after a long recovery period I'll soon be able to start shooting again but I'll need to start at a lower weight. So my question is how far can I lower the weight & still stay safe without popping the limbs loose when I draw back ? Is there a rule of thumb to go by or would the safest way be to bring it in to an archery shop & let them do it ? I don't have a press if that makes a difference

Humm how low do you need to take it, at also depends on the bow, i know most of the newer hoyts, you can back the bolts out almost far enough to totaly relax the bow, thats how i work on mine, just get it till its almost lax, then take the string off. however I dont know how much bolt you will need to be safe, also the bow is lets say 60 to lbs, dont know if it would be safe to crank down to 45 lbs and shoot. i would goto a shop someplace that carries the brand of bow you shoot and talk with them.

thanks bullspotter, I think I'll just go to the pro-shop that way I know I'm safe