Author Topic: Budget Bow? (Read 14660 times)

Antlershed · « **on:** July 01, 2008, 04:48:10 PM »

My fiance is wanting to take hunters ed this summer, and after watching some of my hunting videos, she thinks she would rather try archery hunting with me than rifle hunting. I looked at a couple bows in the $300-$400 range today at Cabelas, and the two that caught my eye the most were the Martin Bengal and the Diamond The Rock. Both are $399, but I was wondering if one of them was a little more bow for the money? If I could get something from either company closer to the $300 mark that is a decent bow would be great too. Thanks for any input.

jdb · « **Reply #1 on:** July 01, 2008, 04:55:04 PM »

I bought a mission, which is mathews budget line. its a really good bow. I think I paid 350. JB

Antlershed · « **Reply #2 on:** July 01, 2008, 05:45:16 PM »

Thanks. I am only into my Truth 2 a little over $400 and all I need is arrows and a peep, so I'm trying to keep the cost down on hers as much as possible. I'm also going to be getting an invite to Cabela's friends and family shopping day, so I'm trying to find one that they carry.

DeKuma · « **Reply #3 on:** July 01, 2008, 06:01:20 PM »

I have the Bengal and absolutely love it. Shoots lazers, but it can get expensive.......

robb92 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 01, 2008, 08:21:48 PM »

The PSE Nova or the Spyder are not bad bows. I have the Nova and have taken 36 deer with it in the last 4 years in Maryland. I paid 199 for it at the Bass Pro Shop and they set it up for me, it came with an arrow rest and quiver, I had then put on a peep site and string leeches. I walked out of there haven only spent 220 bucks. I plan on having it restrung this month and will get back out shooting it to get ready for the opener.

Gobble · « **Reply #5 on:** July 01, 2008, 08:32:32 PM »

My Fred Bear Element has got to be the greatest Budget Bow. I bought this thing off ebay for $120 with a brand new hardcase (Bow was new in dec. Added a Cobra Fiber optic sight On sale for $29, Quiver for $24, Whisker Biscuit (Brand New) off Craigslist for $25, Easton St Epic 340's $39, Peep $5. I'm into it for $242 bucks and the thing shoots 306 FPS. Shoots them like darts.

I'm a happy boy

jackelope · « **Reply #6 on:** July 01, 2008, 09:12:46 PM »

$300--- http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/for/739419598.html

$250--- http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/spo/735767061.html

based on past experiences in situations like this, you might try starting out used and making sure it is going to be something she likes and sticks with, then after a year or 2, go big and buy new.

just a thought.

MIKEXRAY · « **Reply #7 on:** July 02, 2008, 05:57:25 AM »

I think Jackalopes suggestion for used is a good one, has to be a bunch out there as youth upgrade and such. Bought my wife a new nice one because I got excited she wanted to go and hers is holding the carpet down for us under the bed. In her defense she did injure her shoulder, would like my $ 350 back. Hell thats almost two tanks in the truck.

DeKuma · « **Reply #8 on:** July 02, 2008, 07:15:04 AM »

Quote from: MIKEXRAY on July 02, 2008, 05:57:25 AM

would like my $ 350 back. Hell thats almost two tanks in the truck.

Yeah, I hear that! Barely two tanks nowadays!

Antlershed · « **Reply #9 on:** July 02, 2008, 07:45:49 AM »

Thanks for all the tips. I think I would rather go new so I know it hasn't been dry fired...

DeKuma · « **Reply #10 on:** July 02, 2008, 07:56:44 AM »

Great deals out there on the 07 models. Especially the Bear line. Thinking about picking up an Instinct for cheap.

GoldTip · « **Reply #11 on:** July 02, 2008, 08:07:58 AM »

You got a Sportsmans Warehouse nearby? I was in the Spokane store the other day and they have last years model bows on discount rack, which is usually a very good buy, somewhere around 40% off a lot of times.

