Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bow Hunting => Topic started by: washingtonmuley on May 11, 2011, 04:30:28 PM

Title: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: washingtonmuley on May 11, 2011, 04:30:28 PM: I am looking to upgrade from an old high country extreme that I have had for years and looking for opinions on the best bow under $500.00
Thanks
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: Kain on May 11, 2011, 07:02:00 PM: I am seriously considering this one. Every review I have seen has been great. You could probably get a better bow if you didnt want a package.

http://www.basspro.com/PSE-Archery-Bow-Madness-XS-RTS-Compound-Bow-Packages/product/10212239/-1796686 (http://www.basspro.com/PSE-Archery-Bow-Madness-XS-RTS-Compound-Bow-Packages/product/10212239/-1796686)
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: PacificNWhunter on May 11, 2011, 07:07:54 PM: Bare bow? Or a kit? I shoot Mathews but have heard great things about the Hoyt Rampage. And I think it's in that price range.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: NWWABOWHNTR on May 11, 2011, 07:18:09 PM: check out the Bowtech Assasin, fully setup for $599,
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: seansfire on May 11, 2011, 07:27:18 PM: Bowtech Outlaw 499.99. Mission X3 299.99. Bowtech Razors Edge 329.99.

All very good bows and all under 500.00. Both of the Bowtechs are fully equipped also. I would just change the sights. Best of luck finding one that works for you. :twocents:
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: D-Rock425 on May 11, 2011, 07:29:16 PM: I think your best bet for a bow under 500 would be to find a good used one that is a couple years old.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: bobcat on May 11, 2011, 08:07:37 PM: I got a 2010 Martin Pantera off eBay a couple months ago for about $275. It was from a bow shop and was a demo model. I see the same seller still has quite a few Martins up for auction. One of the Pantera's is a new 2010 model with all the accessories included (Trophy Taker rest, Copper John sight, peep, and quiver) for $482 and free shipping. Seems like a great deal...

Click here:
Pantera on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/New-2010-Martin-PANTERA-Camo-Bow-55-70-Acc-Pkg-/290552695702?_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D10%26pmod%3D290558435840%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D9088968974181137558)
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: washingtonmuley on May 11, 2011, 08:18:18 PM: I would rather buy one that was not a package deal unless from private owner that has one outfitted.Thanks for the info already posted.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: lokidog on May 11, 2011, 08:22:45 PM: Quote from: NWWABOWHNTR on May 11, 2011, 07:18:09 PM
check out the Bowtech Assasin, fully setup for $599,

Uh, where did you find that?? Local dealer has them bare bow for $950.

Alpine has a crazy fast package for $579 F1 Fireball.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: bobcat on May 11, 2011, 08:23:45 PM: There are bare bows on there too. Here is a Martin Cheetah:

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-2010-Martin-CHEETAH-MAG-Camo-Compound-Bow-55-70-/290564462907?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a6fdd93b (http://cgi.ebay.com/New-2010-Martin-CHEETAH-MAG-Camo-Compound-Bow-55-70-/290564462907?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a6fdd93b)
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: dirty24d on May 11, 2011, 08:49:33 PM: BEAR CHARGE by Fred bear, ready to hunt package fully set up from 399- 500 depending on the model..

I'm loving mine!!
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: yajsab on May 11, 2011, 09:35:32 PM: Quote from: lokidog on May 11, 2011, 08:22:45 PM
Quote from: NWWABOWHNTR on May 11, 2011, 07:18:09 PM
check out the Bowtech Assasin, fully setup for $599,

Uh, where did you find that?? Local dealer has them bare bow for $950.

Alpine has a crazy fast package for $579 F1 Fireball.

$950? Are you sure?

The Assasin and Heartbreaker are packaged bow for $599. I was gonna suggest this if you can bump up the budget.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: lokidog on May 11, 2011, 09:46:46 PM: Oops, you're right. I was thinking of the Invasion.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: jordanwlee on May 11, 2011, 11:21:33 PM: Quote from: dirty24d on May 11, 2011, 08:49:33 PM
BEAR CHARGE by Fred bear, ready to hunt package fully set up from 399- 500 depending on the model..

