70 lb Draw Weight Bow Guide
Everything you need to know about shooting a 70 lb compound bow — realistic speed, kinetic energy, best arrow weights, spine recommendations, and how it compares to 60 lb and 80 lb setups.
💡 What Is a 70 lb Draw Weight Bow?
A 70 lb draw weight bow requires 70 pounds of force to pull to full draw. On modern compound bows, 70 lb is the traditional default for serious big-game hunters. It's the sweet spot between power and manageability for shooters with good form.
Many flagship compound bows are sold in 70 lb configurations, with adjustable limbs allowing 60–70 lb range. The 70 lb setting is used by elk, mule deer, black bear, and occasionally moose hunters who want the extra margin in energy and flat trajectory.
📊 Realistic 70 lb Compound Bow Specs
Values assume a modern flagship compound (IBO rating ~340–350 fps) at 29 in draw with a standard hunting arrow.
| Arrow Weight | Typical Speed | Kinetic Energy | GPP | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 gr | 315 fps | 77.1 ft-lb | 5.0 | 3D / max speed |
| 400 gr | 297 fps | 78.4 ft-lb | 5.7 | Deer / flat trajectory |
| 425 gr | 288 fps | 78.3 ft-lb | 6.1 | Deer / all-around |
| 450 gr | 280 fps | 78.3 ft-lb | 6.4 | Deer / hog |
| 500 gr | 265 fps | 77.9 ft-lb | 7.1 | Elk / large game |
| 550 gr | 252 fps | 77.6 ft-lb | 7.9 | Elk / moose / bear |
| 600 gr | 240 fps | 76.8 ft-lb | 8.6 | Heavy penetration / dangerous game |
⚖️ 60 lb vs 70 lb vs 80 lb — Comparison
| Factor | 60 lb | 70 lb | 80 lb |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real speed (29 in, 425 gr) | ~272 fps | ~288 fps | ~300 fps |
| KE at 425 gr | ~70 ft-lb | ~78 ft-lb | ~85 ft-lb |
| Momentum at 425 gr | 0.51 | 0.54 | 0.57 |
| Hold-ability | Very easy | Manageable with form | Demanding |
| Fatigue over 50+ arrows | Low | Moderate | High |
| Deer / hog | Excellent | Excellent | Overkill |
| Elk / bear | Good | Ideal | Excellent |
| Moose / dangerous game | Marginal | Good | Recommended |
| Form errors revealed | Forgiving | Moderate | Punishing |
70 lb is the highest draw weight that most well-practiced hunters can shoot with clean form for an entire hunt day. Above 70 lb, fatigue and hold-time become real concerns. For most North American hunting, 70 lb with a well-matched arrow is the sweet spot.
🎯 Arrow Spine and Weight for 70 lb Bows
- 340 spine — most common for 70 lb at 29 in draw with a 100–125 gr point.
- 300 spine — for 70 lb at 29–31 in draw with 125–150 gr points, or 30+ in draw length.
- 250 spine — for 70 lb at 31+ in draw with heavy points, or high-FOC builds with 100+ gr inserts and 150–200 gr broadheads.
- Arrow weight — 425–500 gr (6.1–7.1 GPP) is the sweet spot. 500–550 gr (7.1–7.9 GPP) for elk and heavy penetration.
- FOC — 10–15% for deer, 15–19% for elk and bear. See the FOC calculator.
Cross-check your spine choice with our spine chart by draw weight.
🏹 Best Arrows for 70 lb Bows
- Gold Tip Hunter Pro 340 — 8.2 gpi, mid-weight hunting standard.
- Gold Tip Kinetic Kaos 300 — 9.3 gpi, heavy hunting shaft.
- Easton FMJ 340 / 300 — 8.6–9.4 gpi, aluminum jacket for higher momentum.
- Easton Axis 340 / 300 — 8.1 gpi, small diameter.
- Victory VAP TKO 300 — high-penetration hunting shaft.
- Victory RIP TKO 300 — heavier hunting shaft with outsert system.
- Black Eagle Rampage 300 — hunting-focused heavy shaft.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is 70 lb draw weight too much for me?
If you can pull 70 lb smoothly and hold steady for 30+ seconds with clean form, then no. If you're straining, shaking, or losing anchor, drop to 60–65 lb. Form and consistency matter more than poundage.
What spine arrow for a 70 lb bow?
Most 70 lb compounds at 29 in draw with 100–125 gr points tune best with 340 spine. Longer draw length (31+ in) or heavier points (150+ gr) can shift to 300 spine. Very heavy FOC builds (200 gr+ points with brass inserts) may need 250 spine.
What is the arrow speed of a 70 lb bow?
A modern flagship compound at 70 lb, 29 in draw, and 425 grain arrow typically produces 280–295 fps. Light target arrows (350 gr) can exceed 310 fps; heavy hunting arrows (500 gr) drop to 260–270 fps.
Can I hunt elk with a 70 lb bow?
Yes, 70 lb is one of the best elk weights. With a 450–500 grain arrow delivering 75+ ft-lb of KE, it comfortably exceeds the 65 ft-lb Pope & Young recommendation for elk.
Should I choose 60 lb or 70 lb for deer?
Both work. If you shoot deer almost exclusively and value comfort, 60 lb is ideal. If you also hunt elk or bear, or want flatter trajectory, 70 lb gives more margin. Most adjustable bows cover both — start at 60 and increase if you're comfortable.
Is 70 lb legal in all states?
Yes, 70 lb is above every state minimum. Legal issues only arise at the low end (some states require 40+ lb). No state forbids a bow above 70 lb. See our state chart.