What draw weight , 60# or 70# ?

Looking into purchasing me very first bow and have a question about what draw weight should I get ?

I'm 5'8" 165lb. My draw length is 28". All I plan on hunting is Whitetail and the occasional medium sized hog.

90 % of all archers have a bow that is too much weight for them..

You need to sit on the ground with your legs spread apart, grip the bow and pull back nice and easy without having to point the bow up in the air. Whatever weight you can do this nice and smooth, that is the draw weight you should be shooting.

The sit down and draw example does get easier as you shoot your bow and build the muscles that are built up with practice!My target bow is simple to do that with but my hunting setup does take time to get muscle memory back with it's draw cycle. Oh yeah happy almost Birthday bjankowski!

Oh, you had to bring that up, like you don't tease me enough as it is.lol... Thanks Rowel.

Just got back from BP. 70# is too much for my frame 50# felt really easy and 58# to 60# felt just right. Thanks for the "sit down" technique.

Now to choose between Bowtech Carnivore and a Diamond Rock 2.0.

Shoot both and see which one is more natural then it will all come together with the components to complete your bow!
And your welcome Bob...I live to draw attention to your advanced age! LOL

Consider the letoff as well. I have a Bowtech that is set at 65% and a Mathews that is set at like 80% letoff. Really like holding the Matthews when I have to hold for a while (which happens often when you're bowhunting).

I can easily handle 70#, but I set mine at 62#. No need to add anymore stress when the pressure is on.

I'd say go with the 60#. As it's already been stated, most people buy too much bow. A 60# bow with a good broadhead, like a cut on contact head, will kill either of the critters you mentioned, and a lot more, just as dead as the 70#.

Plus, if you hunt in the late season when there's a chance of cold weather, you don't run the risk of suddenly finding yourself unable to draw a 70# when your muscles are cold and stiff.

Decided on a Diamond Rock 2.0 60# but set to 55# with 80% let-off. I can always have the bow adjusted up to 60# when I get better and stronger.

I can understand the "pressure" comment

I'm just plain old getting old. I have no need to impress anyone, myself included, and I have my bow set on 62 lbs. I can't tell you how much better I shoot dropping off the 70 lb mark. Plus I can practice more before I start to get tired.

I would go with comfort over more poundage every time it will make you a better shooter and hunter! I can pull back my bow cranked up to 70# with a little strain but I prefer to shoot 60# because I can comfortable pool it back at any angle I might be shooting at from a tree stand, But sling, pop up, ground blind , stalk, setting down or when it is -10 outside in Missouri or IOWA in a tree stand and your muscles are cold and stiff like!

Your 1st cold bore shot is your money shot not after 2 or 5 practice shots!

80 % percent let off is good because it allows you to hold your shot longer with out having to let down and pull back again explain that to a Buck or Elk that spots you! Hold while I pull back again