New guy here from Washington. I'll be moving to Maryland soon. I'm new to everything so I'm glad that I found this site through a buddy who had this show. I'm here to learn and can't wait to test some bows and and find what works for me. Any advice is welcome. - Are there any bow manufacturers that I should stay away from? - I'm going to be shooting a lot to learn so should I get a good set of strings put on the bow immediately? - Good shops near Odenton, MD or Tacoma, WA?
Welcome auzz89! I live in the Midwest & can't help with your "good shops", but if you're just getting started & looking for a bow...My advice is to shoot as many as you can & go with what feels best to you. Don't buy one because you recognized the name, unless you plan to start with the best equipment you can get. Most of us start with "no name" rigs & as we develop, we figured out what we liked & didn't like. Have fun & shoot as often as you can. Get on a league & you'll have more fun AND learn faster (more shooting with others that have advice). Good to have you!
Thanks man. I'm going to shoot as many as they will let me....... I've shot an old Bear which was I was fairly accurate with. I'm not necessarily looking at any brand but I was more wondering if there are any that aren't worth it. One of my buddies said to stay away from PSE, and another said only buy a Mathews. I'm just trying to get information from you experienced guys so I don't buy something I'm going to regret.
Welcome! I think the best move would be to price a full rig to get an appreciation for what each peice cost and then determine what your total budget is. If you can swing it building your rig is fun and rewarding. But many if not all shops have pre built rigs for each price level. Once you find a great shop and know item prices go shoot each one. A good sign for a good shop is knowledge and accessable range. I refuse to tell you what brand to buy because it will start a $hit storm of arguments and you can review other posts to see ppls preferences. But one word of caution... Know what you're getting into, it's not a part-time thing if you get hooked it's a passion/ obsession. Makes one wonder what's cheaper being a avid Bowhunting or children Good luck brother and any questions just shout
Thanks Fix. I'm hoping someone will know good shops in my area but if not I'll just start popping into random ones asking the newb questions, I love being that guy. Thank you for taking the time to give me some advice. Hopefully in the next few years I'll be up in your neck of the woods hunting.
I wouldn't listen to fan boys saying only buy Mathews stay away from Pse blah blah blah I would argue that if you go to a proshop any brand that they carry is going to have a good bow in the line up. With that said go and shoot bows in your price range and see which one YOU like the best and the one that feels most comfortable to shoot. Another thing to add I don't know your budget but I would rather have a mid range bow with mid to high range sights, stabilizer, rest rather than getting the most expensive bow and slapping on the cheapest accessories you can to make it affordable.
Thank you zackd. My buddy is the way he is... I'm the same way with my AR15s, I choose one company because I've been doing business with them, they are local, and they have the best customer service I've ever experienced. But, when it comes to getting a new bow, I will pick what feels good to me. I'm not the guy to go cheap on anything. I've only shot a 4 pin Truglo sight but after seeing the reviews on the HHA Kingpin, I might give it a try? Do you have any input on getting custom strings done when I get the bow? So, let's say I get Mathews or Hoyt, would it be beneficial to add ABBs immediately or wait until I get comfortable on the bow?
I cant speak for those bows but my PSE came with ABB strings. HHA Sights are pretty top of the line. It sounds like money doesn't concern you I would check out the PSE evolve, xpedition xcursion 6, Elite Option 6, Prime centergy, Hoyt Pro Defiant, Mathews halon 32, Obsession Hemorrhage
Yeah.... It will take a few months to get everything together but in the long run I think it will pay off. I'll do some research so when I get back to the states I know what to try out.
Oh nm I am guessing Navy since you said Odenton I was at Aberdeen for awhile. If you have not been there yet defiantly check out Inner Harbor If you like to party on the weekends or find chicks Go to the power plant right by inner harbor. Across the street from that is I believe it was called the Iguana or something it was like 15-20 bucks for all you can drink. If you are into metal or rock bands there was a place inside the power plant called the rams head or The Ram something on the lines of that. I was there a couple times and they ran dollar bottle beer specials. If someone asks you to go to the Flamingo stay away unless you are into one legged and pregnant strippers for real though. Man The fun and trouble I got into in Baltimore woofta
USMC. I've got the kids and wife so luckily I won't be wandering into the "Flamingo". I'm pretty excited, from what I've been told it's beautiful, outside of Baltimore. This move also gets me out of California which I hate, except that they allow lane splitting on the motorcycle. And now I have a chance to get into hunting. Opens up a lot of opportunities for my family. Thank you for the advice.
Well in that case Inner harbor is beautiful a lot of shops, nice restaurants, an aquarium, a old sailing ship that does dinner cruises and what not, Childrens Museum.
Welcome! I’m also new to the forums and bow hunting. I would go to a reputable archery shop and shoot all the bows you are interested in. I purchased a mathews halon 32. It shoots great for me.
I've shot every major brand there is and they're all good as long as you keep in mind you're going to get what you pay for. The more you spend the better the bow is gonna be. My personal favorites are #1 Bear and #2 Mathews. Just my preference. I've stretched strings for over 50 years and the best compound I ever shot was my Bear Attack. Fast accurate and quiet
