2006HighSierra

Well howdy all, I'm planning to get a new box in the next 3 months since hopefully prices will be down and I'll have plenty of practice time so next year I can hopefully take my first deer with bow. Unfortunately I come from a pretty much hunting free family and have been outdoors crazy since little and have had to be self taught. I am just now starting to read up some on the subject and hate to miss some good hunting just b/c i cant use a bow. So on to the main question/s: I would really like a Hoyt but I'm on a budget preferably around or under $400. I thought of the option of high dollar bows being for sale after season at pawn shops, etc. Most people I know recommend PSE and Matthews b/c few want to spent Hoyt money. At the local proshop they are having a sale on all Hoyts and PSEs. I am however not super fond of the feel of the PSE bows. I'm not necessarily looking for super cutting edge technology, more reliability above all else. They have a Hoyt Mystic Intruder on sale for $189. Its older style realtree camo, 50-60lb, cant remember the rest of the specs on it. It has a good feel to me and definately would be a nice price if worth it. I havent got to get measured yet either but I am interested. Are these very reliable or a good value? I've heard *alot* of good on Fred Bear too and also seem very nicely priced. Any help on that Hoyt or recommendations?

Cougar Mag

There are many good brands and models of bows. If you have a good, reliable, full service archery shop in the area.....use them. If you also have a very good bowhunter friend who is experienced.......use his advice also. I mention using a good friend's advice because more than likely he has been around the block. In my opinion you are setting a good goal, there is no need to spend $600-$700 on your first bow. You can find a very good new bow for around $400 and less. Good luck.

standsleeper

Only been using a bow for two years. Here's what I thinkI know. Brace hieght =form forgivness. Longer bows are more stable. Shorter bows are easier to move around in the stand. Heavier poundage isn't always better[cold days, sitting for a while].And it's a poor dentist that blames his toothbrush [or something like that]. I can't preach about price accept you should try to balance quality and affordability. Don't set your sites on a bow because it's the cheepest. I hope I didn't steer you wrong.


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TradTech

Find a pro shop. Try a few different bows. If you like the Hoyt's then focus on trying a couple. Any of the Hoyts with the "tec" riser are outstanding.

After you find what you like, and the price may be a little heftier than you would want to pay, I highly suggest visiting archerytalk.com

Go to the "free auction" forum. Locate the Compound bow forum and take your time. Usually late winter/early spring, you can pick up the "shooter bows" from many of the sponsored shooters. I've done it myself and saved a TON of money. My last purchase was a Hoyt Ultratec, only 5 months old, perfect condition, new winners choice cables/string for 425.00. The bow listed in the local archery pro shop in my town for over 700.00 with the stock cables/string.

Good luck. Have fun finding what you like to shoot. Be patient. It'll pay off.

2006HighSierra

does anyone have any knowledge on that Hoyt I mentioned?