Hunting & Fishing Would this bow work for me?

[High Binder]

Hey guys! I'm a total 'bow-retard'. I just took a 1 credit college bow & arrow class having never shot one before. I got pretty good at it but now I need my own rig. I'm slated to go on a deer & elk hunt this year with a bow and just signed up for an archery league.

Now, my main passion is rifles so that's where the money goes. However, I do want to get at least a decent bow and this one is in my price range ~500 (found it online for $290).

http://www.diamondarchery.com/#/productBreakdown?r=products_products&i=26

I'm 6' 210 lbs, right handed, my draw is 29" and 60lbs seems to be just about right. I shot this bow at t a local store this morning and I did like it but I just don't know shit about it...

Can somebody please de-tard me and/or point me towards another similarly priced ($500-fully equipped) rig?

Thanks!

 

[stefan73]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

We need one of the big time bow guys to get in here!
Did you try anything else?
IMO being comfortable with the bow is important! It looks pretty good. Its obviously not the hardest hitter out there but I think it would get the job done just fine but I would <span style="font-weight: bold">wait</span> for a response from the guys who have much more experience than me!!

 

[High Binder]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stefan73</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We need one of the big time bow guys to get in here!
Did you try anything else?
IMO being comfortable with the bow is important! It looks pretty good. Its obviously not the hardest hitter out there but I think it would get the job done just fine but I would <span style="font-weight: bold">wait</span> for a response from the guys who have much more experience than me!! </div></div>

I thought it felt good but I don't have much experience to go off of in that arena. I also tried this one: http://www.beararcheryproducts.com/bows/compound/strike/ and then a Mathews but it was way out of my price range ($1200) and they really didn't feel any different, at least I couldn't tell the difference from the other two.

 

[264win]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

i would suggest going with a big name bow. pse and mathews are my favorites. my 1st bow was a mathews mission, and after 3 yrs and 10k arrows i am still very pleased.
if you can, go to a archery shop, [not a sporting goods store that has some bows], tell tham what your looking for.
they wil have several that will fit , shoot them all and see what you like best.

 

[stefan73]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

Diamond is a big name. I have a Black Ice FLX which was a 2010 model and works really good.

I would echo the go to an archery shop comment.

 

[redirt78]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

This is just a suggestion that might be worth checking into...

I agree with finding an actual shop. Research the best (not fanciest or newest) archery shop around you first. Ask the bow technician there what bow he shoots. When first starting out its nice to have the same gun as the guy loading your bullets, its also nice to shoot the same bow as the bow tech. I did both of those when I bought my first long range semi custom gun and when buying my first good bow (Darton Avalanche) and it made things a lot easier. He might have one of his used bows that he knows like the back of his hand to sell you. I would go for a one to two year old top shelf bow myself.

Might not be the same up there but lots of shops around here have Mathews buy back programs, I can trade my bow in every year plus a few hundred to get the brand new model. That puts a lot of nice used bows on the market. Its about the same with a few other companies. I also know I'd take a year old PSE that shoots very well and over 300 fps at 29" and 60# draw for my first bow.

Or you could always have a used bow shipped to you from where I do my business. They sell last years Mathews for very fair prices. Give Robbie a call. It will most likely be a bare bow though. $350 for a Mathews Reezen 7.0 in great shape would probably be a good example

http://www.soloarchery.com/

Good luck and practice up If you are going to hunt soon

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

I just went through my first bow purchase. I took some advice that I got on here. "Let the bow pick you, dont you pick the bow" I was hell bent on getting a Bowtech Destroyer 340 mostly because thats what my bow hunting buddies told me to buy. So I went to the pro shop and shot it. and i was like "ok, this is cool". But I had nothing else to compare it too. Well the guy helping me said "atleast consider some of the other stuff we have" So he let me shoot a Hoyt CRX 32. And holy shit batman that bow felt so much better to me. Better balance, more control, quieter, less vibration...etc. I spent the next 2 days shooting both bows side by side and every time the Hoyt just "felt" better. So thats what I ended up going with.

