Looking for a new bow.

[buggy]

I've got the itch to purchase a newer bow and I am wondering what some of you more experienced archers think. I am currently shooting a 2006 Mathews Switchback and don't really have any complaints other than its slow (245ish fps at 68 lbs, 28 in draw) and its jumpy at full draw. I recently went my local shop and shot the Helix and the Traverse. So far I like the Traverse due to the smoother draw cycle and the grip is rock solid. I don't really want to pay full price for the latest and greatest and would rather buy something a year or two old. I am leaning toward Mathews and Hoyt mainly because I am more familiar with them and they have been around longer than I have. The Halon sounds like a great bow from the research I have done but I can't find one locally to shoot before I buy.

Does anyone have a Halon in the Clark County area that wouldn't mind letting me shoot a couple arrows

What other bows should I consider and why?

[Parasite]

To be honest, bows are pretty maxed out these last 5-10 years. If you want something, you generally have to sacrifice something else. That being said, you can buy used bows for a lot less money and still have the performance. I prefer a smoother draw cycle and longer beace height, so therefore I lose speed. But I'm okay with that.

[jackelope]

Several good looking used bows for sale in the classifieds here.

[shallowforks]

not much help as far as shooting a halon unless your going through Spokane sometime, but I can tell you its an awesome bow. I loved the No-cam and now the Halon. Super smooth and quiet and plenty fast!

[Parasite]

Triax is also a good bow.

[Redbeard]

Have you tries calling any archery shops around you looking for a Halon?

I'm sure if you were interested in the Halon they would set one up for you if they had one.

Otherwise I would just go from shop to shop seeing what they had available to shoot. I thing bows are like boots , everybody likes different types and styles. You need to see what fits for you.

[buggy]

Thanks for the responses. I've definitely got some more research to do before I make a purchase but I like to hear different opinions and ideas. I'm definitely leaning towards buying a used one but want to shoot as many as I can to find one that fits me. I'm sure there is a shop somewhere with a halon. I just may need to take a little drive to find it as none of my local shops do.

[hughjorgan]

Why are you only interested in a Mathews? Lots of other bows out there to shoot and that is half the fun of buying a new bow.

[Jason]

Go to Archery World in Vancouver. Lots of bows to shoot there including the Halon.

[MAVsled]

still waiting to receive my new Vertix.
have a Mathews 2006 SBXT as well. Was my back up bow, but the 2015 Creed XS will become that.
Liked the 30ata to my Creed XS 28ata. But CXS is great treestand bow.
Last year shot the Triax (felt top heavy w/ forward lean) and year before that the Halon (wanted 2b quieter). Both good but I waited...

shot the Hoyt RX3 and Mathews Vertix, Traverse. Traverse went back after a few shots.
For me the Hoyt drew smoother but both were rock solid at full draw. Had both bows adjusted for different draw weights on my test shoot. 60-65-70lbs. Hoyt felt lighter in hand too, the Vertix had more weight feel to it.
Both bows pretty "quiet".
The Hoyt had a bit of jump at release, the Vertix was dead in the hand. The Vertix was 9fps faster, with my hunting arrow set up (field points). Vertix balanced well in hand too.

agree with "bows are like boots"....yep.

[bornhunter]

I also have the switchback and mine is dream to shoot. It shoots much faster with same setup. If you are thinking of trade in for a new bow, check out Lucky Shot archery in Chehalis. Ted the owner with give you good money for your switchback as they sell fast on the secondary market. He carries 6 or 7 different brands of bows and has a great indoor range to try them out.

[buggy]

@hugh Jordan

I'm not opposed to other bows and plan to shoot many of them. I've only owned Mathews and most of my buddies shoot hoyt so I'm just more familiar with those two. I'm not loyal to any particular brand. The main object of my post was to see what other guys like and why they like them. What bow or bows would you suggest I try?

[buggy]

@jason

When did archery world have a halon? I was there yesterday and they did not have any halons. I was told that they are popular so they dont last very long.

[buggy]

@MAVsled

When I shot the hoyt helix it was very stiff at the beginning of the draw cycle and then rolled over abruptly. Did you notice that on the rx3?

[Jason]

@jason

When did archery world have a halon? I was there yesterday and they did not have any halons. I was told that they are popular so they dont last very long.

It’s been a month or so since I was last in there. You can also call the Troutdale store and see what they have in stock over there.

[MAVsled]

@MAVsled

When I shot the hoyt helix it was very stiff at the beginning of the draw cycle and then rolled over abruptly. Did you notice that on the rx3?

not at all...