What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

Hi Guys,

I'm thinking of getting into bow hunting (deer at first, then elk and the rest) here in Washington state.If things go well I'd then consider doing out of state hunting, etc.I used to do target archery a long time ago as a kid about the timecompound bows were first designed/introduced to the marketplace (yes I'm that old!). :)My target Jennings compound was about a 40lb pull at something like 31" draw with a 28% letoff - I know compound bow technology has really raced ahead so what do you all shoot and why?I'd be using alum or carbon shafts, plastic vanes, and a release ... :)

That said, I want to learn more about current compound bow technologies and why you guys use specific makes/models etc ...

As always, thanks a bunch!
phil

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I shoot a Diamond Liberty, which is made by Bowtech. (See my avatar, the pic under my name)The Liberty used to be on the bowtech line. Bowtech switched the single cams to the Diamond line this year.

I shoot this bow because it feels "perfect" in my hand. It has wonderful balance.It has a HUGE idler wheel whichallows the bow to bedrawn smoothly. I can pull well over 60 pounds without it feeling like it, though I only shoot at 62 pounds. It has a positive draw stop. In other words, the bow cannot be pulled any farther, since the bottom cam has a post that stops your draw at the point you set. Bows that don't have this will have some "sponge". That is when you draw to your anchor point and can still draw a little further. This is bad news, especially if you shoot short arrows, as the arrows can come off the rest. This is not a "fast" bow by today's standrads, but that's ok. You must be accurate! Speed doesn't matter if you can't hit what you're aiming at. You just miss faster.

I would suggest that you go to a pro shop and pick up different bows to find out which feels the best to you. Have the bow tech help you choose and definitely DO NOT shoot what the other guy is shooting just because it's all the rage. Shoot what feels good to YOU!

Good luck! :)

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I shoot a PSE Firestorm Lite. You can see my stuff at the bottom of my post. I shoot this bow, because of a few reasons. I bought it from a manager of a bow shop by where I work who had been shooting it for three months and was swapping to bowtech. He had a lot of equipment on it and gave it all to me for 300.00. I had shot it and I really liked the compactness of it, 30" ATA. When I have thought about all of the new bows out there, I look at mine and I see a very reliable bow ( had it for 4 years without a single problem ) , that I don't have an arm and leg in. I see a bow that shoots as fast as a lot if not most bows just coming out today, it's rated 300 IBO. But yes there are several that are faster out there. And the bow I owned before was a PSE also. Never had any trouble with it either. NEVER.

But probably most importantly, I knew that the bow could shoot better than me. Meaning, that until I practiced and got better and better, and could shoot up to the ability of the bow, then I did not need a better bow.

( Mind you I have bow hunted since about 1990. I had a short layoff in there, about 4 years, when All of my hunting and fishing stuff was taken in a robbery, with no insurance to replace it. It took a while. )

But when I improved, I knew I could go then and buy something better if I wanted to. But if I bought the best right off the bat, when I could not do it justice, I felt I would be spinning my wheels. Wasting money, and still want a new bow when I got better. So I would be spending big bucks 2 x instead of 1 x.

And although I had previously had no plans to upgrade soon, I just changed my mind when I happen to see a post a few minutes ago,with a pic of a new 2007 bowtech coming out, and it appears that bow will be my demise. Cause I'm gonna buy one, and the wife is gonna kill me.

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I shoot a Mathews Outback. I live 20 miles from the Mathews factory so I gotta support the home team!! My girlfriend went to high school with at least a few of the employees of Mathews, I would rather pay their wage than someone elses I guess. I'm happy with the bow but don't necessarily think it's any better thana Hoyt, Bowtech...

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I shoot Browning Bows, I say bows because I have a few of them from an old (1980's) Trophy Magnum II (dual cam) that I started hunting with to a mid 90'sBoss Tracker (dual cam). I have retired those bows but thay can still be called into service at any time. I now hunt with a 2005 Rage One (single cam) that I found in the garbage,it onlycost me a few dollars to get shooting againand a 2005 Oasis (hybrid cam).

I shoot Browning because after I moved from long bows and recurves that I learned on (like you) It was the first compound bow I used for hunting. That Trophy Magnum served me so well that I bought another Browning years later (Boss Tracker) that also served me well with no problems.

The Rage One shoots like a dream as does the Oasis. While the Oasisismore expensive and is a "higher line bow"as opposed to the Rage, I hunt with the Rage because it is so bullet proof. It just keeps on performing in the cold, rain heat etc... Never changes it's point of impact and is as sturdy as a rock. I will probably try and hunt with the Oasis sometime this year, but it just goes to show you don't have to spend a ton of money to get a quality hunting bow. The Rage and Rage One are Browning's "entry Level" hunting bows.

