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Big Game Hunting => Bow Hunting => Topic started by: JJB11B on January 21, 2016, 02:47:24 PM


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Title: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: JJB11B on January 21, 2016, 02:47:24 PM
So I have not done any research on bows in the past couple years as my 2012 Alien X has been sufficient for me. Lately though I have been asked what bows I would recommend to people. Not really knowing the current market I threw out the old "I don't really think you could go wrong with Martin" line. So I would like to here from all the Archery guys, Strictly referring to hunting bows, What current Manufacturers are the best? Maybe give us your top 2 or 3 favorite bows and why you feel they are the best.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Rainier10 on January 21, 2016, 03:09:29 PM
Mathews is the best bow ever made or that will ever be made, all other bows are junk and they should all just go out of business for producing such garbage.  :chuckle:

You are correct, they are all pretty good anymore and it really comes down to what feels right in your hands and what kind of service and customer support you can get.

I am a Mathews guy but have been looking at the new elites as an option for my next bow.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: GrampasGuns on January 21, 2016, 03:14:26 PM
I have been preaching the gospel of the no-cam since I picked one up. Mathews bows are top notch and most importantly, made in America

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Becky on January 21, 2016, 03:19:33 PM
"You all are wrong and I am right!"  :chuckle: summarized it for ya.

(but also, tagging)
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: BIGDOG253 on January 21, 2016, 03:23:22 PM
I have been preaching the gospel of the no-cam since I picked one up. Mathews bows are top notch and most importantly, made in America

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Picked up the no-cam this last year and really like it. Its got a smooth draw and quite release. Not the fastest bow on the market.

I used to shoot the Martin Onza III. That is a fast shooting bow but its a heavier and has a louder release compared to the Mathews. 
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: theleo on January 21, 2016, 03:25:35 PM
My money will be going to Xpedition this year, I also like the Primes though.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: JJB11B on January 21, 2016, 03:26:25 PM
My money will be going to Xpedition this year, I also like the Primes though.
who makes that?
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: luckyman on January 21, 2016, 03:29:40 PM
Just about anything over 40# works for a hunting bow.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on January 21, 2016, 03:32:11 PM
Not a bow shop guy, but, I do like both the Alpine Archery and Darton line up (Darton was one of the first compound bow manufacturers).  Great quality, exceptional customer service, and both made in the good old U.S.A.  My current Alpine has fallen down rockslides, fallen in creeks, spilled beer on itself, cusses like a sailor, and even "thrown" itself into the brush once or twice and keeps on killing. 

 
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: GrampasGuns on January 21, 2016, 03:32:56 PM
I put a broadhead clean through 4 beef scapulas with my 70lb no cam, pretty sure speed won't be a issue with that bow!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: BIGDOG253 on January 21, 2016, 03:33:31 PM
As for customer service, Martin has been great. I emailed them about a week ago to get a replacement limb for the Onza III which I bought in 2012 and they are sending me a new one in the next couple weeks for free. Gotta love that lifetime warranty  :tup:  :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: JJB11B on January 21, 2016, 03:34:32 PM
yeah the rebuilt my Alien when it was only a couple months old, Limbs Cambs strings and cables......For free....
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: theleo on January 21, 2016, 03:47:21 PM
My money will be going to Xpedition this year, I also like the Primes though.
who makes that?
They're each their own manufacturer. The Xpedition bow I'll be buying will most likely be their Xcentric 7. It's very dead in the hand 340 ibo bow with 7" brace height that actually meets their advertised speeds. It's a shorter ATA bow than I'm use to (32.25") but their cam setup gives me string angles closer to Katera XL (35' ATA). The Prime bows have their own special dual track cams that are about the most forgiving I've ever shot.

Lots of nice bows out there but those are my favorite manufacturers rite now. 
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: TheHunt on January 21, 2016, 03:51:33 PM
Bow manufactures are getting better and better.  I only buy Hoyt with my recent bow I purchased a Katera XL with the long axle to axle.  I will keep getting those longer Axle to Axle bows because they hide my poor form while hunting. 

But I am kind of excited to see what pops up here.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: kellama2001 on January 21, 2016, 04:00:19 PM
Tagging...thanks for the thread JJB!
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: demontang on January 21, 2016, 04:14:26 PM
I'm really liking the prime line of bows. Xpedition is making some great bows, most of the makers are doing a great job.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: ffbowhunter on January 21, 2016, 04:21:23 PM
I love my Mathews however, I really want to get my hands on an elite bow.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: JODakota on January 21, 2016, 04:23:07 PM
So I have not done any research on bows in the past couple years as my 2012 Alien X has been sufficient for me. Lately though I have been asked what bows I would recommend to people. Not really knowing the current market I threw out the old "I don't really think you could go wrong with Martin" line. So I would like to here from all the Archery guys, Strictly referring to hunting bows, What current Manufacturers are the best? Maybe give us your top 2 or 3 favorite bows and why you feel they are the best.