I'm loving mine!!

This bow is a great bow. I just picked one up from eBay for $275 fully setup with a case!! I got lucky with that buy and I couldnt be happier!
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: Clark33 on May 11, 2011, 11:30:22 PM: check out Archerytalk.com, they have classifieds there, my bro in law just got a 09 bowtech Admiral for $390 which included shipping. A few years ago I got a 08 bowtech general off of their for 450
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: vaz,,66 on May 12, 2011, 05:28:29 PM: I also recommend ArcheryTalk right now you can find a very good deal, just before buying check a fedback on a seller i personally buy all my staff over there for about 2year now and i cant be more happy.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: washingtonmuley on May 12, 2011, 05:34:26 PM: I have been on there for the last day. Without having a bow shop in my area to shoot some bows I can not figure out which one I want. So many bows to choose from. There seems to be some good deals on that site.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: vaz,,66 on May 12, 2011, 05:56:25 PM: Absolutely before to buy anything you need to find out exactly what you are looking for , then watch closely and you can find a good deal , i bought my Z7 last year all black brand new in a box for $715 when every where else it was something betwin $825-$900
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: washingtonmuley on May 14, 2011, 06:16:22 AM: What do you guys think about the bowtech assasin or the limbsaver speedzone bows?
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: vaz,,66 on May 14, 2011, 11:26:20 AM: Sorry cant help on that have no expireens with any of them , i will recommend to check youtub you can find bunch of review on any bow but that will give you just a general info how it fills what the draw cycle and on and on... But you need to try yourself before buy it anyway at list that help me to get the idea
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: CoachNemo on May 14, 2011, 01:57:43 PM: I just bought a Bowtech Assassin and absolutely love it. Their RAK package is pretty good for a newbie like myself. My friend just got a Martin Firecat 360 and he is really jealous of how much quieter, smoother and faster the Bowtech is for the same price. It's a great bow, for $599 in my opinion although I am limited on what I have shot. I am extremely happy, if you can't tell.

