I'm planning on buying my first bow to use exclusively for deer hunting. I have a short draw length of 26" and was leaning towards a Bowtech Equalizer. Apparently it's supposed to be the fastest short draw bow you can buy? Although, I have just read that it gets this speed when using a 300 grain arrow, which they say is too light for deer hunting... and when you use a heavier arrow (say 350 grains) you loose the speed and might as well use a heavier bow. Does this sound right to you guys? I guess my question is : 1. Is a 300 grain arrow to light for deer? 2. Would I be better off buying a heavier bow? Your help will be greatly appreciated.

It seems to me you are too focused on speed. Gotta look at the bigger picture. Will it fit you?,how quiet is it?,is it going to be forgiving enough?

You won't be shooting the same speed for hunting set up. If the bow fits you well, just buy it. 360 grain arrow will give you 6 grn/lb, for 60lb draw. This should be a good starting point.

I shoot around 350-370 grain, 60# and 25" draw. I've killed deer and elk with this set up. In fact, I've just upgrade my Tech29 and bought an Equalizer for next year. Good luck.

Either way, at your draw length, the Equalizer is going to be just about impossible to beat in speed. And, as others have said...don't worry about it too much anyway. 300 grains is pretty light for deer though too.

My draw is 26 1/2" and my Equalizer is 60lbs as per BC. My hunting arrows weigh 383 grs. and fly at @270 fps. No other bow will beat the Equalizer within its design draw lengths so try one if speed is of primary importance to you.

yajsab

Have you received your new 2007 equalizer yet? When did you order it? any idea when it'll be in?

I'm in Illinois waiting on the shop to get theirs before I decide on this bow

I have the equalizer and I get about 270fps with the Axis FMJ 500's. Everyone is right about the speed issue. You will have plenty of speed to harvest a deer providing you make a good shot. I harvested a hog at 30yds. It only went about 40yds after the hit before expiring. Just shoot and shoot some more. Get your grouping consistant and you will be fine. I feel that the Equalizer is the best for us short draw hunters. The break over is perfect and you can hold easily at full draw. It's very quiet for a short draw speed bow. Well built and rugged. BT makes a great bow. Find a way to shoot one first before buying and you will understand what you are buying.

What Terry said.

Some stores around here are starting to get their 07 in. I bought the 06 clearance for $500. I think this is a good deal. I don't think the 07 will shoot any difference then the 06 even though it has a slight riser modification.

Thanks for all the info guys. Without having shot one, I think I'm about sold on the equalizer!... I just havn't decided how much I'm willing to spend on my first bow yet. Are there any less expensive short draw bows you guys suggest I look at also?