Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bow Hunting => Topic started by: GameHunter1959 on June 22, 2014, 11:36:21 PM

Title: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: GameHunter1959 on June 22, 2014, 11:36:21 PM: Can anyone give me a little advice on what brand and model of bow to buy?

I looked at a few at Sportsman WH. Wasn't really sure what I should get. I know Mathews, Bowtech, etc are some of the better bows. I am looking for a good starter bow. My plan is to join the Tacoma Sportsman Club and start shooting within the next few weeks. My budget is $350-$1000. I could spend more, but I don't think it makes sense for me to do that, when I have minimal knowledge. I tend to buy mid-high end products.

I was looking at Diamond Archery Infinite Edge package at Cabela's online. Descent reviews, but I want to hear from Hunt Wa before I buy anything.

Thanks everyone!
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: Button Nubbs on June 23, 2014, 12:02:51 AM: The one I suggest is the one that feels best to you. Go shoot multiple and pick the one you like the best.
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: Kola16 on June 23, 2014, 12:07:52 AM: Quote from: Button Nubbs on June 23, 2014, 12:02:51 AM
The one I suggest is the one that feels best to you. Go shoot multiple and pick the one you like the best.
:yeah: Take a trip to Cabela's (or another archery store) and shoot some. Diamond is a good brand for their lower price too so you could start by trying that one out.
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: Scvette on June 23, 2014, 04:18:46 AM: Everyone is going to tell you their brand is the best. Like others have said,go to a place that has a lot of different brands and try them. I really like my Hoyt it feels good to me,I shot them all and they all shoot nice,but only you will be able to feel what's best for you. One that I personally thought felt really good was a Bear,in my opinion the shock after release was one of the smoothest,but that was on their top of the line 3 years ago,I think those are in your price range also,then again most all bows other than carbon bows are under a $1000. Good luck.
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: Webfoot on June 23, 2014, 04:12:18 PM: I wouldn't go to Cabela's because they are a large chain store. The person you deal with in the archery department may or may not have the most experience and knowledge of bows.
I would recommend finding a well known archery shop and dealing with them.

Just my 2 cents.

John
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: DIYARCHERYJUNKIE on June 23, 2014, 04:16:52 PM: The bowtech fuel is 499. Maybe consider that one.
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: brianb231 on June 23, 2014, 04:41:51 PM: Here is my suggestion. I have been bowhunting for the past 26 years, not that it means anything and I have bought several bows both new and slightly used/new. If you are going to go to cabelas and spend 400$ on a mid to low range bare bow and then put accessories on and you are the type that buys midrange to high quality stuff. I would spend that same money on Archerytalk.com classifieds and buy a new/used last years model of a higher end bow. One that is going to have some resale if you choose to get out of the sport. A lot of times they come fully loaded with accessories at half the price yet are upper end proshop bows. But I agree that you should shoot several if possible. I am a fan of Hoyt, Bowtech and ELite. I am getting older and smooth forgiving yet still have good speed are my goals. That said I am shooting an ELite Answer. Just bought my buddy a Elite Hunter. They draw like butter and you can hold them forever. BUt you must decide for yourself what is important for you. For example, I just saw this on the Archerytalk Classifieds the other day, Once again just an example.

http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2267769 (http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2267769)

Bow 900$
Rest 130$
Quiver 150$
Sight 120$
Stabilizer 60$

All for $750.

Now this is just an example. OR I have seen brand new in the box bows on there for $600 that are usually 800-900$

ITs just an option.

As a beginner though you may want to buy a bow from someone that will be able to assist you with setting it up and help etc like the guys at Sportco or Doug at Great northwest or a proshop close to you. But you will pay more. Sometimes its worth it, sometimes it s not.

I am not sure I helped you at all LOL, but take it for what its worth.

Good Luck on your search.

