When getting back into Archery...

[Bullets_n_Octane]

I appreciate all the advice everyone, I am a firm believer in always learning, so the more advice the better. Just did my last Modern hunt camp this weekend. So ready to be away from the Pumpkin patch that is Western Wa!

[Jellymon]

If you don't mind paying a little more a Hoyt charger is a ton of bow for the money, $499. Lots of people are choosing these over th $899 spyders. But the most important thing is shooting lots of bows in your price range, you will find one that jumps out at you! Whatever you do DON'T buy a bow from cabelas!!!!! Go to a pro shop and you will be CORRECTLY fitted an set up with a bow. And you will be able to get help with any future issues. Help out the smaller shops and they will help you, if you buy a bow from them they usually do adjustments and tuning for free.

[Elkrunner]

I started 6 years ago.  Learned on a Browning.  After a few years of research, I went with a hoyt.  I truly enjoy mine.  I didn't get the top dollar I have a mid range turbo hawk and it does well for me in the field.

[Fishstiq]

I'm no expert, still have a ton to learn (and enjoying every second of it!), but......

IMVHO you can't really go wrong with any of the brand name bows out there today.  FPS, brand names, weight of the bow, all that is negligible since they will all get the job done.  Shoot as many as you can get your hands on, and decide which one you feel most comfortable with that's in your price range.


....Then, go buy a Hoyt! 

[Bullets_n_Octane]

Dont crucify me for asking, but is everyone against Cabela's simply because it's Cabela's? and we all like to help support the small businesses? I am a big time "support local/small business" type of guy. My only issue is, last time I was in a local bow shop, I almost deficated myself when I saw their prices. The same bows I have seen at Cabela's or when I was at Bass Pro last month, were quadruple in price at a few local bow shops...

[h20hunter]

I think most of the hate towards Cabales is 1) Big box store 2) affiliation with the Tribe 3) not a local shop.

[LeeMajors]

I think most of the hate towards Cabales is 1) Big box store 2) affiliation with the Tribe 3) not a local shop.

I disagree.  I think the hate towards cabela's is due to lack of knowledge and skill when they set up bows.  Had I not had a good friend that knew what he was doing, I would have been hurting when I bought my first bow there.  Thankfully he was capable of tuning it up properly after we left the store.

[Special T]

I would say this about buying for a pro shop...You pay a little more, BUT you actually SAVE in the long run. There is nothing wrong with cabellas, but when you buy from a pro shop you get alot of experience and headache relief included. Many Pro shops have package deals in th $400 dollar range. At a minimum you should go to a couple of pro shops adn tell them. My budget is $X What sort of package deal do you have in my budget... Then go shoot it. 

[h20hunter]

There is that also....I agree Majors....nothing like local shops (good ones) for the best hands on knowledge and cust service.

[Bullets_n_Octane]

Gotcha... I have never actually thought to buy from Cabela's in the past, but the people I have spoke to lately seem to really know their sh*t. Just two of em anyways, if I go in there and those two are not working I won't even step foot in the archery dept.

I like local shops, When I was a kid, there was one on Highway 9 in Everett that some family friends used to frequent. It was down by Madison Avenue... I don't suppose anyone knows if that place just folded and went out of business, or if they moved anywhere... just curious... There also used to be a bow shop off Hewitt in Everett, across from Comcast Arena...that place still around?

[et1702]

Yes, Van Winkles is still in Everett.  But, if I were you, I'd go to the shop up in Mt Vernon; Riverside Archery instead 

ET

[h20hunter]

I've been into VanWinkles and have never had a bad experience. However, I've not bought or needed a bow tuned there. I've never heard anything bad about Riverside.

[jackelope]

The Nock Point in mount lake terrace will treat you right also.

[Archer45]

I would say the bows these days will treat you just fine! There a lot of great bows around the 400 mark that will be above and beyond the bows from years past! Just as we all know it is in the set up and practice,, A lot of practice! Good call on switch!!

[deerslyr]

If you don't mind paying a little more a Hoyt charger is a ton of bow for the money, $499. Lots of people are choosing these over th $899 spyders. But the most important thing is shooting lots of bows in your price range, you will find one that jumps out at you! Whatever you do DON'T buy a bow from cabelas!!!!! Go to a pro shop and you will be CORRECTLY fitted an set up with a bow. And you will be able to get help with any future issues. Help out the smaller shops and they will help you, if you buy a bow from them they usually do adjustments and tuning for free.

Mission also just came out with an awesome bow called the ballistic. 330 ibo and suppose to be smooth shooting. Any bow these days is going to be good shooting and fairly quick. hard to go wrong