Best Buy

[whackmnstackm1775]

Gents,

 I am in, or will be very soon, the market for a new bow. The one I currently hunt with does not fit very well. I have made due with it, but the two deer I have hit with it, sadly, were not recoverd. I do believe the coyotes, cougars, and stray dogs will be watching my every move. 

I have been checking craigslist and other online classifieds for bows as well as taking the suggestion of other members.  I am planning on spending 250 to 400 for a bow, wether new or used. 

1. what would be the best buy?  a new bow or a good used bow?
2. what factors should I consider?
3. should the way it "fits" be the determining factor? 

I guess what I am trying to determine is if I need to keep looking for a bow online, that I probably wont get to handle, or just plan on going to the pro shop or sporting goods store, get fitted, and be done with it.

I am more or less new to bowhunting, but I am quickly developing a love and respect for this challenge. I want a bow that will last a while but will offer comfort, confidence, and consistency.

I would appreciate any advice on the subject, as well as some recommendations of good "new" bows  as well as some "bargains" I should consider with a used bow.

Thanks

Semper Fi
John

[deerjackie]

go to a pro shop and see what feels best.dont buy into the super speed hype and adjustable dl and let off are a plus.archery talk.com is  a good place to buy used bows.also imo,stay away from short brace heights.7 in bh seems to work good.good luck.dj

[Empty Quiver]

You want what was considered a very nice bow five years ago. Do a little home work, read a few back issues of archery magazines. Now start cruising the proshops, get a feel for what is on the used rack, for pricing as well. Watch the craigslist offerings and the proshop racks, being in a hurry is expensive.

I am still trying to wrap my mind around $700 bows, let alone the ridiculous four figures I have seen. I think of bows as being rather disposable unlike a fine firearm that should last generations. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay that sort of money for a bow.

[wind drift]

Take deerjackies advice go to archerytalk.com and get a bow and if i was going to buy a used one get a elite they have a life time trans. warranty and a hunt warranty also just research their bows well made and best warranty in the bus. good luck.

[pastorp]

You might need to consider shootings lessons or range estimation lesons if you have lost 2 deer already. May not be the equipment. 

But then again it could be. But either way you need some PRO help.

Regards,

[bigbird09]

bows are a breed among themselves,  even cheap bows with practice and kill.  My first deer was killed with a $90 pse silverhawk maxed at 60# and 29" DL.   98% of bows are only as accurate as the shooter, the other 2% usually fall into manufacturing problems or from people trying to do work on bows themselfs without any knowledge.  Bows require a good form, mess one thing up and you can miss by a few inches or a few feet, and when in the field forms tend to break down completely and you easily wound animals.  I was a member at archerytalk.com for a while and there is tons of information there,  there is also a lot of BS.  If you are getting into it I would look for a good used bow.  I would look to older PSE's or bowtechs.  I am a avid mathews hater, so I don't recommend them to anyone.    Also with a most modern bows that are a few years old can be adjusted in wieght and dl with little work,  dl still usually requires the use of a bowpress and most shops should do it for free, maybe a small charge, but should be very much.  They last bow I bought was off of archerytalk and it was a '06 PSE vengance 60-70# dw that I picked up for 250 with a new trophy ridge dropzone set for centre.

[snuffer#1]

Go to martinarchery.com Look at the Saber.  Might be on the bottom of the totem pole, but it shoots great, at least for me. Or try missionarchery.com They have a brand new line-up this year. I have a eliminator and a maniac

[fanner50]

I agree with snuffer#1 but I would say look at the new Exile with SOS upgrade. I'm a little prejudice since I just bought two of them. One for my son and one for old dad. Fast ,quiet, smooth, and compact works good in the mountains here in Montana. I got great service from TJarchery(347-855-2249 ask for John, great guy to do business with) . Bow set up with quiver,sight,peep,etc. was under $400. Good luck