I have a long draw as well and I have the Rage One set at 31in but it actually draws 31 3/4 in (as does the Oasis) at 70lbs the Rage shoots a 31 1/2in arrow (476gr) at 266fps while the Oasis is slightly faster with the same arrows at 275fps

Look into the Browning line of bows, they have some great new bows out (Illusion, Mirage, Myst and Vapor) The Vapor Draws to 32in for us long draw shooters while the others only draw to 30in. Of the four listed above all are single cam bows (with oversized idler wheels) except for the Myst that is a hybrid cam.

Good luck no matter what bow you choose.

Here is a link to the 2007 Brownings.

http://www.browning-archery.com/products/2007/vapor.htm

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I shoot a Hoyt Trykon like the way it feels and thats most important. But might buy a new Hoyt,Bowtech or Elite this year depends on if I find one I like better then my Trykon.

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I shoot BowTech's...Because I love the bows and my job depends on it...;):D

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

right now i shoot a browning micro midas 3. i love it, its just a youth bow but has been good to me so far. when i get an adult bow i will probably get a bowtech or a mathews (depends on the model from the year i get an adult bow (maybe next year))

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

Bowtech Allegiance after shooting Hoyts of 10 years. See this link for an explanation:

http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1421735

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I won't mention the brand, because I sincerely believe the brand is the least important aspect of choosing a bow.

I always choose my bows for the same reason. I want at least an 8" brace height, because it assures that when shooting at an odd angle with my heaviest hunting jacket on, the string won't hit my sleeve on release.

I always pick a bow with an ATA in the 35-36" range. This is the lengthh that puts the string in the right position for my multiple anchors points.

I then look for a cam that I feel will give me a straight nock travel. I'm currently shooting a hybrid cam bow, and love how a broadhead flies out of this configuration. I've also seen some single cams that give good flight, and some that didn't. I won't buy into a cam type, until I confirm that a broadhead flies like a field tip out of it.

The last component I look at is the grip. I want one that promotes a repeatable hand placement. A comfortable grip has no bearing on how well you will shoot and is seldom a factor in what makes a good grip.

If a bow gives me all this, it's on the list. I then narrow it down by the little, less meaningful things. Amount of reflex, hand shock and the all important - camo pattern. I can make any modern bow a quiet bow, so I don't even concern myself with that.

If there happens to be more than one bow still on the list after all this, I will pick the one sold by the bow shop with the best reputation of standing behind the products they sell.

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I shoot the Trykon because I love how the bow shoots for me. I tried the Bowtec's and the switchback but for ME the Trykon felt the best. I shoot this bow better then any bow I have ever shot. I like the looks of the new Hoyt's but before I would go buy anything I would wait and shoot ALL the different bows. Besides that with all the time I spent shooting bows before I decided on the Trykon I don't think it is something that I would do every year. I have this setup just the way I want it and I am going to use it for several years to come.

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I am shooting a Mathews Outback and really like it. It is smooth and does what I need it to do. The Bowtech's are looking better and better every day to me, though.

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

Ok Guys, thanks a lot!So it looks like you all are shooting PSE, Hoyt, Mathews, Martin, Browning, and Bowtech. Wow, what a variety of manufacturers we have today ... :D I can spend more than a 1-2 hundred dollars for the bow, but not a more than$1k for the whole initial setup.I'm also not against buying used if it's what I need and in good to excellent condition.One more question though - this whole single vs. double cam thing is confusing me.I thought that all compound bows were double cam?I mean they have both top and bottom wheels, right?What am I missing here?

Also, I know you all are busy so if there are some tutorials or books/magazines I need to buy then point me to them and I'll dig in reading, etc ...

Monie
Thanks for the info my man - that's a great recommendation to just go to the local bow shop and test out the bows they have there. I have no idea where it is so that's a good next step for me (once I get back from hunting season that is ... :)).

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

Um, ;) that should read "Monie, thanks for the info my lady friend"..lol

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I shoot my 6 year old PSE Best because it's paid for, adn it's still shooting just fine. The deer don't seem to notice that it's not new or fancy. ;)

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I shoot a Newberry B1 is there any thing else?:)

Basically because I know how they are built and how well designed they are and the all around feel and user friendly features.

End Of Story!

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I shoot Bowman and Merlin bows because of their craftsmanship, components, and great looks. ;)


Sag.

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

WellI'll try to be as short as possible about the different cams styles so it boils down to this. In compound bows you have four different types of cams. First is the dual cam bow,it has cams or wheels at the top and bottom the cams being more aggresive,but they are still the same thing and that is both cams/wheels provide a power curve and draw stop.

