considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

Hi all,

I originally posted this in the Hunting Gear Review forum, before I realized this forum was here too....Long time reader, with only a few posts under my belt, but wanted to try and gather some consumer opinions on bow hunting gear. I'm thinking about getting into it for next year's season (kinda too late to get practice in and set up for this year).

I don't know anything about what features to look for, manufacturers to consider/avoid, add-ons are 'must haves', and what aspects are dependent upon myself (body type, draw, etc)...etc....so I'm hoping to get some good feedback here.

I'm 6' 185lbs, average strength I guess you could say, I can bench more than my bodyweight anyway :D... I'm not one to rush out and get the latest and greatest...I'd rather have solid, reliable equipment, but it's always good to be informed about what new features really improve the experience.


I appreciate your time to reply, thanks.

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

Check out www.huntersfriend.com they have a pretty goodpage on bow selection. Left hand side of the page under Articles & Help"bow selection guide"

The big things to look for are a high brace height and longer axle to axle, these two things will make the bow more forgiving. Just as a warning watch out for the hype, I bought into it a few years ago and got screwed. I am only 5'9" and tried shooting a short 30" ATA bow andcould never get a decent group over 30 yds. The short ATA bow was the"must have" hype at the time I got it,but I have noticed others must have found the same thing since many of the new "musthave" bows are longer ATA again. The "must have" and the "best bow ever"are all relative and change too quickly for any sane person to keep up with. I bought a longer ATA bow with a shorter brace height and still get better group than I ever got with the short ATA bow.
I would beware of the hype and get what you like, it is really personal preference. The best advice is go out and shoot every bow you can get your hands on and get the one that fells best to you.

Your budget will usually narrow the field quite quickly. I had a low budget and two bows I shot that really stood out to me were, The Reflex Buckskin and Diamond Rapture. Both were very reasonably priced and shot great for me.
I just bought my new bow a few months ago on clearance. I have really enjoyed shooting it. The bow and specs are in my signature I lucked out and got a great deal or I would have got the Diamond Rapture.

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

For bows and arrows and all the things that go with it I would suggest you go to a local proshop ( or shops) for a look around. If they'll let you then shoot as many bows as you can to see how they feel to you. One thing I'll warn you about concserning compound bows. Get the drawlength right. If the draw doesn't fit then nothing else about that particular bow matters. At 6" your optimum draw is going to be right at about 29". 60# is enough to kill any animal walking this continent so don't go overboard with weight. You don't want to be struggling with a bow while learning to shoot it.

As with any discipline (golf, baseball, etc) there are basic things you learn called form. How you place your feet, address the ball, hold the club. All that goofy stuff. Archery is no different. Learn good shooting form. Ask others later if need be. Join a local club where there is a place to shoot and make new friends. Good shooters at clubs are always willing to help.

That's all for now. More help when you really need it. OH yeh, being as you are NEW? Stay away from Wally-world stuff. You need hands-on help.

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

Thanks Utah and BG, for the helpful insight.

after reading a bunch at huntersfriend.com, I measured my armspan out to 75.5"....when calculated came out to a hair over 30". with that, and some basic deductions based on what I read, I was looking at their 'ready to hunt' bow packages, and thought that packages #3, 4, & 5 fell into my line of what I would be looking for.

http://www.huntersfriend.com/bowpkg2.htm

I don't think it's necessary for me to look beyond their standard bow packages, so I may hit my local gander mountain or sportsman's warehouse tomorrow and see what they have, talk to some people etc...of the packages at the url above, what do you think of those 3 packages? (both positive and negative comments welcome)

thanks again, I appreciate the help in getting this rookie up to speed on things ;)

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

Buckfu,
I have a piece of junk. One fellow told me on here if it is properly set up it will work. I went to a bow store and for 20.00 he turned my piece of junk into an incrediable bow. I'm shooting coffee mug groups now and I'm ready. I have an old Darton someone gave me. I love it. My advice shooot carbons. They go real straight.I also shoot 100 grain target and broadheads.
Chuck

PS Also I've had awesome groups shootin gSteel Force broadheads.They are expensive but are supere straight.

