I'ts finally official, WA let off

coonhound40 · Apr 10, 2006

Well, Washington finally dropped the 65% let off law. They removed all let off restrictions.

I bet the bow shops will be going crazy with new bows and replacement cams.

I was just wondering what the concensous was, are you for or against the new rule?

As for me, I could live with the * next to my P & Y entry. I can't wait to hunt with 80% let off.

time2hunt · Apr 10, 2006

Personally it doesn't matter to me after shooting all summer I'm in shape to draw and hold my bow all day maybe with age I will change. I was told that you lost bow speed with the 80% let off.

coonhound40 · Apr 10, 2006

LAST EDITED ON Apr-10-06 AT 10:19PM (MST)[p]Yes, you are correct on the speed thing, I shoot a Mathews Outback and I loose 3 or 4 feet per second with 80%. However, speed VS accuracy after youv'e been held down at full draw for 3 or 4 minutes, I would opt for the steadier shot.

time2hunt · Apr 10, 2006

Like you said the bow shops will be going nut this spring I know alot of people that were infavor for the change.Any other good news to report on are almighty game dept. decisions from this weekend.

COLO3D · Apr 11, 2006

I shoot 65% because it aims better in the wind and helps keep me honest with my back tension. I think it is more accurate as well. Besides when I finally shoot that 210" muley I don't want an * next to my name or any other reason for people to try to tear it down.

NoBark · Apr 27, 2006

Shoot with fingers and 80% let-off just doesn't have the
release I like. So, I'll stick with the 65%

Crunchy · May 3, 2006

Hey guys,

For the rookie bow hunter, what does the let of % actually mean?

MikeLonsford · May 3, 2006

It is the % of the peak draw weight that the draw weight is reduced by when you are at full draw. Meaning if your bow is 100 lb draw weight and a 65% let off value, then you have 100 lbs of pull at the hardest part of the draw, but when it gets easy at the end, at your holding point, it lets off 65 lbs (65% of 100lbs) and you are only holding back at 35 lbs. If it was an 80% you'd only be holding at 20 lbs. Of coarse if you have a 100 lb bow, you don't worry about let off because you are Superman

Reality is it means 70 lb bow holds at 24.5 lbs at 65% and 14 lbs at 80%.

Mike

rooselk · May 3, 2006

LAST EDITED ON May-03-06 AT 07:43PM (MST)[p]I shoot a traditional bow and was always opposed making the change. However, about a year ago I read an article in Washington Bowhunter magazine by Jay St. Charles (who is a traditional bowyer) that caused me to change my mind. In the final analysis, there is nothing in that 65% number that is somehow sacrosact or that represents some line that should not be crossed. While I am still leary if not critical of some of the technology that has entered out sport, the decision by the WDFW just reflects reality and was therefore correct.

Desertflinger · May 8, 2006

With 80% let off torque will be an accuracy issue!

WAsharpstick · May 9, 2006

i shoot 65 and will never change to 75 or 80 too much is givin up in terms of speed and acc.

ironhead · May 10, 2006

I will also stick to the 65% let off. I tried an 80% let off on a buddies bow and it felt so strange. I let the bow string go forward instead of just triggering the release. For you ancient bow hunters I suppose the 80% isn't a bad idea. J/K

WAsharpstick · May 10, 2006

I shoot the spiral cam from hoyt and the let off max is 65 and it will go down to 50. so you could say that im not a fan of soft high let off cams

thecrittergitter · May 10, 2006

I don't know what the big deal is for everyone. 65%, 80%, the fact is, you are still shooting with training wheels. SHoot a recurve or longbow so that you have 0%