Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bow Hunting => Topic started by: GUscottie on January 02, 2013, 01:58:16 PM

Title: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: GUscottie on January 02, 2013, 01:58:16 PM: Ok, so here it goes....I'm looking for a new bow, the old Martin Cheetah isn't cutting it anymore. I'm currently looking at three big name manufacturers for a new bow. I'm looking at the G-5 prime (best warranty I can find), the Mathews Z7 series and the Bowtech (I think it is the CPX, higher end for hunting).

I'm looking for some reasons why a fellow should consider one over the other. Aside from G5 only being sold up in Everett (western Wa), I don't know much about them. I only have a couple close friends who hunt and they all say Mathews. I'm just looking for a lil bit of info why you use what you use and some input.

Thank you in advance for you responses.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: jrebel on January 02, 2013, 02:02:22 PM: Don't know about any others but the mathews also has an outstanding warrenty. I would guess all the big manufacturers do?? I have shot Mathews for as long as I can remember and have never had any problems. Top notch bows and they hold up to a ton of shooting. Good luck on your venture.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: h20hunter on January 02, 2013, 02:08:50 PM: The only person I know that shoots a G5 is my father...nice bow...shoots fast enough and is fairly quiet. I have not shot his much due to different draw lengths. Not considering a Hoyt as well..? I'm also in the market so I'll be watching for feedback on your thread. Good luck and happy shopping.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: Rainier10 on January 02, 2013, 02:21:51 PM: I bought a Mathews hat for $1,000 and it came with a z7 extreme. I got the same deal with a hat and a switchback years before.

Honestly though I like Mathews, they are easy to draw, quite as can be, no hand shock on release of the arrow and the warranty is something I have never had to use.

I shot a Hoyt before I switched to Mathews but that was a bad comparison as technology had improved and so I was comparing old to new. Much like when I got the z7 extreme, I shot it next to my switchback and it was noticeably better so I bought it.

Many people are just brand loyal, chevy versus ford, but if you are not loyal to one brand I would shoot all three brands and various models in each brand and see what "feels" best to you.

Good luck and let us know what you decide and why.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: MADMAX on January 02, 2013, 02:32:43 PM: Hard to go wrong with a Switchback
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: Rainier10 on January 02, 2013, 02:36:41 PM: Quote from: MADMAX on January 02, 2013, 02:32:43 PM
Hard to go wrong with a Switchback
Tell me about it, I was so nervous switching that I held on to the old Switchback for a year to make sure I was going to be happy with the new extreme. After a year of shooting and hunting with the extreme for a year I ended up selling the Switchback. Great bow for sure, now I am just as happy with the z7extreme.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: spin05 on January 02, 2013, 03:32:07 PM: Check out the new Mission bows. They are made by Mathews. Im looking at the Venture model. Also diamond is good and is made by Bowtech. Very nice bows for almost half the price. I have not seen the G5 yet thou. Good luck
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: et1702 on January 02, 2013, 03:55:20 PM: While you are at it, check out the Hoyt bows too. Been shooting Hoyt (Trykon XL) for several years. Great bows. That being said I do have a Mathews bow (Monster 6.0) as my "back-up" bow. One bow that I have not yet seen in person and would like to shoot are some of the new Elite brand bows.

Not trying to ruffle anyone's feathers (or fletching), but Bowtech has had some serious Cam lean problems (i.e., cam leans over sideways at full draw). Not sure if they have fixed this yet.

ET
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: NWTFhunter on January 02, 2013, 09:12:32 PM: Read through this, and was surprised no one mentioned PSE. I picked up the bowmadness and Love it ! Shot my buck this year at 56 yds, and the arrow hit him before he flinched.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: Crunchy on January 02, 2013, 09:16:11 PM: I would stick to the big 2. That being Mathews and Hoyt. Stay away from off brand stuff. Waste of money and not quality product.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: NWTFhunter on January 02, 2013, 09:22:46 PM: Crunchy...... Good one ! :chuckle:

Wanna shoot sometime ?
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: hughjorgan on January 02, 2013, 09:24:56 PM: Make sure you find a bow shop with a good reputation because if you end up with warranty issues they will be the ones that will be dealing with the company. IMO I would put hoyt on your list as well. I don't much care for bow techs, nice shooting bows lousy customer service and warranty.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: raydog on January 02, 2013, 09:47:47 PM: Many people are going to biased. me included. It seems you have narrowed your selection, so go with what feels right when you shoot. Personally would choose bowtech
Title: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: sirmissalot on January 02, 2013, 09:56:04 PM: Last time I bought a bow I went and shot the bows I was interested in. There was a clear winner for me.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: mountainman on January 02, 2013, 10:19:54 PM: If you can, test drive the '13 Mathews Creed. Best I have shot for many years! Smooth, solid, accurate!
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: spin05 on January 03, 2013, 01:20:24 AM: Quote from: GUscottie on January 02, 2013, 01:58:16 PM
Ok, so here it goes....I'm looking for a new bow, the old Martin Cheetah isn't cutting it anymore. I'm currently looking at three big name manufacturers for a new bow. I'm looking at the G-5 prime (best warranty I can find), the Mathews Z7 series and the Bowtech (I think it is the CPX, higher end for hunting).

I'm looking for some reasons why a fellow should consider one over the other. Aside from G5 only being sold up in Everett (western Wa), I don't know much about them. I only have a couple close friends who hunt and they all say Mathews. I'm just looking for a lil bit of info why you use what you use and some input.

Thank you in advance for you responses.

I looked at the G5 at Cabelas tonite. Real nice looking bows but man they are heavy compared to my old Reflex...
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: addicted2hunting on January 03, 2013, 03:20:58 AM: price range? I would go hoyt. But like another said it comes down to preference.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: buck man on January 03, 2013, 08:51:17 AM: As I am sure you have figured out, Fords, Chevys, Dodge.....everyone has there opinion. Here's mine Dodge. :chuckle:. I like Hoyt's. have shot all brands and all of them have there positive attributes. Hoyt combines them all and has the best of all worlds. :twocents:
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: h20hunter on January 03, 2013, 08:53:02 AM: The weigh factor is what impresses me quite a bit....I'm shooting an older entry level Darton...it flings 'em just fine but man...heavy. I was fondling the new Hoyt Spyder 34 and it feels like it weighs about half my current bow.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: Dr. Death on January 03, 2013, 08:56:31 AM: Most all the bows today are good. ...A new Martin is headed my way, big changes this year for them. Split limbs and 1 pc risers, they are very much improved. But, you should shoot as many as you can, you might be surprised at what you like.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: NWTFhunter on January 03, 2013, 04:57:23 PM: Like other have said, shoot all that you can. And make sure to shoot a PSE, you might be surprised.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: Jellymon on January 03, 2013, 05:33:07 PM: I just wanted to say that lighter isnt always better. It may feel good to carry at first, but once you start to aim the pin will not be nearly as steady as a heavier bow. I have owned mathews, bowtech and diamond and none of them come close to the balance and feel of my hoyts. Short ata is overated as well, a 30" bow does not hold as well as a 34-40" bow. Once you get used to a longer, heavier bow (usually less than 1/2lb heavier) the pros vastly outweigh the cons. :tup:
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: raydog on January 03, 2013, 10:23:03 PM: :yeah: i concure
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: sakoshooter on January 04, 2013, 06:48:00 PM: If you're close to Puyallup I'd recommend Great Northwest Archery. Knowledgeable pro shop.
http://www.gnwarchery.com/index.html (http://www.gnwarchery.com/index.html)
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: Wobs on January 04, 2013, 08:30:57 PM: I bought a bow in Oct for a hunt on Ohio. I ended up with a Bear. I went to Archery World in Vancouver and shot 3 bows. I didn't ask anyone what brand or what was good or bad. Just shot the 3 they had in stock for me (30" draw, left handed). I bought the one I shot the closest pattern with. I would suggest going to a small local bow shop, shoot a few and buy the one you like from them. Don't shop them, just figure it is the cost of education. You can be brand sensitive on the second bow. Just my opinion.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: Eli346 on January 04, 2013, 08:39:50 PM: Any opinions on Limbsaver bows? Look sweet but haven't had a chance to shoot one yet.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: Whitehunter on January 05, 2013, 01:04:40 PM: Not a big brand name type slayer. I only shot martins for last 15 years. The best in my opinion. Deer every year except one. 5 year old couger 3 still kills. But my reason for Martin is they are stout n don't come out of tune! My buddy's shoot all kinds n I still out shoot them.
Point being is bow is only as good as a shooter if it doesn't loosen up at camp!
Meaning my fell out of trees, built up ice on cams n string slipped, etc. picked up put string back on n shot like nothing happened!
I would also consider Parker but?
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: raydog on January 05, 2013, 05:16:42 PM: Quote from: Eli346 on January 04, 2013, 08:39:50 PM
Any opinions on Limbsaver bows? Look sweet but haven't had a chance to shoot one yet.
i shoot a 09 limbsaver DZ-32 and love it i dont plan on getting a new bow for years :twocents:
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: Swatson on January 05, 2013, 10:10:19 PM: Just go shoot a bunch of bows and go with what you like the best and can afford. I'm a Hoyt guy and am getting ready to pull the trigger on the new Spyder but won't knock the other bows as I know theres other good ones out there. Unfortunately for me I could never show up in camp with anything except a Hoyt after all the $h!t talking I've done over the years :tup:
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: Rainier10 on January 07, 2013, 10:15:43 AM: Quote from: Swatson on January 05, 2013, 10:10:19 PM
Just go shoot a bunch of bows and go with what you like the best and can afford. I'm a Hoyt guy and am getting ready to pull the trigger on the new Spyder but won't knock the other bows as I know theres other good ones out there. Unfortunately for me I could never show up in camp with anything except a Hoyt after all the $h!t talking I've done over the years :tup:
That is some funny stuff there, backed yourself into being a lifelong Hoyt man. Great advice all the way around even the subliminal part about not talking to much smack and having to stick with that brand. They are all good from the big names down to the little guy. It really does come down to what works best for the individual.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: GUscottie on January 08, 2013, 12:31:19 PM: I must say I appreciate the advice and I'm glad a couple of you suggested PSE. I honestly didn't even think about their product.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: Swatson on January 08, 2013, 04:58:29 PM: Well I just got home from Great Northwest in Puyallup with my new Spyder! Pretty sweet bow!
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: blacktailcody on January 08, 2013, 05:06:59 PM: Model?
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: h20hunter on January 08, 2013, 05:09:56 PM: Dude....we neef more than that! C'mon man !