Im 6ft 230lb and pulling back a 70lb draw is pretty easy. I would suggest buying a 70lb'er and dialing it back to maybe 65lb until you build up some muscle. Diamond is made by Bowtech, which is now owned by Savage Arms. I know people who have Diamonds and like them. It looks like a nice bow, comes all tricked out and ready to hunt. If you really like this Diamond I would suggest at least shooting the new Bowtech Assassin. its a package bow as well, and has some of the more fancy technology in it compared to the Diamond. It also shoots a little faster. its only $150 more than what you are looking at. If you plan on hunting Elk I would try to get a bow shooting in the 330 fps range. Because once you adjust it to your draw length and arrows that number will come down by a bit, maybe to around 300fps. I wouldnt want to go below that for hunting Elk. But this is based on talking to friends and online research. I have never taken game with a bow yet. im sure people were dropping large game with slower bows back in the day, but being new to bow hunting, and probably not having the best technique I would atleast want to have arrow speed / kinetic energy on my side.

Shoot a few different bows, see which ones "feels" the best in your hands. And buy that one.

 

[redirt78]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

Good stuff there too^

 

[strick9]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

You will glean more from www.archerytalk.com than any class. After you have gathered enough information to stiffle the mind find your way to the classifieds and take your pick. I settled on a used Bowtech allegiance fully rigged for 500 bucks. The tech heads on that site litterally sell their bows each time a new mod comes out. The Bowtech tribute also shoots like
a dream.

 

[tireys]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

I've owned lots of bows over the years: Proline, Reflex, Bowtech, Mathews, ROSS. Visit whatever local proshop you have near you and shoot everything they have on the demo rack. There are distinct differences between some bows and very subtle differences in others. Someone suggested going with one of the big names. I don't suggest this. Shoot what is the most comfortable to you and the brand doesn't matter. Things to consider are draw weight, axle to axle length, brace height and whether you want a single cam or hybrid/dual cam design. Axle to axle length and brace height will determine the forgiveness a bow has. Single cam vs. dual cams will determine most often times the draw cycle of a bow. Draw weight is determined by you ie. its your caliber. what is the highest caliber you can shoot most accurately without struggling through practice. Elk and deer are tough animals.

Broadheads unlike bullets cannot smash through bone and create massive shock and tissue damage. Broadheads kill by hemorage.

Select a bow that has the qualities that are important to you. Whether its draw cycle, the letoff or hand shock the bow will pick you. Shoot the demo bows and find the one like and then search it for the best price on the net. If you feel the need send me a PM and I will give you my number to answer any more questions you might have.

 

[Whoshotya]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

If it were me, instead of buying a new less expensive line of bow that fits into your price range, I'd pick up a used Mathews Switchback, Switchback XT, DXT or Drenalin. All are top notch. They are selling on e-bay constantly right in your price range, and often fully loaded ready to shoot. In the end I think you would have a better rig for the money.

 

[Tunanut]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Whoshotya</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If it were me, instead of buying a new less expensive line of bow that fits into your price range, I'd pick up a used Mathews Switchback, Switchback XT, DXT or Drenalin. All are top notch. They are selling on e-bay constantly right in your price range, and often fully loaded ready to shoot. In the end I think you would have a better rig for the money. </div></div>
Some good advice. Practice time is more important than the bow you carry.

 

[bcpdshooter]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

I have bow hunted for about 15 years and have several deer on my wall with a bow.
I have shot 3d for the same amount of time.
One thing you have to think about is that when you are hunting things can go from 0 to 200mph real ricky tic.
That being said is what ever bow you decide on, you need it to fit you like a glove. Good choice to keep the lbs down you want to be able to draw the bow back from a seated position in a very slow and steady pull straight to the rear.
Look at the brace hight on the bow you are looking at, the longer the brace hight the more forgiving the bow will be and the better you will shoot.
Stay away from the short treestand type bows.
Another thing is speed kills and reasearch arrows very good because you can choose arrows to fit a 60lb bow that will shoot very close to the same speed as a 70lb bow.
Research your local bos shops and make sure you are dealing with someone that can give you more than just his opinion.
If you think of anything that i can touch on in more detail pm me and i will be glad to help anyway i can.

 

[Austan]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: StealthMode223</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Select a bow that has the qualities that are important to you. Whether its draw cycle, the letoff or hand shock <span style="text-decoration: underline">the bow will pick you</span>.

</div></div>

Best advice I've seen regarding bows right there.

 

[patriotoutlaw]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

Being new to the game, I would recommend you follow the advice on finding a good archery shop. They are usually more eager to set up, maintain or repair equipment that you have bought from them. It may cost a little more up front, but until you learn the in's and outs of setting up a bow, the benefits of dealing with a reputable shop outway the costs. Diamond bows btw are "name brand".