Maybes guy would let you know if you'd ever answer your phone.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on January 21, 2016, 05:03:44 PM
Nice to see some Love for the Katera Xl :tup:

   Bows are like anything else, with new models coming out every year, some years are going to be better than others IMO. My first hunting bow was a Darton. Great Bow for what it was. It was in my budget. Not sure I even shot it prior to purchase, much less compared it to anything else. But I had several great seasons with that bow. My next was a mathews q2xl. I did compare several bows when upgrading this one, That bow literally shot itself. Quiet. Easy to shoot. And slow but deadly. I might still be shooting Mathews had I upgraded to a switchback or waited till the z series era. But I bought a slimline when they first came out a Drenaline and it ruined me. Shouldn't have bought it, didn't like how it shot, was concerned about the limb pockets and torque of the slimmer limbs. But after such good luck with the Q2 I figured I could get used to it. Negative. Sold it after one season. Shot all the bows I could that year ( 09 I think) and was left with the Bowtech ( can't remember if admiral or general ) and Hoyt Katera xl. I loved the way the bowtech shot but was skeptical of the pivot system in the riser and one shot with the katera and I was sold. It was like I had the Q2 back only faster and cooler!
   You would think I would learn, but I sold the katera and bought a Maxxis 35. Although this one shoots great, the cam lean messes with my head. It shouldn't but it does. It shoot so lights out, and I cant part with it, but I shopped until I located another katera xl with 80 limbs and set it up as my primary. It flat shoots. Yes its heavy but I have confidence in it.

  Of the new bows I have shot that are the new rage, I like the Elites alot and the Prime. Bowtech went through a few years where there dependability was so bad IMO it had no business in the hunting world where one shot might mean the whole season. But they have changed limb systems and are looking good now. I shot the BOSS last year and it was sweet!  The new Hoyt defiant 34 is awesome! If I was forced to buy a bow brand new the  Carbon Defiant 34 would be my choice. To be fair I Honestly felt after the Hoyt Alphamax that Hoyt went downhill a bit. Still a solid bow, but resting to much on their laurels. The last couple years they have had some significant improvement in designs and fit and finish

My point to all this rambling is if I had to pick the best Manufacturer I would say Hoyt. Based on the fact that they have a solid reputation and less dependability issues over a considerable period of time. My dealings with their service department has been great, but I hear differently from others. The upside is overall you wont need it much. So I would say their record and their latest products are testament to a quality company with a sound performance record.

After that would be Either Mathews or PSE. Both have a long history in the industry, and although they have had some rough patches IMO product wise they are solid companies. PSE has a great variety of bows as well, and some great shooters, although ugly as sin :chuckle:

Their was a period of time when you couldn't give me a Bowtech. I know, I won a raffle for one. But I  have actually looked hard a them the past few years. As far as performance goes they are near or at the top.

   But a manufacturer can go along ways with a great product and their have been a lot of those the past few years. So many manufacturers that have some truly awesome stuff. Elite, Prime, Darton, Bear to name a few. All of it benefits us as Archers.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on January 21, 2016, 05:06:12 PM
Today I shot the Elite Impulse 31, Hoyt Defiant 30, Mathews no Cam, and Mathews Halon. Placed an order for the Halon. Prior to this all I had ever shot is my Hoyt Spyder. The Halon, to me, blew all the bows listed out of the water. With a second being the no cam, then defiant, lastly the impulse.

Someone else may say the exact opposite. Best thing to do is shoot a bunch and see what u like best.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: RadSav on January 21, 2016, 05:28:55 PM
I haven't gone as deep into the new bow offerings in 2016 as I have in previous years.  But got a good idea of what and who is making significant changes.  The PSE Decree HD remains pretty much the same as it was last year.  But because of it's grip and cam I remain quite positive about it.  The PSE service is usually first rate too! 

Hoyt service is always suspect and the 2016 bows are a bit hard to get in special colors this year.  But of all the bow manufactures I think Hoyt has done the most to improve their product since last year.  Both the Defiant and Carbon Defiant lines are a monumental improvement over what they have offered the past ten years or so.  If I felt like waiting 90 days for a black out or Harvest brown Defiant 34 I'd likely be shooting one this year!

Bear made some nice improvements and their service is first rate as always.  The Escape and BR33 are headliners worthy of consideration.  The grip is improved, the riser geometry is improved, the suppressor anchors are improved and the overall feel is much improved.  Cosmetics are WAY better too!!  I am really liking what I'm seeing from Bear this year. :tup:  The crossbow line is crazy...in the best possible way!

Pretty much everything else I stopped to look at this year left me with the, "Yep, saw that last year" feeling.  About the only other thing that left a lasting impression on me was the Sims target bow.  Will be interesting to see how the production product works out for them.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: JJB11B on January 21, 2016, 07:38:00 PM
So I have not done any research on bows in the past couple years as my 2012 Alien X has been sufficient for me. Lately though I have been asked what bows I would recommend to people. Not really knowing the current market I threw out the old "I don't really think you could go wrong with Martin" line. So I would like to here from all the Archery guys, Strictly referring to hunting bows, What current Manufacturers are the best? Maybe give us your top 2 or 3 favorite bows and why you feel they are the best.

