Complete novice looking for advice

Discussion in 'Bowhunting Talk' started by ldgary, Mar 27, 2015.

  1. ldgary

    ldgary Newb

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2015
    Posts:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    I want to get started bow hunting, maybe do some target shooting. I have a 25.5" draw length and right now can handle 38-40# draw weight.



    I have looked at and shot (a couple of arrows each) the Bowtech Fuel, Bowtech heartbreaker, and a PSE Stinger X Stilletto. I liked all three but the Fuel probably was ranked first in preference. Any other bows that I should try?



    I know very very little about archery. Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Bowhunter0132

    Bowhunter0132 Weekend Warrior

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2014
    Posts:
    229
    Likes Received:
    2
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Owings Mills, MD
    My advice is to shoot as many type of bows as you can and pick which bow "fits" you the best. Don't worry about if it is Matthews or Bowtech or PSE or whatever.. go with what ever bow you are the most comfortable with. If you get stuck between 2-3 bows and have a large target to shoot at, try standing close to the target. Close your eyes and draw.. which feels the smoothest and fits the best? That is the bow you should go for.

    If you have a buddy who shoots archery, see if they can coach you on proper form and technique. If not, look into local archery clubs and see if anyone is willing to coach a little. My buddy loves coaching others and says all the time "the best student is the one who is picking up his first bow.. he hasn't taught himself bad habits yet."
     
  3. gltomp

    gltomp Grizzled Veteran

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2011
    Posts:
    3,428
    Likes Received:
    353
    Dislikes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Chemung County NY
    Hi idgary :wave:
    Welcome to the site. That's some outstanding advice that Bowhunter0132 gave above.
     
  4. Skywalker

    Skywalker Grizzled Veteran

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2010
    Posts:
    6,850
    Likes Received:
    806
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Location:
    NW Missouri
    Depends on lots of things. If you are young and will be growing, then find a bow that can be easily adjusted in draw length and weight like the Hoyt Ignite.
     
  5. bigfootcali

    bigfootcali Weekend Warrior

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2015
    Posts:
    225
    Likes Received:
    3
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    I agree with skywalker, besides hoyt the pse stinger x stiletto has a wide range of adjustability. IMO get what feels good to you me personally I'm into pse, one very good adjustability, two smooth draw cycle, three easy to adjust, four they don't break the bank and you get awesome performance.
     
  6. ldgary

    ldgary Newb

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2015
    Posts:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    I'm over 50 so I think my growing days are probably over ;) Thanks for the input. I liked the Fuel and the stiletto.
     
  7. No.6Hunter

    No.6Hunter Die Hard Bowhunter

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2013
    Posts:
    2,724
    Likes Received:
    219
    Dislikes Received:
    2
    Location:
    Murder Mitten
    Look at a Mission Craze, great bow with a ton of adjustability.
     
  8. muzzyman88

    muzzyman88 Die Hard Bowhunter

    Joined:
    Mar 20, 2009
    Posts:
    2,871
    Likes Received:
    550
    Dislikes Received:
    1
    Location:
    20 Feet Up
    First of all, welcome to the forums and welcome to bowhunting and archery.

    Shoot as many bows as you can before making a choice. Lots go into selecting a bow and your inexperience undoubtedly has you wondering where to start or what to look for. One important thing to keep in mind is draw length. Make sure the bow is always set to your draw length before testing it. I've seen countless shops let people shoot bows way outside their draw length. You can't get a good feel for a bow unless its close.

    Don't worry about brands, etc. Pick the bow based on what felt best to you and is in your price range.
     
  9. calbow

    calbow Weekend Warrior

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2011
    Posts:
    74
    Likes Received:
    0
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Papillion, Nebraska
    I agree with the above posts. shoot as many as you can in your price range and I really like pro shops as they will stand by you and help you esp. if they have a shooting range in their shop. Join an archery club and shoot 3D's it is fun and you meet people and you get better fast. Welcome aboard and have a blast. BHOD!
     
  10. SharpEyeSam

    SharpEyeSam Legendary Woodsman

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2011
    Posts:
    10,923
    Likes Received:
    398
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Raleigh, North Carolina
    ^THIS^ and Welcome to the site!
     
  11. Rogue6

    Rogue6 Weekend Warrior

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2015
    Posts:
    192
    Likes Received:
    0
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Location:
    DFW, Texas
    Welcome !! Everyone above has given great advice only thing I can add is to enjoy every bit of it and Practice, Practice, Practice!!!
     
  12. mike71198

    mike71198 Weekend Warrior

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2015
    Posts:
    68
    Likes Received:
    0
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Agree, My wife had this bow. It is very adjustably affordable and a great bow. As others have said shoot as many as you can and the bow will pick you.
     
  13. tc racing

    tc racing Grizzled Veteran

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2015
    Posts:
    4,150
    Likes Received:
    4,945
    Dislikes Received:
    7
    Location:
    Scandia, PA
    welcome!! overall remember to have fun with archery, no matter how many arrows you lose or deer you can't find. have and open mind and watch and learn from every archer you are around. the day it isn't fun it's over!
     
  14. MMcRobie

    MMcRobie Weekend Warrior

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2013
    Posts:
    135
    Likes Received:
    0
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Location:
    PA
    I couldn't agree more with the advice on shooting as many bows as possible and allowing the bow to pick you essentially. Last year I shot bows from essentially every big name manufacturer out there; Hoyt, Mathews, Elite, Prime, etc. For me, the Elites were a cut above the rest and that's what I ended up going with. For another person, they could have shot the same bows I did and picked out a Hoyt, Mathews, or whatever. Point being, we all prefer different things when it comes to shooting a bow. Have some fun shooting as many makes and models as you can and choose a bow in your price range that feels right to you. Good luck!
     
  15. Xoutdoors

    Xoutdoors Weekend Warrior

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2014
    Posts:
    577
    Likes Received:
    18
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Location:
    MINNESOTA
    For starters id get a bow that you can afford for now. To me i recomend shooting mission bows their cheap and their good bows
     
  16. grommel

    grommel Die Hard Bowhunter

    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2013
    Posts:
    2,433
    Likes Received:
    829
    Dislikes Received:
    5
    Location:
    New York
    Welcome to the site! Like what all the guys said above. can never go wrong practicing till your arms fall off!! Pick what best suits you the best, what you feel comfortable shooting. Best of luck, and let us know what you decide.
     
  17. ldgary

    ldgary Newb

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2015
    Posts:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Thanks everybody. I ended up with the Bowtech Fuel. Now lots of practice in my future.

    Leisa
     
  18. Rogue6

    Rogue6 Weekend Warrior

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2015
    Posts:
    192
    Likes Received:
    0
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Location:
    DFW, Texas
    Nice!! Congrats!!! When ya get a chance throw a pic up so we can check out your rig


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  19. Coop

    Coop Grizzled Veteran

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2012
    Posts:
    3,541
    Likes Received:
    74
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Springtown TX
    Congrats!
     
  20. tc racing

    tc racing Grizzled Veteran

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2015
    Posts:
    4,150
    Likes Received:
    4,945
    Dislikes Received:
    7
    Location:
    Scandia, PA
    enjoy!!
     

Share This Page