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Beginner Compound Bow

Posted on 6/30/16 at 8:39 pm
Posted by Geaux17
Member since Jan 2006
1624 posts
Posted on 6/30/16 at 8:39 pm
Admitted newb. Did not grow up hunting, but have been listening to Joe Rogan's podcast for years and have decided I want to get into it. I am going to teach myself to shoot it over the next year or two before I go on any type of hunt. I just want to pick it up as a casual hobby and a way to bring home organic/natural food for my family. I am aware and not expecting this to be easy in the slightest. I have a few buddy's I can count on to show me a thing or two.

With that said, I wanted to get the boards opinion, what would be a good beginner bow?
This post was edited on 6/30/16 at 8:42 pm
Posted by Chief0218
Minneapolis
Member since Apr 2016
369 posts
Posted on 6/30/16 at 8:52 pm to
Hoyt powermax is a whole lot of bow for the money. Great warranty, but doubtful you'll need it seeing as it's a Hoyt. Most important thing is to shoot around and see what you're comfortable with. Good luck with starting out. It's an addictive and very rewarding hobby!
Posted by sonoma8
Member since Oct 2006
7666 posts
Posted on 6/30/16 at 8:56 pm to
Buy used for 1st bow, all brands pse, hoyt, diamond, mathews are good nowadays. Look on LASM or craigslist or contact your local bow shop. Get ready to be addicted and have fun
Posted by Danm312
Member since Feb 2014
189 posts
Posted on 6/30/16 at 9:00 pm to
Well that you ask I have a bear for sale. Good bow I've killed 3 deer and plenty hogs with it. And willing to made a deal for a fellow ob'er
Posted by AUCE05
Member since Dec 2009
42568 posts
Posted on 6/30/16 at 9:51 pm to
Bowtech. Remember, bows are like golf clubs. That $1500 you spend on a Matthews will be valued at $200 in 6 months.
Posted by Solo Cam
Member since Sep 2015
32639 posts
Posted on 6/30/16 at 9:57 pm to
Go to archerytalk.com buy a Mathews switchback XT.

ETA: Before you buy make sure you get your draw length measured at a bow shop and determine your dominant eye.
This post was edited on 7/1/16 at 9:45 am
Posted by Hammertime
Will trade dowsing rod for titties
Member since Jan 2012
43030 posts
Posted on 6/30/16 at 10:02 pm to
Both Bear and PSE have good, cheap complete packages
Posted by Chief0218
Minneapolis
Member since Apr 2016
369 posts
Posted on 6/30/16 at 10:03 pm to
Gotta be one of the best bows of all time.
Posted by sloopy
Member since Aug 2009
6885 posts
Posted on 7/1/16 at 6:03 am to
I'm going to buy my first bow in the next couple of months and I've decided to go with a Mission Hype DT. I would check out the mission bows as they're made by Mathews.
Posted by sonoma8
Member since Oct 2006
7666 posts
Posted on 7/1/16 at 6:40 am to
I agree
Posted by reggo75
Iowa, LA
Member since Jan 2016
1433 posts
Posted on 7/1/16 at 7:58 am to
Make sure you get measured before you purchase a used bow. Yes, you can change the cams out on some bows but you are better off just buying what you need to start.

A good suggestion would be to purchase an adjustable bow in both poundage and draw length. This allows you the flexibility to adjust as you need. It also allows you to sell it easier down the road if you decide to upgrade to a premium bow.

Take a look at the Mission Craze. You could probably buy new with normal accessories for under $500 and have a pretty nice setup.
Posted by Uncle Brady
Tampa, FL
Member since Aug 2005
905 posts
Posted on 7/1/16 at 9:18 am to
Mathews Halon 6 or maybe the 7. Go all out. Buy once. My Halon 6 is a tack driver. Put an arrow through a big 300+ lb sow's heart at a little under 30 yards on a stalk hunt a couple weeks ago.
Posted by Got Blaze
Youngsville
Member since Dec 2013
8753 posts
Posted on 7/1/16 at 9:38 am to
quote:

Make sure you get measured before you purchase a used bow. Yes, you can change the cams out on some bows but you are better off just buying what you need to start.