Go to a good bow shop. I found an awesome one. I also have also been to rip off ones. Look atround . The guys on here are awesome.They will help you.

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

heh, thanks chuck...that's basically what I'm gettin at, I don't really need the fandagliest new bow on the market, I'm just looking for something that will be reliable in the field, easy to maneuver with...etc..I've found a few smaller non-chain stores in the area, and plan on visiting a few and getting some hands on experience..

thanks for the thoughts on arrows, will definitely keep it in mind.

I imagine these same questions have been asked over and over, but I appreciate ya'lls time to respond.

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

Buckfu

Walmart has top notch arrows. They are high now but will go down to a couple of bucks after archery season. I shoot the 6075 Terminators. 6.00 a piece 31 " The number one deal is to get it properly set up/ tuned. They have stuff now that makes any body look like a pro. Some of the things I like is the following
1. Peep sight ...3.00
2. Decent rest they will install. 20.00 for my type of bow.
3. Cable guard to keep the cables out of the way of the fletchings when you shoot.20.00
4. String nock loop. My man put it on for free.
5. Quick release. They Work!! 25.00
Must have good arrows. 6.00 a piece.
Sights 30.00
Yeah archery can be expensive. My bow was a freebee but probably cost new at 200.00
But ....you get alot of extra scouting and hunting in. And who knows you may even get one.
Count the cost my friend and see if it's worth it. Many of these guys spend much more than I .This was the cheap man's version.;)
Chuck

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

Try this site. www.archerytalk.com
It's all about archery.
Joe

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

ill sell you .. 2month old sight/brand new rest 45 toyour door ill send uyou picks if your interested

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

Iwould stay away from the Baby G #5it would not be a great first bow. It has a pretty short brace height. The other two if you look are almost identicle because PSE makes all Browning bows.

I would recommend you get you bow from a local pro shop so they can set it up for you. There is alot to setting up a bow with peep location draw length many things you will not get when purchasing one over the internet. The money you save by getting one over the internet will most likely get eaten up quickly and two foldwhen you need help and advice. Nothing is more frustrating that when you cant get a new bow shoot right or even an old bow for that matter.:eek:

I see further down three bows I really like when I shot them #7, 10 and 11. The Diamond #11 would be my first choice wiht the Tomkat as my secong choice. But I would again highly recommend seeing what you can get locally, the support you get is worth more than you could save.;)

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

I have a read the same info on huntersfriend, I have a 75" wingspan = 30" draw length right? Wrong. If you shoot a release with a D loop you need to take about an inch off of that. Ask me how I know this. [:@]They don't say anything about that on their website.[:@]

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

utah,

kind of off topic, but you have a 27'' drawback length at 5'9'' right? those are my measurements, and you said that you have shot and was impressed by the diamond rapture? my friend has a diamond triumph and thats as close as a rapture i can try out first hand. anyways, what i am getting at, was the rapture a good bow for your size? i would get the triumph, but am on a budget..

thanks

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

Bowtech fan,

I shot all three diamond bows. I did not like the triumph, mainly I just do not like real short bows. Had one in the past and it was a disaster. The Rapture felt and shot great. I was worried a little about the ATA only being 33". I shot a demo bow that was not tuned up they just threw on a rest and sight and eyeballed the set up. At 20 yard I started to hit arrows, ruined a few of the pro shops fletchings:).
The Victory Solitare wasa littlefaster than the Rapture but both were very smooth to shoot with very little had shock. The Rature was in my price range the Solitare was not but honestly I really fell in love with the Rapture. I shot the Triumph once or twice but once I shot the Rapture I was sold. TheRapture I shot did have a wood grip instead of the black rubber one. I shot one earlier with the rubber grip and the wood was a much better fit for me.

I went in to buy the Rapture and they were sold out or I would own one now. I just happened across my Extreme at the same price and could not pass it up. I have not talked to anyone who owns or that has just even shot a Rapture and was not impressed. I would get the Raptue over the Triumph any day but I am biased against short ATA bows.

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

I would completely agree with this statement. The first bow I shot was a Baby G that I borrowed from a friend. My pro said they are very hot (fast) bows but also very very unforgiving. Due to the low brace height, a wrist guard is a must with this bow.

