New bow....

[Kirby]

Well, I have been looking at bows, and have an urge to buy a new one, I've limited my choices somewhat.
In no particular order
1- Alpine Denali
2- AR-34 Ram and a half
3 Mathews Switchback
4- PSE Venom

Not in a big rush, I figure I'll pick up one when next years models come out, and these are cheaper. Just wondering if anybody here has shot two or all of these bows, and which did you prefer? Thanks

Kirby

[Dillershortbow]

Kirby my friend just got a browning allusion its a switchback lookalike with a better grip . I was shooting it couple nites ago smooth .

[Black Bull]

I did not shoot anyu of those but my choice is defenitely a Swichback ,top of top.
I own a Martin RazorX 2004 with true arc,and love it .I would not trade it for a Swichback unless I try one first.
Black Bull

[BOHNTR]

go shoot an Bowtech Allegance, before you buy anything.

Best regards
Allan

[394-NTELK]

I took a few shots with the new Switchback I did like the fell of the bow but was not a fan of the way I could not relax/let up on the draw even the slightest without it feeling like it was going to take off .Some might view this as a good thing I don't .I bought a Browning Mirage 1.5 last fall I love it.

[acearchery]

here would be my order of preference:
1) Switchback
2) Switchback
3) Switchback or if unavailable:
4) Outback!

!!!!

[acearchery]

Oh in case i forgot:

Switchback!

But only if you :
1) like a decent arrow speed,
2) Short Axle to Axle for hunting -use a level in the sight
3) absolutely no handshock
4) Reliability
5) Consistancy

!!!!!

[Dillershortbow]

I guess if you want a consistanly slow bow with a horrible grip you get a switchback .

[Kirby]

Al, you were saying that the switchback is finally what got you off that old martin :-P :wink: ? Forgot about the bowtech allegence, I'll definatly be shooting a couple before I settle down. Who knows, might not even like one more than my alpine.

Kirby

[willyqbc]

Well not having shot any of the bows you listed, and knowing you are a student who may have $$$$ limitations, I would suggest that you do yourself a favour and at least try the Diamond line. The Rapture in particular can be had for DIRT CHEAP, but is quality through and through. It is very quick, yet totally dead in the hand. And for your backpack trips it weighs next to nothing. I liked it so much we got one for my Pops for his Birthday! definately worth a look if you have a dealer in your area.

http://diamondarchery.com/bows_rapture.php

Chris

[hurricaneb]

To be honest, I would'nt buy any of those... not my thing. If you are going to run a solo cam id try to get your hands on a Champion Hurricane. Hands down. Champion is out of buisness but still making bows with Darton Archery. Some ***** got a back door patent and put them outa buisness. Its garbage. But that is what I would try to pick up. Or even the Darton Vapor bow package.... 560 bucks gets you going with everything but arrows, broadheads and a release and case. Drop by Wholesale Sports and ask for myself, Brandon, or go talk to Jerry at the archery counter. .. in Edmonton.

[Dillershortbow]

I to have been shopping you a new bow trouble is finding bows to try. I have a razertec and imo i can`t find a bow thats better. i would like to try a bowtec old glory if i could find one . I don`t like a vtec or x tec and the switchback i didn`t like i tried a browning illusion nice bow i will probly go with the ultatec or cybertec with spiral cams. But some of those PSE are pretty nice orrr maybe i`ll wait tell the new bows come out.

[Kirby]

Diller, have tried the Hoyts, and like every other hoyt they just didn't set well with me. not sure what it is, but every hoyt I have ever shot, I didn't like? Chris, $$$ is the reason I'll be buying this years model next year. I would like to set up 2 bows, one for a back up, thats what my Alpine will be dedicated as.

Got two PM's asking why I wanted such expensive bows, figure I'll answer that here and now for everybody. I like expensive toys :D

But seriously, I spend alot of time hunting with my bow in backcountry, and am not willing to carry anything but the top of the line. And I like fast bows, 310+, for 3-D.

Kirby

[Black Bull]

Be realistic, 310f/s is just smoke in your eyes.
This is a maketing way to sell.
If it is bowhunting you want to do, get a bow you can easily draw and shoot.Forget the gimmicks, go with a trouble free bow.Any reliable company has good bows in the pro serie.Try them, then,decide which suit you best.
Taureau noir

[Dillershortbow]

Thats what everone says try them all and pic the one you like maybe if you live in calgary or van but for me the nearest bowtec dealer is 6 hours away . I have a pse and a martain and a mathues dealer but they have no stock so you can`t try one. The only dealer close to me is a hoyt dealer. So all you can do is read about them

[acearchery]

Kirby,

I actually shoot an Outback and for speed, I can get 308 with my 3D setup at 60#. I have made a few mods and tweaks here and there and this bow shoots very sweet for me!.

If you make a road trip my way try mine see what you think.

Switchback is a little more aggressive. I tried it and liked it too.

One other thing to look at is service -make sure you have someone that can service the bow in the event of potential warranty work.

I have tried the Bowtech as well and I shoot regularly with a lady that gets 296fps with 44 lbs and 26" draw!!!!! Another friend of mine shoots a bowtech with a 3 2or 33 inch draw and is smoking at 330 fps. Of course he is about 6'8".

It took alot for me to finally retire the Martin Impala -it is now a backup- I can't get rid of it as it has been too lucky for me. I still shoot it because it lets me know when i am getting sloppy on form, whereas my new bow is more tolerant.

Good luck with your search. I tried just about every bow made (excepty Bowtech) before I selected the Outback. (Switchback was unavailable). I have shot the AR as well and it shoots well but for hand shock the Outback is much less!

Another bit of advice I can give is while your trying bows use your old one as a comparison. trying 4 different new bows its hard to compare them. I did this and I finally narrowed my choice down I found that I chose the one that represented the most improvement between my Martin and the new Bow.

If there is minimal difference -keep the old one until next year!

good Luck.

[RodS]

I have shot the AR 34 with Ram cam and the AR 37 with the Ram and 1/2 cam and liked them both. Really liked the 37, but not as much as my Hoyt. I have handled a Switchback, but not shot it. Not familiar with the others. I'd look at the Hoyt line, the XTec will be discontiued could find a good deal on a great bow there.