Choosing Your Poundage

How do you know what draw weight you should be using? Depending on your intended use, you may have a
few restrictions to follow. **
For the most part, however, your draw weight is entirely a personal preference.
 

In general, when you are starting out, you want to start with a lower draw weight. If your draw weight is too heavy, there is a higher likelihood that you will develop improper form, tire more quickly, and enjoy the process much less.
 

So how do you go about finding a good starting weight? Well, we’ve provided tables below that give you a ballpark starting point with age, gender, body type, and type of bow. This chart will help guide you towards a draw weight you can expect to pull when first starting out.
 

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.

The muscles you use for Archery are not used day to day, your size or mass, will not be much of an advantage.
Buy cheaper limbs that you can sell on when you want to go up in poundage!
 

 

Compound Poundage:

ARCHER’S SIZE                              DRAW WEIGHT

Small Children                               10 – 15 lbs

Large Children                               15 – 25 lbs

Female & Youth                             25 – 40 lbs

Large Frame Females & Youth     40 – 50 lbs

Male                                                50 – 60 lbs

Large Frame Men                          60 – 80 lbs **

** Warning! Most clubs along with World Archery and Archery Australia, Limit competition Compound Bow poundage to 60lbs
You cannot shoot under WA and AA rules, a bow over 60lbs Wind them down to 59.5lbs just to be sure
Many clubs don't like their target butts being destroyed by High poundage bows or broad-heads.
Do NOT use any compound bow over 60lbs or use Broad-Heads at any club without at least asking first!
The most likely answer will be no!
You are free of course to have bows over 60lbs when at your home etc Just not in competitions or at clubs