Next is the single cam bow, it has the cam at the bottom that provides the power curve and draw stop and only a round wheel at the top that just acts like an idler wheel keeping the string moving as the bottom cam does the work.

Next up is the hybrid or 1.5 cam, this is like a single cam bow andhas the power curve at the bottom as well but the top cam is not round but takes the same shape as the lower cam. While it does not have a power curve it does have a draw stop. This is supposed to give you all of the good designs of a dual cam (fast and level nock travel) without the need to time the cams so they "roll over" at the same time.

last is the newest of cam designs and that is the binary cams. They are like a dual cam in that both the top and bottom cams have a power curve and draw stop however instead of the dual cam that have thecables attach to the oppositelimbs the binary cables attach to the opposite cams thus linking them together to create more "synchronized cams" that also have a fast and level nock travel without the need to time then either.

Now mind you I have never worked with the binary cams so I can't speek for them but the hybrid cams still need to be timed.I have found however, they are far more forgiving if not...unlike the dual cam bows.

The single cam bows are IMO the simplest of designs and are pretty much fool proof with only string creep (stretch) to worry about. The jury is still out on the hybrid cams as I have not had it long enough to truely form an opinion.

I'm not an expert and there is more to them than I listed but that is the basic low down on cams.

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

Thank you BigJ12 ... all this info is starting to sink in I think!:DI think single cam is the one I should focus on as I don't need to be dealing with reliability/service issues as I'm working on getting back into shooting a compound bow, etc ...

Next question though - is there a web site that does (compound):) bow reviews?

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

This web site will give you alot of information about compound bows in general and also get into more detail about different style cams and what might be best for you. Take your time and look through all of the different sections like the Products section and the Articles& Help section.

Good luck in your search and as long as you choose a bow fromone of the many major manufacturersout there I don't think you can go wrong.

Here is a link:http://www.huntersfriend.com/index.htm

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

i just bought a new 06 parker frontier bow, ive shot alot of bows before i bought the parker, but im glad that i got it, if i was u man, i would just go out to my local bow shops that have a indoor range and shot some different bows, and select the one that best fits u

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I have been experimenting for the last several years, but mainly with used bows and only a couple of new ones (McPherson Edge and Newberry B1), but I have had multiple Hoyts, Mathews, and Bowtechs. I have settled on the Darton CPS cam system as my favorite. Easiest to tune and remain exactly as is for many months. Very forgiving of form flaws. Good valley that I find nice for a hunting bow with a nice smooth draw and good performance. I probably shot better with my Darton Tundra than any bow I've had, but the 2 Champions I have now are very nice to shoot, and are quieter with less vibration than the Tundra. These Champion bows draw very easily whether hunting of 3D, shoot quietly with little shock, and shoot more accurately than I can. There are many bows out there that are great bows, you just have to try them to see what feels and works best for you.

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

Joe
it is only fitting that you like the CPS system since the cam and 1/2 design was primairly their design to begin with and the design all of these hybridcams originated, some hybrids area little harderthan others for the speed but basically the same design with a variance in the geometric configuration to make it look like a different design but all in all the same cam and 1/2 design.

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

BPS, I'll agree they are similar, but there are some differences. With the Hoyt system that Newberry also uses, the top "cam" has an oblong lobe that makes it necessary to have the cams synched very closely to get a firm wall and decent nock travel (I'm told), where the CPS has all of the "important" stuff on the bottom power cam. The Darton and Champions have an extended lobe for a firm wall, while the Pearsons do not, though the Pearsons do have a slot for adding a limb stop. My "calcific rotator tendonitis" gets along much better with the earlier peak of the Darton system than the later peak of the Hoyt system. The Hoyt can also be tough on power cable serving, while none of my CPS cams have given me a bit of trouble. They both are good, and the Hoyt system may be a little faster. I know the B1 is just about the fastest bow I've owned, aside from the Patriot Dually and the Oregon Black Knight.

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I shoot an Old Glry by Bowtech. The first thing I have to look for in a bow is draw length, as mine is 32" and there isn't a whole lot of choice. I decided on the bowtech after shooting the Switchback, Trykon, and Old Glory side by side. I just liked the feel of the Bowtech on the draw cycle and on the shot.

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I agree on the Champion bows...I shoot the Saber and its relatively fast and very quiet...I haven't had mine Chrono'd but I am guessing I am shooting 280fps....anybody know if they have a website or if they are even made anymore??

