My archery tackle consists of a Hoyt Avenger set at 60lbs. I have a stabilizer bar, peep sight, and a cobra trigger. All of it is pretty basic except for the bow. I have been receiving mixed tips about using a whisker biscuit, carbon arrows, mechanical broadheads, lighted sights, kissers, carbon arrows, and so on and so fourth. Basically, I want to know what are the best accessories (brand names would be helpful) for my bow that will allow me to shoot faster and deadlier. I realize that I may receive as much deversity of opinions as I have outside "The Texas Hunting Forum Family Campfire," but hopefully there will be a majority ruling for each genre of gear. Also, when shooting downward, will I always shoot high compared to when I'm shooting parralel to the ground?

Shooting high is to be expected when shooting from an elevated stand. Alos, I would reccomend the whisker biscuit, carbon arrows (carbon express), a kisser button, and a cold miller lite. Let one loose and see what it brings.

does academy carry whisker biscuits? do you know anything about rip chords?

Slayer

I shoot the whisker biscuit on my bow and like it alot. But I have a buddy that shoots the ripcord on his and hands down the most silent rest I have ever heard, or not heard. We both work at grassland research in temple so if you want to look at some set ups before you buy we might be able to work something out.

kyle

ktiner

thanks for the information. i would definately like to check out your set-ups. i am working a lot through this week. maybe next week we could meet at the archery range or something.

I think, keep it simple is always a good rule. I talked to alot of people who use biscuits and love 'em, I've also heard from people who hate 'em.(something about 'em being noisy) I use the Ripcord and I love it. It's quiet, works every time and I really like the idea that you can essentially "lock" the arrow in the rest. I am not a gadget guy, quite the opposite, but if something works how can you fight it. Go with carbons, hands down better(and cheaper in the long run)than aluminum.Don't skimp on arrows. I use the Carb. Express Term Lites and love 'em. Cabelas sells those, but Bass Pro Shops sells a Red Head arrow that is made by Carb Exp. and is the same arrow!Don't go too light on the weight. You tend to get better flight and kinetic energy with a medium weight arrow (9-10 grains per inch) Too heavy and everybody wigs out over speed. I use Thunderheads(100 grains). I like fixed blade heads. There are alot of good ones out there but they have always served me well(just killed a 10 pointer last weekend at 22 yards)Mechanicals are stil too iffy for me. Plus, alot of hunters I know use mech's to try to get away with a poor set-up or lack of practice. I won't tolerate either.Trophy Ridge makes a good sight. It's simple, tough and great in low light.I've never seen a use for a kisser if you're using a peep sight and have a constant anchor point.As far as releases, I use a Scott Mongoose and love it but then again, there are lots of good ones . The only real advice on a release is to use one(first of all), use a trigger release that goes around your wrist and make sure it buckles. Leave the velcro at home. You're gonna find that everybody has their own opinion on just about everything that goes on a bow. That's why bowhunting is such a personal thing.Enjoy!
Oh ya, about shooting down. If you're shooting at a fairly close range ( say,10- 20 yards) aim at the bottom of the kill zone. Not below the kill zone, inside the kill zone, just towards the bottom.On a broadside shot put your pin about an inch or two right above the deers "elbow" and let'er rip.

Carbon is the way to go with the arrows. I agree with whakm about the weight of the arrows. You don't want to go lite weight. The more kenetic energy the better. The whisker biscuits are nice for containment but they will slow the bow down about 2 fps and will tear up fletching after awhile. The rip cord is very nice. Has been some issues with the cord breaking right at the rest. You may want to check out the Wammy from Spot Hogg. Its a great rest. If you are wanting to use mechanical broadheads then go with the Rage or the Teken 2. They are the rear deployment system. I am shooting about 4 different tips right now to see what I like better. All I can say about sights is don't go cheap on those. You want something with brite pins but not to brite. I work at Cabelas and work on alot of bows everyday and this is just what I have seen and heard for the last 3 years working there. All ways here to give advice but thats all it is. Archery is a personal prefrence thing.

whakm and bowhunter.... thanks a lot. i really appreciate the info.