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First bow advice
#6503280
10/20/16 01:39 AM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351
Nick1
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351 |
Planning on getting into bow hunting for next season (2017). This is all new and looking for advice on where to buy, what to buy, and everything I may need to get rolling. I've spoken to guys at academy and bass pro, but not sure to trust salesman (I generally have a problem with that) so I wanted to check in here from they guys/gals who actually know their stuff. I'm 45 and looking to spend no more than 5-6 hundred. I'm also left handed if that matters. Thanks for helping out
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6503333
10/20/16 02:09 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,741
passthru
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,741 |
The only thing left handed means is there are fewer of your items in stock at any given time. You can get a decent bow at BP or Cabella's and it may or may not get set up and pre-tuned well. You however really need to get started right and a pro shop will probably be a better starting point for you. Your draw length, your accessories and arrows will fit you and your set up. Most will also give you some coaching and practice sessions as well.
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6503414
10/20/16 02:58 AM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,534
kmon11
junior
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junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,534 |
When choosing a bow start with what is your dominate eye, it may not necessarily be on the same side as your dominate hand. Choose the bow by your hand.
There are quite a few good quality bows in your price range Diamond, Mission, PSE, and Quest all come to mind. There are also some bows made by Bowtech for Cabela's and Bass Pro that are very good bows to start with, these bows have full backing of their manufacture Bowtech.
When starting the fitting for a bow draw length measurement will be taken and the bow will be set to that, not that does not necessarily that is where it will end up at there are variables not taken up in a simple measurement and the bow should be adjusted to fit properly. With new shooters this sometimes will change after you get some experience from shooting anchor points may change as well as grip affecting the actual draw length needed.
Try several bows in your price range and let the bow tell you which one feels better. There are difference of different models you may like and others you don't.
As to where to get your bow. Shop around do your research and go where you are comfortable. There are some people in some Cabela's and Bass Pro that know their stuff and can set the bow up right for you and others that cannot, but have seen the same thing from some bow shops as well. When being given instruction listen and follow it you can learn a lot in a few minutes if you open your mind to learn.
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: kmon11]
#6503753
10/20/16 01:32 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 11,263
Pope&Young
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 11,263 |
When choosing a bow start with what is your dominate eye, it may not necessarily be on the same side as your dominate hand. Choose the bow by your hand.
There are quite a few good quality bows in your price range Diamond, Mission, PSE, and Quest all come to mind. There are also some bows made by Bowtech for Cabela's and Bass Pro that are very good bows to start with, these bows have full backing of their manufacture Bowtech.
When starting the fitting for a bow draw length measurement will be taken and the bow will be set to that, not that does not necessarily that is where it will end up at there are variables not taken up in a simple measurement and the bow should be adjusted to fit properly. With new shooters this sometimes will change after you get some experience from shooting anchor points may change as well as grip affecting the actual draw length needed.
Try several bows in your price range and let the bow tell you which one feels better. There are difference of different models you may like and others you don't.
As to where to get your bow. Shop around do your research and go where you are comfortable. There are some people in some Cabela's and Bass Pro that know their stuff and can set the bow up right for you and others that cannot, but have seen the same thing from some bow shops as well. When being given instruction listen and follow it you can learn a lot in a few minutes if you open your mind to learn. This... Great advice
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6503849
10/20/16 02:43 PM
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 13
zahid
Light Foot
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Light Foot
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 13 |
Bow hunting tips: 1. Work on your archery form 2.Supertune your equipment 3.Practice by shooting some 3D courses 4.Hunt according to the wind 5.Become a friend with Google Earth 6.Try using tarsal glands for an attractant 7.Hunt midday periods during the rut
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6504967
10/21/16 04:19 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12,547
chital_shikari
Minor in training
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Minor in training
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12,547 |
X2 on whatever kmon1 said. I don't know as much as the rest of the archers on here, but I do know a little bit about the Mission bows (made by Mathew's). They are sweet! I shot a Mission Menace, their first youth bow, from 2009/10 up until last year. Not sure if this is good on my part, but I never needed to replace the string or do any tune ups; just waxed my bowstring and made sure servings, rest bristles, and nocking point were all maintained. Now, the Mission line has increased significantly. Before I went to Mathew's, I was looking at the Ballistic (now they have the Ballistic 2.0, with shorter ATA). My pro shop (West Houston Archery) told me that the original Ballistic was their most sold bow...that's saying something for a place that has the entire Mathew's, Hoyt, and Mission hunting lines up on their hangers. I drew back the bow at maxed out poundage--75ish--and didn't get to shoot it, but it was a decent cycle. That's up to you, though. As kmon1 said, try a variety of bows. My dad bought his upgrade from a 1995 Browning Timberwolf in 2011, for $1200 with a $600 budget. Originally, we went to Bass Pro Shop to get the Diamond flag ship--he loved that bow. Then, we went to WHA and he shot the Z7Extreme and it was all over, price list and my research and spreadsheets down the drain, lol. I'm not saying to double your budget. All I'm saying is pick the bow that you feel calling to you, and mentally prepare yourself in case you exceed your budget. Best of luck.
