I bought one used at a pawn shop this last Spring as my first bow and so far I love it. Granted, I've only ever shot a couple other bows. I haven't had any trouble with it at all. The only thing I have changed on it so far is the stabilizer, mine tilted to one side when tightened all the way down. Probably going to pick up a new sight for it at some point but that is only because I broke the level off of it and wouldn't mind getting either a one pin or four pin for it. Overall it's a really solid bow and you won't break the bank. Good luck.
I own one. Hunt and shoot 3D with it. Can't complain for the price of the bow. Good bang for the buck.
I have a 2013 Encounter. It's fantastic. Didn't get the RTH package though so I can't comment on those accessories. They're probably fine to start out with. http://forums.bowhunting.com/bowhunting-talk/49973-new-bow-setup.html
Upgrading as you go just prolongs the check book devastation. One good thing I can say is when I bought my bow, my local shop gave me 10% off anything else I got the day I picked up the bow. Not a huge savings but I still saved about $60 - $70.
The only thing outside of the bow that I want to upgrade (and knock on wood it will happen early next year) is my sight (Trophy Ridge React One) and rest (NAP Apache). The bow upgrade will be in a few years after my car, truck and student loans are paid off.
Good point and sounds like money priorities are in the right place. I guess I didn't have anything to upgrade since I didn't have anything to begin with. It will never get cheaper that's for sure! I'd like to get the TR React 5-pin. I'm learning it's not easy for a novice bow hunter to sight in 40, 50 & 60 yard pins.
I tinker too much. And from why I've heard (no experience yet) is 70 yards is about as close as you can sneak on a muley. I'm totally looking to disprove that fact, but it would be comforting to know I could hit 100 if needed and be able to do it accurately.
Hitting from 100 would be nice. Given the time, I think most hunters could be patient enough to stalk inside 70 yards. However you can't always count on what your stalking to stay put. In CA right not, you might not be able to get much closer than 70. Way too dry and loud. You'd have to pull out some sniper training to get closer than 50 yards right now and have a some luck on your side too.
This is the main reason my brother in law will be on the scope and we have radios. Hopefully this means I don't have to worry about the deer moving while I'm stalking and can focus on getting in close.
If it's as hot in NV as it is here, I think they'll stay put once the sun is higher. The ones around here don't move much during the day. Good luck! I may have to try and put some stalks on too.
