Bow let-off: 65 vs 75 vs 85 percent
Let-off is the percentage drop from peak draw weight when the cams roll over at full draw. A 70 lb bow at 85 percent let-off holds only 10.5 lb at anchor. Higher let-off is easier to hold on a long treestand watch; lower let-off gives a cleaner back-tension release for target-style shooters.
Scenarios with real numbers
65 percent let-off
A 70 lb bow at 65 percent holds 24.5 lb at full draw. Preferred by target and NFAA freestyle shooters because the higher holding weight promotes a cleaner back-tension release. Rare in hunting rigs; the shoulder fatigues under 24 lb on a 90-second treestand hold.
75 percent let-off
A 70 lb bow at 75 percent holds 17.5 lb. A middle ground. Bowtech SR350 and Elite Envision offer 75 percent modules. Enough back tension for a crisp release, still comfortable to hold 60 seconds on a stalking bull.
85 percent let-off
A 70 lb bow at 85 percent holds 10.5 lb. Standard on Mathews Lift X, Hoyt Ventum Pro, PSE EVO EVL. Reduces shoulder strain on cold treestand mornings and long draws holding for a bull to clear timber. Downside: less back-tension resistance; punchers can develop trigger-finger creep.
90 percent let-off
Rare, offered as a module on Hoyt and PSE. Holds around 7 lb on a 70 lb bow. Best for hunters with prior shoulder injuries. Some 3D circuits ban above 85 percent.
Which one for you
Never sat in a treestand more than 30 minutes: 75 percent. Regular all-day sits or western stalking with long holds: 85 percent. Chronic shoulder issue: 85 or 90 percent.
What bowhunters are saying
Switched from 85 to 75 percent when my releases got creepy. Two weeks of dryfire practice into a rope and my groups tightened by half at 40. Let-off is not a shortcut for bad form.
ArcheryTalk, Coaching subforum, 2025