Question for all of you experienced archery guys and gals

[grizzlyadams]

I going to buy a bow and I'm the type of person that hates to buy something more affordable then have to upgrade a year later. That being said, I've been shopping and researching for about a year now and I'm pretty sure I've settled on the Bowtech Insanity Blackops. I like the look, feel, IBO speed, weight ect. but I'm no expert so I was looking for some input. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks everyone!.

[Crunchy]

Im not a big bowtech fan but they make a decent bow.  Not sure what the cost is compared to others of equal specs.  I do believe that you get what you pay for.  So looks like you might be on the right track with the bowtech.  I currently shoot a Mathews Switchback XT 2006 model.  I just cant seem to find a good reason to replace it.  I always say.... maybe next year.  I  do have my eyes on the new Hoyt line of carbon fiber bows. 

[ELKBURGER]

It seems like you are off to a good start. You have found a bow that fits yu well. Did you buy from a local shop? If you are new to the archery experience then there is much to learn and you will have a ton of fun along the way. If you have plans to hunt september with it then you have lots of shooting ahead of you before sept. If you are new, start out with proper form and stance. Then its a matter of lots of shots down range focusing on your form every shot. Soon it will become automatic. When in doubt....practice, practice, practice.

[Wazukie]

Well, I'm still shooting a 2002 Hoyt, works well and kills just like the new ones 

[ELKBURGER]

Well, I'm still shooting a 2002 Hoyt, works well and kills just like the new ones 

Ive been shooting an 04'/05' Mathews Outback. Killed 3 elk in the last 5 years.....

[snarkybull]

the 6" brace height is not very forgiving on that bow.

[JLS]

Have you shot it and compared it to other bows?  After you've shot quite few, you'll know the one you like.  It's kind of like seeing a Booner mule deer.  There's no doubt in your mind.

[jburkett]

the 6" brace height is not very forgiving on that bow.

for sure!  I passed on the insanity and went with the invasion for this same reason.  Have you shot the expiriance ?   

[demontang]

Love my insanity. Ive shot a lot of bows and im not to impressed with many of the higher end ones. After I got the insanity ive had a hard time picking up a bow and not noticing the noise difference. I loved the experiance amd the insanity cpxl, the hoyte spider was decent bow too, I liked the strothers rush xt, and the elite answer.

[brianb231]

Are you right or left handed. I just posted for sale a new sweet Strother setup. In case you are interested. Let me know

[grizzlyadams]

I'm a right hander. I've shot a few but not as many as I would like to feel confident it's right for me and no others are better. Seems like no one wants to take the time to let you experience more than one at an outing ( ie ...cabelas ect.) unless your going to buy right then and there. That's why I'm asking you seasoned archery shooters out there. I know it comes down to a personal feel and liking, but just needed to know if I was looking in the right direction.

No, not enough time to practice and get enough arrows down range for this season, but I do want to buy this summer and get some good practice in and get my form right for next season.

Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate all the comments. Keep them coming.

Any advice on a good shop that will take the time to let me shoot a few different ones? I live in Monroe so someplace that's no to terribly far from me.

[atfulldraw]

I would try Riverside archery in Mount Vernon, Gary and Jason will take great care of you and are very knowledgeable.  And if you want bowtech you can go to Wilderness Archery in Bow.

[Bean Counter]

... I'm the type of person that hates to buy something more affordable then have to upgrade a year later. ...

That's what happens when you buy cheap optics, not cheap weapons. Most weapons shoot straighter and more consistent than the person holding them. I bought a year old, used bow in 2009 when I jumped into archery. I still have a lot to learn as much as stalking and bow hunting, but I'm a decent shot with the arrows on the range. I have no plans to upgrade. Its all about making the bow companies rich. 

[snarkybull]

... I'm the type of person that hates to buy something more affordable then have to upgrade a year later. ...

That's what happens when you buy cheap optics, not cheap weapons. Most weapons shoot straighter and more consistent than the person holding them. I bought a year old, used bow in 2009 when I jumped into archery. I still have a lot to learn as much as stalking and bow hunting, but I'm a decent shot with the arrows on the range. I have no plans to upgrade. Its all about making the bow companies rich. 

You can save a lot of dough on the bow and still shoot great.  I recommend a longer brace height for beginners.  don't worry about ibo speed, anything that hits 300 is plenty fast.  the extra speed has serious drawbacks in accuracy if you are not great at shooting.  I'd start with a less expensive bow and get top notch accessories that can be moved to another bow if you ever upgrade.  spothogg/armortech,  qad, tight spot, etc.  after a few years you'll have a much better idea what kind of bow Iis perfect for you.  and if you get a forgiving bow you can hunt with it this year.

[JLS]

If you look around at used bows you can really get a bargain.  I've looked at some used Mathews, and it's not too hard to find a very good bow like a Drenalin or Switchback for under 5 bills, completely set up.

