Considering an upgrade - help

I have a PSE bow that is 15 years old. Can't remember the model, it is a single cam 70 or 75 lb bow with something like 65% let off. I believe it has a forged riser. I remember it being fast for the time shooting aluminum arrows but I honestly don't remember how fast. What was fast for that long ago 250fps???

Anyway, I am considering an upgrade. I haven't bow hunted in years but planning to get back into it. What real improvements can I expect and what bows should I look at? Is everyone shooting graphite arrows these days?

Technology is light years ahead of what it was 15 years ago.. Mathews's bows IBO are in the 320-340 range these days and are unbelievable to shoot. Every aspect about bow hunting has improved.

All that being said, at the end of the day you're just hurling a stick with a sharpened rock at the end of it through the vitals of your target, and your 15 year old bow with aluminum arrows is definitely capable of doing that. Being this close to the season, I'd re-string the old bow and start shooting daily. That would allow you the time to really do your homework and shoot several different bows before picking out your favorite.

just my

Yep, tons of advances in the last 15 years. I just bought a new Bowtech with an IBO of 360 that draws way smoother than my pse did 15 years ago. Get your self down to a bow shop and try a few out.

thanks guys, are the bows a lot lighter these days or just smoother and faster? How much let off is normal now?

The carbon bows are lighter. I personally don't care for the lighter bows. Most all are smoother, faster and more accurate. I think most have between 75%and 80% let off now days. I like the fact that you can get a modern bow and set it at 50 pounds and shoot faster than older bows at 70.

smaller, lighter, faster... you name it. When you get to the bow shop you're gonna think you're in the kids' section but they'll fling arrows like there's no tomorrow!

Agreed with above statements.

I shoot a PSE DreamSeason EVO these days after upgrading my old PSE Nova from about 2005.

I bought my EVO in 2011 and it is lights out good.
Get in a bow shop and shoot a several different brands. I am a fan of PSE but I will say that the new Mathews NoCam is an amazing new bow.

What's the best bow shop on the fw side of Dfw? Cinnamon creek? David's? Other?

I have always been a fan of David's. Always been treated fair and they don't try to upsale, he is always honest.

I have always had good experience at Cinnamon Creek, but don't feel that you get the personal treatment that I have at David's. Don't really think that you can go wrong with either one.

Smithfield Archery on N. Beach in Ft. Worth

It's kind of interesting. My dad has a Matthews z7 and the Ibo speed is with all of these specifications to the lightest stuff when it comes down to it its to light to shoot a deer with. My dad has a light set up and the Ibo is 320 or close to it shot it through a chronograph it was 280. Most bows will not Match the Ibo speed. I have a hoyt its Ibo is 300 it shot 260.

Where is David's? I bought my last bow at Outdoor Pro in Garland....I was NOT impressed.

Very True. IBO Means two things:

First, The International Bowhunting Organization (IBO) uses a controlled testing system with draw weight of 70lbs, 350 gr test arrow, 30in draw length, and arrow speed measured at point blank. Any changes to this will affect the speed pretty significantly.

Chances are your arrows are much heavier, your string is heavier, probably laden with vibration-controlling devices, knocks, string loops, etc.. Short guys like me with 28" draw length.. all of these things 'significantly' slow down the actual real-world arrow speed.

Of course, the other meaning - I Blame Obama (IBO). Also a very reasonable explanation for your bow being slower than it should be

I bet both of those bows will shoot their IBO if shot at 30" draw, 70 pounds with a 350 grain arrow and nothing on the string. My 360 IBO bow only hits 301 fps with my set up.

You may want to give Allstar Archery in Lewisville a try. Both of their shops have always taken care of me.

I didn't know Smithfield was still open. That is where I bought my bow that needs updating.

Cinnamon is nice, where I bought my wife bow. Also check out Alvarado Archery, I love that place. Extremely friendly people and all the bows are OUTSIDE the counter with clearly marked prices where you can fondle them and hold them and don't have to call a salesman over every time you want to check something out.