Budget Bow?

[Antlershed]

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]

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

[Antlershed]

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]

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

[robb92]

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]

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]

$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]

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]

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

Yeah, I hear that!  Barely two tanks nowadays!

[Antlershed]

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

[DeKuma]

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

[GoldTip]

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]

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]

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]

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.