letoffs we might as well be called sideways crossbow hunters. One of the great aspects of our sport is making the shot which means drawing back at the right time with out being seen etc. If you can hold basically forever we've just lost a bunch of the challenge.