I currently shoot a 54# Hoyt/Tradtech Longbow, but due to a very very problematic Rotator Cuff, I'm facing the prospect of having to take a compound bow to Elk Camp this Fall. I was hoping that if it comes to it, a compound bow may help ease the pain at full draw with 80% let off and add the bare minimum to go hunting. My question is, if I'm not wanting to spend much, which bow should I look at........ Remember, I ain't got much to spend and this is an extreme last option.
You can pick up something a couple years old easy enough, check of the classifieds on here and on AT. Look for a a 2009/10 Z28 or a 2010 xlr....They both came with 50lb limbs, you cant get much easier on the shoulder then those two...and you should be able to grab one on the cheap to hold you over. I just gave a old Hoyt fast fight xl away, if she was backed down to 50ish she would have worked for you. I known I would have gave it to,
A good bow that is pretty cheap is the PSE Stinger but you can always buy a used mathews or hoyt. Someone on this sight bought a used Mathew Reezen for $400-500 which is an excellent bow IMO.
Even the 2010 Z7 (which is the bow i have and love) is pretty cheap. With 80% let off you can also go up in poundage since you don't have to hold all of the weight.
The Stinger is a great option, a cheap bow new, so 2nd hand could be a great option for sure, I'll take a look at the Mathews options too. Thanks for the replies Guys, I'm gonna start the search, maybe try a couple of bows too
Bails, call me cheap or whatever,but I would go on E-bay and get a new 2009-2010 bow. Many of them are under $200-$250 and shoot awesome. You don't need to spend $500+ for a name bow to kill something. Good luck and I hope that shoulder heals up. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?LH_BIN=1&_trkparms=65%253A15%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1&rt=nc&_nkw=Bear%20compound%20bow&_sc=1&_sop=15&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14.l1513&_pgn=4 http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?LH_B...bow&_sop=15&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14.l1513&_pgn=5 http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw...und+bow&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313
Thanks Shadow, great minds think alike. $200 is all I want to spend and there are some nice bows in them links, cheers Fella. Single cam seems the way to go for ease of drawing back.
Dave, I also have shoulder issues, mine are due to past dislocations. About 8ish years ago I dropped down from pulling around 70lb to the 50's because at the time, I had re-aggravated those old injuries.... Since then I have shot a lot of 60lb bows and own several too. Probably the best 'feeling' bow on my shoulder is the Diamond Black Ice, next is probably the Mathews Switchback... Last few years I've been shooting a BowTech Captain which feels decent on my shoulders too (though if they had started to act up again I'd probably grab one of my single cams)... Draw cycles feel different for everyone but IMO, the harshest draw cycle of my bows is the Ross Cardiac - and that's a single cam bow - so go figure, its not horrible, just doesn't feel as nice on my shoulders as the others.... Never actually owned one but shot a Diamond Marquee several times - that had a great smooth draw cycle too... Would think you could get a couple year old Black Ice or Marquee very reasonable. Last year I bought my brother in law a used 60lb Parker bow on craisglist. Was probably only around 5 years old, came with a QAD hunter rest, quiver, some arrows, release and a plano hard case for around $175.... There are some great deals if your willing to look around (course the better the deal, the faster you have to jump on it).
check e-bay. I just saw a Browning Myst ( which is what I shoot and love) on there last week and top bid was $99 with just a cpl hours left on it. It was complete with sights, rest, and stuff, but not sure of the quality of the accessories. For that price you could afford to get new stuff put on. Like I said, I love my Myst. If you find one cheap I'd say jump on it. But try e-bay, you can find lots of stuff to choose from. Good luck
A compound may not be too friendly either Dave. Russ had some shoulder Issues and had to quit shooting his compound all together. Problem was the huge let off, It hurt when the cams rolled over. Try a compound that has a lower let off If you Indeed have to go the wheels route. Back In the day when I shot a compound I always shot a 60% let off. Being your a traditional shooter 60% let off would feel like 80%.
Thanks for three heads-up Steve, this is of course a last minute option should my shoulder not sort out. It's so frickin painful mate, I'll do anything to carry on Bowhunting. I'm hoping the Physio will sort it, but 2 weeks in and its getting more painful if anything, maybe another cortisone injection is on the cards ???????. Hell knows what to do, I just want it sorting or a back-up plan ready just in case. As I have said though, a compound is an extreme last option
Is it your bow holding arm or your string holding arm. My bowhand side shoulder is waay messed up. Having less let-off hurts me less when I'm drawing but increases my shoulder pain over multiple shots. So I've opted for the higher let off. (my bows are all adjustable from 65-80% so it's easy to mess with) Hard cams hurt worse than smoother cams either way. Of course, your situation may be completely different. Cortisone shots help with pain but are bad for you. Don't rely on them for pain control over the long run. Good luck with the treatment!! I probably need surgical intervention with mine but I'm trying some chiro-y stuff first. I simply cannot afford the surgical option at this point.
Hi Christine, for me the problem is in my string pulling arm. I can pull my Girlfriends 30# Recurve no problem, but cannot get the string back on my 54# Longbow without grimacing, the pain is that bad. The cortisone was suggested by my Doctor, I'd rather have surgery if it was my choice...... I've paid my taxes and deserve something back. I've looked at the Bear Truth, PSE Stinger, Mathews, allsorts, just don't want to buy anything till last minute, incase it gets fixed up I hope you get your shoulder problem sorted!
Same issue here, what works best for me is allowing the inflamation to heal and then work up slowly and then not overshooting. I have worked back up to my full 70 lb Hoyt. (actually 68) Once you get it back... keep it in shape by shooting some all the time. I'd recommend something with a soft or mushy draw stop that won't jerk your shoulder suddenly if you creep forward.
Dave, This is what I would consider if I were you - the new PSE Rally. It has 12 inches of draw length adjustment, and the 60# model will go from 18-60#...what a great way to work your shoulder back into shape. And then, it could become a great bow for girlfriend and/or kids...check it out: http://www.pse-archery.com/products/category/Rally/445.5.1.1.86155.54387.0.0.0 Might have to check in with your PSE dealer
I'm liking your thinking Matt, that there is a nice tuneable bow that could just be the ticket for getting things back on track and I'm sure the Kids would appreciate it as a pass me down ..... Well spotted..... now where would I find a PSE dealer LOL ..... I know just the Man .