When I bought my own bow, I went top of the line at the time and got a Mathews LX. (this was early 2004) I have never regretted it. I have looked at the Outback and Switchback and just don't see enough advantage in either bow to make a change. I was very lucky to have gone to a great pro shop that gave me good advice.

I would suggest to the original poster to look for a good local pro shop if there is one. Shoot as many bows as you can that are in your price range and do as much research as you can on the web. Find the bow that feels the best to you and get that one. ;) As far as accesories, I would suggest Vital Bow Gear sights and rests. I just don't think you can go wrong there.

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

I ditto the proshop advice. I went in and told them I was brand news, wanted to spend X amount, but also didn't want to get crud for that so would consider buying used. They set me up with a Parker BuckHunter Outfitter package. Fairly basic compared to some of the fancier bows but quiet and fastenough where "you won't have to trade it in right away if you decide you like bowhunting," according to the proshop manager. I think it cost me $300 with sight, peep sight, rest, and the wrist sling (which you probably don't need but was on the bow). I love it but am sure in a few years those Cabelas and BassPro catalogs that keep coming will convince me to trade it in.

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

For a first bow, I'd go to a proshop and get measured. The wingspan method will probably get you in the ball park, but you need to be sure the bow you are getting fits you or it will not be as enjoyable. Chronic wrist slap isn't something you want to deal with. If you can, shoot a bunch of bows in your price range and see what feels best to you. Package deals at the large chains aren't always the way to go. Between here and archery talk, you can get some good advice. You have a whole year to get the perfect set up, I wouldn't go buy a package and end up replacing half the components over the course of the year. 7" or greater brace height, possibly a drop away rest or whisker biscuit (I never shot one of the WBs but some people swear by them.) If you have any questions on particulars, just ask!

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

well after some online research I've put together a list of bows I'd like to try out:

- hoyt ultramag
- reflex grizzly
- parker huntermag
- pearson diamondback
- bowtech tomkat

some around the same price range and a few a bit above, just to see if I'd notice the difference betteen the pricier bows...I was able to test out one of the bows on my list tonight...the Reflex Grizzly. At the place I stopped at, we spoke about my experience, or lack of, and what I was looking to do. They pointed me to the Parker Huntermag, and while holding it, I noticed the grip felt narrow in my hand...felt kinda wobbly *shrug*.....then I picked up the reflex grizzly..noticed the grip was wider, and felt solid in my hand. did a test draw on it, and the DL happened to be almost exact for me, at least very darn close...so we grabbed a couple arrows and a release...wow, that is a pretty sweet feeling lettin that arrow fly :D..

Drawing the grizzly felt very easy, and hitting the release trigger was very light...glad I was just aiming at a 10yrd target...didn't get a chance to shoot the parker, but hopefully soon, just to compare. So far I feel pretty good about getting into the sport, and it's amazing what just a couple shots can do to a guy! I'm glad I made the 25 mile trip to the shop, nice people, and sounds like they really provide a lot of service before and after the sale.

I hope to test out the others on my list just to compare, but will ultimately purchase from them. They gave me a fair price on the bow and all the accessories to get me started. just a couple questions after tonight:

- GRIP: I cant remember where I saw it, but I thought I read somewhere about the differences between narrow & wide grips...and that in the beginning the wide grip may feel better, but ultimately the opposite is true.

- Compared to the Reflex Grizzly, what other bows out there at or near the $300 mark are comparable? I say 300 b/c after adding accessories, it'll put me around the $500 mark I believe....All I've read about the grizzly has been positive, same with the others on my list..but again, ya'lls feedback is appreciated. now, time for more testing...I understand why the most popular answer around here is "go out and test as many as you can before buying"....

Thanks again.

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

You may also wanna look at a Mathews FX (used) or a new FX-2. They are the least expensive bows in the Mathews line. You have 2 of the big 3 on your list already, might as well try a Mathews. ;)

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

The less contact the bow has with your hand the less likely you are to move the bow on release. That is why you are supposed to shoot your bow with that hand relaxed, not tight on the bow. But again if you dont like the "feel" of a bow dont get it or it will bug you forever.