 

[beretta_man11]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

Does it have to be new? I've shot just about all the top bows and if $1200 is a bit much, as it is for me, go used. Look at what was top of the line 3 years ago and find that one.

Matthews-outback, switchback, switchback XT
Bowtech-Defender (I've had mine for 5-6 years now and refuse to trade "up")
Diamond-Liberty (used to be bowtech liberty)
I'm not a big PSE fan but several people out there are.

good luck.

 

[High Binder]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

Wow, thanks guys. I really appreciate all the good info.

I'm going to go to a local shop this morning and find something that fits me. I like the idea of figuring out what I like and then buying online, seems as though I can get more with the same budget. We'll see what they've got. I'll report back.

Does a longer brace height mean more speed or easier draw?

 

[ARP]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

If you need any additional help with anything bow related then feel free to PM me. I have a fairly good knowledge of all things bow and happy to help.

http://www.bowhuntingmag.com/gear/bows/10_kit_bows_for_2010_101810/index8.html

 

[beretta_man11]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

longer brace height means a little slower but you don't run as much risk of arm slap.

 

[snewhouse]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

When you are at the shop talk to the guys who use their bow's for the same thing you want to use your bow for. (big difference in desired features for target shooters vs hunters).

 

[ARP]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

A bow shoots most efficiently at the top of its weight range. If you don't want to shoot at 70 pounds then get a 60 pound bow and max it out. You will likely be around 62 or 63 pounds when you do. Todays bows at the 62 pound level will punch two holes through every deer around if you don't hit a spine or a ball joint in the shoulder.

 

[djtjr]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

Diamond is a big name and if budget is an issue it will serve you well. Bows today are all really good vs a few years ago you will be amazed at what they can do. For deer and even elk you don't need much and like rifles it's about knowing your equipment and your imitations with it. I do a lot of bow hunting and for a compound I shoot Mathews but with the budget mentioned you won't likely be able to get into that even used. The difference between the top bows and the next tier really isn't that much at this point but for 3D shooting where the speed can help. That said excessive speed in a hunting bow has actually been a negative for me I don't like shooting over 290 fps with broad heads as they plane and I have seen too much inconsistency with expandables. (I don't want to start a fight here regarding broad heads as I have killed a lot with mechanicals but have also seen bad things happen so I prefer fixed blades which fly best below 300 fps)
The way to solve this issue is to shoot heavier arrows which has the same effect as heavy bullets but you lose the trajectory benefit. All in all what you are looking at will serve you well till you get really good and will do almost everything without breaking the bank.
Good luck
Don

 

[Jon Lester]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

One thing to remember, bow hunting is NOT the same as rifle hunting, not even close. With your rifle you can zero it and set it in the corner, go hunting a few month later, see game (Deer Elk) that presents a shot 300 yards or less and it's bang flop.
The bow on the other hand is a different animal. When you see the game, pending you have already taken ALL the scent control precautions, you have to get it inside 40 yards of you while remaining concealed, then manage to draw and execute a shot in proper form, still not being discovered.
Taint easy my friend and most people getting into it don't fully understand what it takes to have success at hunting.
Find a bow you like and if a guy has a $350 Matthews Reason, that’s where I would be. Practice every day, Archery is a very perishable skill, and don’t forget to practice in the gear you will be hunting in.

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

bows these days are like computers, 6 months from now they will all be "obsolete" due to the next technological break through that all the sheep must have because it' the gucci thing to do.

for a beginner bow, first thing to do is research into what are dependable, affordable bows with a good reputation, don't get hung up on the next best thing. if going the compound hunting bow route, make sure that the poundage / letoff is comfortable after holding it at full draw for at least 10 to 15 seconds (in the real world, your targets just don't stand still like the hay bail in open field) and a bow that is QUIET. they say speed kills, but silence is golden. i'd suggest starting with the basic of rests / sights and even fingers to help build some fundamentals of archery, then move on to the fancy schmancy stuff as you'll have more respect for what it takes to shoot a bow effectively, and a better appreciation for what the more technologically advanced bows provide.

i personally don't like buying used bows, you never know what the last owner did with it. a new beginner bow with warranty (at least to me) is more valuable than a top shelf bow with a questionable history.

bear / jennings, golden eagle, martin, pse, etc. all have good "beginner" setups that are very effective and fit every budget, and many come "fully equiped" with everything you would need in the whitetail woods.

just my opinion...