Maybes guy would let you know if you'd ever answer your phone.
If you would call my phone and leave a voicemail maybe Id return it. when did you call me?
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: D-Rock425 on January 21, 2016, 08:18:16 PM
HOYT! 
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on January 21, 2016, 08:29:21 PM
I'd love to shoot a Hoyt Defiant but can't get past the price tag. My old "useless" (according to other threads here) Mathews drenalin shoots quite well for me. If I get to hunt archery this year it will go in the woods with me.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: RadSav on January 21, 2016, 08:46:05 PM
Someone else may say the exact opposite. Best thing to do is shoot a bunch and see what u like best.

I thought the Halon was the worst bow of the year!  And I generally like the Monster style cam.  I guess if everyone liked the same things there wouldn't be much need for a dozen bow manufactures.

Mathews service is usually rated one of the best in the industry.  That's worth quite a bit!
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Jellymon on January 21, 2016, 09:39:25 PM
Ive owned 11 flagships from pretty much every company in the last few years, and ive been really liking elite this past year, but when i reach for the bow i know im going to hit what im aiming at and wont let me down on an elk hunt, it will be my Hoyt.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: duckmen1 on January 21, 2016, 09:44:32 PM
Oh boy here we go. Still liked my original 35$ pse bow package. It had the recoil of a 45-70 but it took that elk down. :chuckle:
In all seriousness, No complaints with my diamond icemen that I've been using for the past few years.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Jellymon on January 21, 2016, 09:47:34 PM
Oh boy here we go. Still liked my 35$ pse bow package. It had the recoil of a 45-70 but it took that elk down. :chuckle:

Yeah because you have a 54" draw length. With that draw length you might even be able to kill an elk with a mathews. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: dreamunelk on January 21, 2016, 09:59:25 PM
Pacific Yew Bows!
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: RadSav on January 21, 2016, 09:59:43 PM
No complaints with my diamond icemen that I've been using for the past few years.

What a fantastic bow that is/was!  I traded one and have regretted it ever since.  By far the best Diamond ever made, IMO!
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: RadSav on January 22, 2016, 05:11:53 PM
Someone else may say the exact opposite. Best thing to do is shoot a bunch and see what u like best.
I thought the Halon was the worst bow of the year!  And I generally like the Monster style cam.  I guess if everyone liked the same things there wouldn't be much need for a dozen bow manufactures.

I spent a bit of time at the local shop today.  Seems the Yeh and Ney on the new Mathews is the same there.  Owner absolutely loves it and the lead not so much.  Guess it's going to be one of those love it or hate it items.  Would be an interesting poll question.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Whitelightning on January 22, 2016, 06:27:18 PM
I got into bow hunting last year, bought a Prime, Love it!!
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Redbeard on January 22, 2016, 06:38:58 PM
Saving the cash for an Xpedition this spring. Got my Mathews Creed up for sale.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: coachcw on January 27, 2016, 06:25:30 AM
my martin fury was the most dependable bow I ever had , even at high poundage and total abuse (once we figured out a string that would last ) . that being said I really like the way prodigy and the experience from bow tech shoot . I also really liked the hoyt protechs . as far as picking up and killing for a decent cost g5 primal is a performer but hard on servings. my buddy has a carbon matrix from a few years ago though its slow I can pick it up and shoot it pretty well even 2 inches short so I guess that says something . what ever a guy picks the adjustable draw length bows are the way to go imo.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: SeaRun1 on January 27, 2016, 07:27:45 PM
I got into bow hunting last year, bought a Prime, Love it!!

You have excellent tastes in muzzleloaders and bows!  I am hunting with a Defy and it is a killer.  What are you shooting?

SR1
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: RadSav on January 27, 2016, 08:16:14 PM
I think I finally decided what I'm keeping for 2016.  Was close to keeping the Bear Escape but I just can't logically keep two six inch brace bows.  For what I am hoping will be a couple high hunts this year I'm keeping the PSE CarbonAir.  For the every day 95% bow I will be keeping the Bear BR33.  That may very well be the best shooting bow I have ever had.  Not as fast as the Bowtech, but it's so flippin' smooth I shoot 68 and it feels like 60.  If it were lighter I'd only keep the one BR33.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: buglebrush on January 27, 2016, 08:33:49 PM
Bowtech.  Top of the line service. 
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: D-Rock425 on January 27, 2016, 09:10:04 PM
BR33 is a sweet shooter.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: farfrompar28 on January 28, 2016, 04:56:25 PM
Mathews hands down... There's is reason the Halon just swept the Lancaster Classic..
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: D-Rock425 on January 28, 2016, 05:01:23 PM
Mathews hands down... There's is reason the Halon just swept the Lancaster Classic..
or no one showed up because of weather. :dunno:
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: D-Rock425 on January 28, 2016, 05:07:25 PM
I have not heard anything of Martin  :dunno: are they not so good anymore?
I think they missed the mark with new bows this year.  Had a great chance for a new start after the sale of the company. 
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: RadSav on January 28, 2016, 05:20:59 PM
Mathews hands down... There's is reason the Halon just swept the Lancaster Classic..

