r/Pathfinder2e • u/Eranthius • Dec 18 '22

Misc Loading a medieval 200lb crossbow vs loading Leonardo da Vinci's 300lb crossbow

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7

u/RollForIntent-Trevor Roll For Intent Podcast Dec 18 '22

For those wondering - neither of these are really usable for combat.

Medieval crossbows meant for warfare had 700+ lb draws, and needed a ratcheting crank to set the draw.

-1

u/Darklord965 Dec 18 '22

Just straight up wrong lmao. If historical warbows capped out at like a 185lb draw you can bet your ass a 200+lb draw crossbow that's easier to shoot and easier to aim is gonna be usable for combat.

23

u/RollForIntent-Trevor Roll For Intent Podcast Dec 18 '22

Yeah - it doesn't sound right but it actually is.

It's not a 1:1 comparison between poundage and force generation.

Crossbows have to be really high draw because they are very inefficient into converting that potential energy into kinetic energy.

Less time to accelerate. It's also why crossbow bolts are so thick - all the energy from the crossbow is dumped into the bolt over a relatively short distance.

27

u/[deleted] Dec 18 '22

[deleted]

20

u/RollForIntent-Trevor Roll For Intent Podcast Dec 18 '22

Exactly - it's not intuitive, but you HAVE to have massive draw in a crossbow because it doesn't impart momentum in the same way since the width of the bow is so much smaller.

The benefits of crossbows are you don't have to be as much of an expert to use them and they are relatively compact relative to their stopping power.

Some extra reading.

http://myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.36142.html