I know there are many differing opinions but I'm looking to upgrade my bow for the season.
Posted By: Brandon82
Re: Best bow under 500 - 06/29/17 12:33 AM
IMO Diamond is good for that price range.
Posted By: ChrisB
Re: Best bow under 500 - 06/29/17 02:59 AM
I would suggest a used top of the line bow vs a cheap new bow. Check out Archery Talk classifieds.
Posted By: kmon11
Re: Best bow under 500 - 06/29/17 03:07 AM
For that price look at the Cabela's Fortitude, it is made by Bowtech for them and is one smooth bow. Shot one of these not long ago and an Elite Synergy at the same range session and they are about identical in draw cycle and back wall and valley. I shoot a lot of different bows and for 500 the Fortitude is my pick. It says Cabela's on it but the normal lifetime Bowtech warranty applies to it. They are currently marked down $100 from the usual price of 599
Posted By: BP13
Re: Best bow under 500 - 06/30/17 04:01 AM
I've always been a PSE guy. I've actually got one that is fixing to be on the market if you're interested. Yes I know, used bow. I've always had my suspicions and doubts when it comes to buying used bows. I'll be the first to tell you that this bow is my baby and you will not find a scratch nor a spec of dirt on this bow, it's in pristine condition. It's a premonition HD. I bought it two years ago after shooting it side by side against a a higher end Hoyt. It's blistering fast, and I'd be willing to get rid of it a little less than 5. I am taking the sight off but it does come with extras. I'd be glad to talk with you about it if you're interested. 8062820554
Posted By: Alfonso Smith
Re: Best bow under 500 - 07/01/17 02:14 PM
I also have the same question as you and i'm waiting for answers
Posted By: Curtis
Re: Best bow under 500 - 07/01/17 09:03 PM
The best bow in any price range is going to be the one that I shoot the best. Simple as that and done deal. Brand has little to do with it, maybe 10%. I shoot am Elite Option 7, but the only reason why is because I shot 14 different bows before deciding. I checked with their reputation of customer service and warranty, and it's pretty fair to say that almost all the manufacturers stand up to their product. Elite had some things I liked, including their warranty, ease of shooting and grip for me is what I really liked.
I know for a lot it's hard to save up and spend some good hard money on a bow that drops it's value so much and so quickly. A grand on a bow is not something to take lightly. But no matter what price range, shoot as many as you can first and quit worrying about what bow some dude on the internet tells you that you should look into. At $500 your kinda limited so it's got to really come down to what bow you shoot best because that is what really counts. You owe that ability to shoot your weapon as best you can, to that prey you go after. It's not gonna give a hoot about the price tag. If you dont like the way it shoots, balances in your hand, the grip, etc. Then don't get it.
I'd also say I wish I could tell you how many bow hunters I get out here that wound stuff with the latest and greatest and then I get the hunter that's tuned his bow properly and chooses a bow that he can shoot well and drills it. I wish could tell you that number but I stopped keeping track long ago. All I can say is it's more than the other guy. Get the right fit first and then practice your butt off from sitting as well as standing.
Posted By: Brad903
Re: Best bow under 500 - 07/07/17 08:58 PM
I would suggest a used top of the line bow vs a cheap new bow. Check out Archery Talk classifieds.
I have been doing some research and there are plenty of good used bows out there that are far better at 5 years old versus a new $500 setup. Just my opinion. I'm still shooting a Hoyt carbon element. 3rd set of strings and wouldn't trade it for the world. Ok I might
Posted By: Brad903
Re: Best bow under 500 - 07/07/17 09:00 PM
Curtis you know you like my Hoyt Carbon Element. Hahaha
Posted By: Curtis
Re: Best bow under 500 - 07/07/17 10:54 PM
Curtis you know you like my Hoyt Carbon Element. Hahaha
I like that you got a bow that fits you and you shoot it very well. Even if it's not an Elite, it's ok....I'll still let ya come here and hunt. LOL!
Posted By: Buzzsaw
Re: Best bow under 500 - 07/10/17 03:02 PM
I agree with Curtis. You didn't show where you live but find a GOOD Pro Shop and shoot several in your price range. A good Pro will they set the bow up for YOU. Its worth it rather than buying from a big Box store.
DON'T shoot a $1300 bow or you will see (feel) the difference.
Posted By: JH117
Re: Best bow under 500 - 08/12/17 07:50 PM
I've been saving for a while to buy a hoyt powermax until I went to test one out yesterday. I ended up walking out with an obsession turmoil. I absolutely fell in love with the thing. It's smooth, fast and vibration free. I have a 27 inch draw and it still shot an ibo of 301. At a 30 in draw it shoots 350. It's definitely worth the extra $100 bucks.
Posted By: TRMIN8R
Re: Best bow under 500 - 08/14/17 12:51 PM
Picked up the new Mathews z3 as my backup about a month ago. It was 499 and is an awesome bow.