Intruder · « **Reply #12 on:** July 02, 2008, 08:59:58 AM »

Quote from: DeKuma on July 02, 2008, 07:56:44 AM

Great deals out there on the 07 models. Especially the Bear line. Thinking about picking up an Instinct for cheap.

I ended up getting an Instinct back in like Feb for around 225$.... Cabelas closeout. They were running low then so I'm not sure of their availability. Since you're looking for a bow for a gal it may be easier to find the lower draw weight models... can't remember but I think they offer a 50-60

I'm far from a bow expert but I'm extremely happy with it. I did add a STS to mine and would highly recommend that.

Antlershed · « **Reply #13 on:** July 02, 2008, 01:05:38 PM »

Thanks for reminding me of Sportsmans. I was in there last weekend and remember seeing the discount rack. I will have to swing by there tomorrow to check out what they have.

BLUEBULLS · « **Reply #14 on:** July 02, 2008, 01:27:15 PM »

Try the classifieds on the Archery talk website. there are some killer deals and a lot to choose from, you can find almost any bow you want, used or new.

huntnfmly · « **Reply #15 on:** July 02, 2008, 04:19:33 PM »

cabelas has a good deal.I just got a package deal for $279 60-70# parker.
jim

Antlershed · « **Reply #16 on:** July 02, 2008, 04:21:32 PM »

What's the word on Parker bows? I was looking at them at Cabelas, but I just don't know much about them.

huntnfmly · « **Reply #17 on:** July 02, 2008, 04:58:19 PM »

I dont know alot this is my first year trying archery.They make cabelas bows and have been around quite awhile and are suppose to be good bows.
jim

CJ-5 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 02, 2008, 09:30:19 PM »

It is a little bit more, but i bought a Bowtech Tomkat last year and absolutely love it. I swapped out the sight and rest that it comes with, but for around $550 for the complete package i thought it was a good bow. Real easy to shoot and has been great for me.

FANATIC · « **Reply #19 on:** July 02, 2008, 10:35:50 PM »

I shoot a Jennings Strike, and love it. Seems smooth and quiet. This will be my 3rd season with it. When I went to the bow shop to buy a bow the guy there said its as smooth as a mathews but much less expensive. There on ebay for 450 all rigged and ready to shoot.

Broken Arrow · « **Reply #20 on:** July 03, 2008, 11:10:37 AM »

Even though I'm not a Martin guy anymore (though was went i started off). Its nice to have a company in your own back yard (Walla Walla). There customer service is exceptional. Any thing goes wrong with your bow...and your not shipping it across county. Just my 2 cents!

addicted · « **Reply #21 on:** July 03, 2008, 11:21:49 AM »

alpine has a $300 kit that comes with a rest, sight, and the right dealer will always set it up for you you know.

Antlershed · « **Reply #22 on:** July 03, 2008, 07:43:54 PM »

I was looking at the Diamond Edge kit today for $299, but the sight and the rest seem really cheap. I may still end up going that route and then throwing a new sight and rest on it. I'm also starting to think about the Bear Lights Out at $329, which is just the bare bow...

demontang · « **Reply #23 on:** July 05, 2008, 07:40:29 PM »

The rock is a nice bow for the money so are the fred bear bows. If you can have her shot a few different ones to see what she likes.

Backstraps · « **Reply #24 on:** July 05, 2008, 08:51:28 PM »

Brent that's cool your fiance' wants to get into archery! I sold my Hoyt mt sport[$300] all set up six weeks ago. It would have been perfect for her. Take her down to an archery shop and try a few out. That Fred Bear Lights Out looks good!

Dan

strutnrut · « **Reply #25 on:** July 19, 2008, 10:49:33 PM »

Used is good I started out with a pawn shop bow for $75 used it for three years and have slowly been upgrading ever since,If you go to cabelas in post falls ID be careful on what you buy I was in there a guy dry fired a bow and all kinds of parts flew the staff looked it over replaced what flew of and it was back on the rack in 25 minutes no wonder why i went thru 3 truth twos in a week with limb and cam problems before I went to the diamond .

