I'll admit it, I'm a gearhead. There's nothing wrong with my Martin Phantom Fuzion, but I've decided to get a new bow in light of some new hunts coming up.

Here's what I need.

I'm looking for a bow that will see 70% treestand use and 30% spot and stalk. I'm not sure if I should be limiting myself to short axle bows or not. Currently I'm drawn to the Mathews SQ2, Hoyt HavocTec and Bowtech Patriot DC.

I have a 27" draw. I'm currently shooting 475 grain arrows at 222 fps and getting 52 ft-lbs of KE. I'm currently pulling 65 lbs. and don't want to go higher without good reason. I would like to increase KE and speed if possible. Of course, I also want a forgiving bow - that's why I have included the SQ2 with it's 8" brace height.

This bow will be primarly for whitetails, but will also be used on elk, black bear and antelope.

I will buy whatever bow feels and shoots best from a local pro shop, but I want some more recommendations/insight/advice/etc. so that I can begin to narrow my scope.

Price isn't a huge deal. I want to stay well under $800.00 - and from what I'm looking at should be very easy to do.

Please feel free to ask more questions if you need to. I just want to make sure I'm not overlooking any bows and make sure that I'm not just purchasing a treestand bow - I need one that can do it all.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Mike

Edited by - Merit on 12/31/2002 19:47:17