Help with bow choices
 

Hmm.. since it seems impossible to "update" my pearson bow, I talked wifey-poo into okaying a new hunting bow budget. [8D] I'm eyeballing the Alpine Archery Stealth Force and/or Impact Extreme. Any owners out there? I basicly am looking for something with decent IBO speeds (265 or better with 450 grain arrows) and under 40" axle-to-axle. So I am open for suggestions of bows under $500.

PT Hunter

RE: Help with bow choices
 

For under 500 I woudl look at a few models such as the following

Reflex Timberwolf
Mathews Classic
Bowtech Blackhawk
Buckmasters G2


Good Luck on your search!

RE: Help with bow choices
 

I would buy a used bow, a 2002 or 2003. For under $500, you can buy ANY bow that has been made in the last 2 years.

If you buy used, you can get a like new top of the line bow, or you can buy a new mid class bow. You make the call. Check with your local shop, they probably have some good used bows coming in now that the 2004's are out. Good luck.

RE: Help with bow choices
 

I definetly believe that a used top of the line bow would be as good or better than a new lower end bow ,this is just my personal opinion. That's what I would do . This is what I did when I bought my first bow .

nubo

RE: Help with bow choices
 

There are a ton of bows out there, that fit your criteria. In fact, I believe bows in the $350-$500 range are the best values on the market. Many models with the same components as the big dollar bows, but simply missing one or two "bells and whistles". They are capable of shooting with the best.

I would recommend finding out who has the best proshop in your area (in regards to service) and let them help you decide. They will certainly have a few in your range to choose from that will fill the bill. By the way, Alpine makes a fine bow.

RE: Help with bow choices
 

If you look at the used bow route. I would suggest looking for a Mathews MQ1.

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Help with bow choices
 

Thanx folks! I have only two "near-by" shops and one is REAL fond of Alpine, as in anything else is a special order item. The other shop which is in Panama Bch. has a wider choice of new bows, but their used selection is like old Bear Whitetail II's and a Hoyt dinosaur. [:o] I figure after the end of the month when our 2nd archery/muzzleloading season closes, the used selection should go up. I don't reckon many archers will do the trade-ins during hunting season. Course, I just visited the Merlin site and like the Vision also.. *sigh* SOOOO many choices, so little money..[:'(]


PT Hunter

RE: Help with bow choices
 

Keep in mind that used bows don't come with warranties, so deal with a shop that will stand behind the bow, if you don't know much about repairing your own equipment. If you are experienced, and know your proper (measured) AMO draw length, then you could buy a bow sight unseen, and make do with it, even if it's a lemon. Also keep in mind that very few bows actually have the drawlength that is marked on the limb. Some vary a little and others vary a lot. A good proshop will be able to get you exactly what you need, despite what it says on the bow label.

RE: Help with bow choices
 

I found out about the labels the hard way.. [:@]
BUT I did get to talk to an old fashioned Pro-shop in Panama City, who is gonna let me have a HCA Premier Pro normally marked $549 for $449 since it's last year's model (2003) and set it up and tune it for free:D... so I have to choose between it and the Merlin Vision.

RE: Help with bow choices
 

Pinetree, please before you jump and buy a HC just check out this site and compare prices on bows in your range
www.huntersfriend.com

The news on HC hasn't been very good of late.

RE: Help with bow choices
 

you may want to consider the mathews sq2. Just discontinued this year and around my area are going for under 500. i love mine. If you need accessories (sights, quiver, new arrows ect) that obviously jacks the price up. Just a suggestion though. probably lots of good bows for under 500 out there. good luck

RE: Help with bow choices
 

If you shop around right now you can find some good deals. I bought a new matthews Q2XL couple of weeks ago for$450 because it is a discontinued model with full warranty.

RE: Help with bow choices
 

merlin vison , your dealer should be across the state line in ga . Check it , before you buy , dont jump on the first "deal" you come across

RE: Help with bow choices
 

I would take a look at the new Martin line. I bought a Martin Prowler SE for $350 from Eders.com. This bow might be a little short for you with the SE limbs but, I bet you could find a better match with their magnum or straight limb designs. Martins are fine bows in my opinion.

Good luck.

RE: Help with bow choices
 

I like the quality used bow theory over the new garbage. Either way your goona want to buy a Bowtech. I say "What". I can't hear you. That's right, there's nothing else to say.

RE: Help with bow choices
 

If the Pro shop in Panama City is a good one, I think you would be well served to let them set you up with a High Country. The new High Coutry bows I've seen, have been very impressive, especially if you want a very light weight bow. A good bow shop will take care of any problems you encounter (which is likely to be none). However, when you do need service, it sure is nice to have a local person who will take care of you immediately.

RE: Help with bow choices
 

Well, the final decision hasn't been made as of yet.. I tried looking under the hunterfriend.com but couldn't even find HCA listed on the comparsion charts... But I still as looking hard at it.. it is less than 4lbs but not a carbon riser, which seems kinda strange to me anyhow...