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: chital_shikari]
#6505770
10/21/16 09:14 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,120
KYBLUEFAN
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,120 |
X2 on whatever kmon1 said. I don't know as much as the rest of the archers on here, but I do know a little bit about the Mission bows (made by Mathew's). They are sweet! I shot a Mission Menace, their first youth bow, Best of luck. I think the Menace and the craze can go from youth to adult adjustments without changing limbs. Daughter has the craze and even at her draw weight it seems fast.
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6505936
10/21/16 11:58 PM
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,014
Drahthaar
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,014 |
You need to talk to bow hunters and find a GOOD reputable bow shop, wish I could help but I live in N.C. You can always start with a used bow at least half the price of a new one. shoot a lot of different bows and see what fits you best. if the bow doesn't fit you, you won't shoot it well. Forrest
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6506090
10/22/16 02:35 AM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351
Nick1
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351 |
Great advice...will pro shops let you shoot a few before you buy?
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6506143
10/22/16 03:24 AM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,534
kmon11
junior
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junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,534 |
Pro shops and some Big Box stores will let you shoot a few, especially if you are truly planning to buy.
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6506970
10/23/16 12:05 AM
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,014
Drahthaar
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,014 |
If a pro shop wont let me shoot their bows for sale , I will not deal with them. Forrest
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6507496
10/23/16 04:37 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351
Nick1
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351 |
I went to a local pro shop and he let me shoot a bowtech fuel, which I guess was a youth bow (I think), but he recommended it as a first bow because of the large draw ranges (14-70). Felt smooth, easy, I was just glad I hit the paper at 15 yards for first time ever shooting one. I also shot a Mathews, not sure of model though, it definitely felt like not a youth bow, that thing wanted to shoot the arrow quickly, not a lot of rest time on draw back, but it was more my inexperience than anything. I did learn that this will be a costly new hobby!
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6508029
10/24/16 12:29 AM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,534
kmon11
junior
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junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,534 |
It can be a costly hobby but during the last ammo shortage there were still plenty of arrows. The youth bows / grow with bows are generally pretty smooth and forgiving but lack some of the speed of adult bows and as you go up in price on those fit and durability improves but weight adjust range goes down with many of the higher end bows having a 10lb weight adjustment range.
Get a bow to fit you and hitting paper or an apple at 15 yards is not hard with a bit of good instruction.
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6508585
10/24/16 01:36 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 361
r_u_sharp_2
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 361 |
1. find a good bow shop, not box store. you should get more selection. 2. Shoot as many bows as you can. 3. The bow that fees the best is the one you want. A good bow tech with talk to you about the feel of the bow. the draw, the valley, the hold while at full draw, what you feel on/after the release of the arrow. you narrow down what is most important for you and the bow that does that the best has picked you.
As for bows.. 1. Mission line up are great starter bows and some shops have packages "ready to hunt" well with in your range. These bows are usually less expensive due to the one size fits all(draw weight is usually 20 to 55/70, draw length is 13-30, both examples)
Next two options are more fit to you in terms of Draw length and you need cams/mods to change draw length. 2. Mathews Z3.. a mid level priced bow that shoots a lot better. A little more than your with the range ready to hunt package 3. Hoyt PowerMax (last year model was the Charger) another option in a mid range bow with a lower price point, might be a touch over the 600 "ready to hunt"
I am not too sure of the offerings of the other bow companies as above is what my shop carries. I also didn't address the "box" stores because my early experience with them did not go well and I would prefer not to recommend those type of shops..other folks may have different opinions.