PM me if you have any other questions
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: washingtonmuley on May 14, 2011, 02:18:41 PM: I have seen and read reviews on both and have been impressed with both. I have shot the same bow for quite sometime and I am looking for something more modern.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: lokidog on May 14, 2011, 07:08:19 PM: If $579 fits your budget, that Alpine Fireball is a really smooth, fast and quiet bow. I considered it but ended up getting a great deal on a Bowtech Invasion. The Alpine was my second choice.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: bullcanyon on May 16, 2011, 07:58:24 AM: If I had $500 to spend id pick up a 2010 pse. Archerytalk will probably be your best bet. The pse bowmadness is an awesome bow for the price. Last time I was down at xxxarchery. That's what Cory was shooting. He can shoot any bow he wants. Should say something about that bow. He let me shoot his and it was way nicer than I expected for the price. I personally shoot an axe 6 and I bet you could find a used one in your range.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: washingtonmuley on May 16, 2011, 08:35:52 AM: I have a new limbsaver dz 34 fully setup coming up from Oregon to try out. I have done some research and I like what I read about this bow.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: dreamingbig on May 17, 2011, 06:40:40 AM: The 2010 used Maxxis 35 I purchased on Ebay! If you ask enough questions and are diligent with your bidding you can get some very good deals on line. I would also keep an eye on the archery talk forums.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: washingtonmuley on May 17, 2011, 06:46:02 AM: I have been all over archery talk and was going to pull the trigger on a 2010 bowtech assasin but owner would only do money order and I was not comfortable with that.I am going to try to shoot the assasin this weekend and compare to the limbsaver I have coming up.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 17, 2011, 07:02:58 AM: I really like my Hoyt Turbo Hawk. 310FPS and very light. Around $450-500
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: vaz,,66 on May 17, 2011, 09:44:02 AM: In the past two years i bought three and sold two bow plus all kind of accessories using MO with out any trouble at all, ppl on AT the best the only thing before to do a transaction you need to check feedback that's all ,if the guy have only %100 on his profile then i would trust him , its up to you to trust or not, some ppl they don't trust a paypal only MO , just yesterday on AT been sold Mathews Monster 7 3 weeks old almost brand new less then 100 shots for $500 I'm not selling you the monster just as an example.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: Button Nubbs on May 17, 2011, 03:54:01 PM: I got an '09 82nd airborne with 50 shot through it for around $350 on AT last year. There are some screamin deals to be had on there.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: LongRange300RUM on May 17, 2011, 11:56:57 PM: I work in the archery section at sportco. We cant keep the Assassins in stock. I ended up buying one for myself. I love it. And for the price you cant beat it. fully packaged at 333 fps for 599 best bang for your buck and if your a sportco member you get 5 percent off.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: washingtonmuley on May 18, 2011, 06:20:55 AM: Have you shot any of the limbsavers and been able to compare to the assassin?
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: trophyhunt on May 18, 2011, 06:28:49 AM: I just bought a hoyt maxxis 31 2010 with g5 optic sites and fall away rest on Archerytalk.com shipped to my door for 600.00. Got it yesturday and love the way it shoots.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: dreamingbig on May 18, 2011, 08:59:53 AM: Nice. I have a maxxis 35 and it shoots great!
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: trophyhunt on May 18, 2011, 10:23:24 AM: I've always liked hoyt, I plan to crank it up to 70 lbs and buy some new arrows.... c'mon elk season.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: garyltbh on May 28, 2011, 09:24:10 PM: I have bought alot of things from AT and have never had any problems you can talk to the person that has something for sale on the phone and find out anything you need to no before you buy.I was sceptical about sending money at first but like i said ive never had a problem.and ive got alot of very good deals.I would stay away from the limbsaver because they have no resale value people just dont like them
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: Sunbkpk on June 20, 2011, 07:44:25 AM: I just bought a PSE Bow Madness for $449.88 out of the Cabelas bargain cave. Best bow I shot the past year for the price. Couldn't pass it up when I saw it on sale. Replacing a 14 year old Oneida Aeroforce.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: RadSav on June 22, 2011, 12:30:59 AM: I've been waiting for 25 years to hunt a Dall ram and this year it finally comes true. Working in the archery industry I am blessed with the ability to shoot anything I want. I have seven of todays top bows hanging in the trophy room. Since the ATA show I have been shooting them all trying to make up my mind which I will be taking. I liked the Invasion CPX best until I got a Bear Assault ($549.95 MSRP) for a good friend. In setting it up for him I found I shot it better than my aging eyes can see. Not sure how that's possible but true. So I had the guys at Bear send me one for myself. Nothing fancy, no blistering speed, a little louder than the Invasion and single cam which I usually don't like. But, I am REALLY liking where the arrows are falling - Wow! Absolutely No Question it is the bow I will be shooting up north. Invasion ($899.95 MSRP) will be my backup.

I'm not sure what the pro-shops are selling this bow for as most are under the MSRP. I would expect it will be very close to $500.00. I would recommend strongly that you try one out at your local Bear dealer. Very best BANG for the buck in my humble opinion.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: vaz,,66 on June 22, 2011, 08:55:01 PM: Few weeks ago I traded my Z7 for HCA speed pro 10 and I love it, its 345fps 7in. BH 33 ATA and adjustable DL
very smooth and quiet, I think you can get that one around $500 not brand new but close to that condition.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: Battle Ready on June 28, 2011, 08:38:19 PM: Im not sure about this RADSAV guy..not liking the best bow to ever have graced his bow press...and choosing the OTHER bow. But i too would follow his advice on the bear..ive shot it and agree its a pretty sweet ride for the price point.