I meant to type need.....silly phone. Congrats.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: Swatson on January 08, 2013, 07:46:33 PM: Spyder 30
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: D-Rock425 on January 08, 2013, 07:52:39 PM: :tup:
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: hughjorgan on January 08, 2013, 07:52:47 PM: Nice swatson, I shot that bow last Saturday at gnw, I settled on the 34 though. :tup:
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: Swatson on January 08, 2013, 07:55:12 PM: Here she is! Loaded up with Easton Axis N-Fused arrows!
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: Swatson on January 08, 2013, 07:57:10 PM: Nice! Can't wait to start flinging some arrows. Doug said I gotta let the inserts sit for a good 24 hours.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: hughjorgan on January 08, 2013, 07:59:24 PM: Quote from: Swatson on January 08, 2013, 07:57:10 PM
Nice! Can't wait to start flinging some arrows. Doug said I gotta let the inserts sit for a good 24 hours.

Yep keep those arrows flat or the inserts will move.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: h20hunter on January 08, 2013, 08:02:14 PM: Thats what we were looking for.
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: Swatson on January 08, 2013, 08:05:20 PM: hahahaha my bad! Yea they're are lying flat on my bench!
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: dkecoleman on January 08, 2013, 08:38:45 PM: Thats a nice bow man, I love the white. I have been down to his shop a few times lately, but he hasn't had any #2 cams in. I assume you special ordered that baby. And you wouldn't happen to know if he had any #2 cams in would you?
Title: Re: Bow Shopping...seeking a lil bit of advice/help
Post by: Swatson on January 10, 2013, 11:05:38 AM: I'm going in tonight after work. I'll ask