Possible Contenders
 

Well, I went looking for a bow today since my other two decided to crap out on me (see my when it rains thread).I was able to shoot a few and was impressed withall of them.

First up was the Browning Vapor. I shot this bow the last time when I ended up buying the Ross and it is a very very nice bow to shoot, very impressed with it more so this time around for some reason. It's bulky and a little heavy but it feels bullet proof(I know it's not, it just feels that way).

Next I shot a Ross CR337, it shot just like the CR334....great! Like all of the Ross bows the fit and finish on them are second to none, great craftsmanship on these bows. It felt balanced in my hand more so than the CR334 which felt alittle top heavy.

Next up was a Fred Bear Code. This bow surprised me very much, it shot great and felt even better in my hands, It also feels very sturdy and rugged.Ofthe three, the Code got me on target faster than them all and that's saying something because I settled in very quickly with both theVapor and CR337 as well.

I must say that the Fred Bear Code and the Browning Vapor are the front runners right now, but I still need to shoot a couple more before I make my decision.

I will keep you all in the loop.:D

RE: Possible Contenders
 

I think the Fred Bear bows are awesome and i think they get overlooked a lot. Also the dont carry the big price tag like the big names!

RE: Possible Contenders
 

:Dsounds like you know what you are looking for, all of the bows you stated would be a good bow. Let us know what you go with

RE: Possible Contenders
 

I couldn't agree more....I was very impressed with it....very.

RE: Possible Contenders
 

I read that Fred Bear invested a good deal of money into this new line and the price remained very considerable. I have been wondering about those Brownings. With as nice as they look they are never talked about. At least that I have seen. Does anyone own one?

RE: Possible Contenders
 

What brands does your shop carry?

RE: Possible Contenders
 

The shop that I went to today carries Mathews, PSE, AR, Browning, Bowtech, Diamond,Fred Bear and used to carry Ross but either doesn't anymore or they were all out. The CR337 I shot was used.

RE: Possible Contenders
 

I'd say the Ross's were all out, Ross is really behind this year.



Shoot the Diamond Black Ice for sure! You might be walking out with it if you do and yes it is a single cam :)

RE: Possible Contenders
 

John, I shot "The Truth" bow when I was looking, and I thought it was pretty nice ...... can you shoot the Iron Mace? Do so if you can .. right around the price range your looking at ..

RE: Possible Contenders
 

BigJ....gotta ask...

With all the reviews (good ones) the Guardian has been getting......is there a reason you aren't considering it?

RE: Possible Contenders
 

I likethat bowbut for my primary hunting bow I'm going to stay with a single cam bow. Nothing against hybrids, cam and 1/2'sor binaries (or whatever they are called now) My Oasis is a hybrid and I'm sure I'm going to purchace new limbs for it as I want to keep it. It's just I have more confidence with a single cam bow. Maybe down the line as I get more used to the hybrids I will hunt with one but for now I like single cam design better.

RE: Possible Contenders
 

J- you're a 31" draw, right? Do most companies even offer mods or adjustable draw lengths that stretch out that far? Or do you have to just test out the 30" models, then special order the 31" from the company?

Man, I still can't believe you had two limbs crack in one day. That's totally off-the-wall.

RE: Possible Contenders
 

BigJ,
I was kinda hoping you'd say you didn't consider the Guardian because it's ugly.:D:D

RE: Possible Contenders
 

I only test bows that are available in my draw length. Most of the time the shops will have the modules and will swap them out for me to test the bow. There have been times I have had to shot a 30in just to get the feel of the bow but I don't like to do that because not all 31in bows actually draw to 31 so I always like to shoot the proper length so I will know how it fits. I really like the Browning Illusion for instance but it's only offered up to 30in so I'm S.O.L. same goes for the Ross Cardiac. Seems like most of the bows I would like to shoot only draw to 30in....Oh well that's life.:D

Yeah the two cracked limbs were a bummer no doubt but it's all part of the game no biggie really. I think I'm going to order new limbs for the Browning Oasis but the Bowtech/Diamond TecHunter is going by-by either as is or in parts.

RE: Possible Contenders
 

That design is really growing on me, I wasn't shure at first but after holding one, they are indeed cool. If itwas available as a single cam, i'd be all over it.:D

RE: Possible Contenders
 

Honestly, I agree with you. I was just seeing if I could get a rise out of GMMAT.:D I think he saw through me, though.
Actually, I think the Guardian is a good looking rig despite what many had to say back in the "Ugliest big four compount bow" thread.
Still, I'm partial to my Drenalin......[8D]

RE: Possible Contenders
 

Fred Bear bows are very very good bows.. I also shoot a Browning bow to... All choices are great

RE: Possible Contenders
 

I hear both bows arent bad choices. Good luck with which ever you pick.