Hello all - I've been spending some time on here reading all the great advice folks have given to beginners. I have learned a lot, and will learn more when I re-read a few posts. I am looking for my first bow. I live in Kansas, have rifle hunted for years and been wanting a bow for about 4 years. I have decided this will be the year. I will be using this mostly on deer, and maybe turkey. So, I could use any pointers from anyone willing, because I still haven't landed on what I should get. Here are some criteria - * I am a medium-big, guy. A little over 6 feet and about 210. So, I don't think draw weight should be a problem for me. I want to get this over the next month or two so should have plenty of time to practice. * Same deal with draw length, I think. Seems like longer is better. Right? * I'd like to buy new, and would like to buy from Bass Pro. I have a Bass Pro I shop at, and trust them, especially if I have any problems. * My budget is probably between $300 and $400. * Here is the link to the bows they show in my range - http://www.basspro.com/Archery-Bows/High-Price-200-399/_/N-1z11cvkZ8ir/Ns-p.price%7C0/Rpp-4 Here are some things I am still figuring out * First, in my range, are there any brands that are head and shoulders above others? It looks like Bass Pro lists - Bear, Parker, Diamond Razor, Redhead. If one is particularly good or bad, can you tell me why? * With draw length, is there a min or max I should be factoring? * Does anyone know who really makes the redhead bows? I know that is a Bass Pro label, and most of their private label stuff is really made by someone else. * I am probably looking at a package. Most packages seem to include a 3 pin fiber optic site, quiver and a rest of some sort. Some also list a peep site. Are these components pretty standard? Should I be looking for a package with more like a stabalizer? * Other than a trigger release and arrows, what are the other basics that I need to get going? * Any and all other advice is welcome and appreciated. I probably know just enough to be dangerous. I haven't been into the store yet. Typically about now they start discounting, so I have kind of been waiting for that. I intent to go in and start handling them as I have seen that piece of advice over and over. Generally, I trust the staff there, but trust the expertise here also. Thanks in advance for whatever input you can offer.
Your draw length is set spefically to you so I wouldn't worry about that until you make a purchase and they will set it up for you. I recently just started using a compound to hunt I shot just about everybrand at basspro and purchased a diamond. The bear brand also have some really good quality bows. The package bows are good buys if your on a budget however as you get a little money I'd replace the rest and sights that's what I did. Also I'd check with your local archery shops I was the same way about bass pro however the guys at the local shops at least here in ohio have helped me out more with technique and little tips than anyone at bass pro they seemed to just want to make the sell and move on to the next person. Imo the guys at the small local shops seem to care a little more as well as seem to know a little more. Good luck with your hunt for a bow
IMHO I'd start with a 60# bow. It is more than sufficient to kill anything you will be hunting and will be much easier to control the draw and let down in a hunting situation. You would also probably be more accurate. Measure your wingspan finger tip to finger tip and divide by 2.5 this will give you a starting place for your draw length and I would tend to veer toward the shorter side if inbetween measurements. Longer is definitely not better! Perfect fit is what you want. Many times advice received from big box store employees can be taken with a grain of salt (not always the case) I have seen new archers setup with draw length off a good 2". As far as bows, you know what you can or want to spend. Shoot all the bows in that price range you can get your hands on and take your time. Shoot them several times if necessary and let the Bow choose you. This is one time making haste can definitely be waste. Good luck and Enjoy!! Dan
I agree that shooting everything you can is a good option. I think that there are MANY great bows out there, and considering your budget, I'd veer you towards the used market, and see if you can find something already set-up that would've cost a LOT more 1-3yrs ago, that someone has used, but not abused. There are a few here, and a BUNCH on archerytalk.com that you could window shop and consider. MANY of these bow can be had already set-up for GREAT prices. Some can be bought NEW for nearly $200 off their original price, I've even found a few deals that were less than HALF of the original price still new with tags. You really have to narrow down what you're looking and have an idea of what you'd specifically like. I can tell you that most of those bottom shelf bows you'll see at BassPro or Cabela's are bottom shelf for a reason. Likewise the top shelf bows usually are top shelf bows for a reason.
Good advice by all. If I had to comment on any one of your questions. I would say that above all else, make absolutely sure you are shooting the correct draw length. Nothing, IMO is more important than this regardless of your experience level. Make sure that the guys at BP measure you for your draw length and adjust the bow accordingly. Welcome to the addiction bud!
Try to get one of the last year model bows with everything on it. That will save you some cash and usually Basspro doesnt have bad set ups (i started with the Basspro XPS-34). They should also take you to the indoor range (assuming they have one there) and get you paper sighted. Then its just practice practice practice. As you will see in the fall the real thing is a whole lot different then target shooting. Good luck to you with the process!
Welcome to you both. I'm rather new as well. I picked up my first bow in August and haven't put it down since. I took a much different route and I'm a little on the thankful side I did. I went out and bought a used bow. That way, I had to teach myself how to set it up by researching and trial and error. I know a few guys at work that are huge into bows so whenever I had a question, I came on here or talked to them. The one I bought was a mathews fx. I bought it knowing NOTHING. Now I'm looking at brand new bows and am trying to sell my FX. I'm actually wanting to sell everything, case, release and all (had to get the plug in). However, I live in IN and not really wanting to ship it. That will probably be another thread here about lunch time though. Just a thought. They are both good choices, but if you buy a new one and they set it up for you, pay good attention. Don't just go through the motions, really work to understand it. I'm happy with the route I chose of buying used and doing the work myself. Either way, just be ready to learn and don't be afraid to ask even dumb questions.