That's pretty good!  Wifler beating Rio again, regardless of bow, is impressive.  Wifler may end up being to Rio what Eli Manning is to Tom Brady :chuckle:

Though I do have a question:  Both you and Mathews are claiming a Sweep at the Lancaster Classic - When did winning 3 of 13 class categories become a sweep?  Just curious how this sweep thing works. ;)
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: D-Rock425 on January 28, 2016, 05:23:08 PM
 :yeah:
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: RadSav on January 28, 2016, 05:44:25 PM
I have not heard anything of Martin  :dunno: are they not so good anymore?

A lot of good things from Martin in a VERY limited offering.  But, in my personal opinion, the good things haven't yet been enough to put them in a "Best Manufacture" category!  Might not be too long though.  I like what they have been trying to accomplish.  If they work on weight, fit, finish, grip and balance they should get there soon enough.  Pretty confident they will get there.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: RadSav on January 28, 2016, 05:54:43 PM
Mathews hands down... There's is reason the Halon just swept the Lancaster Classic..
or no one showed up because of weather. :dunno:

Did you shoot the Halon-X at the show D-Rock?  I was wondering what you thought of the weight.  I like that length, brace and balance, but 4.94 lbs (without Harmonic Dampers) was it's doom as a western hunting bow for me.  I struggled choosing the BR33 over the Decree HD because of it's 4.2#.  Part of the reason I chose to keep the fun CarbonAir for some hunts.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: MLBowhunting on January 28, 2016, 08:09:19 PM
I shot the BR33 from Bear and that was a fantastic shooting bow, not my bow but a darn nice one.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Eric M on January 28, 2016, 10:43:04 PM
Radsav between the advice you gave me on my Martin Pantera noise issues and what you wrote on here I think you should write a book. I'll buy it!
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: RadSav on January 28, 2016, 10:45:51 PM
Radsav between the advice you gave me on my Martin Pantera noise issues and what you wrote on here I think you should write a book. I'll buy it! 

How did things work out on the Pantera?
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Eric M on January 28, 2016, 10:51:08 PM
Thanks for asking. I am taking it in tomorrow. There is a guy at the Sportsman's warehouse near me that actually seems to know his stuff. I'm getting a new string also. It'll probably be ready by November haha
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: RadSav on January 28, 2016, 10:54:01 PM
Be sure to let us know how it turns out and what you think.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: X-Force on January 28, 2016, 11:03:03 PM
I'm loving this thread. I'm thinking this is the year for a new bow.
6'1" 30.5" draw and have been shooting a pse for 9 years. (Same bow)
I'm looking forward to shooting bowtech, Matthews, hoyt, pse in that order.
Looking for a fairly tall axle to axle and 6" brace height. Speed seems built in now days.
I'm just waiting something comfortable and fun to shoot.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Eric M on January 28, 2016, 11:07:15 PM
 :sry:
Be sure to let us know how it turns out and what you think.
Will do. I'm going back to work Saturday though so I won't be able to shoot it until mid March
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: RadSav on January 28, 2016, 11:36:34 PM
I'm loving this thread. I'm thinking this is the year for a new bow.
6'1" 29.5" draw and have been shooting a pse for 9 years. (Same bow)
I'm looking forward to shooting bowtech, Matthews, hoyt, pse in that order.
Looking for a fairly tall axle to axle and 6" brace height. Speed seems built in now days.
I'm just waiting something comfortable and fun to shoot.

At that draw length I really encourage you to try some 7" brace bows as well as the PSE Decree HD.

Decree HD and the BR33 have a lot of the same features/characteristics.  Both companies have first rate service.  Both weigh about the same.  PSE has the superior grip and cam.  BR33 has a better balance, finish and cable guard.  Both have proven track records of great limb durability.  Both are very quiet.  Both draw extremely smooth and shoot smoothly as well. 

My own decision basically came down to company relationship, cable guard and least amount of interference with various shirts/jackets.  It was so close that if my draw length had been 1" longer it may have made the difference that had me shooting the PSE.  My hunting partner took three months to decide between the Bear and the PSE with his 28" draw length.  He chose the PSE.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: theleo on January 29, 2016, 08:00:37 AM
I'm loving this thread. I'm thinking this is the year for a new bow.
6'1" 29.5" draw and have been shooting a pse for 9 years. (Same bow)
I'm looking forward to shooting bowtech, Matthews, hoyt, pse in that order.
Looking for a fairly tall axle to axle and 6" brace height. Speed seems built in now days.
I'm just waiting something comfortable and fun to shoot.