Brianb231
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: nw_bowhunter on June 23, 2014, 05:33:28 PM: My advice.... find a bow that feels good in your hand! You will be shooting alot so its important. Get a quality site (don't try to save on this one), good drop away rest. Also, you can find many new bows that are slightly used or left over models for great price. Hit a pro shop first to ensure the bow will fit you and shoot a bunch of models. Maybe do a little research on 4 major brands and than try each one out. Every shop is going to steer you toward the preferred products so with a little research you will be able to identify what works best.. Your budget is doable but you my have to pick and choose the accessories depending on the bow you select. Don't forget about your arrows.. plan on $100 to $150 depending on what you pick and a release. I like Mathews Chill, & Bowtech
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: demontang on June 23, 2014, 08:52:11 PM: Lots of great bows out to be had for that price range. Shoot anything you can and see what you like. Everyone likes different grips, the back wall, even the cam cycle :tup: be sure to look around once you find the one there are great deals to be had :twocents:
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: Lucky1 on June 23, 2014, 08:56:55 PM: You asked for a brand suggestion. I like my PSE EVO 7. :tup:
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: NWWABOWHNTR on June 23, 2014, 08:57:21 PM: Go to a real archery shop (not cabelas) and try out several bows. You make the choice on which to buy on what feels best to YOU. If I was looking for a good starter bow, I'd take a good look at the Mathews Mission line, PSE has some great deals right now and of course any Hoyt... :-) A pro shop can make sure a bow is setup right for your draw length, and get you started by giving you some pointers and watch you shoot. If they don't have it setup right and paper tuned before you leave... well don't go back there.
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: GameHunter1959 on June 24, 2014, 01:16:55 AM: Thank you everyone. What are the reasonable priced pro shops in Puyallup, Tacoma, Graham, area?
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: Come Get Some on June 24, 2014, 04:42:21 AM: Real Archery shop????. Dave at Cabelas is a better bow technician and salesman than any pro shop I know of. True going to a large chain can get you the in-expierenced guy. Dave is not that guy. I do not know of 1 pro shop I would deal with over Dave at Cabelas.
You shoud definately buy what feels good to you and is in your budget. Be careful not to buy a great bow and put cheap accessories on it. I love my Carbon Element. I have shot all of em. Ford ,Chevy, Dodge, Most bows nowdays are manufactured well.
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: Kittman on June 24, 2014, 08:30:21 AM: I would start by determining what your draw length is. I was shopping around last year for a new bow and was surprised of how many bows out there that fit into my budget but did not fit my draw length requirement. It would be prudent to go to a pro shop if you do not know what your DL is first.
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: Mxracer532 on June 24, 2014, 12:05:20 PM: Buy a yr old model fully setup of Archery talk.
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on June 24, 2014, 12:32:21 PM: For a first bow as long as it fits you, you should buy it strictly based on whether you think it looks cool. :chuckle: The cooler it looks, the more you will shoot it and the more you shoot it the better. The time for evaluating grips, string angles, valley, back wall, fps, efficiency, and draw cycles will come. For now just enjoy pulling a string back and letting it rip.
Bow packages IMO generally do not pencil out. Although there are exceptions, oftentimes the bow will out shoot the accesories.
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: Gringo31 on June 24, 2014, 12:48:40 PM: EBAY :twocents:
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 24, 2014, 05:21:07 PM: Quote from: Gringo31 on June 24, 2014, 12:48:40 PM
EBAY :twocents:

As much as I hate to admit it... Gringo's right (not because Gringo isn't usually right, but I am a little embarrassed to admit I just bought my new bow on Ebay).

I have been swearing all year that if Martin Archery stayed in business, I would buy a new bow for my birthday(they are a Washington State company based where I live in Walla Walla and I have known the family for a few years. Plus it's nice to have the factory 5 miles from my house if I ever have a problem). I did some research and finally decided on the Martin Eclypse. I saw them priced everywhere from $500-$600+.
The other night I was screwing around on Ebay and saw one with the "make offer" button (which I'll admit I have never tried before). I clicked on the button and typed in $400. FYI; if you make an offer, and it's accepted, you just bought the item... I guess I thought there would be a little more dickering in the process... :chuckle:)
30 seconds later I owned a new bow. It is being shipped right now. I'll let you know what I think when I get it...
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: Mudman on June 24, 2014, 05:32:29 PM: Be careful buying used bows. If you cant inspect it I wouldnt pay for it. New bows look at customer service, warranty and dealers for your brand. Shoot em first as its most important to be comfortable. Mathews, Hoyt, and PSE is how I rate them. :twocents:
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: lamrith on June 24, 2014, 05:39:04 PM: #1 as mentioned you have to know your draw length. The base measurement is your wingspan /2.5. Have someone else measure you, Do NOT stretch out or push chest out, just natural arms out..

