Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

So, I am starting to look at the new line up of bows. All things being equal (that is not getting any more vibration or hand shock and keeping a smooth draw cyle) is it realistic for me to get a minimum of 20 more fps with a new rig? My current stats:

Switchback
27.5 draw
67 lbs.
366 gr. arrow
272 fps

For all the anti-speed guys, I know it is not the most important thing. It is very helpful in covering small mistakes made in yardage estimation, however. Which new bows would get me there? I know I am fighting the short draw length. I have a feeling the Airbourne 82 might...anyone know what the draw cycle is like on this one? Which others should I consider? Thanks. ;)

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

Im shooting the bowtech tribute at 27 and theres more than I need in speed and power.

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

Do you know your specs?

BTW: I've certainly aware that I don't need more speed for KE. I routinely get pass throughs when I do my part. I do like the idea of flatter trajectory that only comes with speed and also being able to stretch pins out and cover more yardage...only makes sense that you'd have less errors in estimation, which of course equals less potentially missed shots.

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

I dont know the spec on the bow when its shot at 27 but when its at the factory its comparable with the gardian and you can get the bow for 600 buck I picked up one two weeks ago. My groups are great I got a robin hood just 20 shots after sighting it in. Well worth the money shoot it and see if it would work for you.

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

If you are already getting 272 fps, that is very fast at that draw length/weight. Will you get more? Maybe, but for what?

Run some tests and I THINK you will find the difference in speeds you are talking about, especially at hunting distances, the impact points will be basically the same, in other words, I doubt you will pick up any forgiveness for distance estimation. Where you might see the improvement is out past 40 yards, so it really comes down to what distances you are shooting.

If it were me, I'd rather use the "faster" bow to up the arrow weight while maintaining the same speed. Hits em harder to muscle through things. However depending on what you are shooting at, this also might be a non-issue. Just make it harder to pull teh arrow out of the ground after the pass through.

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

x-fource might do it for you

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

I do not think you will get much better than you are getting with your present setup. If you really want to know whats going on with the newer bows, I would suggest takingyour arrow to a pro shop, have them setup a few of the bows you are interested in to your draw weight and length.Thenshootthrough a chronograph.Just remember this takes quite a bit of time for the pro shop so if you buy make sure you buy from them don't just use them, then buy off the net.

The X-Force will probably get you the speed your looking for. The X-Force is fast but it is fast because it has 60%-70% let off and dual cams so you really can't compare it's performance to single cam bows with 80% let off.

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

You could easily get over300 (probably over320)with the new high country bows, but you'd have to use their arrows and keep it light.

Heck, by my best guess, you'd easily top 300 at 27.5", 60# with the speed pro arrows and an 85grain head.

With conventional gear, you'll be hard pressed to scare the 300 mark, being handicapped by such a short draw.

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

I'd be careful with these claimed speeds of new bows. Remember they are shooting the lightest arrows and heads possible to achieve this. Ones you would not normally be hunting with, or will find in your local sprting good store. I have the new Bear Truth, which is rated at 312+ and I shoot carbon express9.8gpi and 100 grain heads with a 30" draw at 74lbs. and I only reach 275. Speed is nothing without accuracy. Course im sure everyone has heard this, but its true. If your comfortable with your old bow, and it kills deer. Why change?

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

Thanks for the replies...certainly I understand that speed is not everything. I was just trying to set a realistic goal in purchasing a new bow. Nothing wrong with my current set-up, but it sure would be comforting having another bow dialed in and ready to go. On expensive trips, this is especially handy. Also, I do a lot of hunting in FL....tromping through tight openings with slash pines and saw palmettos. Cutting a string/cable is a possibility any time I'm out (I've done it). SO, if I am going to buy another bow anyway, I was just looking to take a step up in both speed and quietness. It certainly goes without saying that speed is nothing without accuracy (even though everyone likes to telll ya ;)). Leading candidates for trial are: Bowtech Airbournes, PSE X-Force 7, Diamond Marquise and any new offerings from Mathews.

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

The best 3-D shooter I know spends as many hours a week estimating yardages (without his bow)

as he does actually shooting.