Like RadSav said, with that draw length you should look at 7" brace height bows. You'll get plenty of speed with your draw length from most of today's bows. If you're dead set on the brace height issue than I'd encourage you to look at a Prime Rival. 35" ATA 6.25" brace height and 340 IBO in about the most forgiving sub 7" brace height package you can get.   
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: carpsniperg2 on January 29, 2016, 06:01:45 PM
I went looking for a new bow this year and shot a pretty good amount of bows with a open mind. Other then bowtech of course :chuckle:

I ended up with a hoyt defiant 34 blackout. I almost bought the turbo but the smooth draw on the standard sold me.

Here is the order that I ended up with for me.
hoyt defiant 34
hoyt defiant turbo
pse air
br33
prime rival
Rounding out the top 5

I shot about 8 other bows like the new Matthews and new elite and I sure was not impressed with those bows. It has been a long time since I have had my primary bow as a hoyt but love this defiant. I have probably 400 arrows down range and with the 7" brace smooth draw I am very happy and hope to let the air out of many critters in the next couple years with it.

I also got the chance to shoot the carbon defiant by freak chance. I thought I would love it. NOPE if you are holding out to buy the carbon save yourself 450.00 and buy the aluminum. The lighter carbon had way more shock and vibration.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: D-Rock425 on February 01, 2016, 11:30:51 AM
Hoyt won the Vegas shoot this year.   Just putting it out there.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Casey on February 03, 2016, 08:59:34 AM
I like my prime rival a lot and it's a great bow
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: buglebrush on February 05, 2016, 02:15:51 PM
Hoyt won the Vegas shoot this year.   Just putting it out there.

I am curious whether this has any impact on any of you?  I have never understood the apparent connection between someone wearing nikes, shooting matthews, etc... and winning an event.  Are you going to tell me Michael Jordan wouldn't of won without his Air Jordans?  Just honestly curious if a pro wearing Sitka or shooting Hoyt has any impact for others? 
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: RadSav on February 05, 2016, 02:49:24 PM
It has zero effect on me personally.  But marketing studies do show there is a correlation.  Same as with auto racing.  Anyone who knows auto racing knows those are not the cars you and I can drive.  But there is a lot of brand loyalty created by cheering for winners.  You can see this by watching the national sales of NFL jerseys also.  Four years ago Seahawk jersey sales east of the Misssissippi were next to nothing.  Now Sherman and Wilson jerseys are always ranked at or near the top of NFL apparel sales.  It does make a difference in herding money from sheep!

Top target shooters almost always follow the money.  And why not?  Just as with any professional sport the longevity of an athlete is limited when compared to other careers.  Grab the money where and while you can.  You think Reo felt the Elite was superior bow to the Hoyt?  That it would lead to more championships?  I seriously doubt it!  But hey, if they want to pay him more...good for Reo.  He worked hard for it and deserves as much as they are willing to pay.

The recent Mathews push may have an even greater appeal toward those paying attention.  This new bow is so close to the hunting model it's easy to make the connection.  Mathews was smart to keep the names and cosmetics in such a way to confuse average archers.  I know this recent success is driving a lot of sales at our local shop.  Possibly one of the best moves Mathews has made in over ten years. :tup:
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Fullabull on February 16, 2016, 08:11:28 PM
I have to say I have only shot a PSE for quite a few years.then last year thought I would try the Bear. I got to shoot the Arena34 and Decree HD and ended up going with the smoother shooting PSE anyway. I am always impressed with how easy PSE's are to set up and they always hold their tune well. Every time I go to the range I get compliments on the bow and how quiet it is. The Bear was nice but had a short valley and hard draw and at my age the smoother Decree fit the bill.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Mossberg 835 on March 01, 2016, 09:20:27 PM
Obsession bows would be your best bet. They set the bow world on fire at the ATA show in 2014, and are getting even better. Come shoot one, we are the only dealer in the state. Hope On The Horizon Outdoors in Granite Falls.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: steeleywhopper on March 01, 2016, 09:51:31 PM
Obsession bows would be your best bet. They set the bow world on fire at the ATA show in 2014, and are getting even better. Come shoot one, we are the only dealer in the state. Hope On The Horizon Outdoors in Granite Falls.

I love my Obsession bow and will be getting another one for the next bow purchase.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: police women of America on March 01, 2016, 09:59:28 PM
I heard Bear is the best. :dunno: but I personally like Quest for the cheap price, great quality, and very good weight flexibility. And I own a Quest so now it's my favorite brand :chuckle:
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: RadSav on March 01, 2016, 10:47:03 PM
I often forget to mention Quest as one of the better bows for the money.  One of the nicer finishes too!



When it comes to what bow or manufacturer is best they are probably the least important part of the puzzle. There are so many important aspects to making the shot the bow has little influence on.  Take a deep breath!  Don’t do what I and so many others tend to do from time to time and get locked in to speed, logo, axle-to-axle, stealth or erroneous marketing hype.  Comparing target shooters, scanning forums for a 12 year olds view of this thing-vs-that thing, redneck Bob's Youtube video about how speed kills, fancy graphics and big antlered deer in a Bowhunter magazine ad, and how good that sexy lady looks wearing camo while shooting that bow honestly means dang near nothing.  Randy Ulmer and Reo Wilde are going to shoot better than you or I no matter who signs their checks.  I will kill my next elk no matter whose sight is on my bow, what arrow is in my quiver and no matter what rest I've purchased or how much my arsenal cost.  Outside of sharp broadheads it really doesn't add up to much of anything.

