Is there a way to tell the difference between a bow with a 24", 27", and 30" draw length (and 45#, 55#, 65# draw weights respectively) without actually drawing it back to measure? I know someone who is selling a bow he got as a gift and never used, but he doesn't know anything about it in regards ti draw length or weight. I also know very little about bows, but my husband wants one for Christmas. The bow I'm looking at is a PSE Deer Hunter. I did some research and found that it is made in those three sizes. We're just looking for a reasonably priced beginner bow until he gets the hang of it and decides whether or not he's going to stick with it. Thanks!
I think the best bet would be to "happen upon" and outdoors store, and make sure you have him measured and determine the weight he can draw comfortably. In all honesty, a PSE Deer Hunter is the very CHEAPEST and one of the least "nice shooting" bows there is. Once you know what draw-length he is and what weight would be good, I'd check classifieds on Archerytalk.com, and look there to make a purchase before anywhere else I can think of. Also, make note that you will need to get arrows, a release, a rest, sights, etc, which also can be found very readily on Archerytalk and at GREAT deals from the NEW prices you might pay. A surprise is always nice, except when it doesn't fit or isn't maybe the right option for that specific person.
First let me say you are a great wife to even try to go through the effort to buy a bow for your husband for Christmas! You are on the right track getting him an economical bow to get started, the one you are looking at isn't too much different than what I started with. Most of us on here are hardcore bowhunters and are quick to argue the attributes of one bow over another so take some posts with a grain of salt. Ohbowhntr is right though, draw length is critical for someone to shoot a bow well. The best way to determine draw length and weight is to have him fitted/measured. This particular bow is draw length specific, meaning it cannot be adjusted. It may be a good idea if you were purchasing from a retailer to get a giftcard. If you are looking online or at a used bow maybe take him to your local shop and look at a couple with him and happen to bring up that he would need to know his draw length and ask them for help. It takes away from surprise but long term he might enjoy shooting more. I hope it works out and you both can enjoy the holiday. Merry Christmas!
Here's what I'd do if I were you. While draw length is "critical" to shooting a bow well, a lot of bows have adjustable DL and DW. For instance, I have a PSE Vendetta XS and I can adjust it from 24.5-30.5 inches (or something close to that), and each adjustment is 1/4 inch. So you could buy a bow that would work for him without taking him (if you're really wanting to surprise him). All you have to do is make sure that the bow can be adjusted without changing the cam ("cam" is a term for the wheels on the bow). Most bows can be adjusted, but some require you replacing the cam, which is generally around $80-$150 (basically not worth it). Most single cam bows require cam changes, dual cam and hybrid cams generally don't. I would not get that deer hunter bow. Here's why. I shot one, and it sucks. I don't think your husband will "get into it" with that bow. It vibrates a LOT and it's loud. Neither are good traits in a bow. Here's how I'd look at it if I were you. You can spend $250 on a bow to see if he likes it, and then if he does spend $500+ to get a bow he likes and sell the deer hunter for $50, OR you could spend $500 and get a good starter bow (or even a bow that will last a few years) and if he likes it and "get's into it" he'll use that bow for several years. If he doesn't, you could get $300 and lose the same amount as you would on the deer hunter. But you'd have an easier time selling the $500 bow used as compared to the deer hunter. As far as draw weight I'd go 50-60# unless you're husband is really strong. Because pulling a bow back is a different kind of strength, even if you are a hearty farm boy it doesn't mean you can pull back a 70# bow. You could also check the classifieds here and get a nice starter bow that's good quality for 300-400 for a complete setup, and the seller will know if it's draw length is adjustable without having to buy a new cam. That'd be the best of both worlds in my opinion. Save some money and get a nice bow! P.S. Don't forget that most bow prices are for the bare bow. You also have to buy a rest, sight, stabilizer, quiver, etc. Keep that in mind when comparing prices on new vs used. Good luck hunting for your husband to go hunting! I also want to add that bows shoot different for different people. So having your husband shoot the bow first might help. It also might hurt, especially if the guy in the bow shop puts a z7 in your husbands hand (a bow that costs $1000+ complete setup)... lol. You could always draw a bow or make a small (toy) bow and give that to him as a present, then go get him fitted etc. That way you get both, the surprise and the right bow. Hope this information has helped you. :D
