Need Some Info

[Muddster]

Hey guys new to this forum so howdy to all.... Now for my question.. I am thinking of getting into bowhunting and have no idea where to start. I want to buy a second hand set up and want something that is better than entry level, as I want the set up to last awhile. What names should I look for and what special features should I keep an eye out for. Basically any help would be much appreciated. :? :? Also how much should I be looking at spending? :?: :?:


The Muddster

[sir_huntsalot]

There are guys on here that know a hell of alot more than me about bows but I will tell you what I looked for in a bow.
The most important thing to me is a bow that is forgiving and easy to shoot consistantly. So for that I would look at a bow that has a good brace height, at least 7.5" . A single cam and an axle to axle length of 34" or more. Short bows with short brace height are alot more finiky so I would stay away from those. Once you find a bow get a decent shoot through rest and a hydraulic stabilizer and a good 3 pin sight. The guys on here can reccomend brands for you. There are alot of good bows out there right now and I dont know if there is anything that is superior. I would look at brands like Mathews, Hoyt, PSE and Parker. Quick, Quiet, Forgiving and Low maintenance, when it comes down to it pretty much the same things you would look for in a woman. :smile:

[fulldraw]

I like, sirhuntsalot don't know everything,but looking for second hand,I would ask to try shooting it for a while first before buying forsure.you won't know what your grtting till you shoot it! Buying a new bow isn't that bad of a way to go either,a new bow with everything you need will cost you around approx.$700,or better idea would be to buy anew bow,then buy your sights,arrow rest,stabe,release,ect used, to save money.But if your stuck on buying a used bow and set up, should only cost you around $400 or so for abetter then entry level bow.Aguy at my range is selling a hoyt Razortec with set-up for $650 I think, and thats a good bow.For things to look for, trigger release smooths everything out,I shoot with a itty bitty goose release,its agood release,nice and small.Bow size would have to disagree with huntsalot on all short bows being finiky,best thing to do is shoot some bows and pick which one you like the most.And have fun! welcome to the site!And good shoot'in. chris

[Mikey]

well ... I was in yer boat about 3 years ago .... I bought a second hand (actually I am pretty sure it was fourth hand) Liked it but If I kept shooting it any longer I would have to shoot Traditional Class at tournaments. I Aquired a Martin Jaguar Magnum .... about $450 Cdn new, threw about 300 dollars in accesories at it (Rest, Stab, sight etc.....) and IMO I have a great little hunting set-up ..... People I have shot with state that the Jag Mag is a quiet bow even with no silencers on it .... Its Fast .... its simple. Just another option that wasnt listed above
check out http://www.martinarchery.com/?page=bows&file=jaguar

For sights and stabs and releases etc... you will have to try them out for your self .... any reputable shop with have testers so you can try before you buy when it comes to stabs and releases, in a sight you want something that captures enough light that you dont have to strain ....but in the same breath lemme say that too much light is a not good either.
a release you want comfort ...if it dont feel right ...it probally aint right for you ..... as well as stabilizers .... you gotta test them to find one that feels right for you

[cdn-redneck]

Good advise so far already :thumbsup: . For bows all your major players are the way to start out. Pse, Martin, Hoyt, Matthews, and Bowtech are all the bigger names in the industry. You should have no trouble with getting service from a shop with any of these. Sights dollar for dollar Copper John sights are great!! Cobra, Trophy Ridge, are a coulpe of popular brands. For rests I really like Golden Key products. They make great stuff at a good price. I would reccomend getting a used bow That is no older than 5 years. This is the point where you can become a victim of new technology. My buddy got a fully rigged PSE Triton, brand new ready to shoot for $600. Where are you located? Somebody may know of a shop nearby that can help you out. Hopefully my opinions are shared by more than myself. :wink:

[petew]

Most deals on used bows are not so good.
Typicaly they need new strings/cables.Add $60.00~$80 to the price plus instalation.
There is no warranty, limbs will cost $150??if they crack, or are cracked.Every bow can have a bad limb.
usualy the seller puts on junk sights and rests that you will soon replace.
Often the great deal is old tec,steel cables,round wheels or soft cams., and you will be looking to replace it before you realize.

There are some good used deals but they are hard to find.
As for the coments about short bows being finicky I shoot a Kodiak KO32 and a friend has a Bowtec Tec 29,both are very good shooters.If short bows were not any good the trend would have died .

I would look at a new Martin before I paid more than $150.00used.Have someone that Knows bows look at any used bow before you buy it.

[Muddster]

Hey thanks for all the info guys. :smile: I am hoping to get to a bow shop in the early new year and try a few bows out so I will at least know my draw length needed for starters and go from there. Maybe in the early new year there will be some good deals on new set ups. And don't worry I won't be buying unless I have some one with me to check it out....... Actually getting a little excited to try a bow out.... Is that how it starts... I pity my poor wife, an early hunting season now. :lol:

The Muddster