Hello, I hunted with a PSE Polaris Express back in the 90's and was fairly successful at putting meat in the freezer but due to an accident in Feb of 2000 I was laid up and had to sell my bow to help make ends meet. Well I'm ready to get after it again and don't see much use in puttin in for rifle hunts when the seasons are so limited here in Arizona. I was thinking something like a Fred Bear Element used and was wondering if any of you had any input on it or a similar bow that was quiet and just user friendly. My budget isn't big but any input on a used bow would be apreciated. I realize the technology has changed a bit but also believe that the bow doesn't make the hunter the hunter makes the bow. Thanks in advance.
The nice thing is, you just don't need to spend an arm and a leg on a bow and set up. The very best thing you can do is A. make a budget and STICK WITH IT. B. Go to as many pro shops as you can, have them determine what your specs are (draw length and such) and check out their used bow inventory. Obviously you aren't going to get the newest technology, but who cares really. The whole point is being fitted properly and getting out there and enjoying the sport.
I have a Fred Bear Vapor 300. I got it used because I, like you, wanted to get into bowhunting but didn't have the budget for a new top line bow. I think it's been a great bow so far. I encourage you to take the advice already given and shoot many different bows and find the one that feels good to you.
One thing is for sure, there are more than just a few companies out there making bows and making them well today. I saw some nice Martin packages brand new this past weekend for a touch over 300. Try as many as you can and make an educated decison. Good luck.
get the one that you enjoy shooting best... damn the price... if you don't like what you get you'll sell it, lose money, and either quit or buy another... if you buy another you'll end up spending more cash, almost ALWAYS cheaper to get what really works for you up front instead of doing the "buy, trade, buy again til i get it right" thing... i dont' know about you, but, frankly, i can't afford to buy cheap stuff... meaning i can't afford to buy things several times if the cheap stuff breaks or until i get it right... do your homework, lotsa great "bargains" out there if you look... Gander Mt had Ross Cardiacs new for 499 (heckuva nice bow for a good price) as an example... or find a leftover Diamond or Martin...
Fred bear makes great bows for the money..I have used them for the past 5 years, I currently have 3 bear bows, TRX, Code, Element...they all shoot great (as good as I can shoot), and i didn't spend over $500 on either of them. The code i picked up for $350 New, The TRX was $499 in 2004 and the element was #299. Go shoot some to get a feel for the. I myself am not into spending $700 to $1000 for a Bare Bow...I kill as many deer as i want with what i got...jmo
Coues, I have a Hoyt 38Ultra for sale....check it out here... Hoyt 38Ultra Seriously, depending on what you're looking for, there are a LOT of great bows on Archerytalk.com in the classifieds section. I know quite a few guys who keep their accounts active just to use that section there.
I just got this as my first bow. http://www.huntersfriend.com/2008_Diamond_Justice_Factory_Close_Out_Sale/diamond_compound_bow_package_discount.htm It is $499 but you are getting everything you need.
Shoot as many as you can and buy what fits you best! A few of my picks... Bear Truth 2-Great bow, affordable and comes with Winners Choice Strings The Quest line-affordable bows, I've heard some rave reviews Switchback XT-You can find one used and at a great price, and it will be hard to find a better all around bow for your money.(Mathews does not make this bow any longer-check out ebay)
switchback xt is the best bow mathews has ever made including the latest and greatest... the quest and ross cardiac are VERY similar designs...
You know the best thing in the world is a big ol pot of beans and a bag of frito's. just can't beat it for good cheap eats
Shot some of the PSE bows today but didn't feel good. I really like the Fred Bear Element that I shot a couple weeks ago definatly leaning towards the Bear bows at this point and will probably get a used one. Gotta go get some fritos and beans LATER V