I agree .... go to a reputable archery pro shop and get measured for the bow. That way if you're a 27 3/4" draw length you don't end up buying a 31" DL bow from a Pawn Shop because it's priced at $75.

What is your budget ? You can spend from $299 to $1500 on a bow package. It's been my experience you will get better service and technical bow support from a Archery specialty shop vs. Bass Pro, Academy, or Cabela's. Explain your situation, asked questions, and be a sponge. Go to several shops within an hour drive and shoot various bows in your price range. They may even have used, like new bows on consignment that are priced right.

Besides the bow, you will need a rest, stabilizer, sight, quiver, and release. At minimum you can expect to spend $50 for each of the aforementioned accessories. Also a dozen arrows will set you back close to $100. If you want to practice and shoot in your backyard, an archery target will range from $40 to $100+.... IMO, you get what you pay for.

If you buy a used bow, research the company and see if they offer a transferrable lifetime warranty. That way if a limb de-laminates and comes apart, they will fix it for free. Otherwise with no warranty, you will spend $125+ on a new set of limbs. Since you're new to the sport, I recommend a bow that has adjustable 50-60 lbs limbs. With todays technology, these 60 lbs bows have the same speed and kinetic energy as 70 lbs bows from 10 yrs ago.


keep asking Q's as many of us here will help you.
Posted by Solo Cam
Member since Sep 2015
32639 posts
Posted on 7/1/16 at 9:43 am to
quote:

Gotta be one of the best bows of all time.
I prefer mine to my buddies heli-m and Z7. The new creed is sick.


OP- You can get a ready to hunt XT for under 500 and IMHO is the best bow of all around bow ever mass produced.
Posted by dnm3305
Member since Feb 2009
13583 posts
Posted on 7/1/16 at 10:34 am to
quote:

Buy used for 1st bow, all brands pse, hoyt, diamond, mathews are good nowadays. Look on LASM or craigslist or contact your local bow shop. Get ready to be addicted and have fun


All of this. Look for a solid used bow. No brand preference, they all make great stuff. OP, what is your budget?
Posted by Chief0218
Minneapolis
Member since Apr 2016
369 posts
Posted on 7/1/16 at 10:39 am to
Yea I remember the first time I shot an XT. After I shot I just stared at the bow. Dead in the hand and quiet as can be. With that said, just about every major manufacturer makes a solid hunting bow. I'm shooting that Hoyt Powermax now and absolutely love it. I like to spend a little less on the bow and put money into the accessories.

OP- like others have said. Go to a local bow shop. Typically great service, quality work, and you'll learn more standin at the counter listening to old timers than you'll ever learn from the Internet. Their knowledge is priceless.
Posted by CarRamrod
Spurbury, VT
Member since Dec 2006
57445 posts
Posted on 7/1/16 at 10:40 am to
I have a bowtech allegiance 2006 in my closet that hasnt seen the light of day in 2 years. i need to sell it.
Posted by Hammertime
Will trade dowsing rod for titties
Member since Jan 2012
43030 posts
Posted on 7/1/16 at 11:07 am to
I was talking to my buddy about this the other day. I ended up asking him, "What's the difference between 300fps and 320fps?". He said he didn't know, so I told him, "the answer to that is about $300"
Posted by Chief0218
Minneapolis
Member since Apr 2016
369 posts
Posted on 7/1/16 at 11:30 am to
Yes sir! The archery "speed freak" craze is a bit over played. I think we forget that Indians killed buffalo with sticks, string, and rocks. The speeds out of some of the new bows is pretty wild though. Whether folks are using traditional recurve or a new prime with 4 cams, I'm just happy people are out shooting and supporting local shops.
Posted by Hammertime
Will trade dowsing rod for titties
Member since Jan 2012
43030 posts
Posted on 7/1/16 at 11:34 am to
I've killed 3 deer with my $150 16 year old PSE. There's just no reason that justifies to me why I should own $1500 worth of bow to do the same thing.
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