Input needed... Good older bow recommendations.

[Hornseeker]

Ok, I had a Hoyt Alphamax that i gave my dad, he always wanted a top end bow and I hunt more with my longbow than compound, so I gave it to him and he gave me his older Martin just so I had a compound. I shoot it fine, but frankly, it simply isn't a top end bow... loud, heavy, clunky...

I have been looking for used Alphamax's or Maxxis... I do not have much money to spend... I think with patience I can pick one of these up for around $300. If they are in decent shape, I know I'd be real happy with either of these bows!

My question is, I'd like to expand my search into say Bowtech or Mathews... but I have no idea which models to look search for? What were some good models of those bows that were produced in say 09' and 10'. Are there other bows that pretty much kick ass that I'm not thinking of?

Thanks for any help!

[JLS]

It's a little older than what you're looking, but the Mathews Switchback was an excellent bow and can be found in your price range.  The Drenalin was also a very good model.  After that they started going very short on the ATA and I wasn't so fond of them.  I shot a Z7 and didn't really care for it.

[xXLojackXx]

I would look at a Mathews Switchback or another Alphamax. Arguably one of Hoyt's best bows ever made. Bomb proof limb design and material.

[Hornseeker]

Did the Maxxis have any detractions compared to Alpha? I did love my Alpha...
how short is too short in your opinion JLS? My Alpha was a 35 and I was looking for a 32" cause, well, I've never had a short bow! most my other bows are 62-62" long...

[jrebel]

Two of the best bows I have ever owned that will fit the bill......Mathews Switchback and Mathews Outback.   Still wish I had my Outback.....best bow I ever owned. 

[JLS]

The Z7 was 30" ATA.  I don't like the feel/balance of anything less than 32-34 ATA. 

I guess when you're used to five footers, short is relative huh?   

[Hornseeker]

Thanks all... I am searching around a bit on archery talk and there are lots of opportunities to get any of the models you mention at some pretty good prices.

What are biggest worries I wonder? just string wear?  I mean, unless there is obvious physical damage to a cam or something huh?

[demontang]

Theres lots of options for older bows if you look around if your stuck on a brand it does narrow it down fast. Bowtech, hoyte, quest, elite, etc can all be had for 300 if you watch and some only a few years old .

[Hornseeker]

I know there are lots, that's why I asked for some specifics. I am only familiar with a few hoyts. I've got a couple good Mathews suggestions now... What models of bow techs? Quests? Etc?

[dmv9]

I've got an older Quest G5 and absolutely love it!!!

[demontang]

Do you like shorter ata bows? The bowtech commander and general are great bows, the allegance is another, Elite z28 and gt500 are a few

[Hornseeker]

My AM35 is te shortest bow I've shot... I liked it! But I am think a tad shoter!

[jackelope]

I don't have a ton of archery experience but I've had an Alphamax 32 for 4 years and love it.

[Todd_ID]

Some of the best hunting bows made are not even available any longer.  The latest and greatest often isn't an upgrade at all.  I'd look for, in order:
04-05 Mathews Switchback (not the XT), my vote for best overall hunting bow ever made
Elite GT 500
Bowtech Guardian (that's had the limbs fixed)
Hoyt Alphamax
Martin Pantera

Buying used is a good deal, and the great deals come when you get the sight, rest and quiver you would have bought anyway.

[bullfisher]

Bowtech guardian
Rytera nemisis (maybe my all time favorite to shoot)

[demontang]

Im not a huge fan of mattews ive never thought they where worth the money. notch travel isnt that great and the slim limb design has always bugged me. In my opion theres lots of better bows out there but theres always worse ones too.

[Hornseeker]

Thanks Todd... thats a cool list, glad to see the Alphamax on there.

I have a Martin Pro Hunter or some such and the thing sounds like one of those spring door stops you kick now and again everytime I pull the trigger. Cannot Figure out where the noise is coming from... quiver is off... its just loud. I can shoot it WAY good enough, but the noise is stupid!!

I bet that switchback could be had for a good deal...

Thanks again!

Ernie

[JLS]

Thanks Todd... thats a cool list, glad to see the Alphamax on there.

I have a Martin Pro Hunter or some such and the thing sounds like one of those spring door stops you kick now and again everytime I pull the trigger. Cannot Figure out where the noise is coming from... quiver is off... its just loud. I can shoot it WAY good enough, but the noise is stupid!!

I bet that switchback could be had for a good deal...

Thanks again!

Ernie

I have a Mathews Q2 that I would make you a good deal on, if you don't find what you are looking for.  60-70# limbs and 29" draw length.

[Hornseeker]

Done deal... Picked up a Switchback. I also saw a couple more switchbacks and alpha max's for good deals!

Demon... Notch travel? You talking power stroke or vertical nock travel or what?

Thanks all!

[demontang]

Every mattews ive worked on had horrible noch travel. The arrows dont travel flat they have a curve in the power stroke. Watch some high speed videos on nock travel and you see what im talking about.

[JLS]

Bad nock travel or not, they still shoot just fine.

[Bean Counter]

All ive ever had is a PSE Mach X, their first split limb bow.  Incredibly happy with it. Today you should havr no problem finding it for less than $300. As soon as one of my shooting buddies with their $1, 000+ bows can consistently outshoot me, ill think about upgrading.   

[RadSav]

Done deal... Picked up a Switchback. I also saw a couple more switchbacks and alpha max's for good deals!

I think you made a great decision.  IMO the Switchback was the best bow Mathews ever built until the recent Chill came out.  I've never had much issue with the Switchbacks nock travel.  Maybe on some of the previous Mathews, but not the Switchback.  Should be a very nice bow for you  

One of the key things to consider with all Mathews single cam bows is the string.  There is something about the Mathews idler wheel that plays heck with string rotation.  You won't regret getting a premium string made with .014" or smaller serving material around the idler.  Winners Choice, First String, America's Best, (Newer) Zebra, Wallace, Vapor Trail any one of those or similar should be good.  Key seems to be having plenty of clearance in that string groove.

[Hornseeker]

Should get my hands on it towards the end of the week... cant wait.

The seller said it has a newer Winners Choice on it... without much use since. So...thats cool. No idea what serving size, but I'll keep an eye on it!

[NWWABOWHNTR]

I think you will really like the Switchback.  My preferences tho would be a Sapphire Hawk.... best hunting bow ever made. 

[Hornseeker]

It still makes me smile to hear you say that...