[grizzlyadams]

Good advice from everyone. It's not just range time I'm considering before I archery hunt, I need all new gear. I'm all set up for cooler weather hunting for modern seasons. I would need new lighter weight cloths for warmer weather, range finder, different calls ect. Financially too much to absorb in a few months so that's why I am trying to prepare now for next year. Already planning on getting a good set of Leupold BX-3 mojave 12x50 binos for this season. Then a bow setup as well so no money left over for all of the other stuff. Plus I really want to take my time and become proficient with a bow before I head out to hunt.

[grizzlyadams]

If you look around at used bows you can really get a bargain.  I've looked at some used Mathews, and it's not too hard to find a very good bow like a Drenalin or Switchback for under 5 bills, completely set up.

I get worried about used equipment. Especially when I don't know enough about the item to tell the condition and what might be wrong with it besides aesthetics.

[JLS]

If you look around at used bows you can really get a bargain.  I've looked at some used Mathews, and it's not too hard to find a very good bow like a Drenalin or Switchback for under 5 bills, completely set up.

I get worried about used equipment. Especially when I don't know enough about the item to tell the condition and what might be wrong with it besides aesthetics.

Find a reputable pro shop and pay them to look it over for you.  I did that with the last used pickup I bought, paid the mechanic an hour and half shop labor, and in the end asked him if he would buy it.  Do the same with a bow.

[Bean Counter]

My pro shop would do it for free. They may not get to sell me a bow that way, but I continue to go back for new strings, arrows, tuneups, targets, accessories, etc. Besides, if you talk to my guy, he'll admit that buying a new bow every year is like buying a new car every year. Tons of depreciation and it doesn't necessarily make you better because you bought a new shiny.

[TheHunt]

I like what Crunchy said above...

I have owned many but I now stick with Hoyt.  But I do still own a Mathews as my back up bow.   

You should also think about if you are planning on hunting only with the bow.  I have only shot a few animals from the standing position.  Most have been on my knee's and in awkward positions.  The longer axle to axle bows have more forgiveness then the short aggressive cam bows.  When you are bent all over and you release the arrow youwill get some type of wrist torque.  And possible miss or a bad shot. 

[blackhorn]

Grizzly, you are on the right track for sure.  Since you have time, go to several shops and shoot what they have, the right bow will come to you.  Remember you are also shopping for the right dealer, one that will take the time to answer questions and set you up appropriately.  Cabelas is probably not that dealer.  If your schedual permits go during the off season and mid week when the dealer has time to spend.   Right now most dealers are getting everyone else squared away for this upcoming season and it will only get worse the closer we get to Sept.  Good luck to you and welcome to archery!

[coachcw]

go down to rock creek and shoot , the cpx and the cpxl and the experience , plus the new knight is coming out this month .

[elk247]

I would try Riverside archery in Mount Vernon, Gary and Jason will take great care of you and are very knowledgeable.  And if you want bowtech you can go to Wilderness Archery in Bow.

Iv'e done business with both those shops. Worth the drive. Gary will take care of you at Riverside.

[JJD]

First, I'd go to www.huntersfriend.com and read their bow buyer guide and also read through their arrow university.
I personally would not buy a bow there, but the info and understanding the terminology is invaluable.
Next, I'd shoot everybow that the dealers will let you shoot.  Find one that fits and feels good.  Having a good bow shop that will take care of you is also invaluable.
Others have mentioned that a 6" draw length is not good.  That would depend on your draw length.  Again the fore mentioned bow buyers guide will explain that issue along with much more.

[grizzlyadams]

Thanks for all of the advice!!! You are all great! Ya huntersfriend.com is a great site. Lots of great info on there. They seem to have some really nice packages and the prices seem to be in line. So I'm torn because I like the packages and the prices along with the fact I don't have to contribute my $$ to the liberal agenda of this state via sales tax. However I do like to support our local businesses and would like to buy from a dealer that is going to spend their valuable time to let me experiment a bit and develop a relationship with that shop. So it's really hard for me to decide where to buy because my politics are so strong on this. Much rather give my tax dollars to the NRA, RMEF ect

[Bean Counter]

If you're happy with the service at a local, independently owned pro shop, I would put my dollars there, even though you're donating tax dollars for the Olympia Spending Machine.

Until you quit breathing, you'll be supporting that state. but then they'll be happy because you're not emitting green house gasses anymore. That's why I am happy to no longer be a Washington state resident 

[JJD]

If this is your first go at archery, I would highly suggest getting a bow from a GOOD shop.  They will set a bow up right for you and save you a bunch of frustration. 

[grizzlyadams]

I shot a lot many years ago and became quite good with a recurve but it will be my first go around with this type of equipment.

[kckrawler]

Hey Griz!

If you have the time, take a drive up to Riverside Archery in Mt. Vernon. They helped me get set up a few years ago and the owner is very knowledgeable and helpful. 

[grizzlyadams]

Hey KC! How goes it?  You're the second person to mention that shop in Mt. Vernon. I might just have to go up and check it out. Thanks for the advice! :-)