billygoat

if you are looking to go short, Hoyt Havoc-tech has 7.5" brace height, 31.5" ata, 300fps. This bow, as well as other Hoyts, give you the option of cams. The "versacam" can also adjust draw length (up to 4 inches). However, I don't have any experience with these bows--They do interest me though.

Matt, I measured my draw length at 30.75"'s. I know to get remeasured at pro shop, but what is your opinion if I shoot fingers-- Should I go 30" or 31"? Isn't what really matters is where your comfortable anchor point is? I may also decide to shoot release, this is why I think I like the option of adjustable cams for draw length. I've never shot a release, what might be a good anchor point to try?

billygoat

ABM, I do not know price difference between Matthews and Hoyt

NorthJeff

I wouldn't go short unless you absolutely need it in the stand. You give up accuracy and forgiveness, regardless of brace heigth. Around 35-36" is a nice length.

Also, some of the Mathews, including the ultra, the conquest, and Rival Pro, have adjustable cams. A 28" bow will go to 27", and so on. Also, I was able to take 5th in the 1998 IBO worlds against about 900 shooters in the open class with my Ultra-then the Ultra Max. It was pretty forgiving then, as are most of the bows mentioned in this post. Have fun shopping.

Jeff...U.P. of Michigan.

NorthJeff

I wouldn't go short unless you absolutely need it in the stand. You give up accuracy and forgiveness, regardless of brace heigth. Around 35-36" is a nice length.

Also, some of the Mathews, including the ultra, the conquest, and Rival Pro, have adjustable cams. A 28" bow will go to 27", and so on. Also, I was able to take 5th in the 1998 IBO worlds against about 900 shooters in the open class with my Ultra-then the Ultra Max. It was pretty forgiving then, as are most of the bows mentioned in this post. Have fun shopping.

Jeff...U.P. of Michigan.

445 supermag

ABM you know what is that when I shoot My bow at 32 inches I shoot the best and I feel that is because that is what I should be shooting. I tried to shoot a bow that was just a quarter to a half inch shorter and it really bothered me in that my accuracy was noticably off. But when I went back to my 32 inch draw I was back on target so for me I need to stay at my 32 inch draw to keep my accuracy that I am used too.

brian

ArcticBowMan

Thanks for the info guys. When I was shopping around about a year and a half ago, I tried short and long ata bows. Longest was 38" I believe. The 34" Q2 seemed too short for me at the time, and the longer Q2XL fit me perfect. However, this last October I had the chance to try out the Q2 again and was very impressed over my XL. I think it just had something to do with bad habits not letting me fully feel the potential of the bow. I doubt I will go over 28" with a loop, but might try 28&1/2 or 29 shooting off the string. KE #'s like what Matt mentioned is what I am looking for.

I'm thinking I'll be satasfied with a bow around 34&quot; ata, but I plan to try out the SQ2, mighty might and maybe even a, ugggh, hoyt. <img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle>

I can't wait to start field testing some of these! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Is the Bowtech Patriot the new 2002 model for them? I swear that Matt is getting paid for his statements about Bowtech! Maybe you'll just have to come up here and show me how effective they are on caribou!

445 supermag

Hey If Matt/pa goes up there to show you how bowtech does on caribou then Matt would you mind some company. then I can show ABM how a Darton does on caribou.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Brian

NorthJeff

ABM,
If your seriously considering a Mathews, really take a look at that Ultra II. Just in the process of ordering 2 for myself. I currently shoot a Conquest for 3D, have a Rival Pro, and an old standard. I have also owned and competed with 2 Vapors, another Standard, a signature, Z-max, Ultramax, Z-light, and Feather-max-might have even forgot a couple, its been 8 years.

I sold the last Ultra just last year, and really missed it for hunting last year-I had it for 4 hunting seasons-80% let-off, extremely fast, quiet, 36&quot; AA, and 10% more speed, which equals more KE, than any of the other Mathews you are considering.

What I like for hunting is that I can shoot an inch to 2 inches shorter and get the same speed as the other bows, but have better clothing clearance for the cold temp clothing I need to hunt in. It's also equal to the other bows about 7-8 pounds more for draw weight. I can shoot that bow at 57#'s, and have it equal my rival pro or conquest at 65-66 pounds. Also, I really know that cam, and the bow, and it is much more forgiving then people think, but you need to order the next size larger cam, and put the string on the 3rd peg-say a 29&quot; cam, making it a 28&quot; bow. That gives you better brace-height, and a more forgiving set-up. I don't know if you know anything about indoor scores, but I've been able to shoot 60 spots indoors on a few occasions with it-it has to be somewhat forgiving to do that. Also finished 5th and 7th 2 years in a row with it in the IBO National Triple Crown-overall- out of 900 shooters in the open class, with several top 10 finishes. That bow came out in the fall of 97, and it's still around, because it's such a great hunting bow. Also, the shorter draw you shoot a bow the more forgiving it is for the same bow. Maybe the Ultra would be too radical at 31 inches, I still don't think so, but in your range it would do real well for you.

I'm not a real technical person-I just shoot. Just some thoughts from experience.

Jeff...U.P. of Michigan.

akbowhunter

ABM, im getting 101 lbs ok KE out of my bowtech. its shooting 327 fps and im using a 425gr arrow with my 29 inch draw.
Ron

ArcticBowMan

Thanks for the info again guys. I tried the Ultra II I believe when I was shopping a year and a half ago. The Q2XL just felt better to me, and was a lot more forgiving with a tired shoulder. I shot different bows for a few hours, and picked up the Q2XL last. Even with a tired shoulder, and obvious torque on the bow, I was slapping arrows together right off the mark. It just felt right.

I'll be looking for that same feeling when I head out shopping again. Akbowhunter, I'll try to find time to look you up in town when I get home, and one of the Ryan nights I'll take you up on the offer to try out that Bowtech. Does NP Archery carry them?