Frank,


I like an ata from 38" to 43" because bows in this range (to me) are more forgiving, stable, and more accurate than anything shorter.
I want a bow with the highest craftsmanship possible. Surprised ?
I especially look at the limbs and the way they're constructed.
To me, the current best limbs are Barnsdale, Merlin's new carbon limbs, Martin's XRG and Hoyt's XT 2000 or 3000.
Doesn't matter to me if they're laminated or solid as long as they are top quality.
I prefer a recurve style over a straight limb for looks and function.
I like a well built and finished riser with great lines and well built limb pockets.
I prefer reflex for hunting and somewhat deflex for pure target bows.
For components, I prefer bronze bushings with the cams, hardened steel polished axles, with plenty of spacers to keep parts from galling. Some companies are lacking there. I like hatchet cams and as long as they're precisly made they have proven to be plenty accurate.
I like a bow weight from 4 to 4.5 lbs. for hunting. For target, it can go 5.5lbs. for all I care.
The bows that most closely meet my demands for all of the above are...
Merlin, Bowman, Red Man, PSE Mach, Martin MV-2 and Scepter.
Again, no surprises here.
Right now, if I were starting from scratch, I would choose these bows for Hunting, Indoor target, and Field shooting.
For hunting I would choose the Max2000 in Sherwood Forest Camo.
It has awesome limbs and components and is quite a bit lighter than my Bowman and about the same as my Mach bows but overall higher quality than the Mach.
For Indoor target I would go with Merlin again and choose the new SuperNova.
For Field Shooting I would go with my Bowman.
Got to shoot a Bowman for something. LOL.
Actually, the Bowman is well know for long range field shooting.
As far as price goes.
If I can't afford the bow I want, I just save up until I can.
No compromises for me.
If I don't buy what I truly want, I always regret it later.


Sag.