More important feature...

[rynigner]

Hey all,
I'm starting the process of looking for a new bow after a couple years of using passed down bows. Brand and model isn't really important since the '09s are coming out. If I was to buy one today I would get a Katera XL, and my local shop suggested a seven 37. They said it was more forgiving, the only thing I could notice is that the 737 was one inch longer ATA. The Xl was a tick longer on brace height. I've shot both and couldn't notice much difference and liked the Katera XL better. Granted this is probably a mute point as I'm sure the line up will change for next year. What is the more important feature in regards to shooter forgiveness, brace height or ATA? I target shoot alot for fun, but it's main purpose is for hunting....

Thanks,
R

[Roskoe]

I used to think I knew what made a bow more or less forgiving, but the Katera is starting to make me wonder if all that is true any more. For whatever reason, Katera's shoot absolutely great and are very forgiving. They also have some speed, which is worth having in a hunting bow. I would personally recommend it over the 737 or any of the other Hoyt target bows for hunting.

[Mikey S.]

axle to axle length can be a little misleading as far as "foregiveness" goes. If you look at the 2 bows you spoke of, you can see they are built a little more differnetly........the Katera XL is a long risered, parallel limb design, whereas the 737 is a more traditional shorter riser, longer, non-parallellimb bow. Now being that they are 35" and 37", that isn't the point I'm trying to make. From an accuracy standpoint, if you look at what pro shooters use for indoor shoots and 3d, you don't see to many parallel limb bows on the line.They just don't hold on target as steady as a standard configuration bow.......at least that's the case for me personally. But a few pro's I've chatted with have relayed the same info to me. I shoot my 33" Vectrix very well for a hunting bow, but in all honestly, I'd take back my 2004 Xtec over it in a heartbeat. It wasen't as smooth, but it shot circles around my Vectrix, it just "held" steadier with the longer, non-parallel limbs. It's a matter in what you're looking for. Both of those bows will perform very well for you, and from a hunting standpoint, most guys will take the Katera. But if I was looking for a crossbreed hunting/3d pounder, the 737 would be my choice.

As for brace height, there's only a 1/4" difference between those 2 bows, so don't worry about it. Buy the one you like the most, with your exact intentions of use in mind. LOL......I'd buy both if I had the dough!

[KodiakArcher]

It needs to feel good in your hand. If it's not a comfortable fit, you'll never shoot it to your full ability. Only way to find out is to put a lot of different bows in your hand.