Author Topic: Buying first bow (Read 699 times)

BRL · « **on:** October 31, 2003, 03:19:49 AM »

I have hunted for several years now with rifle and handgun. I would like to buy a bow and start practicing for next season. Any suggestions for a beginner? Brand, model, etc.? I know I would have to get sized...but just for reference. I am 5'11", was a competitive powerlifter from age 18 to 30, I'm now 35, so strength isn't an issue (if that matters).
I know one could probably write a book as a reply, but I thought someone might be able to give a few tips, what to look for or some advise based on experience.

Thanks for any help!

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #1 on:** October 31, 2003, 03:42:50 AM »

That's going to be a tough one, it's more of a matter of personal preference and how simple or complicated you want to make it. Also the type of use that you would expect to put it through would all be considerations.

However the best place to start would be to hook up with some bowhunters in your area, see what they are shooting and see if you can try some of their bows. Also a Pro Shop in your area will have bows you can try and get an idea of what you are looking for.

I assume you are talking about compounds rather than traditional recurve, and there is just so much good equipment and accessories available that it could take till next season to choose. You really can't tell till you start shooting them for a while and then you will feel what changes you need to make.

Sorry I am not of any more help, but what I started with was a single cam (because you can adjust the draw length easier) Martin brand compound, wisker biscuit rest and impact 3 pin sight.

Myk · « **Reply #2 on:** October 31, 2003, 05:59:11 AM »

I think you're going to discover that you haven't been working on your bow muscles as much as you think. Even switching between bows, the different power cycles can throw a person's muscles off.

I would definitely get a single cam. Since you will be shooting it a lot, I suggest replacing the ever stretching Fast Flight string it will most likely have with 450-Plus. Otherwise you will be spending more time retuning the bow than shooting it. Fast Flight's stretching cost me a record book buck.

There are many things going on in a bow that make them more forgiving of mistakes or faster. You want as fast as you can get but at the same time you want one that will be able to hit a target if you weren't doing something perfectly.

I don't know of any brands to stay away from. But watch out for pro-shops that try to push off brands because they make more money on them or have an old used one in stock they can't get rid of. Martin, Matthews, PSE, Fred Bear, Buckmasters (made by Bear), Golden Eagle (division of Bear), Reflex, Browning, Oneida, High Country Archery and Alpine Archery are all brands I'd have no problem trusting.
I don't think I've ever heard anyone cussing their Matthews.

Don't try to spend the most money you can. Bows in that price range tend to not be forgiving of beginner mistakes. Save that for your second bow. The best thing you could do is find a pro-shop that has an indoor shooting lane.

Get a stabilizer and use a release. Those two items will go far in letting you hit where you're aiming.

ras308 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 31, 2003, 07:25:12 AM »

I agree with going to a proshop, but make sure they will let you shoot before you buy, some of them will not let you shoot them. Don't buy the first one you shoot, since you are just getting started, you will want to shoot as many as possible before you buy. Get someone who has been shooting for a while to go with you, it's sad, but some of the shops will sell you the store!!! Bowhunting is the ultimate hunting experience!!! Good luck!!!

BRL · « **Reply #4 on:** October 31, 2003, 10:13:52 AM »

Great info...thanks for your help. I will try to find some people close that bowhunt and talk shop with them.

Myk · « **Reply #5 on:** October 31, 2003, 12:06:54 PM »

A small gadget to go with your release that's not an absolute necessity but a pretty good idea is a Tru-nok type of thing. You should think about that now because if you are at your draw length limit on the bow you buy you won't be able to add that extra 1/4-1/2" of draw length.

I shoot a Martin and I've found that they stretch their advertised draw lengths by about 1/4-1/2" so when I got this bow it was hard for me to get used to. There's no way I could add a Tru-nok even though I want to.

I'm trying to find a web page that will explain the forgiving features of a beginner bow so you'll know what to look for.