New to Archery

[Solohunter84]

I have been looking at a ton of bows and I have decided that I can look at as many as I want but if I don't get out and shoot them then I won't know for sure if the bow will feel right to me or not.  I have never shot a compound bow but I am looking to get into a bow that is going to last me for a while and as far as visuals go I love the blacked out look with preferably no red in it.  Like the Chill and some of the Primes.  I was curious if anyone had suggestions that I could look for to try to shoot that have experience in the field keeping in mind I am new but want somethin that will work for years to come and be good for deer and elk.  just general suggestions to look into that I could possibly find or watch for a package deal at a great price.  Now that I have rambled and repeated myself a few times haha...  Thanks guys

[MLBowhunting]

Go shoot a Hoyt Charger they are nice   

[Solohunter84]

Was actually watching one of AT... I have read so much on bows it's crazy.

[ShirtGuy77]

I picked up a Martin Bengal almost two years ago, and I, like you, had never shot a bow before.  It's always recommended, and I firmly agree, shoot different bows before making a decision.  As they say, you don't find the bow, the bow finds you.

In my case, I could have gone all "sexy" and bought the baddest bow on the planet, and paid a hefty price.  But the way I look at it, I didn't know what I didn't know.  I probably wouldn't be able to appreciate some of the benefits in higher quality bows (sometimes it can be a higher price only) to understand what I was looking at.  I decided not to buy for the name, but rather what felt good, and was a bow I could learn on.  I'd rather learn on something a little cheaper, than buy a really expensive bow.  I didn't feel I would be able to appreciate the difference, so I decided just to learn on my own with what felt good.

That said, I was very happy with the package I got on my Martin bow, and in fact just ordered one for my bro for christmas.  Went to The Nock Point and was very happy with my experience.  Being a newb, I was happy I wasn't talked into something more expensive way outside my experience.  FWIW

Good luck, and enjoy....So glad I picked up a bow.

[Solohunter84]

Awesome.  Thanks for the info.  It's always nice to hear there are some people left out there that aren't all about the money.  Quality > Quantity is about gone nowadays

[sebek556]

You've already figured out the hardest part of the bow game. Find which shoots the best for you. I might suggest finding someone who shoots a lot and is good to help you with your form, which can make a lot of difference. I shot a martin cougar for 15 years before buying a new monster. Mainly cause I didn't have time to enjoy the sport, then had to outfit the wife and three kids and then it was play time. Don't buy into the name game. I know of some guys who fell into that trap and ended up with bows that did not work for them. 

[yakimarcher]

Don't buy a bunch of fancy junk, shoot some bows, look for the one you like used, don't piss away money on 120/dozen arrows, cabelas brand cheepies are fine.

[RadSav]

I think you have the right idea.  I try to get new archers to think of buying a bow as if they were a teenager looking to buy their first car.  No sense in buying an $80,000 German sports car until you learn how to drive.  I'd like to see more guys get into a good solid bow with a reputable company at a good price where they can afford to learn how to shoot.  You always want to have a good backup bow anyway.  Then once you get comfortable with it and begin to know what features you like and dislike then get out there and drop the change for what you know you want.  Then you can burn the tires off and make it do what German sports cars were built for without being an accident waiting to happen.

[stromdiddily]

I think you have the right idea.  I try to get new archers to think of buying a bow as if they were a teenager looking to buy their first car.  No sense in buying an $80,000 German sports car until you learn how to drive.  I'd like to see more guys get into a good solid bow with a reputable company at a good price where they can afford to learn how to shoot.  You always want to have a good backup bow anyway.  Then once you get comfortable with it and begin to know what features you like and dislike then get out there and drop the change for what you know you want.  Then you can burn the tires off and make it do what German sports cars were built for without being an accident waiting to happen.

Couldn't agree more. Did a bunch of research and ended up with the Bear Mauler rth package for my first. Did everything I asked of it and went 4 for 4 on dropping whitetails. Awesome bow for the price, not sure if they still sell them though.

[RadSav]

Couldn't agree more. Did a bunch of research and ended up with the Bear Mauler rth package for my first. Did everything I asked of it and went 4 for 4 on dropping whitetails. Awesome bow for the price, not sure if they still sell them though.

The Mauler was one heck of a bow for the money.  Had a very good grip!  I actually think they gave up on it a little too early.  But their design technology was changing fast and the newer string suppressors are a real improvement.  Todays replacement would be the Domain.  A great bow in it's own right.  For just a little more the Method gives those wanting a hybrid cam of the same bow model.  Bears Hybrid cams are "Top of the Class" in my book.  Have to go Binary Overdrive and $900 to get much better.

[DoubleJ]

I think you have the right idea.  I try to get new archers to think of buying a bow as if they were a teenager looking to buy their first car.  No sense in buying an $80,000 German sports car until you learn how to drive.  I'd like to see more guys get into a good solid bow with a reputable company at a good price where they can afford to learn how to shoot.  You always want to have a good backup bow anyway.  Then once you get comfortable with it and begin to know what features you like and dislike then get out there and drop the change for what you know you want.  Then you can burn the tires off and make it do what German sports cars were built for without being an accident waiting to happen.

Kind of like high school girlfriends.  My dad called them "practice girls"

[RadSav]

Kind of like high school girlfriends.  My dad called them "practice girls"

Your dad is into high school girls 

[DoubleJ]

Kind of like high school girlfriends.  My dad called them "practice girls"

Your dad is into high school girls 

He told me that when I was in high school.  He always told me "You are not in love with the girl you date in high school.  Those are practice girls.  use them to get better."  wise words as always from dad

[troyspinetar]

Following...Im looking into my first bow as welll 

[b0w_bender]

I agree with many of the above posts you don't need to spend a lot of money. I would suggerst you look at a bow with an Axle to Axle measurement between 34" and 36" these longer bows are more forgiving and easier to shoot. brace height of 7.5" or greater also is more forgiving. It always best for the beginning archer to develop confidence in the shot so a smooth easy shooting bow often works better for the beginner.

Since this is a Washington forum and you are likely a Washington resident may I suggest Martin Archery bows. They have almost no plastic incorporated in their bows making them ultra durable and the factory is located in Walla Wall so any parts required are typically overnight shipping. They have traditionally offered fantastic customer support and warrantee service.

Having made my Martin pitch I will say that any of the top vendors make a quality bow so don't get too wrapped up in the manufacturer hype. They're all good. Martin, Hoyt, PSE, Masthews, G5, Dartin, Bear, Elite...