The list you have there is a pretty good one I have shot the Hoyt, Reflex, Bowtech off your list, I would say my favorite was the Bowtech. I just did not like the feel of the cam1/2, thats just me because there are alot of Hoyt and Reflex fans out there.

Good Luck, Have Fun, that is all that really matters:)

Let us know what you decide on

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

Ditto on what Utah said about the grip. My first bow had a nice wide grip, seemed to fit my hand nice. My current bow has a very narrow grip and I'm shooting better than I ever have before. Alot has to do with form and dicipline. The tendancy is to grip the bow upon release for fear of the bow falling out of your hand. A wrist sling helps with this, because you know if you shoot with a relaxed grip the bow won't fall, but its still a mental game. If the grip on the bow is wide, its easier to tighten your grip on it upon release, torquing the bow enough to decrease accuracy. A narrower grip might help eliminate this tendancy. Of course, it boils down to personal preferance, but that's the reason alot of people prefer narrow grips.

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

Welcome to the world of achery. Keep us updated. :)

RE: considering getting into bow hunting, need help with gear
 

well I stopped at the last local archery shop in town today, and he talked a lot about making sure the equipment fit the user, and his business ethics of making sure the two were a good match...he has a bowtech Tomkat package that goes for 470.....all I'd need to add on would be a release and some arrows...whatch'yall think about that? He didn't have one for me to try, other than a lefty that was unkowingly set at 72lb. DW...so I didn't try it for fear of it slipping out of my fingers or something [&:]... but holding it, felt really nice.

I can't find anyone nearby that carries Pearson in stock, so I dont think I'll get to try that line....I've got one more place to go check out that's about 30+ miles away, so gonna have to wait on that one...ahh hell it's a nice day, I might skip outta work and go!

*back*
well I got my hands on a couple more......the Martin Sabre, Bowtech Tomkat, Diamond Rapture, anda few Pearson models. Pearsons are most likely out of my price range but doable....I did like the Bowtech, seemed very nice to draw, same with the Rapture and Sabre...Hard to tell the differences between them without any experience, but I think I'd rate them 1)Tomkat 2) Sabre 3) Rapture.

The Tomkat package they quoted me is just a bit above my budget, but after talking to the guy for a while, and hearing him say thata lot of cool stuff is supposed to come out with the 06 model year, that I might wait till they come out, either to see what the new technologies provide, and to see what kind of closeout deals I might find.

so I might put this purchase on hold for a few months, maybe not, just gonna sit on it for a bit, and read my catalogs...probably go home and shoot my buddies Matthews and check that out...Thanks to everyone for the continued help and advice..I appreciate it, and will keep reading the boards to see what's new...should I decide to purchase, I'll be sure to let ya'll know.
:)

RE: more testing
 

Well I was able to shoot a Hoyt Ultramag and the Pearson Diamondback today...the diamondback was used, but no biggy...I really liked the Ultramag, it felt really smooth all the way through the draw, and shooting was very nice. I think it's at the top of my list now, which I think I've narrowed down to:

- Hoyt Ultramag
- Botech Tomkat
- Matthews FX2

I haven't chosen those brands on their top-tier status or anything, just what has felt best to me. The Ultramag was very smooth throughout, the Tomkat was smoothe on the shot with no handshock/very little if any vibration, but didn't seem as easy to draw to me for some reason. I liked the FX2 because it's a "meat 'n potatoes" bow that was pretty easy on the draw and release as well....but I do have to shoot it again, it's been a while and can't quite remember how it felt after shooting all these others

Right now, I'm really leaning towards that Ultramag, but am going to wait till the new year stuff comes out, to see the new stuff, and any deals that may be had on last year models. Thanks to everybody for the comments and advice..IT IS VERY TRUE WHEN YA'LL SAY "GO OUT AND SHOOT A LOT OF EM BEFORE YOU BUY" you're feedback is greatly appreciated.

RE: more testing
 

I'd opt for the Bowtech Tomkat. Just a personal opinion. Please Please Please for the sake of all bowhunters who care about this type of hunting DO NOT go to wal-mart for advice or gear. Just make sure you hit the pro-shop. If you go to a pro-shop I don't think you can go wrong.