What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?

[GameHunter1959]

Can anyone give me a little advice on what brand and model of bow to buy?

I looked at a few at Sportsman WH. Wasn't really sure what I should get. I know Mathews, Bowtech, etc are some of the better bows. I am looking for a good starter bow. My plan is to join the Tacoma Sportsman Club and start shooting within the next few weeks. My budget is $350-$1000. I could spend more, but I don't think it makes sense for me to do that, when I have minimal knowledge. I tend to buy mid-high end products.

I was looking at Diamond Archery Infinite Edge package at Cabela's online. Descent reviews, but I want to hear from Hunt Wa before I buy anything.

Thanks everyone!

[Button Nubbs]

The one I suggest is the one that feels best to you. Go shoot multiple and pick the one you like the best.

[Kola16]

The one I suggest is the one that feels best to you. Go shoot multiple and pick the one you like the best.

Take a trip to Cabela's (or another archery store) and shoot some. Diamond is a good brand for their lower price too so you could start by trying that one out.

[Scvette]

Everyone is going to tell you their brand is the best. Like others have said,go to a place that has a lot of different brands and try them. I really like my Hoyt it feels good to me,I shot them all and they all shoot nice,but only you will be able to feel what's best for you. One that I personally thought felt really good was a Bear,in my opinion the shock after release was one of the smoothest,but that was on their top of the line 3 years ago,I think those are in your price range also,then again most all bows other than carbon bows are under a $1000. Good luck.

[Webfoot]

I wouldn't go to Cabela's because they are a large chain store. The person you deal with in the archery department may or may not have the most experience and knowledge of bows.
I would recommend finding a well known archery shop and dealing with them.

Just my 2 cents.

John

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

The bowtech fuel is 499. Maybe consider that one.

[brianb231]

Here is my suggestion. I have been bowhunting for the past 26 years, not that it means anything and I have bought several bows both new and slightly used/new. If you are going to go to cabelas and spend 400$ on a mid to low range bare bow and then put accessories on and you are the type that buys midrange to high quality stuff. I would spend that same money on Archerytalk.com classifieds and buy a new/used last years model of a higher end bow. One that is going to have some resale if you choose to get out of the sport. A lot of times they come fully loaded with accessories at half the price yet are upper end proshop bows. But I agree that you should shoot several if possible. I am a fan of Hoyt, Bowtech and ELite. I am getting older and smooth forgiving yet still have good speed are my goals. That said I am shooting an ELite Answer. Just bought my buddy a Elite Hunter. They draw like butter and you can hold them forever. BUt you must decide for yourself what is important for you. For example, I just saw this on the Archerytalk Classifieds the other day, Once again just an example.

http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2267769

Bow 900$
Rest 130$
Quiver 150$
Sight 120$
Stabilizer 60$

All for $750.

Now this is just an example. OR I have seen brand new in the box bows on there for $600 that are usually 800-900$

ITs just an option.

As a beginner though you may want to buy a bow from someone that will be able to assist you with setting it up and help etc like the guys at Sportco or Doug at Great northwest or a proshop close to you. But you will pay more. Sometimes its worth it, sometimes it s not.

I am not sure I helped you at all LOL, but take it for what its worth.

Good Luck on your search.

Brianb231

[nw_bowhunter]

My advice.... find a bow that feels good in your hand!  You will be shooting alot so its important.  Get a quality site (don't try to save on this one), good drop away rest. Also, you can find many new bows that are slightly used or left over models for great price. Hit a pro shop first to ensure the bow will fit you and shoot a bunch of models.  Maybe do a little research on 4 major brands and than try each one out. Every shop is going to steer you toward the preferred products so with a little research you will be able to identify what works best..   Your budget is doable but you my have to pick and choose the accessories depending on the bow you select.  Don't forget about your arrows.. plan on $100 to $150 depending on what you pick and a release. I like Mathews Chill, & Bowtech

[demontang]

Lots of great bows out to be had for that price range. Shoot anything you can and see what you like. Everyone likes different grips, the back wall, even the cam cycle  be sure to look around once you find the one there are great deals to be had

[Lucky1]

You asked for a brand suggestion. I like my PSE EVO 7.   

[NWWABOWHNTR]

Go to a real archery shop (not cabelas) and try out several bows.  You make the choice on which to buy on what feels best to YOU.  If I was looking for a good starter bow, I'd take a good look at the Mathews Mission line, PSE has some great deals right now and of course any Hoyt... :-)  A pro shop can make sure a bow is setup right for your draw length, and get you started by giving you some pointers and watch you shoot.  If they don't have it setup right and paper tuned before you leave... well don't go back there. 

[GameHunter1959]

Thank you everyone. What are the reasonable priced pro shops in Puyallup, Tacoma, Graham, area?

[Come Get Some]

Real Archery shop?. Dave at Cabelas is a better bow technician and salesman than any pro shop I know of. True going to a large chain can get you the in-expierenced guy. Dave is not that guy. I do not know of 1 pro shop I would deal with over Dave at Cabelas.
 You shoud definately buy what feels good to you and is in your budget. Be careful not to buy a great bow and put cheap accessories on it. I love my Carbon Element. I have shot all of em. Ford ,Chevy, Dodge, Most bows nowdays are manufactured well.

[Kittman]

I would start by determining what your draw length is.  I was shopping around last year for a new bow and was surprised of how many bows out there that fit into my budget but did not fit my draw length requirement.  It would be prudent to go to a pro shop if you do not know what your DL is first.

[Mxracer532]

Buy a yr old model fully setup of Archery talk.