If most bowhunters spent as much time tuning themselves as they do their bow.  If they spent as much time honestly evaluating their abilities as they do what brand bow is best.  And if we all sharpened the predator within like we do our broadheads and knives...All of us would enjoy greater success.  It is the tool holding the bow that is the most important one. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: kellama2001 on March 02, 2016, 08:01:13 AM
I often forget to mention Quest as one of the better bows for the money.  One of the nicer finishes too!



When it comes to what bow or manufacturer is best they are probably the least important part of the puzzle. There are so many important aspects to making the shot the bow has little influence on.  Take a deep breath!  Don’t do what I and so many others tend to do from time to time and get locked in to speed, logo, axle-to-axle, stealth or erroneous marketing hype.  Comparing target shooters, scanning forums for a 12 year olds view of this thing-vs-that thing, redneck Bob's Youtube video about how speed kills, fancy graphics and big antlered deer in a Bowhunter magazine ad, and how good that sexy lady looks wearing camo while shooting that bow honestly means dang near nothing.  Randy Ulmer and Reo Wilde are going to shoot better than you or I no matter who signs their checks.  I will kill my next elk no matter whose sight is on my bow, what arrow is in my quiver and no matter what rest I've purchased or how much my arsenal cost.  Outside of sharp broadheads it really doesn't add up to much of anything.

If most bowhunters spent as much time tuning themselves as they do their bow.  If they spent as much time honestly evaluating their abilities as they do what brand bow is best.  And if we all sharpened the predator within like we do our broadheads and knives...All of us would enjoy greater success.  It is the tool holding the bow that is the most important one. :chuckle:

Well said!  :tup:
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: haus on March 13, 2016, 10:47:28 PM
Bear makes a great product and has excellent customer service to back it up just in case. Good friend of mine has a few, none of them have any negative deal breaking characteristics, and the Anarchy HC specifically is/was an awesome bow at my long draw length range. BR33 on the other hand is  :chuckle:

That being said, when it comes down to individual bow models the opinions can vary widely, more than anything else it's generally due to draw length variance imho. It's just damn near impossible for a bow to feel the same for the shooter at the shortest draw length setting vs the shooter at the longest draw length setting. Every bow has a draw length sweet spot and the resulting feedback when the archer is outside of that sweet spot can vary wildly from model to model. Having a long draw myself, draw length variance is why when someone is providing review and opinion of draw cycle I take it with a grain of salt unless they're basically at the same draw I am. One must also consider whether the specific bow model in question is hitting AMO spec draw length or not, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and for some within their own product lines.

With some bow models and cam designs just 1" difference can throw things off quite a bit. I'm assuming marketing gets with engineering and tells engineering to just add in that extra 1/2"-1" mod adjustment so they can expand their target market  :dunno:
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: wsucowboy on March 14, 2016, 06:12:47 PM
Went and got a Hoyt defiant today, only shot a couple dozen of arrows tonight after work but so far I love it
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: elkchaser54 on March 26, 2016, 04:44:06 PM
What would you guys recommend for ease of shooting, my dad is 62 and doesn't have many more elk seasons left in him and wants to get a really good bow for his last one.  He used to shoot a Mathews then bought a Martin and regretted in.  Now looking to get back in to Mathews, for its easiness to pull back.  I have always shot a Hoyt and felt they had a very firm wall but pulling them back is a little more stiff and Mathews were ,in my opinion, very smooth and easy bows from pull to shot.

Any other ideas for an easy shooting bow?   
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: RadSav on March 26, 2016, 07:12:43 PM
This year for ease of draw cycle would be either the Bear BR-33 or the Mathews No-Cam HTR.  Both a little on the heavy side, but smooth draw with respectable speed.  BR-33 has a higher brace which I think makes it a bit smoother, but IMO both are considerably smoother and easier to draw than the rest of the pack this year.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: theleo on March 28, 2016, 07:29:12 AM
I bit the bullet on Saturday and got an Xpedition Perfexion. Shot the Prime Rival and Rise, Xpedition Excentrics, Hoyt Defiants, and the Elites. The Pefexion just felt the best to me so I have one now.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: RadSav on March 28, 2016, 07:33:59 AM
If that bow were compatible with my preferred quiver system...I'd likely be shooting it too.  Congratulations on a great purchase :tup:
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: theleo on March 28, 2016, 07:48:05 AM
If that bow were compatible with my preferred quiver system...I'd likely be shooting it too.  Congratulations on a great purchase :tup:
That seems to be the biggest gripe about the Expeditions but my bows end up in a saddle scabbard and using a removable quiver so the arrows are on my back while I ride seems to work the best so far. I'd have liked a camo bow but the one I picked up is all black. The shop sold it new to the original owner in October but the guy's wife told him he had to many bows so I picked it up for $600.00. For a $500.00 discount I can live with all black.  8)
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: D-Rock425 on March 29, 2016, 07:35:15 PM
I'd love to shoot that perfextion as a 3-d/target now but they don't make it for midget draw lengths.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Dr. Death on April 04, 2016, 07:58:30 AM
Xpeditions are awesome bows and great customer service also.. I have 2 Xcentric 7, one Xcentric and a Perfexion later this month.