 

[tireys]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

Here is my Set-up:
BowTech Destroyer 350 6in. brace height, 32 3/8" axle to axle
50-60lb. limbs bottomed and set to specs actually pullin 63lbs.
G5 Rock fiber optic sight.
Rip Cord Code Red dropaway
Tree Limb 5 arrow quiver
Simms Modular Stab
G5 Meta Peep 1/8"
Victory V-Force V3 400's

63lbs. 26.5" draw length shooting 297fps. That is very fast for a short draw length which is due in part to cam design and brace height.

By sambam45 at 2010-08-19

By sambam45 at 2010-08-19

You don't need all this to enjoy or be a good bowhunter. You can shoot whatever you want and change as you go. There are two kinds of bowhunters in the world and thats "The ones that have missed and the ones that will" You can miss fast or miss slow, high or low. It is still a miss and the memory will haunt you to the point of losing sleep. Those memories are the ones that shape you and your equipment. Get what you can afford and what shoots best for you.

 

[Whoshotya]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: High Binder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Does a longer brace height mean more speed or easier draw? </div></div>

The higher the brace height the more "forgiving" the bow will be. Try to find one 7" or more for beginners. Also 60 lbs. draw weight is plenty. Don't get all wrapped around the axle about speed... especially if your using it for hunting.

 

[grouse]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Whoshotya</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If it were me, instead of buying a new less expensive line of bow that fits into your price range, I'd pick up a used Mathews Switchback, Switchback XT, DXT or Drenalin. All are top notch. They are selling on e-bay constantly right in your price range, and often fully loaded ready to shoot. In the end I think you would have a better rig for the money. </div></div>

I agree, used bows can be had at bargains, especially this time of year when new models are coming out. More bang for your buck

 

[jcallan]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

After owning a few Matthews and high end PSE I would say go to a shop that will let you shoot several different brands and configurations. Sometimes faster or shorter and more aggressive cams dont feel that goood to new shooters. Go with what feels the best because IMO thats what you will shoot best with.

 

[shootist68]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: StealthMode223</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here is my Set-up:
BowTech Destroyer 350 6in. brace height, 32 3/8" axle to axle
50-60lb. limbs bottomed and set to specs actually pullin 63lbs.
G5 Rock fiber optic sight.
Rip Cord Code Red dropaway
Tree Limb 5 arrow quiver
Simms Modular Stab
G5 Meta Peep 1/8"
Victory V-Force V3 400's

63lbs. 26.5" draw length shooting 297fps. That is very fast for a short draw length which is due in part to cam design and brace height.

By sambam45 at 2010-08-19

By sambam45 at 2010-08-19

You don't need all this to enjoy or be a good bowhunter. You can shoot whatever you want and change as you go. There are two kinds of bowhunters in the world and thats "The ones that have missed and the ones that will" You can miss fast or miss slow, high or low. It is still a miss and the memory will haunt you to the point of losing sleep. Those memories are the ones that shape you and your equipment. Get what you can afford and what shoots best for you. </div></div>

Very nice rig.... I shoot a 340 set up almost identical and get 343 with Victory HF arrows.

I do agree, get what you can afford and get out in the woods and have fun!!

 

[Shortdraw]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

Go for a higher brace height model and don't get caught up in trying to get the fastest bow you can find. Bows lose resale value fast. A couple year old $1500 bow combo can be had fully decked out with quality accessories for around $500. Go to a pro shop and try to shoot some demo models and anything they can set up for you from the used rack. Check out archerytalk.com for the biggest selection of used bows and gear. I recently picked up a MSRP $999 bow that was very, very slightly used with a lifetime warranty for $325 shipped. It is as good or better for me than most of the 2011 model bows offered.

 

[tacshooter223]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

I shoot JOAD, which is Junior Olympic Archery Development, and most of the time people winning shoots have hoyts. If I were you I'd go to archerytalk.com and look around in the for sale section for something like an Alphamax. I shoot a Martin Pantera and still do pretty well (second in states last time I shot). If I were buying a new bow it would either be a Martin (like a nemisis) or a Hoyt (like an Alphamax).

 

[Shortdraw]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tacshooter223</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I shoot JOAD, which is Junior Olympic Archery Development, and most of the time people winning shoots have hoyts. </div></div>
I have won my flight at state tourneys with Elite, Bowtech, Martin, and Mathews bows. All the decent bows are capable of exceptional accuracy. The last state shoot I shot a 80lb Elite Envy with hunting sights just to prove a point. Any major brand will work for you as long as you have a pro shop that will help you get the draw length correct, your arrow rest set properly, and coach you in proper form. I have shot a 50x 300 with a 30lb Bowtech rascal kids bow. It doesn't matter...