PS RAD SAV.....the Invasion is here....yah boy. :tup:
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: RadSav on June 28, 2011, 10:53:30 PM: Two words for you Battle Ready - BITE ME! :pee:

You were just shooting that piece of crap Mathews for so long you forgot what a quality bow felt like.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: Battle Ready on June 30, 2011, 11:05:37 PM: Whatever becky! Its too bad you traded out your ultra sonic cleaner...you could have used to to clean off the BEAR crap from your hands...LOL. :puke:

Nah, the mathews thing I deserve...I should of stopped shotting their bows after the switchback or maybe the switchback XT...the drenalin and the DXT were just too well...crappy! Ok, I may have managed to stick some good critters with em, but still, I cannot wait to see what the INVASION does for me. I was once lost, but now I see..haha. :rockin: :rockin: :rockin:
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: hoytem on July 01, 2011, 01:06:08 AM: Quote from: Sunbkpk on June 20, 2011, 07:44:25 AM
I just bought a PSE Bow Madness for $449.88 out of the Cabelas bargain cave. Best bow I shot the past year for the price. Couldn't pass it up when I saw it on sale. Replacing a 14 year old Oneida Aeroforce.

BOW MADNESS! shot a few of those and i am generally a hoyt guy with no money. I really like those bows probably picking one up soon
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: RadSav on July 01, 2011, 02:29:53 AM: Quote from: hoytem on July 01, 2011, 01:06:08 AM
Quote from: Sunbkpk on June 20, 2011, 07:44:25 AM
I just bought a PSE Bow Madness for $449.88 out of the Cabelas bargain cave. Best bow I shot the past year for the price. Couldn't pass it up when I saw it on sale. Replacing a 14 year old Oneida Aeroforce.

BOW MADNESS! shot a few of those and i am generally a hoyt guy with no money. I really like those bows probably picking one up soon

You'll have to change your name I take it! PSE'em sounds a little unsanitary though :o.

Better to be a PSE guy with a little money than a Hoyt guy with no money.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: Kain on July 02, 2011, 10:01:27 PM: Quote from: hoytem on July 01, 2011, 01:06:08 AM
Quote from: Sunbkpk on June 20, 2011, 07:44:25 AM
I just bought a PSE Bow Madness for $449.88 out of the Cabelas bargain cave. Best bow I shot the past year for the price. Couldn't pass it up when I saw it on sale. Replacing a 14 year old Oneida Aeroforce.

BOW MADNESS! shot a few of those and i am generally a hoyt guy with no money. I really like those bows probably picking one up soon

Been shooting the Bowmadness XS for about a month and it is sweeeeet to shoot. One of the best values out there. IMO
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: KDume on July 03, 2011, 08:50:09 AM: I purchased a martin slayer for 170.00 brand new. It's now ready to shoot at just 400.00, bow and accessories. Shoot's fast and quiet.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: MLhunter1 on July 07, 2011, 08:02:48 PM: Diamond bows are priced pretty well and have all the same technology as the bowtech bows except the diamonds are single cams. The iceman shoots nicely.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: Dstacy on August 09, 2011, 02:07:37 PM: The best bow for the money and I do mean the best is the G-5 Hammer. Its under 500 bucks and it is one tough bow. I have been shooting bows over 30 years and have used a lot of them. Hoyt,BowTech,Diamond,Jennings,Clear Water to name a few. The Hammer bow shoots up their with the best of them. It is well under 500 bucks.
Title: Re: Best bow under $500.00
Post by: RadSav on August 09, 2011, 03:49:44 PM: Quote from: RadSav on June 22, 2011, 12:30:59 AM
I've been waiting for 25 years to hunt a Dall ram and this year it finally comes true. Working in the archery industry I am blessed with the ability to shoot anything I want. I have seven of todays top bows hanging in the trophy room. Since the ATA show I have been shooting them all trying to make up my mind which I will be taking. I liked the Invasion CPX best until I got a Bear Assault ($549.95 MSRP) for a good friend. In setting it up for him I found I shot it better than my aging eyes can see. Not sure how that's possible but true. So I had the guys at Bear send me one for myself. Nothing fancy, no blistering speed, a little louder than the Invasion and single cam which I usually don't like. But, I am REALLY liking where the arrows are falling - Wow! Absolutely No Question it is the bow I will be shooting up north. Invasion ($899.95 MSRP) will be my backup.

I'm not sure what the pro-shops are selling this bow for as most are under the MSRP. I would expect it will be very close to $500.00. I would recommend strongly that you try one out at your local Bear dealer. Very best BANG for the buck in my humble opinion.

The results = http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,81022.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,81022.0.html)