Time for a new bow

[BigCountryCreeper]

been looking at bowtech vs mathews. There has been alot of talk about mathews lately.Although both have very impressive stats feel real nice, quiet, fast. Some opnions, facts ,experiences would help out alot. Thanks Big C

[LoneWolf]

Your going to get bomabrded with advice and opinions on this one, and hey will all be right for their own situation.
I would also suggest to do a search , as there ahve been many discussions here on both bows.

And lastly, don't overlook Hoyt (It's what I shoot)

[DelRioWil]

There are alot of very good bows out there. My sugestion is you need to go out and shoot them all. I know it will take time but why pay a lot of money for a bow that you will not be comfortable with. Matthews Outback and Switchback are great bowsand so is Bowtec, but does it just fell right in your hand. Good luck with your new bow

[fabsroman]

Do they have bow ranges where you can rent and shoot bows to see which one you like the best? I was wondering about this a week or two ago.

Also, it is possible for a shooter to get a good feel for a bow without it being set up for the specific shooter? I know I did a lot more work on my bow to set it up for me than I have ever done on any shotgun, rifle, or muzzleloader.

[WT Kevorkian]

Just about any of the small shops will let you shoot their bows before buying. Although there are not many of these "little guys" left, thats where you need to go, at least to determine what bow feels right, then if you want to go to Bass Pro and save a few $$$ thats up to you. In our area fabs there is a shop in Jefferson Md off 340 called Oldtowne something,,, the guy used to be associated with Old Towne Hunting Supply in Poolesville. Also there is the Bow Hunters Den in Taney town Md, up rt. 15 a ways, also Gun Shack in Mt. Airy although I do not think they have a place there to shoot. I personally shot the Mathews over at Bow Hunters Den before I bought my bow, everyone knows my preferences so I won't beat a dead horse here, read "Tell Me About The Parker 34" if you want to know my bias.

[Steverino]

I recall folks telling me the same information back when I was just getting into bowhunting a few years back with respect to shooting multiple models to see what you prefer and shoot the best. I think that it is wonderful advise...

If...

Your particular pro-shop has a bow already rigged in your draw length, ready to shoot or are willing to swap out cams on different models. You folks are indeed very fortunate if you have shops located by you that have a nice selection set-up for comparison shooting.

The few shops that are in my neck of the woods only had a few models available, bare bones-not even an arrow rest- and looked at me like I had a third eyeball in the middle of my skull when I asked if it was possible to shoot some of the bows prior to committing.

I learned first hand that setting up a compound bow is a heck of alot more personal than setting up a rifle or shotgun. Yes you have stock shimming, LOP, etc. but in my opinion, there are many more variables in a person's bow.

With all things considered, I suppose that I couldn't have expected the shops to saw down some arrows for my shooting length since I didn't have these yet just getting started. I ended up really buying my bow from the feel in my hand and drawing it repeatedly. It all ended up working out fine, I suppose but I also didn't purchase a higher-end bow, either.

For the newbie going it alone, it was intimidating and challenging. I think that once you know what you're doing, (just like anything) It's a whoile lot easier. Just my .02.

[fabsroman]

About 20 or so years ago, I vaguely remember going to an archery range somewhere in my area that rented bows out. I have no clue if they were top of the line bows or not because I wasn't even deer hunting back then, much less interested in buying a bow. I just went along with a buddy that was into archery, not hunting.

You would think that the manufacturers would travel to big 3D tournaments with a plethora of bows for people to try out. Never shot any 3D tournaments, but I know that Beretta takes a bunch of guns to the big shotgun shoots. Just don't know why the bow manufacturers wouldn't do something like this as part of their marketing scheme.

Regarding arrow length, wouldn't the length be different based upon the brace height of the bow (i.e., longer brace height = shorter arrow), or are we supposed to use a specific arrow length for our draw length.

By the way, that last question was "Is it possible for a shooter to get a good feel for a bow without it being set up for the specific shooter."

When I got into bow hunting about 8 years ago, and pursued it on a regular basis for a couple of years, my hunting buddies back then swore by High Country. I haven't heard much about those bows since I stopped hanging around with those guys.


WT,

There used to be a little guy right at the corner of route 117 and 118 right where I live now and he had a little range in the back, but he closed up shop about 4 years ago. Diamante used to get his crossbow bolts from this guy, but since the place went out of business I have had to order the bolts from a pro shop in Glen Burnie, MD that hates Bass Pro and I am sure you can guess why. Don't know if they have a range up in Glen Burnie.

I am pretty familiar with Taneytown. Hunted pheasants up that way when I was a little kid and drove past it a bunch of times on the way to some property my parents and aunt/uncle owned in PA.

[WT Kevorkian]

Arrow length is determined by draw length and also what type of rest you have, meaning does it allow for some overdraw. My draw length is 29" but I shoot a 27 1/2" arrow because I have my rest set back almost as far as it will go. Short brace height or long,,, you still have the same draw length. A longer brace height is somewhat more forgiving as the string won't come as close to your bow arm, so it wont smack you as often, while a shorter brace height bow will be faster because it will have a longer power stroke. For hunting purposes I would go with a fairly generous brace height to allow for your heavy jackets and such. A fast bow with good brace height is ideal, its all a trade off, this for that, its all what you want to do with the particular bow. I consider 7" a good brace height for hunting purposes.

Fabs I would say no to your other question about feel of the bow. If you go to some of the small shops and maybe bass pro too, I don't know, they will be more than willing to swap out modules etc etc to get a bow in your hand that fits you, for you to try. I think you will be amazed at how different each one is to shoot, I know I was. There is alot to consider when buying a bow thats for sure. The link below has alot of info on bows check it out.

http://www.centenaryarchers.gil.com....Brace%20Height

[DelRioWil]

Archery shop around here will put Arrow rest, sites on any bow you want to shoot . If it takes 10 bows they will do it.

[deadonat100yards]

git a Reflex......or Hoyt.