New Bow Advice

[DeKuma]

Just got back from shooting the following:

Hoyt Katera - Awesome, Fast, Quiet, light (IMO) just awesome, except for the price
Hoyt Avenger - Great bow, pretty quiet, moderate speed, no Katera.  Still $$, but better.
Martin Bengal - Nice all around bow.  Relatively fast, light, and stable.  Little bit of vibration at the shot, but could be fixed?
Martin Razor X - Fast as hell, but really aggressive cam.  My least favorite
Parker Blackhawk - Great feeling bow.  Smooth, fast, light.  Feels solid, though the one I shot had a long draw module, so it was a little too long, making it difficult to be smooth all the way through.

The Katera, of course was my favorite, but I cannot justify the price at $730 for a bare bow.
The Avenger is a close second in over-all feel, but again, very price prohibitive at this point.
The Bengal seems to be a good all around choice for speed and feel, if the "hum" can be eliminated.
The Blackhawk ranks right up there is I can shoot the shorter draw module.  I may end up liking it much more. 

This decision is getting harder all the time.

[snohohunter]

Where'd you go to shoot them? 

[DeKuma]

At the Nock Point in Mountlake Terrace.
Going to check out Van Winkles in Everett Tomorrow, and maybe Sportman's Whorehouse as well.

[bankwalker]

parker bows are really under rated. alot of people over look them.

[boneaddict]

I told you this was the fun part.

[DeKuma]

It is both fun and frustrating!
Thought I knew what I wanted until I shot it, then not so much.
I really want the Katera, but cannot justify the cost........
Hoping to get a chance soon on the Blackhawk in the correct draw!
It is a good performer for the price.  Still $$, but not as much as the Hoyt.
Bengal may be the one due to cost though, unless I find a good used bow somewhere. 
I am ready to buy now and getting impatient on finding the ONE.

[tlbradford]

I have found that if there is something I really want but can't afford it at the time, that it is better to wait a little bit, save a little more, and then get it.  If you rate the Katera that much higher than the other bows, you aren't going to be happy with anything less.  Just my 

[DeKuma]

Your logic is sound, and I agree.
My issue is one of responsibilities versus desires.
The Katera fits the bill, but by the time you add up all the additionals to make it ready to shoot, we are up at $1100.  I just cannot see spending that kind of money on a bow set-up, when I have other things that need attention as well.
I am on a quest for the next best thing, without breaking the bank.

[tlbradford]

I understand exactly where you are coming from.  I have been in that position many times and I hope you find something that you like just as much. 

Is the Katera a brand new model?  Is it based on a previous model that may shoot much the same but being a year or two older is significantly cheaper?  Is it too new of a model to find used?

[DeKuma]

The Katera is basically a Vulcan with a few differences.  The Katera is lighter and a little faster, I believe.  I am scanning Ebay for a Vulcan now. 

Does anyone have experience with the Bengal or the Cheetah from Martin or the Blackhawk or Hornet XP from Parker??

[boneaddict]

Yep, that Sapphire hawk is looking better all the time, AND you don't have to buy all that other stuff that you do with one of those darn compounds.    POINT and SHOOT!

[tlbradford]

Yep, that Sapphire hawk is looking better all the time, AND you don't have to buy all that other stuff that you do with one of those darn compounds.    POINT and SHOOT!

I have not shot any of the new generation of compound bows, nothing with parallel limbs or split risers, or whatever else they have.  If I keep comparing my longbow to my 1988 Hoyt Ramhunter, then I won't know what I am missing out on  , and won't have a financial crisis on my hands.

[DeKuma]

And the price on the Saphirre Hawk would be?

[snohohunter]

At the Nock Point in Mountlake Terrace.
Going to check out Van Winkles in Everett Tomorrow, and maybe Sportman's Whorehouse as well.

When it comes down to it....go back to Nock Point and tell them the prices you find (if they have the bow you want).  With so many places to buy, he'll make you a good deal!!!

More importantly, he's local for any help, tuning, etc you need....and won't charge you for the simple stuff. 

I bought a bow from a buddy off this site, but i needed to increase the draw length.  They had to order a little piece for me, which was 15 bucks, and then he spent 45 minutes installing it, tuning it, and making sure everything was perfect on the bow....and then let me use the range until after closing.  Total cost....about 17 bucks. 

The service was so good, when my little brother wanted to get into bow hunting, we went back there and bought the Martin Cheetah for his first bow....complete package (ready to shoot, with arrows, case, etc) for about $575 out the door. 

Can't beat the local service and giving your business to a local company.

[DeKuma]

I agree!  Bill is a great guy and been more help than I could have imagined.  I would prefer to deal with him, as I have all my stuff done there and shoot there quite often.
Between Bill and Mike, we spent a few hours tweaking and adjusting and shooting to find something that works for me.

How does your brother like the Cheetah?  Bill was telling me it is a great little bow and faster than the Bengal.  He recomends it highly.