If someone was in the market for a new hunting bow what would you tell them is or are must shoot bows to check out and why?
I've heard good things about the Z7 Xtreme, I'd like to shoot it myself so I'd say try it out. Some other bows that impressed me would be the Elites, all their 2011 bows are great, dead in the hand, smooth, etc. The Darton DS3800 would deffinetly be another favorite of mine, along with the PSE Evo, Bowtech Invasion, Diamond Deadeye, and Winchester Quicksilver. I'd say shoot the Bowtechs as well.
I have yet to find anything that surpasses the Elite Hunter in 2011 except maybe the Hoyt Carbon Element.
I shot a turned down Pulse but not the Hunter but I am going to definately shoot it before I make a choice
I think you should shoot all the ones that you can get your hands on locally. Take your time and let the Bow choose you. Everyone will Not like the same Bow! It would be easy for Bow manufactures if they did BowTech always makes some nice shooters, but the Bows that stood out for me this year was the Hoyt Carbon Matrix Plus & the Carbon Element. They are pricey but the Element is selling fairly close to other flagship bows. I'm not sure if it's the Carbon Risers, Fuel Cam or ??? but they aim rock solid and are extremely quiet and vibration free. Obviously there is not a tougher Bow on the market, and that is peace of mind for any hunter. I am also very anxious to get a Maitland in my hands, it shouldn't be long as I have picked up the line for 2011. If you have Not seen them the 2010 Maitland were kind of a New take on CP bows. I am impressed with Rob and his attention to detail. The 2011's will be a slimmed down version, less weight and even better looks. Also available this year will be a Speed cam option. Smooth cam 320fps IBO Speed cam 340fps IBO The Older I get the less I am into speed. I guess I figure as I slow down so should my Bow Dan
Then you should have shot an Alphamax..... I liked both Alphamax32 and AM35's better than either the Carbon Matrix or Carbon Element, and better than the Maxxis31 and 35's. I didn't even waste my time w/ the CRX's because I think I'm done buying NEW bows for a while....
I'm definately going to shoot some more Hoyt's and everything I can ! I want to get the perfect bow for ME this time and everyone here is awesome, I love this forum !
Smart Decision!! There is No substitute for taking your time on a Bow purchase. It is very easy to be impulsive, but Not a good idea Dan
Doug, You sure that isn't your pocketbook talking? I agree the Alphamax 35 (which I have shot a bunch) is Sweet, but I definitely like the Carbon bows better. It might be the Cam? It has a very solid wall, and a more comfy valley for me. The Bows definitely aim a tad better as well. I think that's due to the feeling I get at Full Draw but the Super stiff risers could play into how the bow shoots as well. I have always liked a lighter bow but usually didn't like how they felt at the shot. Definitely Not the case with these Hoyts! I prefer the Tad longer A to A of the Matrix Plus but as soon as I shot the Element I said: "Hoyt is going to sell a Ton of these!" and They Will!! Even Hoyt was surprised how many Matrix's they sold last year at $1699 at $600 plus less they better be geared up on the Elements Dan
Don't get me wrong Dan, I liked it, but I didn't like it as well as my AM35's or the AM32 I had. My Black Ice was probably real close as far as the feel to the Carbon Matrix in all honesty, just based on my personal "feel" though. Can't say what anyone will definitively like for sure. I still say the couple of Allegiances I've shot were GREAT shooting bows as well. But I stand by my opinion that the AM35 felt better than either of the Carbon bows.....to me. My "pocket book" talking??? You callin' me CHEAP??? Hell, you know where I tend to get strings..... Speaking of, I probably am gonna be gettin' in contact with you in the near future.....
The AM35 is an awesome bow, bought one after shooting the Carbon Matrix and Maxxis last year. But like all good things they are gone from this years lineup
Doug, Just a at you for being tight. I can be pretty tight or should I say financially challenged myself It's amazing to me the numbers that are selling on the Carbon bows. I definitely liked the AM35. It was a Sweet bow but Honestly I liked the Matrix Plus better and price difference for me was Not that huge. I agree about the Maxxis, but I definitely don't see the similarity to the Black Ice It's amazing how personal feel can vary. I've heard several times How rough the draw was on the Guardian but I shot the Guardian for 2 years and I just never felt that at all. To be Honest I am excited to get the Maitlands in here and get my hands on one. From the conversations I have had with Rob I really think he will go places. Time will tell! I am shooting the Matrix better than I shot the AM35, not that I shot it bad. Maybe I'm just getting better Dan
I just throw the Black Ice in there because it's another of those bows that in my hands felt really nice when I drew and shot it. As for the Guardian, I never cared for it much as it seemed like it took forever to break-over. Something about a lot of those more center-pivot bows I suppose. I really didn't care much for the Iceman but really liked the Black Ice. The rare exception might be that I really liked the couple Generals I shot. Definitely a personal feel thing.
