I want a $1000 hunting rig...

[Max-4]

Hey, I am new to this forum and am really learning alot. I am new to compound bow hunting but have hunted with a crossbow for 4 years. I am looking to buy a fully outfitted rig for the 2011 hunting season. There are some things that I know I am after from doing some research online.

Single cam
Axle to axle: 32" to 34"
Brace height: 7" +
Poundage: 60-70 pound

Those are some of the specs I am basing my decision on so far. I need a very forgiving and fool proof bow that I can grow with and NOT want to upgrade from in a year or two from now. My total budget is around $1000 all said and done, fully outfitted. What are some good options that fit into those specs? I would say the bow alone should be $600-$700 max to leave room for accessories. Thanks

[Max-4]

I am interested in the 2011 Mission bows like the VXT or the Venture, I am just in a toss up between the 34" ATA or the 30.25" ATA.

Anybody have a Mission bow and how do you like it? Is it possible to get the "ready to hunt" packages here in Canada like the Bowhunter or the Prohunter?

[FallAirFever]

Is there a bow shop close to you? This would be the best way to get an idea of what you really want. You can look at all the specs you want and fall in love with a bow that you have not even picked up... then you get it in your hands and its not what you were hoping for. You really should pick up, hold, draw and shoot every bow that are on your list.
Plus they can measure you for draw length, proper arrow fit etc...
I have an 09 Diamond stud that fits right in the specs you listed and I really like it, not sure if they have them in a 2010 or 11. Most bow shops will put together a package for you and discount the price for you as well.

A couple others to consider would be the PSE Bow Maddness MC, APA Viper, I know its not a single cam but this years Hoyt Rampage is pretty sweet looking and in your Price range, some of the cam and half bows sure draw nice!

Good luck and have fun with your search!

[CHAOS]

I have a 2010 Mathews Z7, black riser, camo limbs, 70#, Mathew Downforce rest, Mathews detachable quiver, Axiom stab in Lost camo, Truglow sight, 27" draw. Six arrows through her.

Only thing is, I would like $1100. Right around $1600 to replace.

[obwon]

C.A.C. has packages in your price range. All you need to get is a bow case & stabilizer on some packages.
Bows with a cam & 1/2 type of system work great too, check them out & try some

[Mikey]

I hunt with a Diamond Black Ice ... Fully rigged out was still less than a grr ... great bow ... falls inside your specified specs

[Syms]

Well if your looking at a bow that is 600-700 dollars, your going to need to spend more than 300 dollars on accessories

Rest - Good rest will run you $100, spot hogg or a good drop away
Sight - Can run you $100 to $300
Quiver - $50 to $100
Wrist Strap - $20 to $40
Arrows - $100
Broadheads - $120 or higher for all 12 arrows
Release - $50 to $100
Bow case - $100

So your running around $700 to $800 if you don't want to buy anything that your going to regret or going to need to replace the next year.

My advice would be to go to a local archery shop shoot some bows. Find one that you like. Hoyt, Bowtech, Mathews, PSE, Martin, Rytera, Elite, Diamond are some of the bows I would look at. Make sure you get someone to measure your draw lenght or if you know it already that will help. But make sure you get a bow that properly fits you. Have seen to many people that are new to archery get a bow that is he wrong draw lenght.

Buy used, a couple years old, or even a year old, look on e-bay, or archery talk, you should be able to find a really good bow for like $300 to $500, and there is alot of 60 to 70 pound bows

And then you will have a great bow but have a little extra cash for your accessories

Or you can go and buy a bow package

[obwon]

Bow case about $50 (give or take)
Good arrows about $125
Broadheads about $40-$45 per pk of 6
Wrist strap $10 & up (depends which one you want)

[Max-4]

Well I made the jump yesterday, I broke my budget a little bit but I couldnt resist. I shot a PSE Bow Madness, X-Force Vandetta, Martin TR-1, Bowtech 82nd Airborn, Mission Voyager, Hoyt Turbomax and Bowtech Destroyer 340.

I finally decided on the 2010 Bowtech Destroyer 340, and the Bow Shop in Waterloo had it on sale for $779! It just felt really nice to me, had a smooth draw and almost no vibration. I know its not a single cam like I asked for and I know its a bit over the price range I set, but I now have all winter to save some more money and build it up the way I want.

I also resisted the urge to buy the 70# bow and finally decided on the 60# one. I am just starting out and have it dialed right down to 46# so I can develop muscle and good form. The 70# bow dialed down to 56# still felt heavy to me and I struggled to draw it comfortably.

I think the 60# bow will suit me just fine, my certificate for it says it will max out at 61# which should be more than enough to kill whitetail deer and black bear. Thanks for the help guys!!!

[obwon]

glad to hear you found a bow that feels good to you, it is a personal choice. All manufactures make good bows & it comes down to what feels good to you.

You're on the right path of starting with lower draw weight to get your muscles toned & shooting form in place. Make sure your arrows can handle more lbs for when you up the draw weight, this way you don't have to buy arrows again. Slightly stiff for the lighter draw weight, but being able to move the lbs up & still use the arrows.
It will not be long for you to get your muscle toned if you can shoot 200-300 arrows a week then with in a month you should be at about 52-55 lbs.

Enjoy your new bow, pick a spot, shoot straight..

[Max-4]

So after a few more months of saving up, I got it tricked out just the way I want it. You guys were right, the initial shock of getting into archery puts a huge dent in the pocket book but its well worth it in the end. I bought good quality components that I can use for years without wanting to upgrade. Im gonna practice with it at least 2-3 times a week this year and be ready for the fall of 2011. Look out whitetails!!! Here she is:


Bow: 2010 Bowtech Destroyer 340 (60 pound)
Sight: HHA 5519 Optimizer Lite
Rest: Octane Hostage Pro
Stabilizer: 7" Octane
Wrist Strap: Smokey Mountain
Release: Tru-Fire Hurricane fold back
Quiver: Im thinking the Octane Bantam Weight but i'll get it this summer

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m153/r_groh/IMG_1421.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m153/r_groh/IMG_1423.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m153/r_groh/IMG_1424.jpg

[AverageJoeAb]

2010 Diamond Iceman FLX with Octance bow kit. Regular $1099 is on sale at Cabelas.ca (Winnipeg) for $659. Would cost approx $25 for shipping.