Antlershed · « **Reply #26 on:** July 20, 2008, 03:15:40 PM »

Quote from: strutnrut on July 19, 2008, 10:49:33 PM

Used is good I started out with a pawn shop bow for $75 used it for three years and have slowly been upgrading ever since,If you go to cabelas in post falls ID be careful on what you buy I was in there a guy dry fired a bow and all kinds of parts flew the staff looked it over replaced what flew of and it was back on the rack in 25 minutes no wonder why i went thru 3 truth twos in a week with limb and cam problems before I went to the diamond .

That is why I'm glad I was able to buy my bow straight from Bear. No worries about whether it was dry fired or not.

bankwalker · « **Reply #27 on:** July 21, 2008, 12:46:53 PM »

ive only got $350 into mine.

diamond blackice
cobra fallway rest
cobra radiant sight
string tamer supressor
new string and cable
and a dozen arrows

buying used is nice, or clearance items is always a great way to go.

you could hit up archerytalk and get everything you need in half a paycheck, ive seen some very good deals for complete packages that you wouldnt believe.

TeacherMan · « **Reply #28 on:** July 21, 2008, 01:11:23 PM »

This may sound different but take a look at ebay, my buddy got a steel on an outfitted Mathews last year. He got it for like $200 and it was only two years old. Make sure there is a return policy so you can watch your back.

skinzner · « **Reply #29 on:** July 21, 2008, 01:16:28 PM »

antlershed , i bought my wife the diamond edge package in 30-40 pound and its a sweet little bow. Some of the accessories seem pretty cheap but until she figures out if she is really going to enjoy it i would rather not drop 200-300 dollars in extras.The other bonus is you can upgrade the limbs for 50 bucks once she gets used to the poundage. I'm embarrassed to say this but my wife has a hard time with the 30-40 pound limbs all the way out,but once she gets her strength up i can go to the 40-50 for only 50 bucks , just something to think about.

Antlershed · « **Reply #30 on:** July 21, 2008, 01:33:35 PM »

Thanks. She had the opportunity to draw the Edge back, and she could pull 40lbs, and I feel she could work up to 50lbs. Now just to decide if she will use it.

Dman · « **Reply #31 on:** July 27, 2008, 01:06:44 PM »

The PSE Stinger is a good value bow at $299, the Mission's are nice also, but I haven't seen one under $550. Bengals a great value and I believe the IBO is 322, or so.

36 deer in 4 years in Maryland, good christ what is the annual limit?

Dman · « **Reply #32 on:** July 27, 2008, 03:34:16 PM »

-On Parker's, I have the Buckhunter Outfitter XP. Like the weight and feel, though the only other's I've shot are Martin and Browning. Didn't like the Browning. A friend has an older bow set at 63lbs, my Parker is a 60lb and I'm getting full pass-throughs on foam/ straw target's at 30yds, while his older bow get's about 1/2 that penetration (He's buying a Mathews). Reflex is a good line too, Hoyt's offshoot. The Bighorn might be worth a look. Parker has too many model's to list that are under 60lbs, good selection.

Dman · « **Reply #33 on:** July 27, 2008, 03:43:51 PM »

This is my bow:

http://reviews.basspro.com/2010/96209/reviews.htm

cascademountainhunter · « **Reply #34 on:** July 27, 2008, 11:40:38 PM »

i like martins

Antlershed · « **Reply #35 on:** July 28, 2008, 04:27:04 PM »

Thanks for the help, but I no longer will be needing this....

Dman · « **Reply #36 on:** July 28, 2008, 05:03:45 PM »

What happened Brent?

Antlershed · « **Reply #37 on:** July 28, 2008, 10:44:33 PM »

We are no longer together. She left me for her sister's husband's brother

archery288 · « **Reply #38 on:** July 28, 2008, 10:51:49 PM »

Women - they are so full of

jadeball1 · « **Reply #39 on:** July 31, 2008, 08:01:18 AM »

perfect, more time to hunt

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Author Topic: Budget Bow? (Read 14660 times)

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