How much more arrow speed?

Fall 2000 — Can we expect to see more speed in the years to come?  Probably not much!  Current bow designs are pretty much at maximum power efficiency.  If a bow can transfer 90% of it's stored energy to the arrow it is classified as very efficient.  Energy not transferred to the arrow is taken by friction and vibration.

For bow manufacturer's research and development departments to gain the smallest increase in stored energy transfer, the cost is very great.  This is the reason we see many of the faster bows at a higher price.  The compound bow will have to be completely redesigned in order to produce any real significant stored energy transfer to the arrow.

This leads me to another question.  Is it worth it?  My answer is NO.  The whole purpose of archery is too master the skill and art itself.  The ability to judge distance is the number one asset to an archer's success.  

Many of the newer archers do not have the ability to judge distance mainly because they don't need it.  Or do they?  Another way to look at this is maybe we now have the ability to shoot further than before.  Ten years ago, I would not shoot at a deer that was over 30 yards.  Now that maximum distance has changed to 40-45 yards.  I might even try 50 yards given the right conditions.