mauser,

One thing I can tell you is that you have to rely on your bow while archery hunting. If you aren't 100% sure that the bow will do the trick, then, I wouldn't use it. I know you are pressed for cash, I was down that road this year. I looked around and found the perfect bow for cheap. I got a 2002 Hoyt MT Sport with ZR200 limbs and the Versa Cam for around 300.00 dollars. This is just a base bow with nothing, but, it was a good deal for the performance. The bow is short (34 1/2" axle to axle length), light (just under 4 pounds), moderatly fast (277 f.p.s.), but, the thing has a HUGE HUGE brace height. The brace height is what I was looking for. A brace height is the distance from the string to the middle of the grip when the bow is not drawn back. What a bigger brace height does is it means that the arrow is on the string for a shorter amount of time. This allows for better shots because there is less chance of you pulling or torqueing the bow the wrong way.

I would check out the 2001 or 2002 Hoyt MT Sports. You could get one pretty cheap now because Hoyt has entirely redone their bows for 2003.

Shop around. I spent MONTHS upon MONTHS looking at bow statistics to find what I wanted. Here are a few things to look for.

Axle to axle length- I prefer smaller bows, so, I would suggest something between 33-36".

Brace height- I would say 7-8 1/2" for a beginner, this will make the bow easier and more comfortable to shoot.

Speed- This is one of the most over rated things about bows, sure, a bow that is incredibly fast is nice, but, by no means nessacary. I would suggest somewhere between 270-300 I.B.O. speed.

Weight- My preference is something light. I don't want a bow that is going to strain my arm while I am holding it at full draw. I would go with something 4 1/4 pounds or less, 3 1/2 pounds would be ideal.

Limb choice- This is pretty much a preference of looks. I went with a split limb bow, I like the looks and tests have shown that Hoyt split limb bows are stronger than most competitiors solid limb bows. For the most part though, it is just preference.

Cams- I went with a single cam bow. They require less care in a way. Dual cam bows needed to be timed every once in awhile. Hoyt came out with the new cam and a half system, but, these are on their new bows which might be a little to pricey.



As far as accessories.

Arrow Rest- I would go with a N.A.P. QuickTune 3000 micro, it is a little expensive at 69.99 dollars, but, its by far the easiest arrow rest to use and tune.

Sight- Thats pretty much up to you, you dont need a 99.99 dollar sight to shoot good. Make sure the sight you get will last, thats all you really need.

Stabilizer- They aren't needed but do help in shooting and making the bow quiet. I went with a Carbon Impact Fat Gel stabilizer, it is 7 1/2" long and it is a relatively cheap stabilizer that has great performance. Look for something that is going to quiet the bow and make there be less jump/torque.

Limb Savers- Arent nessacarry but are wonderful and cheap. Wal-Mart sells them for around 15 dollas and they help make the bow really quiet and prevent vibrations.

String Silencers- Yet again aren't nessacary. I have Simms String leeches, they are amazing for quieting the bow but only last a couple thousand shots. Cat whiskers work great and are cheap and durable.

Quiver- This is just a matter of choice. Whatever fits you best. I have a Kwikee Combo kwiver so I can hold either carbon or aluminum arrows tipped with either fixed or mechanical broadheads.

Wrist Sling- This is a option that I would definetly get. They help you hold the bow better and just feel better. It gives you more control of the bow.

Arrows- You have some choices here. Carbon arrows fly faster and are less prone to bend. Aluminum arrows fly true and cost less money. Check out www.edersbow.com they will build you arrows to fit you. They can cut arrows in 1/4" incraments to help you get the best arrow.

Broadheads- This is a matter of choice. You have fixed and mechanical heads. Mechanical heads fly better than MOST fixed blade broadheads but in MOST cases aren't as tough and require more skill to shoot.



Archery is a VERY in depth. It takes alot of time to get use to and you have to know your stuff, do your research.

I hope this helped and good luck in your new endevour.



Good Luck This Season: Buck Magnet



Check out my hunting PICS here http://community.webshots.com/user/buckmagnet