I'm curious about the quiver question? I hunted with mine last year with zero issues..?
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: D-Rock425 on April 04, 2016, 09:04:30 AM
Learned an interesting fact about expidtion over the weekend the president of expidtion lives in Washington.  Talked to him for a good bit at the North sound RMEF Banquet Saturday night.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: PolarBear on April 04, 2016, 09:24:55 AM
Ford!  Oh, wait....
I shoot a Limbsaver that I won and love it!  I'm not into all the hype garbage with "popular" bows.  I have friends who have to have the latest and greatest in equipment, have all the stickers and promo stuff, spend a small fortune on it and still can't get groups tighter than 4" at 30 yards.   :chuckle: I shoot what feels good ,cycles good and works for me.  My back up is still an old High Country.  96% of bow accuracy is the guy holding it.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: RadSav on April 04, 2016, 10:38:48 AM
Sims DZ-32 was one of the best shooting bows I've ever shot.  CL told me the other day he wants me to get another one because he hasn't shot as good as he did with that bow.  If not for they way it carries it would go on a lot more hunts with me.  The new Sims are very nice, I just haven't felt they were better than the DZ-32.  Even though the cam and harness system is much nicer on the new Proton.

Which model do you have Polarbear?
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: theleo on April 04, 2016, 11:06:13 AM
Xpeditions are awesome bows and great customer service also.. I have 2 Xcentric 7, one Xcentric and a Perfexion later this month.

I'm curious about the quiver question? I hunted with mine last year with zero issues..?
It has to do with using a 2 piece quiver, there are no holes drilled in the risers to mount them to. There's no problem though if you use something like a Tight Spot that mounts to your sight.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Mumbles on April 04, 2016, 12:14:57 PM
Truly enjoy my Athens Accomplice, don't care that they are a small bow company.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: PolarBear on April 04, 2016, 12:23:18 PM
Sims DZ-32 was one of the best shooting bows I've ever shot.  CL told me the other day he wants me to get another one because he hasn't shot as good as he did with that bow.  If not for they way it carries it would go on a lot more hunts with me.  The new Sims are very nice, I just haven't felt they were better than the DZ-32.  Even though the cam and harness system is much nicer on the new Proton.

Which model do you have Polarbear?
The DZ-32  I won it off of Sim's Facebook page.  I happened to be looking for a new bow at the time and won it.  I really didn't expect to love it as much as I do.  Cory was awesome and set it up exactly how I wanted it and told me to take it into my local shop for any fine tuning.  I threw a Spot Hogg and Trophy Taker rest on it and so far it has been the best bow that I have ever owned and I have had 1/2 dozen bows over the past 35 years of archery hunting.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: D-Rock425 on April 13, 2016, 12:16:31 PM
I still like hoyts and think this years bows from hoyt are better than the recent bows that they've released.  I recently sold my spyder turbo and now shooting my vector turbo from 4 or so years ago.  I just seen to shoot the vector better and never really liked my spyder as much even though I killed everything I hunted with it.   I only own 1 compound currently but I'll add another before hunting season.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Dr. Death on April 18, 2016, 07:42:53 AM
Got my Xpedition Perfexion Friday afternoon, set it up and shot it this weekend, its a great shooting bow. Very impressed with it.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: theleo on April 18, 2016, 03:27:45 PM
I got my Perfexion out to the range this weekend as well, with it all decked out with it's hunting hardware (save new arrows and different release) and it's a real joy to shoot.
(http://C:\Users\sethmcdowell\Desktop\Idaho pics\hunting rig.jpg)
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: D-Rock425 on April 18, 2016, 04:15:30 PM
I really want one but doesn't come in my draw.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Dr. Death on April 19, 2016, 09:41:55 AM
D-Rock what is your draw bud?
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Nv02cummins on April 19, 2016, 10:58:52 AM
I love my Darton DS3700. Smooth fast and great all around bow.  Longer axle to axle and 7" brace make it a forgiving bow while shooting tournaments. Speed is decent on it.  It isn't the fastest bow by any means but speed doesn't mean anything if you can't hit where your aiming,  My target arrows are at 302 FPS with the bow at 60 1/4 pounds, hunting arrows are at 305 at 70 1/2 pounds.  Hunting arrows are 456 grains.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: D-Rock425 on April 20, 2016, 06:29:58 AM
D-Rock what is your draw bud?
27" draw.  Talked with the guys expidtion at the ATA show last Jan told them make it for shorter draw shooters.  2 weeks ago I spent 10 minutes talking to a guy that said he was the president of expidtion archery at a local rmef banquet.  Told him make a 27" model and I'll buy two. :chuckle: 
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: SGTDuffman on April 24, 2016, 08:13:27 PM
Which is best depends on you. I started out with a Diamond Rock and liked the bow, after about 4 years I "upgraded" to a Bowtech Assassin, which was also a good bow, but when I contacted Bowtech about getting some replacement limbs done to increase draw weight, they absolutely refused to give me any kind of idea as to the cost or time frame and their customer service was also terribly slow and dismissive. Since it was impossible to get any idea of the cost of upgrading or time it would take, if it could be done at all, I sold it and upgraded to a Matthews Chill R last year. I've also had a Quinn Stallion recurve and have a Bear Patriot longbow. I can honestly say I haven't had a bad bow yet, though I was left wanting by Bowtech's customer service, though not because there was any problem with the bow. It seems that production capabilities, to an extent, have plateaued as far as what can be done with a compound bow, and the only real differences are in the service after the sale and quality of the parts used, like strings, silencers, dampers, etc. When I sold the Bowtech I had narrowed down the replacements to Matthews, G5 Prime, and Elite, in no particular order. The weird cam system on the Prime sort of scared me as far as availability of parts etc, and the lack of Elites to put my hands on basically sealed the deal on Matthews, but it could have gone either way between Elite and Matthews based on stories of customer service alone, and after the Bowtech thing, that was my chief concern.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: D-Rock425 on May 18, 2016, 02:42:57 PM
Still waiting to see what bows the best from this thread so I can go pick one up.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: RadSav on May 18, 2016, 02:57:08 PM
You don't need a new bow.  You just need to eat more Lucky Charms.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: theleo on May 18, 2016, 03:14:52 PM
Are you okay with anchoring behind your ear?
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: RadSav on May 18, 2016, 03:19:05 PM
Are you okay with anchoring behind your ear?

