Howdy, I'm a newbie looking for my first compound bow. May do some hunting later but for now just target shooting. I've narrowed down to a 2011 PSE Brute but not really sure what to look for as far as inspection for wear / damage. I've heard that dry firing a bow can cause damage but would like to know if it is visible (cracks, etc). I've studied up a good bit on the accessories, etc just need to know damage to look for. Any help appreciated! Thanks in Advance, Tom
Check for cracked limbs and bent cams. If either of these show damage I wouldn't buy the bow. The rest and sight can be replaced if needed but if in bad shape or showing wear and tear I would expect a decent price. I'd suggest putting on a new string regardless of what shape it appears to be in because you'll already be in the shop to have the draw length/weight adjusted and arrows cut to proper length to fit you.
Hardly worth it anymore to buy used... Unless you know the guy and get a huge deal, companies offer great ''Ready to hunt'' bows at the same or lower prices then the used ones. Technology changes so fast and most guys selling their bows ask way too much money for them...
Take a cotton ball and run it all over the limbs and see if you get any snags! If you do chances are you have damage! Also it is probably a good idea to replace strings and cables! Good luck!
If you are buying from a post on-line such as Archery Talk or on classifieds here you need to ask the above specific questions and get answers in writing. Might at least help cover you if it comes and you find something. Oh and use PayPal not any type of money order, etc..
Tom, Look it over closely for any signs or cracks in the limbs. Check the cams to make sure they are straight and have no dings are catches in them. If you have some lean you can correct that in tuning. Check your local archery shop if you can. Many usually have consignment bows or even new bows in everyone price range. Diamond has some very good affordable ready to shoot packages as well as Mission and PSE. You don't have to have the best money can buy to be really good you just have to make sure it is properly tuned and setup to fit you. I would steer you away from buying online if you are new to archery unless you are very mechanically inclined. Sadly a lot of people give up on archery because they get frustrated and think they can't shoot. When in reality their equipment either does not fit them or is severely out of tune. There are lots of places to help you out if you don't have a bow shop nearby. Forums like this one and others are available and there is a YouTube video for just about anything. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Sure you will run into a few jack wagons but in most cases you will run into someone that will help you out. I am definitely no expert but if you are serious I will do whatever I can to help you get started and will readily share what I have learned from my mistakes. Just PM me if you have a question and don't get any serious answers. I'll reply when I can. If you are thinking what am I getting out of this. The answer is another new archer in our ranks.
