Ash shortbow is worse than yew shortbow

[TheLastOfTheMohicans (JAC)]

So, after taking a long time to build the upgraded workshop, thinking that the ash shortbow would be better than the yew shortbow, and after making the ash shortbow I was confused and dissapointed that the ash shortbow is worse than the yew shortbow. The ash shortbow, which is supposed to be better than the ash shortbow, has a 38 draw weight and 100% arrow speed meanwhile the yew shortbow has a 46 draw weight and a 100% arrow speed.

So why make the ash shortbow at all when it has worse draw weight than the yew shortbow? It makes no sense.

[Skull_Fukt]

I thought the lower draw weight would mean less stamina drain while aimed in (Bow drawn)?

[Willo]

also means ash bow takes less time to draw hence shoots faster - more arrows loose per second hence higher DPS.

[TheLastOfTheMohicans (JAC)]

If that was so why does the simple bow has 40 draw weight and the yew bow has 46 both with 100% arrow speed?
Higher draw weight would mean a bow with higher pounds, which would mean higher penetration = more dps.

[Schalimah]

Where are you guys getting the 100% from?

Elm Short Bow:
Draw Weight 40
Arrow Speed 32

Yew Short Bow:
Draw Weight 46
Arrow Speed 37

Ash Short Bow:
Draw Weight 38
Arrow Speed 42

The game definitely takes impact speed into consideration when calculating damage.
Just run at an enemy and strike them vs standing still or back paddling.
Draw weight affects draw speed, sway, dispersion and stamina drain.
Not sure if it affects damage at all.

[Shall I call you mista?]

From a Physical Perspective, to determine the best bow we consider two parameters: Draw Weight and Arrow Speed.

Draw Weight affects the effort required to draw the bow and indirectly influences damage, range, and shot stability. Higher draw weight may increase damage but also increases draw time, spread, aim drift, and stamina consumption.
Arrow Speed determines how quickly the arrow reaches the target, affecting accuracy (less time for wind or target movement to interfere) and damage (damage often depends on kinetic energy, proportional to arrow mass and the square of speed).

Analysis:
1. Elm Short Bow (Draw Weight 40, Arrow Speed 32):
Average draw weight, low arrow speed.
Kinetic energy is proportional to (v^2), so the low speed (32) results in less damage compared to other bows.

2. Yew Short Bow (Draw Weight 46, Arrow Speed 37):
Highest draw weight, potentially offering greater damage and range.
Arrow speed (37) is higher than Elm, increasing kinetic energy (37^2 = 1369) and accuracy.

3. Ash Short Bow (Draw Weight 38, Arrow Speed 42):
Lowest draw weight, making it easier to use (less fatiguing, faster to draw).
Highest arrow speed (42), providing the greatest kinetic energy (42^2 = 1764) and better accuracy at range.

Since we don’t know how the game was coded, I’ll stick with real-world scenario and go with Ash short bow, because at the end of the day, the most important thing for higher KE are either greater mass, or higher velocity