 :chuckle:

D-Rock was just born a couple decades too late and in the wrong state.  He would be the perfect candidate for the California High Wrist! :o
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: theleo on May 18, 2016, 03:27:24 PM
Are you okay with anchoring behind your ear?

 :chuckle:

D-Rock was just born a couple decades too late and in the wrong state.  He would be the perfect candidate for the California High Wrist! :o
Hmmm... High wrist and pinky out.... To bad Mathews doesn't make the Jewel with a pink riser anymore, it'd be perfect for his style. I'd even loan him my arrows if they weren't about a mile to long for him.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: D-Rock425 on May 19, 2016, 06:51:49 AM
You don't need a new bow.  You just need to eat more Lucky Charms.
I only have one bow currently.  I normally have a back up bow for my back up bow.  Maybe I'll get a cool fathers day present. 
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on August 22, 2016, 07:01:16 PM
I had the opportunity to shoot the defiant turbo and defiant 30" today at Fletch Setter Archery. They are both nice bows, the turbo seemed to have a much harsher draw cycle but it may have been a little to strong of a draw weight for my stubby arms. The 30" was very smooth but on both bows I did not care for Hoyts grip, it has an indent where my fingertips go that annoys me. From all the hype I thought shooting a defiant was going to be some eye opening experience, but it seems to me it's just another high end bow.

Has anyone shot the carbon models? Is the front of the grip and the riser flush with each other?
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: crowinghen on August 31, 2016, 08:00:05 AM
I love my Xpedition Xcentric SD.Best short draw bow that I have shot- and I have tried alot! Good speed, nice smooth draw, and awesome customer service!
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: Redbeard on September 03, 2016, 07:56:09 AM
Xpedition Perfection is my new favorite. I love the draw cycle. Looking forward to 3D season next year
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: big J on September 08, 2016, 09:08:09 AM
I will stick with my switchback for now
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: lamrith on September 09, 2016, 01:52:53 PM
I am pretty happy with my Elite E35.  I have been shooting a Bowtech CK for the last 2 years.  Found a deal on the E35 and tried it out.  I have loved it from the 1st shot.  I am drawing higher weight with less effort and shooting better after very little practice than with the CK.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: 4fletch on September 09, 2016, 08:19:23 PM
I just picked up a mission craze. With a bad shoulder it is perfect for me.
Title: Re: Annual Which Bow Manufacturer is best thread?
Post by: CoryBankhead2016 on September 22, 2016, 04:31:02 PM
I have been preaching the gospel of the no-cam since I picked one up. Mathews bows are top notch and most importantly, made in America

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

ill second that. I picked up a no cam htx this year draw weight at 70# maxed out draw to 29". speed is not everything. all the major manufactures seem to have that hold over everyone that it does. well.. give a no cam a shot. go fling a few. the recoil, the sound and general quality has and edge over most. its been a looked over bow simply because Mathews has promoted their halon dual cam mainly. one thing to keep in mind though the draw length is only 29". but the htr maxes out to 30". you might even be able to pick up a good deal on a htr new somewhere
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