re: First bow purchase advice needed

Mathews makes a great bow as do other top name archery companies .... Hoyt, BowTech, Elite, Bear, PSE, etc....

Go to several different bow shops, "test drive" and shoot various bows in your price range, and let the bow pick you. Buy something that is comfortable for you to draw, hold, and shoot. The better the bow feels, the more confidence you will have.

Don't get caught up with "speed" or trying to find the fastest bow. For a velocity comparison or reality check, your son's Daisy Red Rider is faster than 99% of the bows on the market. Even traditional archers (stick and string) typically shoot arrows at 180-200 fps as they kill tons of game.

Sharp broad heads, judging distance, and shot placement are critical in bow hunting. Been bow hunting since 1984 as it's pretty addictive.

I just upgraded to a 2016 Elite E35 and will be selling my '13 Elite Energy 35, ninja, 28.5" / 65 lbs. , lifetime warranty if interested.

feel free to post any other questions as this forum is both knowledgeable and honest