Recommended Bow for Beginner?

Hey guys, I’m looking to get back into bow hunting/shooting. I use to use a Nova PSI (maybe PSE I don't remember) bow for younger kids while I was growing up and would just use it for target practice. But I outgrew that bow a longgggg time ago. I still have the bow and figured I would use it to trade in for a new/used bow here sometime soon.

I'd like a nice bow, but will probably go the used route and see if I stick with it rather than dump a bunch of money into a brand new one that could possibly just sit around. I want to use it for Deer and elk hunting, as well as be able to do some target shooting and 3D shooting. I'm actually planning on going to an archery shop on Wednesday (8/25) to look around and talk to them. I just thought I'd talk to you guys first and get a general feel before I went in there. Or if you guys know of any good websites for beginners to read up on to get re-acquainted with the lingo and hardware they have now a days would be appreciated as well!!

Is it somewhat easy to find Mathews bows in the used department? Will they be almost as expensive as new? Or am I better off going in and just getting a feel for a bow and not worry about brand name?

What's the recommended lbs. for deer and elk?

Thanks guys/gals

 

Any good pro shop will let you handle every bow they have, including used ones. (remember, do not dry fire)
The bow must fit and feel good to you, regardless of manufacturer.
Good luck and keep us posted on what you purchase.

 

X2

I went with the PSE Stinger base (just the bow) and added the sights, stabilizer, whisker biscuit, etc. separately. Love it!

 

I shoot a Ross Cardiac and it is amazing. It feels alot like the Mathews switchback to me but at a lot less. Albeit it still isnt a cheap bow but you get what you pay for. http://www.rossarchery.com/

 

Thanks for the replies guys!!

I did find this website that helped out a bunch and I figured I would post it in case there are any other beginners out there that want some reading material.
http://www.huntersfriend.com/bowselection.htm#2-namebrand

I'm not sure if I'll buy anything tomorrow when I go to the pro shop, but it'll still be fun to go there and shoot a few. I'll keep you guys updated on what I go with if anything.

I also did some research and found that there is an archery club 2 miles from my house and it has an indoor shooting range. So that'll be really nice come winter time and the snow starts flying.

Do these pro shops generally have packages with bows that come fully stocked with sights, quiver, and all that jazz? I’m assuming they will. Do they generally give some discounts if you do buy a package deal with them? How long of a warranty do bows normally carry?

 

this is something I tell everyone that asks those same questions. Shoot every bow that you even MIGHT be interested in. You don't have to spend a tonne of money, but you get what you pay for. Don't buy a bow online, even if you think it's the greatest deal EVER. Ask the guys at the shop lots of questions, if that shop is worth two hoots, they will take the time and earn your business. A new bow warantee is lifetime of the original owner, with regular wear and tear, you pay for cables and string replacements yourself. Good luck with you purchase, and most shops should have a package deal already, but I can't speak for the shops out your way. A good bow that has a good bit of kinetic energy with put a big enough hole in a deer or elk given the shooter aims properly. Any more questions let us know, and have fun shooting. make sure you are happy with whatever you get, because it is you that will be shooting it.

 

you wont get much for that PSE nova..my brother gave his away.

i had a PSE 4x4 thunderbolt..or something. your proshop will have package deals. have them measure you for drawlength. that way you can keep that number in mind when you shop for a used bow. i just sold my mathews switchback for $400..i wish i kept it.

you can get a mission (made by mathews) eliminator, NEW, complete package..no arrows for around $400. oh, no release either.

 

That's my biggest dilema, because I know I will get what I pay for and I hate to buy something cheaper now and then get really into it and spend even more money upgrading later. Or will I get busy (life changes in a hurry) and not be able to use my $800 - $1,000 bow setup much at all..... I can see myself getting into it pretty easily, specially with an archery club right down the street from me to teach me the ropes and what not. I'll just have to talk to the pro's and get a feel I suppose.

I actually found a pro shop closer by that didn't come up in my initial google search so I may try and swing by there this evening after I get off work.

Thanks again for the info

 

Ya I figured if I got $25 for it I'd be more than happy with that. Who knows maybe I'll keep if for a when a little CPA_Taco comes along.

I did a rough calculation for draw length on my own and looks like I'll be in the 28" range. I'll probably look at a 50-60# draw weight and probably a 7" BH. And then proabbly a 70-80% let off for my setup.

From what I have read it seems like 55-60# draw weight will knock down any deer for sure and will handle a good sized elk. I just hope I can pull that much back since I haven't used my upper back muslcels and my triceps for a long time...may need to head down to the gym as well!!!

 

I myself, would rather support the local guy than the big online chain, but my local shop is very reasonable, reliable and the guys there may not be "pros" but they are definitely knowledgeable in their craft, and that in itself is hard to find. Buy local, you will be glad you did. Don't let sticker shock scare you, and it will.

 

Oh I plan on buying local, as long as the employees take care of me while I'm in there looking around. There is no way I'll buy online no matter what the price. That way I have the connection to the local guy to work on stuff if need be. And there are about 5 local shops within an hour drive of me so one of those should treat me pretty well.

I'm mostly concerned with getting a good bow first and foremost. I figure I can buy the cheap accessories and upgrade those later, and that will be a lot cheaper than buying a really nice bow with a package deal for 200 extra bucks. But I'll just have to get there and play around with the numbers.

 

that's the spirit!

 

From my personal experience I would stay away from the PSE Stinger. The string comes off the bow easy if you torque it just a little, and the serving next that went over the cam wore out real quick, definately shoot as many bows as you can and get a feel for what you like, I would recommend looking into Hoyt bows, they have a great selection for all price ranges, and if u want to buy used you can find some great deals on ebay and craigslist

 

One thing for you to consider when purchasing new acessories for your bow is how quiet it is. I made the mistake of always wanting it to be faster and found most of stuff I bought was a waste. Remember to keep it as simple as you can and at a draw weight you are comfortable with. On those cold mornings and in an akward shooting position it can be hard to draw. Good hunting

 

I hope you consider ordering from hunters friend. Theese guys are friends of mine and that is the only place I go for anything archery related. They take care of you, period. They have helped me out a ton, whether it's giving me a handfull of field tips, putting new fletching on, helping tune my bow, or just seeing them at local shoots. Mike and the rest of the gang are A+ in my book.

 

Well as I stated above I'm going to buy local, especially for my first bow so I know I get fitted right and get set up properly. I don't trust myself enough to know what I'm ordering. Plus if it doesn't fit right I don't want to be shipping stuff back and forth trying to get a good fit. Unless they have a store nearby me....But judging from their website they seem extremely knowledgeable about bows.

Well I didn't get a bow yet. I decided to wait and save some money so I can get a nice set up that will last. Plus I won't have time to shoot before deer season (first part of December, which is the main reason I was looking at getting one now) because I found out last week I have to take a couple tests in October and November. I figured my tests should be priority one. Plus they may have some really good deals around x-mas time.

But keep the information flowing guys. I'm still trying to learn as much as a I can before I head into the store, plus anyone else that may be looking at their first bow.

 

check out www.archerytalk.com for lots of great info. The foum is down for some maintenance right now but will be back up before long.

 

Ya, I was looking at that site the other day. It looks like there’s a lot of good information on there. Sometimes it seems like information overload for a newbie like myself

 

Be wary of cracked limbs, etc. from used bows. You never know if they have been dry fired by the previous owner. I shoot a Martin Bengal and love it, but you need to replace the stock strings for most martins.

 

Ya I think when I buy something I'm probably going to just go new all around so I can get it exactly how I want it. That way I don't have to worry about how the previous owner treated it.