Post up were you are located and i am sure some guys will chime in with where to go. I have my favorite shop, and I am really biased toward them, but I also know of a few really good shops around Texas.
Best of luck.
Matt
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6509365
10/24/16 08:06 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,585
redchevy
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,585 |
Don't think you have to spend a couple grand on the latest and greatest bow. Like someone else said cabelas has some good functional deals on bows. I'm shooting a parker package bow from cabelas I got when I was in college. Its far from new and isn't the newest design but it works. Cabelas did a pretty good job of setting it up for me and ive never had trouble out of it. My dad 54 years old decided he wanted to pick up bow hunting last year and bought one of their recent package bows and it shoots great as well.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6515252
10/28/16 02:11 AM
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6
Poolman84
Green Horn
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Green Horn
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6 |
For what it's worth the guy at cabelas in allen seems to really know his stuff
Lone Star Pool Care Service, remodel and repairs Collin County and surrounding Counties God Bless the USA
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6528746
11/06/16 02:43 PM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 442
nocknload
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 442 |
I would make the trip to a Professional Bow shop and get properly measured for draw length and shoot a variety of bows and all price ranges. Go to places similar to Cinnamon Creek Ranch or All Star Marine would be the best thing you do.
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6529316
11/06/16 10:02 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351
Nick1
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351 |
I'm looking at a elite answer (2012 model). Its in excellent condition with new strings. It's set at 60# draw and 28.5. My draw is 28.2. He's asking 425. Thought?
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6564847
11/30/16 02:05 AM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351
Nick1
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351 |
I ended up buying the elite mentioned above for 350. It is in excellent condition, now need a rest, sight, and some arrows. So far I like the qad rest, haven't decided on sight. Any recommendations, I know there lots out there. 100-150 bucks??
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6565733
11/30/16 05:33 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12,547
chital_shikari
Minor in training
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Minor in training
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12,547 |
I really like my TRUGLO Carbon something microadjust but with that budget I'd find a cheaper Spott Hogg or CBE I think.
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6567043
12/01/16 03:20 PM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,307
BowsnRods
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,307 |
Both my son and I use the spot hog, he uses the single pin which is pretty pricey and I use the multi pin. Awesome sight system.
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6567140
12/01/16 04:05 PM
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 131
Kuddles
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 131 |
Following this thread. Hoping to get into bow hunting for next season and there's some good info here!
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: Nick1]
#6567669
12/01/16 11:04 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 577
millerliteliker
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 577 |
Get a bow according to your dominant eye. I am right handed, left footed, and left eye dominant. I shoot a LH bow.
If you do indeed end up with a LH bow, your opportunity to test one out may be limited.
Good luck and have fun!
Mathews Z7 Bow for Whitetail and Hogs Remington R-15 .223 REM for predators I also like to "hunt" sporting clays with my Benelli SuperSport!
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Re: First bow advice
[Re: millerliteliker]
#6568239
12/02/16 01:56 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351
Nick1
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351 |
Get a bow according to your dominant eye. I am right handed, left footed, and left eye dominant. I shoot a LH bow.
If you do indeed end up with a LH bow, your opportunity to test one out may be limited.
Good luck and have fun! Fortunately I'm left handed and left eye dominant. That should help.
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Re: First bow advice-update
[Re: Nick1]
#6569919
12/03/16 07:49 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351
Nick1
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 351 |
So I finally got to local pro shop to get bow set up. The guy was great and didn't try to up sell me on anything. Here's what I got based on my skill level and his recommendations: trufire release-45$, QAD rest-139$, Trophy Ridge Joker 4 pin-39$, K3 8" stabilizer, 6 gold tip velocity hunter 400 arrows-45$. He spent a lot of time working on my form, I got to shoot a bunch while he gave me tips. I went to mesquite archery in San Antonio and highly recommend them.
Last edited by Nick1; 12/03/16 07:50 PM.
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