I am looking to branch out into bow hunting to round out my arsenal. I've been hunting since I was able to, and am quite adept with my 12ga (ducks) and my 30-06 (deer). I want to be able to kill, at minimum, a Whitetail Deer, maybe something larger as I learn more skills. Problem? I'm 5'4" and not quite a hundred lbs. I am strong for my size, however, size is DEF still an issue. I need some recommendations for a sturdy bow that I will be able to draw. *I do have some experience with archery, but have only shot recurve bows for the most part. And it's been awhile, so I consider myself a NewB still... I'm a little curious about what I should be looking for as far as size, fps and draw weight. I'm thinking the lighter the better, but am concerned that my shots won't have the force behind them I need to bring down a larger animal! *If you have a 12-14 yr old son, I'm probably looking for the same qualities in a bow that you would to outfit them. Any helpful tips, tricks or links to sites would be appreciated! I'd like to get geared up by this Fall to begin practicing for next season. Thank you in advance.
Take a look at the Diamond Razor Edge. Mostly designed as a women/youth bow, it has a lot of adjustability in weight and draw length. But it is definately not a toy and will kill big game animals. You can get them at any Diamond dealer or Bass Pro and Cabelas also carry them. Good luck with your new past time and welcome to BH.com
Take a look at the Bear Truth Apprentice. It is a very capable bow. PSE also makes a few bows that might fit your needs. I would also suggest using workout bands to help build up those small muscles used in drawing bows, your strength should improve greatly in a short amount of time so you aren't as limited in bow choice. Good luck!
X3 I have set up EASILY 100 of these bow's. Awesome value for the money. Do some shopping around on the internet and you could probably find the package for $250-$300 and the bare bow for $200-$225. Good luck!
These guys are really pleasant to work with and you do get a pretty good bargain. http://www.huntersfriend.com/2009_Diamond_Razor_Edge/youth_kids_bows_compound.htm
I would also recommend the Diamond. I bought my son a Diamond Nuclear Ice and they do a great job of providing a quality bow in a smaller package. Hoyt makes a nice youth/women's bow and Mathews has their Mission line that has some smaller profile bows. There are a lot of options out there now and they all perform well. Taking just about any game in North America should be achievable with these set ups with the right broadheads. Let us know what you choose. Can't wait to see some pics with your first bow kill.
Thanks to everyone for the feedback and the hearty welcome! I've been scoping out the Diamond Razor Edge as well as the Bear bow. The Rzr offers a FPS of 308 at max, while the Bear is about 265 FPS. *How much does fps effect my shot? I would think if it was faster, it would have more force behind it. True? Is the FPS affected by the amount of draw weight I use? Meaning, if I can pull back a heavier string, further, will it further my shot or allow for more thrust behind it? I don't want to have to switch bows in a year, I'd like to use the one I buy first for at least 2 years. Feasible? My birthday is next week. I get the feeling I might see a Razor Edge in Pink Camo on my pillow that morning!
I only shot the recurve at summer camps. So for two months a year, I learned how to use a bow lol.. That was a looong time ago! I consider myself starting from scratch, and the compounds really appeal to me.
For what you get with the Razor edges price point, it is a fantastic deal that I doubt could be beat. You can adjust the draw weight form 30-60 pounds so as your muscles become accustomed to shooting and grow in strength you can increase the bows draw weight until you reach a poundage you are comfortable with shooting. The bow is light weight and compact enough for your small frame. Good luck with whatever you decide.
I was really leaning toward the Diamond Razor, but after heading into my local outfitter and speaking with a bow enthusiast (and Olympic hopeful for Archery), I am looking more toward the PSE Chaos dual cam compound bow. Had to lower the draw weight to test it to 32 #, the 42# was just a little too tough to pull back with no muscle training. I can easily adjust it after a month or two of hard practice so I think it will be good to go with the #42 and just dial it down a bit at first. The Master gave me a serious lesson and answered ALL my questions regarding how to use the bow, proper firing/draw techniques, and deer hunting. Seeing as how he was a former rifle hunter until he started hunting with his bow, I felt confident that we were on the same level as far as what I was looking for. For a price difference of about $50, the Chaos seems the way to go! *We bought my husband a used, older and much larger bow already, and I told him if he lets me take him hunting next season and kills something with it (and enjoys it as much I do), I would be on board with him upgrading to the $800 Vendetta he wanted. Now let's see if I can get him in a stand! I was bummed when I could never get him to show any interest in hunting, whether it was deer or ducks (my two favs). Now it looks like he is really getting into the idea! I'll make a woodsman out of him yet!
