Beginner

krazy · Aug 18, 2014

I realize this will be the same as asking whether Ford, Chevy, or Dodge is the best pick-up, but I am going to ask anyway. I recently moved to a new area (more urban) and I have decided the best way to hunt the nearby mountains will be archery. I have never hunted archery before, so over the next couple years I want to practice enough to be confident in the field.

First order of business: buy a bow. So, what do you experts use? If you all would be so kind as to share your insight, I would appreciate it. Anything I should avoid (to use the truck analogy, any bow with the reliability of a Ford 6.0 diesel)? What are your favorite bows?

Thanks in advance!

muley505 · Aug 18, 2014

You'll likely get about 100 different answers to that question, but I, for right now anyway, am a big Bowtech fan. I have had an Assassin earlier this year that I really liked, and I am now shooting an Experience. Both bows were really excellent and shot exceptionally well. I don't know what your budget is for a bow, but you can pick up a used Assassin (because they don't make them anymore) for about $400, and a used Experience for about $650. Both bows shoot extremely well. My Experience (set at 68 lbs) is shooting 100 gr. VPA, non-vented broadheads on the end of a 30" Easton Flatline at about 310 fps, and I have arrows touching fletchings at 60 yards, and, if I keep my form right, I'm shooting about a 3-5" group at 80 yards with fixed blade broadheads. I'm no expert by any means, and Bowtech bows are definitely not the only bows that will shoot very well, but I have had great success with mine and am very happy with both of them. They both have minimal vibration and noise, have a decent valley that doesn't try to tear you arm out of the socket if you slack on the string a bit, and shoot very well.

I have friends that shoot Hoyt very well, and I know a lot of people like Matthews and PSE, but I'm really liking how well my Bowtech shoots right now, so I'm sticking with them for the time being.

huntindudley · Aug 18, 2014

Yes this question is like asking what truck is best. I personally shoot Hoyt. My advice would be to find a good archery pro-shop in your area and go shoot every bow you can. See what feels best in your hands, when you draw, and shoot. I would say stay with something with a longer axel to axel length and brace height(from string to riser). That will be a more forgiving bow. I recently had a chance to shoot the new prime bows and I have to say I was very impressed with them. Just like a truck take em for a test drive and find the one that feels best to you. Good luck!

krazy · Aug 18, 2014

I might also mention that I am a tall, lanky guy. haha! 6'3", about 200 pounds. It may not matter, since I can adjust and tailor the draw length to fit me, but is there a brand that is better suited for taller shooters?

Thanks for the responses so far! I appreciate any insight!

nfh · Aug 18, 2014

I am a hoyt guy to. They make many models to fit you.. But in the end a bow is a bow and they shoot..

I have shot most brands and hoyt is what holds up the best for me.

Personally I would hit up a store where you can try several brands. Find what fits you the best. Who cares if you have a buddy that states a certain brand is the best. Its about you

elkassassin · Aug 18, 2014

And Hopefully you come up with something better than a 6.0 POWERJOKE!

[font color="red"]From My Smokin Cherry Red Hot Barrel & My Dead Cold Hands I Shall go down Fighting for American Pride & Rights!
I Know I'm Out Numbered by Pusssies & Brainwashed Democrats that'll Throw Their Hands in the air & I know I can't Lick the U.S. Military by Myself when they Turn on us but I'll make
you one Guarantee,They'll be Enduring a Situation where I Hope to Hell All Americans become True Americans once again & Stand up for their Rights!

trophyhunter · Aug 18, 2014

Shoot a Dodge and drive a Mathews, Hoyt , Bowtech, or PSE...all quality bows. Try them out ...go shoot them and see what fits and feels best, smooth etc....then you will have your answer .

))))------->

deerslayer88 · Aug 18, 2014

Matthews are beautiful bows and they hold up. However so do other brands. Go shoot some and see what bow you like best.

?If men were angels, no government would be
necessary.? John Adams

goinhuntn · Aug 18, 2014

I would go to a good bow shop and try out a few bows. All the bows are great see what feels the best and go from there. I am a hoyt fan myself.

shedcrazy · Aug 29, 2014

I would start with the Samick Sage. Its a great beginners bow in that it shoots very well and has takedown limbs so you can start at a low poundage and work on form. as you improve, you can buy new limbs for just 72 dollars. This will allow you to walk your skills up while never being over bowed for a very reasonable price. I will be hunting with mine, this year. Good luck to you and have a friggin blast!!

hntnfool2 · Aug 29, 2014

There are many good quality bow manufactures, I personally shoot a Hoyt because I like how they feel in my hand and how it shoots. My suggestion is to go to a very good bow shop with an open mind and try and shoot as many different bows as you can. Welcome to bow hunting your going to have a blast.

AdrenalineAddict · Sep 16, 2014

Again, go to a bowshop with a good selection and pick the one that feels right, I don't believe there is a clunker on the market. I shoot a Hoyt only because I like the way it balances in my hand while walking 8 hours a day. Don't get to concerned about shooting light arrows or heavy arrows, some folks really get wound up about the topic, but it's not really worth getting wound up over. I personally shoot light and fast because every now and then when mountain hunting you don't get a chance to use a rangefinder and I have never wished I was equipped with the opposite.

greyghost · Apr 18, 2015

LAST EDITED ON Apr-18-15 AT 11:36PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Apr-18-15 AT 11:34?PM (MST)

I was browsing this forum with the exact same question presented above. Sounds like solid advice that makes perfect since, and I will follow it also. Thanks for your input guys.

Defiantly would avoid the 6.0. Can you imagine if they brought back the 7.3?