Hey Everybody,

I lost my deer lease this year and moved to a new area. Looks like all my hunting opportunities are now bow-related on public land (whole other topic there). I've only shot a compound bow once in my life, but I'm diving in and and looking to purchase my first. Here for a little advice.

I don't have a massive budget and I'm also looking for something that I can set at a lower draw weight and bump up as I get stronger. There are three that I'm looking at right now - Diamond Edge 320, Bear Species, and PSE Stinger (probably in that order). They all seem to be fairly similar in quality, but I didn't know if anyone had experience with any of these. The Diamond seems to get the best reviews, but the Bear package looks like it has better accessories.

Another option is to pick up a higher end bow that's used. I'm a little nervous about that as I don't really now what to look for and am not experienced enough to shoot it and know if everything is working as it should be.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated and I'm wide open to suggestions.

Thanks!

first off, go find a reputable bow shop and have them help get you started.

I'm a fan of Diamond bows but there is nothing wrong with buying a higher end bow from a few years ago to get the performance and still be within budget.

On the high end bows I would caution if wanting to turn the poundage down, most high enders have a 10 lb weight range so expect a 70lb bow to turn down to 60 or a 60 down to 50, etc.. Bows like you mentioned have long limb bolts and can turn down at longer sraw lengths 40 or more pounds. You give up some speed but all are still plenty of speed to hunt with (more speed than my first compounds)

The Bear does come with better sight and rest than the others but they are serviceable and can be replaced when you want. I prefer the draw cycle on the Diamond and the sights on the Bear the PSE is a solid package but I think there are more Diamonds and Bears sold than the Stinger.

Let us know where you are located and we might can suggest a good place to start looking

I’m hoping to go buy at a local shop. I’ve called a few near me and they don’t really have anything in stock in my range due to all the covid nonsense. I’m definitely going to call around though.

Thanks for the info...this is very helpful. I’m north of Denton (Aubrey). I called Cinnamon Creek and they didn’t seem to have anything in my price range and admitted they were low on stock. I tried another shop in FTW and didn’t get an answer. Suggestions are welcomed!

You're not looking for a lefty, are you?

The Martin Rev is a fantastic bow in the $350 dollar range, and is DL and DW adjustable without tools. How about a used bow? Seems like a lot on craigslist and forums.
My advice is get a longbow of decent make and keep it simple. Easy 25-yard killer with no gadgets. With practice you can easily be just as effective with a 40-45# longbow or a recurve. Otherwise, there are several new and used bows on the market in the $350 range that will do all you will ever need.

Used bow look for:

Cams have the pins in matching adjustment holes.
Serving is not worn through
String and cables - no fraying
Nock doesn't move
Sight and rest screws are not rusted and turn
Limbs have no stress lines, cracks, fraying, discolored spots
Cams turn over and stop
Peep aligns at full draw
D-loop or nock doesn't move freely
When an arrows launches no loud, weird or distinct sounds
Riser does not have any wear spots and limb pockets are straight and screws turned same amount on each

This is just a few of the checks....there are more

Im East of McKinney and have this. Only need a whisker biskit or rest to start shooting. It was my regular bow before buying a new mathews last season. https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/7740977/diamond-iceman-bow-package

Thanks for the advice everybody. I ended up getting a good deal on a Hoyt Powermax (60lb). I guess I was too worried about DW...focusing on form it draws pretty easy. Time to practice!

Nockon has a great YouTube site for info. Dudley covers about everything you can think of

School of nock is the place to start. Really helpful in building from the ground up.

https://nockonarchery.com/school-of-nock/

With today’s bows you don’t have to pull heavy anymore to get good speed. My buddies bowtech shot foster at 60 lbs then mine did at 72lbs due to my short draw length

Today’s 60 is yesterday’s 70.

Back when I started bowhunting in the late 90’s 80# draws were not uncommon