A term used in relation to a longbow, crossbow, or any other tool of the such used in archery. It usually refers to the amount of force needed to pull the bow back to it's maximum draw. In a crossbow this can be anywhere from 25lbs-200lbs, depending on application, and in a longbow, it usually tends to be anywhere from 20lbs-80lbs. Keep in mind of course, that many bows today are compound, and though you only need, say, 60lbs to draw it back, it may actually be the equivalent of any multiple of that due to the way a compound bow works. Crossbows generally tend to stay at their draw weight, and usually have a foot stirrup or some sort of lever system to properly draw that amount of force.

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