Getting good results at 90M

[MikeD]

I was thinking...

Draw weight on the fingers is not simple answer to good scores at 90M, as the arrows are also important. FPS may be better indicator, but it isn't so easy to determine. So how about the ratio between weight on fingers and arrow length (I'll assume everyone shooting 90M recurve is shooting a/c arrows of some type). So for example:

I shoot 36lb on my fingers and 28.75" arrows (including the pile), so I get a ratio of 1.25. Someone shooting 40lb and 31" arrows would be 1.29 and another shooting 34lb and 26.5" arrows would be 1.28, while 44lb and 29" arrows would be a whopping 1.5

I'd be interested to see if there is a correlation between the ratio and the scores achieved for 3 dozen arrows at 90M.

So to start:

My ratio is 1.25 and my score 200

If enough people post there ratio and average score, I'll plot a graph and post it.

[Murray]

It's nothing to do with ratios, and much more to do with practice/form/commitment to shot/line/release/consistency... but here you go anyway!

Current Ratio: 1.39
Current Score: 217

Ratio when I shot PB: 1.30
PB: 265

Once the technical side of archery is sorted out, no matter what ratio an archer has, it's all down to ability to shoot well. I can't see how the ratio has much influence here, how can you factor in the archers form?

However I do feel most high scores are shot with high power bows. OK open gate time, but most Olympic archers seem to have a lot of weight on there fingers, well into the 40 to 50lb range.

[SimonW]

Draw weight seems to work like this:

The top archers practice A LOT.
Because they practice a lot, they are fit and strong, have good technique so can shoot a heavier draw weight (than club level archers).
They shoot a heavier draw weight so that their arrow speed is faster than shooting a lower draw weight.

Exceptions are a) very strong people who can handle the weight and b) people who can't handle the weight but think it's cool to shoot a really heavy bow like the top archers.


Arrow length seems to work like this:

The top archers know that getting in-line (or even behind the line) gives better results.
To get in line, they will draw a longer arrow than a similar build club level archer who will probably not get in-line. (who may also hunch the front should, bend the front arm etc.)

Exceptions are a) very tall people or people with very long arms b) people who think it's cool to draw an arrow that 1.5" longer than they need just because the top archers shoot long arrows.



As Murray said, there is no simple correlation between draw weight/draw length and scores. There linked (in some way) but it's personal to the archer.

Simon

[joetapley]

For a given archer's skill level the higher the ratio the better the performance should be. High draw weight (arrow speed) is an advantage, a light shaft (i.e. shorter) is an advantage. Complication is that as you increase draw weight or arrow length you generally have to goto a heavier/wider shaft.

[grantwomack]

I don't think there is a correlation between arrow length and draw weight but even still:
Ratio: 1.66
PB at 90m: 302
Avg at 90m: 292

[joetapley]

As mentioned above don't think this works between archers but:
Don't bother much with scores but h'cap says it should be 244
38# draw and 27" arrow gives ratio of 1.4.

[SLOWHAND]

Originally Posted by MikeD

I was thinking...

Draw weight on the fingers is not simple answer to good scores at 90M, as the arrows are also important. FPS may be better indicator, but it isn't so easy to determine. So how about the ratio between weight on fingers and arrow length (I'll assume everyone shooting 90M recurve is shooting a/c arrows of some type). So for example:

I shoot 36lb on my fingers and 28.75" arrows (including the pile), so I get a ratio of 1.25. Someone shooting 40lb and 31" arrows would be 1.29 and another shooting 34lb and 26.5" arrows would be 1.28, while 44lb and 29" arrows would be a whopping 1.5

I'd be interested to see if there is a correlation between the ratio and the scores achieved for 3 dozen arrows at 90M.

So to start:

My ratio is 1.25 and my score 200

If enough people post there ratio and average score, I'll plot a graph and post it.

Very interesting question Mike. I agree totally with Murray comments. I think that you may find that as the ratio goes up so will the average score but I dont think this has much to do with the correlation of draw weight/arrow length. It probably has more to do with draw weight alone since archers who are pulling heavier weights comfortably are probably more experienced, practice more often and are a little fitter. Yes it is a slight advantage if your arrows are shorter since there is less surface area to be blown by the wind and it is an advantage if you can draw a heavier poundage because there is less wind drift but (and I can't stress this enough) only if you are totally comfortable and relaxed shooting this weight over the full length of the tournament. It is far better to shoot 35# feeling relaxed and with good form than to shoot 45# with poor form and being knackered half way through. Dont forget, there are just as many points to be had at 30m as there are at 90m and you dont want to be starting the 30m distance (where the points are easier to come by) feeling wiped out.

Just out of interest (and please dont take it that higher ratio= better score)
Ratio 1.45 pb 287

[Murray]

Good in theory Joe

Yes, increased draw weight has advantages - but that's really the point. You should shoot the highest draw weight you can CONTROL. Why are there no overlaps in your graphs?

As far as arrow length goes - well, dunno, but your draw length is pretty much defined for you (once you get the line right). If you come out of line to take advantage of a few cm of benefit by shooting a shorter, lighter shaft then your shooting is likely to be pants anyway

[joetapley]

Why are there no overlaps in your graphs?

That surprised me too. The arrow shafts re draw were from the Easton chart so maybe it was just a case of "preselection" by Easton. If you run a given shaft outside the recommended draw weight range then you will start to get overlaps.