I'm new to bow hunting and I was looking at getting a bow for a reasonable price to get me started. I've been looking on cabela's at a couple of bows and was needing some input. I've already been to my local pro shop to get my length, (would purchase one off of the shop but the cheapiest bow he would sell me is a Hoyt for about 539.00). The bows I'm between are:
PSE Nova
Reflex Excursion
Browning Micro Adrenaline XS

Also, any other places on the web that would be a great place to buy a bow would be appreciated.

I went through the same thing a couple years ago. Didn't know if I could shoot a bow straight, didn't know if I'd enjoy bow hunting, and didn't want to invest a ton of freaking money only to find out I sucked. I went to a local archery shop and told them my situation. I ended up buying a left handed Jennings with 33 inch draw and 12 carbon arrows for $150.00. Shop owner told me if I didn't like it, or found out I sucked, take it back and he would refund my money. That was early last year. I stopped there before the season started here to consult him on broadheads and he asked if I was happy with it yet. Told him this would be my first season bow hunting and he told me the offer still stands at the end of season. Other than that, it's all personal preference on which one YOU like the best and feels best to you.

I'm a newbie as well.I was going to get a Reflex Excursion because I have some freinds that really believe in that bow for the price and told me to go with the Excursion.I found a fully loaded Reflex Grizzly atlocal storethat was a on sale for a little bit cheaper and I bought it instead.I'm sure their pretty similar bows though,not sure what is different.They look pretty much the same and not much difference in price.I think the Grizzly is supposed to be a little bit better than the Excursion but I belive i'd be happy with either.It's my first bow and I absolutely love it.If you went with a Reflex I think you would be happy.
Good Luck,
JE

I've heard alot of good things from guys that have bought from http://www.huntersfriend.com/. Though the downside is that you don't have the option to shoot the bow before you buy it. You may want to find some other pro shops to visit and try out some other brands.

Thanks for the reply so far...it sucks because we have a limited number of archery shops in the area.

Personally, I would talk with the shop owner. You will need his help getting setup, tuned etc and other stuff over the next couple years. If he is a Hoyt dealer, he can get any Hoyt bow and probably any reflex bow (part of Hoyt, less expensive, but very good bows).

Explain to him you want to work with him, but that is more money than you want to spend, is there a way he can order you a bow that fits your needs, if not go mail order/internet. Shop owners make thier living on this and we loose decent shops every year. Try to work with him, to a reasonable point, if he can't help you he can't, but at least he should be more understanding when you come in for setup help with a bow you got somewhere else.

--Bob

I am a newbie as well (hence the screen name). I went to a place close to my house called Ingrams Archery. It is in Quitman, Arkansas. The guy there was really great and helped me and my son get set up. If you ever get the chance to buyanything online from himit would be greatly appreciated. He told me to come by or call him anytime, which I have doen frequenlty and he is always super nice. I dont recall his first name but he is an olympian shooter as well.

hosso,

Of the bows you're narrowed down to there is no comparison. Go with the Reflex. The quality is much better overall.

Sounds like a jerk (the shop owner). Not willing to sell you a less expensive bow? Even the really expensive shop by my house carries some cheaper bows because they know not everyone is going to drop $700 on a top of the line bow. It'd be worth talking to him to see if he'll order you one.

One thing to keep in mind is that 2006 bows are about to come out, so shops won't have tons in stock, and what they do have they will probably be runnign clearance some time soon.