Getting my wife a bow, 24in draw, cannot pull 40# so choices limited...thinking of the Genesis since it's easy to pull/use with potentially easy resale if she bails on the archery gig.
Suggestions...

Any suggestions?

Check out the new bow by mathews called the sportsman I think. It has the same design as the genesis as far as the cam goes, but seems to be geared more towards hunting. I don't know what the minimum draw weight is. Most states have a minimum draw weight of 40 or 45 pounds any way. So you wife might be out of luck without doing some conditioning. I think she could work her way up to it if she tried. I am very little and I can pull around 65 lbs. 50 was a struggle when I started. The fact the she is a woman has nothing to do with it unless she believes she is inferior. It just takes practice that's all.

Good luck,
Paul

No, no, no. Do not look at either of those Mathew's bows for your wife.

Genesis-kids bow, really designed for little kids, none of the good qualities that other Mathews bows have, junk compared to other Mathews.

Sportsman-not designed for "general hunting" as you claim, designed for bowfishing and upland bird hunting w/a bow, it has no letoff. And like all of Mathew's bows (except Genesis), it has a minimum draw weight of 40lbs (adjustable down 10lbs)

So, you get her the FX, no questions asked. It goes for $300-$400, comes in draw lengths of 23-31 inches, has draw weights of 40-70 lbs (adjustable down 10 lbs), has a large brace height at 7.5 inches,weighs only 3.3 lbs and, maxed out, will clock in at 308 fps. Plus, has much better resale value than the Genesis. IMNSHO, the absolute best bow for the money on the market.

40 lbs really isn't much. If you start her at 30lbs, it will only take time and practice until she can comfortably pull 40 lbs. My wife started out a couple of years ago at 35 lbs on a Mathews Feather Light. By shooting a lot, and doing some light exercises with 10lb dumbells we bought for her, she now pulls 52lbs on an FX. It took her less than a season to move up that far in draw weight. Just have to want to do it.

JWhite, I'm in the exact same boat as you. My wife cannot pull 40lbs either and has a 23" draw length. You might want to check out the Browning line. The Micro Eclipse is a solo cam bow with a 33" ATA, 2.5lbs mass weight, the cam is adjustable in draw length from 21" to 25", draw weights available are 15-25lbs, 25-35lbs, and 35-45lbs. The only thing she's/we are holding out on is whether to get the 25-35lb or 35-45lb draw weight model, i think she'll end up with the 25-35lb. The only thing she doesn't like about it is that it only comes in mossy oak breakup, she would rather have PURPLE! oh yeah it only runs $179.00 at the local "wally gander mart".

JWhite, I forgot to say - like Bo Hunter said do not go with the genesis, i already talked to my local mathews dealer about that one, he said "don't bother" it's meant for really little kids at outdoor camps just to introduce them to archery. I don't have anything against Mathews, I shoot one now and might be buying a new Legacy.

Don't want to step on any toes here but you may want to check out the BowTech Stalker Lite. It's new this year and it has the Rascal (kids bow) cam and idler on it and it comes in 23-29 in draw and 30-40-50-60&quot; peak weights with 80% let off. IBO on it is 288-295 fps measured at 29&quot; 60#'s I'm getting one for my girlfriend...For Valentines Day..Hey it's better than earings ain't it?<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Even though I shoot a Mathews myself, for this scenario, I think I'd have to agree with Bowtech Shooter given the info I've read on that little Stalker Lite. A LOT more speed at the same low draw weights. And that's gonna make it more fun for your wife.

Check out a Parker Challenger!

My girlfriend can only pull 35 pounds so I bought her the FX w/ the mini cam. Its an awesome bow. It sells for 399 around here but its well worth the money. Go w/ the FX.
VH

I started out with the Parker Challenger, excellent bow, I had about a 13lb. draw weight adjustment with it. My daughter shoots a Browning Micro Eclipse. Sweet bow, super adjustability. Can't go wrong with either!