 

[tacshooter223]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mnshortdraw</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tacshooter223</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I shoot JOAD, which is Junior Olympic Archery Development, and most of the time people winning shoots have hoyts. </div></div>
I have won my flight at state tourneys with Elite, Bowtech, Martin, and Mathews bows. All the decent bows are capable of exceptional accuracy. The last state shoot I shot a 80lb Elite Envy with hunting sights just to prove a point. Any major brand will work for you as long as you have a pro shop that will help you get the draw length correct, your arrow rest set properly, and coach you in proper form. I have shot a 50x 300 with a 30lb Bowtech rascal kids bow. It doesn't matter... </div></div>

Oh I completely understand that most bows now a days will work fine, and I shot second with an alpine micro a few years ago. I am simply stating that if you look most bows are hoyts. That just my observation, and I'm not saying anything but a hoyt won't work.

 

[mb198]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

Pick a quality bow, used will save you some money but I prefer to buy new as I know that bow hasn't been missused. I agree with previous posters to let bow pick you, what feels good and is of good quality. Also agree that arrow selection shouldn't be taken lightly. The set-up will make a great difference to feel, ie. sights and rest and even the trigger all add to your ability to reflexively shoot like you do now with a firearm, so don't skimp on the set-up. I shoot a Switchback and while there are faster bows out now, we set it up right for me with quality accessories and I've never had to nor wanted to change a thing in the many years I've hunted with it.
Would I like to upgrade to the latest and greatest bow? Maybe, in a few years, as I do like to try them out every year, but this bow and setup has given such flawless service that I just can't let it go.......but then I haven't looked at this years bows, yet.

 

[4ester]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

Dont forget to look at Hoyt also.

 

[Guest]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

Diamond bows are made by Bowtech, I would not spend a bunch of money on a first bow, Iv seen alot of guys spend $1000 + on a bow and not get into it and sell for nothing.
Buy a cheaper or nice used set up for ur first time and see if u like it before dumping alot of money out, I put enough in mine i could have bought a nice rifle.

 

[cap2031]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: StealthMode223</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here is my Set-up:
BowTech Destroyer 350 6in. brace height, 32 3/8" axle to axle
50-60lb. limbs bottomed and set to specs actually pullin 63lbs.
G5 Rock fiber optic sight.
Rip Cord Code Red dropaway
Tree Limb 5 arrow quiver
Simms Modular Stab
G5 Meta Peep 1/8"
Victory V-Force V3 400's

63lbs. 26.5" draw length shooting 297fps. That is very fast for a short draw length which is due in part to cam design and brace height.

By sambam45 at 2010-08-19

By sambam45 at 2010-08-19

You don't need all this to enjoy or be a good bowhunter. You can shoot whatever you want and change as you go. There are two kinds of bowhunters in the world and thats "The ones that have missed and the ones that will" You can miss fast or miss slow, high or low. It is still a miss and the memory will haunt you to the point of losing sleep. Those memories are the ones that shape you and your equipment. Get what you can afford and what shoots best for you. </div></div>

I shoot this same bow and LOVE it!!!

 

[jackh]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

be careful, once you start bowhunting, your funds will go to it instead of your guns!

i started last yr, got a hoyt turbohawk. go the bow, sight, quiver, release, arrows, broadheads, peep sight, limbsaver, target and case for around under 1500 iirc. it was steep for my liking at the time but im glad i did it.

go to a good bow shop and shoot as many different bows as you can that are in your price range. that is the only way you will be able to pick one out. you cant go wrong with any of the big names, but each are unique in their own ways so one will appeal to you more.

