What would you do? Bow choice.
 

Ok, I know we all hate the "which bow is best" thread, so I'll put a spin on it. I have two bows narrowed down, and I can't make my mind up. It's down to the following:

08 101st Airborne
07 Commander

I've shot the 82nd, but not the 101st, but from most reports, the draw cycle/shot experience was very similar. So I know I loved the 82nd, and would also love the 101st. The commander I have not shot, but hear great things about it. For right now, I'm looking for a little longer ATA than what I have now (36" min) and it will be seeing dual purpose as of right now (3d and hunting). Here's the kicker...price.

The commander is used (07) was shot for one 3D season and can be mine for $450.

The 101st is basically brand new and can be had for $600. That's a $150 difference. I hate to come across as a cheapo, but not sure what to do. I haven't shot the commander, so that's why I'm leaning toward the 101st, so I assume I should just ignore the price difference, and go with what I shot, or save the money and get used bow (with a little longer ATA which I like) that I haven't shot? <---I suppose that last sentence almost makes the decision a little clearer. I know the one local shop near me doesn't have a commander in stock, and Ben is the only one I know personally who shoots one, but I'm pretty busy for the next few weeks (as is he) so not sure I can get around to shooting it. Thoughts?

RE: What would you do? Bow choice.
 

Commander -quieter , less recoil, deflex geometry balance, good speed, smoother drawing.
Airborne 101 -considerably faster, conventional reflex geometry balance.

Tough one........
I like em both. :D

RE: What would you do? Bow choice.
 

.... --- -.-- -



That stands for HOYT :)

Ok...I'm done being an ARSE...

Ifthe higher dollar bow feels best....pay the extra...Hunting is high on your priority list....so treat yourself[8D]

RE: What would you do? Bow choice.
 

Tough choice Matt H. You know how I feel about the 82nd as it's the one you shot.;)

I've only shot Ben's Commander and it's too long for me to get a real perspective but it was quiet, smooth and he's getting 308 out of it at his longer draw.

Very tough choice and although I envy your picks, I don't envy your having to choose between the two.

RE: What would you do? Bow choice.
 

Thanks, Matt...big help...lol:Djk

RE: What would you do? Bow choice.
 

No problem, I thought that might clear it up. :)

RE: What would you do? Bow choice.
 

So this is backfiring a bit:D I'm wondering if the more deflexed riser of the Commander would be better suited to the double duty (especially 3D/target)...now that Matt mentioned that (see Matt you are helping me think here).

RE: What would you do? Bow choice.
 

I wouldn't even question it.

Commander.

More brace height, deflex riser geometry, more mass weight (especially at the ends of the riser), less aggressive cam design, More than enough speed to blow through any animal from antelope to moose. All this adds up to a more forgiving, easier to shoot accurately bow.

IMO the 101'st and 82nd are 3D bows first, where you will be shooting with perfect form, and hunting bows second.
The commander is a bow that will really shine as a true dual purpose bow. It is plenty fast enough for 3D and is an ultra forgiving hunting rig. Truely the best of both worlds.

RE: What would you do? Bow choice.
 

Matt,

Let me sum up my experiences for ya;
I had the 07 commander - traded it for a hoyt katera- 3 weeks ago went and picked the Commander back up (same bow)
I also had the 101st- shot one 3d with it and traded it in on an 08 commander-on order in max 4

Now for my reasoning for both moves - the 07 commander is probably the most shootable bow I have owned in 10+ years(and there have been 50 plus bows probably)- it is simply fun to shoot, deadly accurate, no issues hunting I took several deer with it - plenty of speed in my assessment - I can achieve 300 if I went to a lighter arrow easily

The 101st was deadly accurate as well- but in my experience I was easily fatigued by repetitous shooting - I quickly decided it wasn't for me - my shoulder was actually aching after the last 3d - Can't wait on the 08 commander to get here and will have a tuff time deciding which to take opening day- good luck with either choice both are fine bows

RE: What would you do? Bow choice.
 

If I could only have one bow I would be hard pressed to not keep my Guardian.

Given the 2 choices you named I would beswayed toward the Commander based solely on my experience with the Guardian.

Dan

RE: What would you do? Bow choice.
 

Check out the 08 General, I think you will be surprised, i went in last week with the intent on buying the 82nd, and walked out with a General.

RE: What would you do? Bow choice.
 

Thanks for the feedback guys, really appreciate it. I guess I should give it some more thought. I didn't think the 82nd draw cycle was too bad, but then again I didn't shoot it for an entire 3D round, although I know Rob has. Rob, what was your feelings on shoulder fatigue after the 3D shoots?

It's funny, you don't hear about the Commander much especially since the 82nd and guardian launched, but it still seems to be a highly recommended bow. I do like the looks of it on paper.

RE: What would you do? Bow choice.
 

I have an 07 Commander for sale-31",70lbs.,Hardwoods HD Grey camo upgrade,rosewood side plates,roller cable slide.
It is set-up with the best of everything.
Spot-Hogg Real Deal
Trophy-Ridge micra adjust rest
Bowtech Wild Thing-HD Grey
Vortex 6 arrow quiver or Bohning 6 arrow,which ever you would perfer
Winners-Choice strings and cables with loop
Let me know if you are interested...Bob

RE: What would you do? Bow choice.
 

Needs to be left handed. PM me if it is.

RE: What would you do? Bow choice.
 

Anyone bringing a bowtech to the Coon Creek get together?
So I may form a opinion.

RE: What would you do? Bow choice.
 

In my experience....I'd say just the opposite. I plan on hunting with my 82nd.....but I didn't like it as a 3D bow.....even though I won with it. Like Frank.....the draw isn't what I wanted for a bow I was going to shoot a LOT.

Haven't shot the commander....but I own a Constitution. LOVE the Constitution (longer ATA) for 3D.;)

RE: What would you do? Bow choice.
 

That was my assumption as well. Great hunting bow, not the perfect target bow. I'll wait to see Rob's comments on his 3D experience shooting the 82nd...he seems to hold his own VERY well with it.

RE: What would you do? Bow choice.
 

No shoulder fatique, mental fatique but no shoulder lol. Hell Matt, I've been shooting my 5 spot with my 82nd, 60 straight arrows, no breaks and I fine after it as well. Mind you, it's 62 lbs but with the arrow (CXLSS) it's 330 fps.

I'm not sure how I'd feel if it were 70 lbs as I only shot it a couple times to chrono it and then backed it down for specs.

I guess I'm simply used to the draw cycle which I don't find as bad as some as I came from a long line of Hoyt's agressive cams.

Mind you, this is no single cam so don't expect that draw but you shot mine. :)

And I feel the 82nd is an awesome 3D bow, as one reason I got the bow. I've always shot 36" bows for 3D and was very successful with them. I was excited when I heard there was a speed bow coming in a 36" ATA.

But I digress, the Commander is an awesome bow, good luck on your choice.

RE: What would you do? Bow choice.
 

Thanks a lot Rob. I'll be shooting either at 60# for right now, so 70# won't be an issue, as I don't plan to shoot it. I could see myself shooting your 82nd for long periods of time, but it was right handed...maybe a different story with left hand, but I was discussing this with Ben yesterday and I feel with as much as I shoot combined with steady lifting, I'll condition the new muscles fairly quickly. Thanks for the input...I'll keep you guys posted if any decision is made.

RE: What would you do? Bow choice.
 

Get the lesser priced one and get yourself some other useful items for hunting.
my best advice