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Re:Collections: Why Archers Didn't Volley Fire by p_ing on Sunday May 04, 2025 @11:15PM (#43891658)
Drawing a bow activates muscles not typically used in any other day to day scenarios and activates muscles beyond simply lifting/extending a dumb bell.

If you're interested in archery-focused exercises - https://www.morrelltargets.com/blogs/archery-blog/9-strength...

What makes it various bow styles exceptionally difficult is the draw style -- horsebow drawing by a single thumb is especially difficult; war bow has a strange draw style I've never attempted due to shoulder issues, recurve isn't difficult as you get three fingers, and compound archery is simply cheating.

Most of these draws aren't a draw and immediate release, but a draw and hold to aim. That's where archery becomes physically exhaustive. There was some recent YTer who showed off by drawing a 100#+ bow but couldn't hit worth shit. Hitting your target takes patience and practice.

As noted in another child, draw weights are typically measured at 30", but your draw may only be 29" or may be 31", etc. You'd want a bow that fits your draw length as close as possible, though.

Re:Collections: Why Archers Didn't Volley Fire by lazide on Monday May 05, 2025 @06:53AM (#43893633)
Can confirm Compound archery is cheating - especially with modern releases and sights.

A couple months of training and many folks can consistently hit a soup can at 50 yards with a 75# draw (or better). That would be absurd to even contemplate 100 years ago.

Re:Collections: Why Archers Didn't Volley Fire by seabass-labrax on Monday May 05, 2025 @10:25AM (#43895505)
Soup can? That's a bit boring; why not make that, say, an apple, oh and also balance it on the head of the archer's child? Much better!
Re:Collections: Why Archers Didn't Volley Fire by Ichthypresbyter on Monday May 05, 2025 @12:49PM (#43897030)
Of course William Tell was a crossbowman so could hold his bow at full draw for as long as he liked.
Re:Collections: Why Archers Didn't Volley Fire by hirvi74 on Monday May 05, 2025 @03:46PM (#43898726)
I never was a fan of compound bows. I remember when I was participating in archery as a hobby. The instructor told us that in competition archery, if one uses a recurve bow, then winners are determined by who hits the bullseye (or closest) the most. In compound bow competitions, losers are determined by who hit the bullseye the least. It's a tongue in cheek way of emphasizing the ridiculous accuracy of compound bows.

I prefer the antiquity of recurve bows and the lesser amounts of maintenance that comes with them. Though, I also think compound bows are beyond dangerous in comparison.

I have found that recurve archers seem to be better about 'checking' their arrows after missed shots. Many compound users I have known think that as long as the arrow is not completely snapped, then it's safe to use. I just show them the Google images of what happens when an arrow with hairline cracks explodes the near instant the quick-release is released.

This issue can happen with high draw weight recurve bows, but I have never seen the damage like what a compound bow can do.

Always check your arrows, folks!

Re:Collections: Why Archers Didn't Volley Fire by justinator on Monday May 05, 2025 @11:11AM (#43895950)
>Drawing a bow activates muscles not typically used in any other day to day scenarios and activates muscles beyond simply lifting/extending a dumb bell.

You don't ever bend over and pick something off the ground?

Re:Collections: Why Archers Didn't Volley Fire by IAmBroom on Tuesday May 06, 2025 @10:45AM (#43905746)
You don't shoot longbows.

We have.

Re:Collections: Why Archers Didn't Volley Fire by justinator on Wednesday May 07, 2025 @02:15AM (#43912727)
Oh you. I actually grew up shooting many hand-made long bows gifted to me.

Then I became a climber where I "activate muscles not typically used in any other day to day scenarios and activate muscles beyond simply lifting/extending a dumb bell"

My pulling strength now is kind of incredible, especially for my weight. Finger strength too. I actually couldn't imagine a better crossover.

Re:Collections: Why Archers Didn't Volley Fire by IAmBroom on Tuesday May 06, 2025 @10:44AM (#43905733)
It also deforms your skeleton, especially if trained since youth.

Archer skeletons have recognizably curved finger and clavicle bones.