 

[RTO]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

I guess I should chime in here. I have been shooting bows competitively for 20 years. Dont get tied up in the new trends. Find something that is comfortable for you. Starting at 60lbs is a good idea for getting started. You will use muscles that you normally arent used to using. I used to shoot 4-5 hours a day 15 years ago and now I can feel it after shooting an hour. My point is once your muscles get built up you can shoot heavier weights. You want to make sure you can pull and hold it easily. There will be times you may think you are ready to draw and release right away then you end up holding for 3-4 mins and depending on let off and how much you are pulling 3-4 mins can mean you start getting tired which means shaking and missing your target. Used bows are not a bad way to get into it. I still have a 94 model bow that I would put 500.00 against anyone that I could hang an arrow and swing it and at 40 yards split it swinging. My new bow I just bought this year maybe maybe not, I would be hesitant to put up 500.00 in fear I may make an ass of myself. My point is I know my old bow so well from so many hours of shooting and it shoots just as good as any other bow, maybe not as fast but still shoots just as good. Things to look out for on used bows are cracked limbs, and go ahead and expect to restring it right away. I shoot more than most and usually restring my bow 3-4 times a year. Most people should get a year out of a string. Some go longer and it is doable but it just isnt worth pushing your luck. If you have ever seen a string break and limbs flying everywhere you wont mind spending the extra for new strings. As many others have said, go to a bow shop and shoot a few even if you dont plan on buying anything there. Compare as many as you can and find what works for you just because it costs more or less than others doesnt necessarily mean it wont work for what you want. I have fitted many people for bows and made custom strings and everything else for bows. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

 

[Tact999]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

I would agree with most of the replies and shoot as many different bows at your preferred shop as possible. I had originally wanted a Mathews bow, but after shooting several other brands I settled on a PSE just simply because it fit me right and I shot better with it. Diamond is basically a Bowtech if I recall. Like a Chevy and a GMC. Bowtech does offer a fully built rig called the Assassin with a Ready To Kill package or something close to it for $599 which appears to be pretty fair priced. You get everything on the bow. Huntersfriend dot com has some pretty decent packages to compare as well as some good information on picking the right accessories. Good luck with the purchase though. I was hooked after my first hunt and only archery hunt now. Rifle hunting just isn't as fun or challenging.

 

[Archer762]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

You are far better off getting a used high-end bow for the price of a new low-end bow. I got a used Mathews Switchback, totally set for hunting, for only $450 with arrows from a local shop. I fired it side-by-side with the Diamonds, PSEs, etc. and there really is no comparison.

 

[tireys]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Archer762</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You are far better off getting a used high-end bow for the price of a new low-end bow. I got a used Mathews Switchback, totally set for hunting, for only $450 with arrows from a local shop. I fired it side-by-side with the Diamonds, PSEs, etc. and there really is no comparison. </div></div>

Someone new to archery is better off not listening to advice like this. There are so many great bow companies nowadays offering great products that have very subtle differences than what are traditionally known as the high-end big guys. THE BOW PICKS THE INDIVIDUAL. Whether its new or used, expensive or cheap, bamboo or carbon fiber. If you shoot it well then own it. Many bow manufacturers offer outstanding C/S and will stand behind their products. Buy what you want.

 

[rrflyer]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

I got my first bow last year as a bit of a fluke. Won a Mathews Z7 setup!


I only took it out once but man I love shooting it and hope to get some deer and maybe a few pigs this fall.

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

I've got a Jerry Hill longbow and am quite suprised at the accuracy of it.

Go native.

 

[tireys]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArcticLight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got a Jerry Hill longbow and am quite suprised at the accuracy of it.

Go native. </div></div>

I have a Fred Bear Recurve. I can only hope to to be as great as The legendary Fred Bear.

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

Fred Bear? I thought it was Fred Hill?

Lemme go check my bow, Jerry Hill is the nephew or cousin to the great legend...

 

[Archer762]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: StealthMode223</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There are so many great bow companies nowadays offering great products that have very subtle differences than what are traditionally known as the high-end big guys. </div></div>

I disagree, because I don't think the differences are subtle. Think of it as buying a used Corvette or a new Civic for the same price.

 

[tireys]

Re: Would this bow work for me?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Archer762</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: StealthMode223</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There are so many great bow companies nowadays offering great products that have very subtle differences than what are traditionally known as the high-end big guys. </div></div>

I disagree, because I don't think the differences are subtle. Think of it as buying a used Corvette or a new Civic for the same price. </div></div>

I guess that is what makes America great. You can disagree. I also think Corvettes and Civics are Apples and Oranges. My point is that If you Drive the Mathews(Corvette) well then use it. If you feel more Comfortable in the Darton(Civic) then use it. Both are different bows some of the same features some different. I don't belive in telling a new shooter to archery shoot... and give a specific brand. Give it a broad stroke of ideas and let them make up their own mind about the features so they can figure out for themselves if they like the Mathews or Hoyt or Diamond Etc.