Posted: 10/19/2007 9:07:37 AM EDT
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Hey gang, I just got a bow from a friend and it needs some work. It's a Jennings Arrowstar from around 1986. It's a bit heavy, but I will learn on it. The biggest problem right now is the bow is missing the string. I wanted to know if I could put a new string on it myself or if I should take it to a shop to have it done? Here's some specs on it: Draw weight is 80lbs, Draw length is 37", Compound string length is 58.5" Here's some pics: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y38/Mikeyworks/MiscForums/PA194580.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y38/Mikeyworks/MiscForums/PA194582.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y38/Mikeyworks/MiscForums/IMG_3129.jpg Any thoughts/advice? Mikey |
That's what I thought...thanks Mike |
That label says 31", not 37".  Have the bow shop turn that sucker down to the lightest draw weight it can safely be set at. 80# is way more than you need for deer-sized game, and definitely too high for targets. I'd also recommend getting measured for your correct draw length, as 31" is very long. Good luck. 
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That bow, at 80lbs, won't have near the speed of a modern bow does at 60 lbs. Years ago, I always shot my bows at 80 lbs. You just about had to, to achieve speeds over 220 fps. |
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A big +1 to getting the weight turned down. If you're just a chairborne ranger like most of us you'll never be able to handle 80 lbs. OTOH, I used to know a bricklayer who said that he had a 100 lb. compound back in the early days of compounds. Also, when you get your draw length checked, see if the pro shop can adjust the draw length on that bow to fit. You don't want to start shooting bow & HAVE to shoot a draw length that is too long. If you're + or - 1/2 inch of 31 inch draw length, you're probably GTG, but go with whatever the shop says in that regard. If you're a short guy, you might have to draw the string back to your ear, loop it behind, & just twitch your head when you want to release. |
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I don't think I will have to worry too much about the draw length. I'm 6'2" so I should be good with a 31" draw. As for 80lbs, I will talk with the pro shop and get some advice from them. It likely won't be until the later part of the winter/early spring though as I have other seasons on my mind right now!!! mikey |
I'm 6'2" my draw length is 29. |
Depends a lot on body shape, though--I'm 6' (even) and mine is 30" (and even leaves a slight bend in the elbow). There was a comprehensive calculation I thought I had seen on the web before, though... |
| FWIW, the cam on that bow looks like an Extreme cam or maybe a JB and should use cam modules to adjust draw length so you should be able to change it some. I think probably down to about 28". That is IF you can get modules. It also may not still be what is marked on the bow, that is just how it left the factory. That bow should also be able to go down to about 60 or 65 lbs (once again, if still as marked). Have a knowledgable shop or tech check it out (check cams, cables, limbs, etc) and restring. Restringing generally requires a bow press. Also, if you are 6'2", 31" might work but you are probably in the 29.5" to 30" range. Most people shoot bows that are too long for them. You are much better with a bow that is too short than too long. |
There is. Stand flat with your back against a wall. Have someone mark the wall at the ends of both of your middle fingers (this is your "wingspan"). Take this measurement and divide by 2.5 to get your draw length. For example, my wingspan is 71". Dividing that by 2.5, you see that my draw length is 28.5".
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