Next go to EVERY shop you can find around you, even try bow Dept at same stores but different locations. Try a bunch of bows, some will feel good, some not. If you are new to bows chances are the features of some of the high end bows you may not even feel yet, but try them anyways. Every person likes different things from a bow, there is no way for anyone to pick for you, all the big Mfg make great rigs. Just like the old Ford, chevy, dodge debate, its all preference, though Ford is obviously the best. :IBCOOL:

Ebay and Archery talk are great sources. I have purchased a bow off both and had good luck. I just ended up with a new Carbon knight for $415 shipped from Archerytalk. Your budget should get you a very good bow with room to spare. Don't forget arrows, they are NOT cheap. Bout the cheapest you will find for a decent arrow will be $37/6, then add tips..
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 24, 2014, 05:40:03 PM: Quote from: Mudman on June 24, 2014, 05:32:29 PM
Be careful buying used bows. If you cant inspect it I wouldnt pay for it. New bows look at customer service, warranty and dealers for your brand. Shoot em first as its most important to be comfortable. Mathews, Hoyt, and PSE is how I rate them. :twocents:

:yeah: Agreed. I don't think I would buy a used bow off Ebay...
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: trophyhunt on June 24, 2014, 06:07:27 PM: Quote from: brianb231 on June 23, 2014, 04:41:51 PM
Here is my suggestion. I have been bowhunting for the past 26 years, not that it means anything and I have bought several bows both new and slightly used/new. If you are going to go to cabelas and spend 400$ on a mid to low range bare bow and then put accessories on and you are the type that buys midrange to high quality stuff. I would spend that same money on Archerytalk.com classifieds and buy a new/used last years model of a higher end bow. One that is going to have some resale if you choose to get out of the sport. A lot of times they come fully loaded with accessories at half the price yet are upper end proshop bows. But I agree that you should shoot several if possible. I am a fan of Hoyt, Bowtech and ELite. I am getting older and smooth forgiving yet still have good speed are my goals. That said I am shooting an ELite Answer. Just bought my buddy a Elite Hunter. They draw like butter and you can hold them forever. BUt you must decide for yourself what is important for you. For example, I just saw this on the Archerytalk Classifieds the other day, Once again just an example.

http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2267769 (http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2267769)

Bow 900$
Rest 130$
Quiver 150$
Sight 120$
Stabilizer 60$

All for $750.

Now this is just an example. OR I have seen brand new in the box bows on there for $600 that are usually 800-900$

ITs just an option.

As a beginner though you may want to buy a bow from someone that will be able to assist you with setting it up and help etc like the guys at Sportco or Doug at Great northwest or a proshop close to you. But you will pay more. Sometimes its worth it, sometimes it s not.

I am not sure I helped you at all LOL, but take it for what its worth.

Good Luck on your search.

Brianb231
archery talk is a great place to buy your bow, I'd go shoot some but you will save a ton on archery talk. Brianb231 is spot on, trust me he knows his chit!
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: Johnb317 on June 24, 2014, 06:16:00 PM: Bought my bow new. Advantage is the shop doesn't charge me to check timing and do adjustments.
Good write ups on thehuntersfriend.com. Just know some bows do not mail order, me I want to try first
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: Gringo31 on June 25, 2014, 09:34:36 AM: I understand the concern of buying a used bow. I've bought a couple off of ebay, fully ready to go. I like buying from the guys that want to burn $1000 on a bare bow because it's the new model. Knock on wood...I've never had a problem. Hard to pass up a 2 year old bow fully loaded for under $500
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: Revwrangler on June 28, 2014, 06:56:55 AM: I agree with all these guys. Go shoot a bunch of bows and shoot what feels best to you. I went with the intention of buying a Matthews and ended up buying a Quest because it felt more natural for me to shoot. Brand doesn't matter. What matters is what you can comfortably and consistently shoot.
Title: Re: What Brand of Bow Should I Buy?
Post by: GameHunter1959 on September 16, 2014, 08:56:38 PM: I searched around and ended up buying a Diamond by Bow tech from Cabelas. I bought their ultra light carbon model $650.00 with everything. By the time I purchased new bow hunting clothes, release, arrows, shooting block, heads, etc. I spent about $1300.

I started off shooting 125GR slick tricks using a Cabela's arrow made by Easton. I decided to try shooting 125GR Shuttle T's and Montec 125GR heads. So far I like the Montec heads the best. I also upgraded my arrows to Easton Bow Fire 400s. I really like the way they shoot thus far. I went back this evening and purchased another Easton arrow to play around with, to see if it helps improve my shooting. Everyone has tleold me to try lots of different combinations etc. to see what I shoot best with.

I have had 14 closer encounters with legal bucks since opening day. All are really nice. I passed on several of them, as I have been hunting for a monster 5x5 and 6x6, which I have gotten within 83 yards of. Too far to shoot for a rookie..

Going back out tomorrow morning to try and seal the deal.