He believes his shooting ability is probably as good as it is going to get and is as good as it needs to be.

He also realizes that small mistakes in yardage estimation come directly out of his paycheck.

Hecarries his range finder every where.

When he stops for a traffic light he estimates the distance to a fire plug.

He does this all day, 7 days a week.

Actually it is a PIA hanging out with him.

He does it not CUZ it is fun - He does it CUZ it is his job !

If minor mistakes in range estimation could be eliminated by the magic of a few FPS all the 3-D shooters would be shooting the same bow.

I believe honing your skills is a much better and cheaper way to achieve the success you are trying to achieve than plopping $100 bills on the Pro Shops counter.

I live and hunt in Florida and know for sure that bow noise is the 2nd biggest foe we face (Scent free @ 90 degrees is #1) and a fast bow won't do squat for either of those problems.

I have killed more animals @ under 200 FPS than most folks are ever likely to do @ over 300FPS.

Why would you want your back up bow to be better than your primary ?

My back up is a 12 yr old PSE (Ancient by most standards) and if I have to break it out I know the manure has hit themotorized windmilland my beloved Ross has died.

At that point I can grab the old PSE confident that it has done its job at least 50 times and is more than willing and able to try for #51.

If you want a new bow , go buy it.

If you want a silver bullet - PRAY FOR IT

IMHO

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

If you want a new bow, buy one. I really don't think with your draw length you're going to gain 20 fps unless you change arrows, bow weight etc. There are better bows out there than what you shoot.... but that's a different thread.[8D][8D][8D] LOL

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

I think that's a realistic goal, you just need to leave the Mathews line.;)

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

Why would you care? Not trying to sound ugly, but if your set up is doing you good, why worry. Now if you are just the tinkering type I can see why. My brother is that way. He is always trying to get more out of his set up. As far has a bow speed or KE, I go with the idea; if I can use it to put an arrow in the boiler room, it works for me. My slow trad bows have kill deer just as dead as my fast compounds.;)

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

Got to go with Bowtech ugh?

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

Drenlin
27.5 draw
65 pounds
cheetah 400 arrows ( I don't know the weight but they are light )
100 grain tips.
Last I checked it was 291 fps.

Before getting this bow I was shooting a Mathews LX that was pushing no more then 250 at best. The 40+ fps makes a big difference in picking the right pin. from 0 to about 27 of so yards is one pin. If the deer was at 30 and I thought he was at 20 the shot would be lower then I like but he would be just as dead.

-john

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

How much lower? It couldn't have been that much of a difference if you still killed it.

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

I like to double lung them. When I just catch the bottom of the heart it is way to low for me.

-john

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

Since you are a Matthews guy(I was too) try this: Dont tell anyone where you are going, find the closest Bowtech dealer thats not your regular guy(if you dont want anyone to know what you're up to), ask to shoot the new general. I guarantee you will utter either "Holy ****", or "What the f#@k". You wont really have to make any decision after that because it will take care of itself. Or you will just be in denial.

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

Thanks for the recommendations and encouragement, Rob and loogout.

wow, as far as most others go...hope the manufacturers aren't listening...they sure will be worried about all the anti new purchase rhetoric. I never anticipated such a onslaught of "don't buy new equipment"...like it was the spawn of the devil. ;) Hope there are no hypocrites on here who buy new bows this year.[&:] Seriously, my Switchback is a '05 model...,most of you seem to be saying that the industry has made NO progress in the last 3 years???? Speed is only one of my criteria...the newer bows have nothing to offer? Either way, I plan on getting a new bow so that I have one for backup...that just seems like logical thinking to me. Best to all.

RE: Realistic goal...20 fps better with new bow?
 

I'm a beginner and bought a Diamond Rapture for my first year of bow hunting and already want a Bowtech Allegiance. Do I need the Allegiance, probably not, but I plan on using this Diamond for a couple of years until I get the Bowtech. By the way, my hunting partner just bought a Drenalin which is why I want the Allegiance now. He's a Chevy/Matthews guy and I'm a Ford/Bowtech guy so there is always some level of trash talk and rivalry going on, LOL!

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