How much should I spend on my first bow?

[Red Beard]

I'm new to bow hunting and I was wondering how much I should drop on my first bow. I don't want garbage, but I think $900 is a little overkill. What price range should I look at?

[h20hunter]

Dude....right now....classified section....guy in Everett selling a complete set up for $650....if it fits you buy it right now.

[vandeman17]

My advice is to spend as much as you can afford. If you can only afford $300 then go to a range and try to shoot a few at that price point and decide what you like. I bought my first bow for $600 fully set up. I am sure I will upgrade down the road but I am happy with it now and $600 was what I could afford at the time. 

[bobcat]

I'm into my bow for under $400.

Martin Pantera off eBay:  $265
Copper John sight off eBay:   $15
Alpine "Bear Claw" quiver from Fletch Setter Archery:   $30
Trophy Taker drop away rest off eBay:   $50

Total $360.

[ELKBURGER]

My suggestion is to find a quality bow already set up as long as it fits your draw pull and length. You have a ton to learn about the sport and the equipment. You will probably want to experiment a bit with different components and if you go new your wasting a ton of money. There are many guys updating thier equipment and selling dirt cheap to help fund the next toy.

[Red Beard]

What should I look for (the bad stuff) when purchasing a used bow?

[h20hunter]

Take this lightly......

Nothing...you don't know what you are looking at. Me neither when it comes to used. I would, if possible, ask to meet the seller at a bow shop and have the pros look it over.

[h20hunter]

Did you look at this one?

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,129796.0.html

[boonerboy]

I have a limbsaver speedzone in good shape. Loved the bow and wasn't looking to upgrade but a deal I couldn't refuse came up. Selling the bare bow for $350. Good strings and cables on it. PM me if interested....and when looking at buying a bow look the limbs over real good for any cracks.

[boonerboy]

Here's a pic of it.

[notellumcreek]

Take this lightly......

Nothing...you don't know what you are looking at. Me neither when it comes to used. I would, if possible, ask to meet the seller at a bow shop and have the pros look it over.

 

 Nothing better than getting the pros advice. You need to know your draw length, arrow length, etc. Good luck in your search.

[Smossy]

First bow? Personally Id say around 300-400 range should get you a good start. I payed 200$ and yard work for mine brand new basically. Payed toooo much money for everything on it though 120$ Sight, 110$ Arrow rest, 150$ quiver, 200$ or so in arrows.... 50$ on the stabilizer... Boy does it get expensive sometimes

[Red Beard]

Thanks for all the input guys.

[snarkybull]

$300 for the bow is about right.  PSE stinger 3g is a great buy, but there are many makes and models that are great.  Don't fall for brand name snobbery.  but i would recommend you put top-notch accessories on it that can be transferred to any new bow you end up getting.  qad/ripcord.  spot hogg/armortech.  scott/truballs.  Octane/tight spot.  etc. 

my $300 bow probably cost me $700 equipped, but my next one will be cheap as i will not need to buy any of that other stuff.

You can save a bunch now with cheap accessories like on most rts packages, but you're going to end up getting frustrated with their limitations and replacing them.

My axcel armortech sight was the best $200 I have ever spent.  To me, it is way more important than than the bow itself.