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

petrey10, they are not made anymore. They were put out of business by a law suit filed by a fellow Canadian who had a patent on single cam modules. Apparently, Champion had been using the modules without paying royalties. They gave up the business rather than pay the guy, I guess. 2005 was their last year, I believe. I have a 2005 Scorpion that I got for under $200 on ebay. It shoots as well as any bow I have owned.:D:D:D

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

yeah I got mine with 6 arrows, hard case, quik tune rest and sight...for 180 shipped

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

Hoyt Ultratec - Smooth draw Cam and 1/2 system. Tec riser reduces lateral torque. Thin grip so the bow finds its spot in you hand. The most accurate and forgiving bow without compromising speed that I've shot in 25 years.

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I currently shoot an '06 Illusion ! Not to say I didnt get a shooter deal om it !! But its an excellent bow. i'm not going to preach buy this or that. For this fact though you dont have to spend 700.00 to a 1000.00 to get a good hunting bow !!!! Its mostly based on what you are willing to spend for a bow your going to hunt with. Personally, I wouldnt spend that kind of money for a hunting bow !!! If I wouldnt have gotten this bow for free. I would be spending no more that $400.00 on a new bow. With the stiff competition of bow manufacturers its hard to get a bad hunting bow !!! Now if your into 3d or target and want a more versitile bow. Your going to spend a few more bucks. Not every bow is going to feel the same for everyone. So !! Shoot them all. Its what I do. That way I buy what I like.

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

Thanks a bunch guys! Also big thanks goes out to BigJ12 for the bow review site ... I'm learning a bunch there for sure.:D

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I think what you will find also is there are two particular typesof attitudein Compound Bowhunters. You have your Smooth drawing, Super stealth whisper quiet,forgiving type of Bowshooters...Then on the other side you have your Raw power speed junkies (Speed Bows) Types

Your going to find that most of the top Compound bow manufacturers all make great bows. One thing they all have in common is the variety of choices you have...Short ATA? Long ATA? Forgiving? Fast, but not so smooth? Smooth, but not so fast?

I like power and Speed! Give me those two things at the same time, And I am going to love it!

I shoot a 2003 Ultra 2 Mathews (speed bow) What caught my eye back then was the 320 IBO speed, along with the fact that it just felt good in my hands.

IMO, its more important that you choose your style first, then pick your bow.

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I shoot the Browning Rage One and simply love it. As has been said, it's bulletproof, very accurate, and a great value.I highly recommend Browning or PSE, but just go to the the pro shop and decide which bow suits you best. There are many good bows on the market so pick it based on your shooting style, what kind of game you hunt, etc. The shop guys can give sound advice, but don't buy into every new gadget just because it's cool. Stick to the simple equipment. Hope that helps

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

Hunting - Bowtech Justice - short for shooting from blinds - smooth shooting, fast enough.

Target - Mathews Icon - smooth, light, long enough ATA to be stable not too much reflex

Flinging arrows just to see them fly - an old recurve from about 1970 - don't know who made it, but I got it for $25 in 1973.

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

Mathews MQ1 Its a little out of date campared to the new ones but it still drives tacks. Bought this new because i wanted a 37-38 ata, with 7 1/2 brace, that shoots well and reliebale. At 308 ibo its not the fastest but i have yet to see a deer out run my arrow .
I have looked this year to upgrade but have not found what i want yet. liked the hoyt trygon except the draw cycle a little hard for me, mathews xt liked shooting it but dont like the string supressors drilled into the end of the limbs- afraid this could be a week point that could break with the amount of arrow i shoot a week x the number of years i would keep. Bow tech did not like the feel in hand(but nice bow).
So im waiting to see what comes out this year. Intrested in the new hoyt from what i heard the draw is a lot smoother. we'll see.

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

PSE Firestorm. Why? Because I love PSE and have never ever had problems with a PSE. GREAT brand.

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I use a Hoyt Magnatech. My son in law and I were shooting in a bow league and this guy let me shoot his and I liked it.

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I buy Bowtech because I an afford any bow on the market.

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

i use a 2004 PSE Triton: Its has a NRG cam the draw length is 29 inches and has a peak weight of 70 pounds it will shoot about 300 feet a second when it is set at 70 pounds. the reason why i like this bow is because it is very light and compact and never fails when i am shooting when it is really cranked up the arrows will really fly at blistering speeds. but for you you need to go to a place where they specialize in bows and they will fit you with a bow thet will be perfect for you

RE: What Compound Bow Do You Use & Why?
 

I have an '06 Diamond Victory by Bowtech. A smooth, fast, and forgiving bow. I shot a Browning for many years. The Victory fits me perfectly and performs excellent in the field. I have absolutely no problems with this bow and I know a lot ofother Diamond owners feel the same way. Plus they have great customer service.