I am looking for input on a few specific bows under $400 that have been recommended through this forum and other references.

Does anyone have experience with any of the following: Jennings Rackmaster, PSE Thunderbolt or Parker Huntermag II?

The same company now makes Jennings and Buckmaster. Is the G2 worth $100 more than the Rackmaster?

Have a gander at the Bowtech stalker too. MSRP $349. They also have two packages out with MSRPs of $449 and $549 if I am not mistaken.

the pse is a good bow.

My vote goes for the 2002 model Jennings Rackmaster. Local prices are around $350 in my area.

The new 2002 model has some excellent improvements over past designs. One the new solid limbs are a carbon/glass composite. Not like some companies who just put "flecks" of carbon in their limbs, Jennings actually allows you to see the carbon via a "see through" section in the center of the limb. Limbs that have sufficient carbon material in them are lighter and thus return to rest quicker.....meaning a faster arrow.

Second, the new limb pockets all have some form of sound reducing material in them. The name of the actual material eludes me right now though. The limb pockets are also "custom fit" for the specific limb that is installed on that specific bow. Supposedly, Jennings actually compresses the limb pockets to match that specific limb....meaning tighter tolerances and a more accurate bow.

I also believe that the Rackmaster comes with 3 new cable guard selections.... a standard carbon rod type cable guard setup....a standard swing arm cable guard and a new swing arm cable guard that has a "string stop" built into it. Each is interchangeable.

The actual specs on the bow are also relatively good. 35 inch axle to axle, 7.5 inch brace height, 303 IBO speed, 3.4 lb mass weight, etc.....

The reason this is all familiar right now is becuase I was down looking at one, as well as a TrophyMaster, yesterday.

If Jennings comes out with a dual track idler then I am buying one....

The PSE thunderbolt is an excellent bow, Ive hunted hard with it for 5 years and it hasnt let me down.

I just went to parkerbows.com and checked out the Huntermag II you mentioned. That looks like a great bow as well! For some reason, I think you'll get better peformance (as measured in fps), and better tolerances and longevity out of either the PSE or the Parker. I've got several bowhunting friends who've used the same ol' PSE's for going on 15 years, and they're still fine. I just don't think you can beat those Magnaglasss limbs and built-to-fit accessories. But... that Parker is one fine-looking bow, what with those camo'd idler wheels and cams, stock walnut grip, and integrated carbon cable guard (with the Parker -- and I know someone will argue this -- I think you're basically getting a "prettier" Mathews for a $100 bucks less or so. Check out the shape of the cam, riser, grip, cable guard placement, etc. and you'll see what I mean. 'Course, there's nothing wrong with that at all; Mathews makes a fine product. Heck, that's what I shoot, of course.)

Either way, I think you'll be happy. The main thing is to shoot all the ones you're interested in so you can form your own complete opinion. And above all, like Matt said, enjoy the search!

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I tell you parker bows are one of the best deals going right now! High quality, excellent customer service, and they shoot great! The parker would be my fist choice of those you listed.

TAKE YOUR KIDS HUNTING AND YOU WON'T BE HUNTING FOR YOUR KIDS