New to bow hunting and need a reliable bow
09-11-2004, 09:30 PM
#11
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Central PA
Posts: 590
RE: New to bow hunting and need a reliable bow
Phew... now that's a tuffy without starting a bow brand war. Any of the big name bows have quailty offerings. Instead of just naming a specific bow, I'd look at a few things first;
a) Your size. Don't buy something that doesn't fit. Your pro shop should be able to fit you properly. If you're not sure, ask an established bowhunter near you to size you up. If I knew your height, weight, age range and level of fitness I could tighten the choices up a bit.
b) Choose something that is forgiving for your first bow. Longer axle lengths with longer brace heights are going to be easier to shoot well from the go. Build confidence and perfect your form before you move on to those "all the rage" nitro powered barn burners.
c) Cam design. Softer cams are more user friendly than the hard "speed" variety. You will give up a few fps, but a slow 10x is better than a fast miss any day. You'll draw the bow with less effort, which can help you concentrate on proper shooting form. Most of todays adult bows, (even the slow ones), regardless of cam configuration, will more than suffice in general hunting applications.
d) If at all possible, try before you buy. All bows do not draw or hold the same. Base your choice on characteristics that the bow delivers from the draw to the release. If it doesn't feel good to you, it likely never will. Pass and try another.
There are other factors, but most are personal preference. As long as you have picked from a major manufacturer you'll be good to go. Oh, and buy the best you can afford... including accessories. Skimping in the archery world only means that you are bound to buy twice. Or three times...
I'll list my choice of deer gear, but by no means am I saying it's better than the next guys.
Hoyt and Mathews bows... own them - like them. Both companies offer forgiving models.
Copper John Deadnuts sights... rock solid fiber optics.
Golden Key arrow rests... their Platinum series windage & elevation.
Jerry's Stealth stabilizers... just flatout unreal.
Kwikee quivers... detachable, economical, almost indestructable.
Arrows... AXIS or Carbon Express.
Broadheads... Rocket Areoheads.
There's tons of gear out there. The list above reflects what I've field tested to be true. I've not had to change the main items since 1998... it's just quality stuff.
a) Your size. Don't buy something that doesn't fit. Your pro shop should be able to fit you properly. If you're not sure, ask an established bowhunter near you to size you up. If I knew your height, weight, age range and level of fitness I could tighten the choices up a bit.
b) Choose something that is forgiving for your first bow. Longer axle lengths with longer brace heights are going to be easier to shoot well from the go. Build confidence and perfect your form before you move on to those "all the rage" nitro powered barn burners.
c) Cam design. Softer cams are more user friendly than the hard "speed" variety. You will give up a few fps, but a slow 10x is better than a fast miss any day. You'll draw the bow with less effort, which can help you concentrate on proper shooting form. Most of todays adult bows, (even the slow ones), regardless of cam configuration, will more than suffice in general hunting applications.
d) If at all possible, try before you buy. All bows do not draw or hold the same. Base your choice on characteristics that the bow delivers from the draw to the release. If it doesn't feel good to you, it likely never will. Pass and try another.
There are other factors, but most are personal preference. As long as you have picked from a major manufacturer you'll be good to go. Oh, and buy the best you can afford... including accessories. Skimping in the archery world only means that you are bound to buy twice. Or three times...
I'll list my choice of deer gear, but by no means am I saying it's better than the next guys.
Hoyt and Mathews bows... own them - like them. Both companies offer forgiving models.
Copper John Deadnuts sights... rock solid fiber optics.
Golden Key arrow rests... their Platinum series windage & elevation.
Jerry's Stealth stabilizers... just flatout unreal.
Kwikee quivers... detachable, economical, almost indestructable.
Arrows... AXIS or Carbon Express.
Broadheads... Rocket Areoheads.
There's tons of gear out there. The list above reflects what I've field tested to be true. I've not had to change the main items since 1998... it's just quality stuff.
