60 lb Draw Weight Bow Guide
Everything you need to know about shooting a 60 lb compound bow — realistic speed, kinetic energy, suitable game, arrow weight recommendations, and how it compares to 50 lb and 70 lb setups.
💡 What Is a 60 lb Draw Weight Bow?
A 60 lb draw weight bow requires 60 pounds of force to pull the string back to full draw. For modern compound bows, this is a very common hunting weight — heavy enough for ethical kills on most North American game, and light enough for most adult shooters to hold steadily at distance.
60 lb is often the "sweet spot" that most hunting bows settle into: it balances speed, KE, quietness, and hold-ability. For many shooters, 60 lb is the highest weight at which they can shoot 100+ arrows in a session without fatigue affecting form.
📊 Realistic 60 lb Compound Bow Specs
Values below assume a typical modern compound (IBO rating ~330–350 fps) at 29 in draw with a standard hunting arrow.
| Arrow Weight | Typical Speed | Kinetic Energy | GPP | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 gr | 295 fps | 67.7 ft-lb | 5.8 | 3D / max speed |
| 400 gr | 280 fps | 69.6 ft-lb | 6.7 | Deer / all-around |
| 425 gr | 272 fps | 69.8 ft-lb | 7.1 | Deer / mid-weight hunting |
| 450 gr | 264 fps | 69.6 ft-lb | 7.5 | Deer / hog / elk (light) |
| 500 gr | 250 fps | 69.4 ft-lb | 8.3 | Elk / heavy hunting |
| 550 gr | 238 fps | 69.2 ft-lb | 9.2 | Elk / large game |
| 600 gr | 227 fps | 68.7 ft-lb | 10.0 | High-penetration / dangerous game |
🦌 Is 60 lb Enough for Deer?
Yes — easily. 60 lb is well above the legal minimum in every U.S. state (usually 35–45 lb for deer). With a 425-grain arrow, a 60 lb compound produces ~70 ft-lb of KE, comfortably exceeding the Pope & Young recommended minimum of 40 ft-lb for deer.
- Deer, antelope, hogs: 60 lb is more than enough. Even 50 lb would suffice.
- Black bear: 60 lb with a 450–500 grain arrow is a proven setup.
- Elk: 60 lb is on the lower edge but very effective with a 500+ grain arrow delivering 65+ ft-lb. Many elk hunters successfully use 60 lb.
- Moose, brown bear, dangerous game: 60 lb is below typical recommendations. 70+ lb with heavy arrows is preferred.
⚖️ 60 vs 70 lb Draw Weight — Which Is Right for You?
| Factor | 60 lb Bow | 70 lb Bow |
|---|---|---|
| Effective KE at 425 gr | ~70 ft-lb | ~78 ft-lb |
| Real speed (29 in, 425 gr) | ~272 fps | ~285 fps |
| Hold-ability at full draw | Easy to hold | Demands form discipline |
| Fatigue during long practice | Low | Noticeable after 50+ arrows |
| Suitable for elk | Yes (with 500+ gr arrow) | Yes (any arrow weight) |
| Suitable for moose / brown bear | Marginal | Recommended |
| Form errors revealed | Forgiving | Punishing |
| Best for | Deer / hog / elk (light arrow) | Elk / large game / dangerous game |
If your targets are deer, hogs, or antelope, 60 lb is more than sufficient and often produces the best combination of quiet bow and accurate follow-through. If you hunt elk or larger game regularly, 65–70 lb gives more margin without needing extreme arrow weights.
🎯 Recommended Arrow Setup for 60 lb Bows
- Spine: 340 (most common). See our spine chart by draw weight.
- Arrow weight: 425–500 gr for hunting (7–8.3 GPP).
- FOC: 10–15% for deer, 15–19% for elk. See the FOC calculator.
- Broadhead: 100–125 gr fixed blade for standard builds, 125–150 gr for high-FOC builds.
- Speed expectation: 260–280 fps with a 425-grain arrow.
- KE target: 65+ ft-lb for elk; 40+ ft-lb minimum for deer.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is 60 lb draw weight enough for elk?
Yes, with the right arrow. 60 lb paired with a 500+ grain arrow delivering 65+ ft-lb of KE is effective on elk at ethical distances (under 40 yards). Some hunters prefer 65–70 lb for more margin. Verify with our kinetic energy calculator.
What is the arrow speed of a 60 lb bow?
A modern 60 lb compound at 29 in draw with a 425 grain arrow typically produces 260–280 fps. Lighter arrows (350 gr) can hit 290+ fps; heavier arrows (500 gr) drop to 250 fps.
Can a beginner shoot 60 lb?
Yes, but most instructors recommend starting at 40–50 lb to build form. 60 lb punishes form errors and can lead to target panic or shoulder injury if you're not ready. Increase gradually.
Should I buy a 60 lb or 70 lb bow?
If your bow has adjustable limbs (most do), buy one that covers both — e.g., 60–70 lb. Start at 60, and increase to 70 only if your form stays clean. You can always buy heavier limbs later.
Is 60 lb draw weight for deer enough?
Absolutely. 60 lb is well above the legal minimum in every U.S. state and easily exceeds the 40 ft-lb KE threshold for deer. It's one of the most common deer hunting weights.
What spine arrows work best with a 60 lb bow?
Most 60 lb compounds at 29 in draw tune best with 340 spine. Longer draw lengths (31+ in) or heavier points (150+ gr) can shift you to 300 spine. Check our spine chart.