Compound Bow questions

[tercel89]

I have a Longbow that I made myself from hickory several years ago. I'm pretty good with it but I've never hunted with it.

 I have always been interested in compound bows but I know eactly 100% about them. I'm mainly wanting one to harvest deer for meat and the fun factor of shooting all year without buying and reloading ammo .

 I've heard that Baer and PSE are good starter brands. But what is a good draw weight for killing deer ?

 My longbow has a draw weight of 50LBs.

About how much money is involved in starting out ?

I know these are broad questions but I guess I gotta start somewhere .

[Howler]

First things first. Money: You can buy a good used one loaded up for around $500-$600. You need to know your draw length and make sure the one you get fits you. If you are looking for a new bow I recommend using a good bow shop. They can set you up with everything you will need but be prepared to pay. Moving to a compound bow you will more than likely start using a release of some kind. With the high let off bows using fingers to shoot makes the shooter a little less accurate and you won't be happy. Draw weight: 50lb limbs will do the job, but if you can go higher do it. The faster arrow will help make up for misjudging distance. I've owned a Bear, Golden Eagle, and a Mathews Switchback. The Mathews is a much better bow than the other two. One more thing, arrows are expensive. All it takes is slapping a few during practice or launching one over the target and you could have bought enough reloading supplies to shoot for the day. You can spend as much or as little as you want. But remember you get what you pay for.

Edited October 26, 2014 by Howler

[whiskey]

My best advice is to visit a local archery shop and have them help you pick and set up your new bow. If not, you may end up with a mis-sized bow that will only result in frustration. There are lots of good used bows out there. Some are nervous about buying used, but for the most part, your pretty safe buying used/consignment from a local shop. 

[tercel89]

Thanks guys . I guess I'm gonna start looking and reading on it a lot.

[Chris]

Allen Thomas at Hunters Den Archery Shop in Russellville, Ky is a good man to talk to. They let me try damn near every bow in the shop before I settled on a Matthews. Great customer service and as far as I can tell it's one of the few places that lets you try before you buy.

[Hozzie]

The Archers Den in Franklin has been good to me.  I tried out the Hoyt Nitrum 30 last week and am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new Mathew's and Mission bow's tomorrow so I can make my choice.  They don't have a lot of used one's though.  I have found them to be very good and patient answering my questions.  As always, I will end up spending more than I planned, but I figure if this bow lasts me 15 years like my last one, then it is money well spent.  For shear value, the Mission bows are excellent.  They are made by Mathews.  

 

I would have liked to try some Elite's, High Country, and Bowtech's, but there just isn't much dealer support around here for them which is a shame.  There is one guy in Hermitage that carry's Elite's, but he just works out of his house.  I am always afraid that when I need support in a year or so that they will no longer be there.  As the Archer's Den is a mile from my house and has a solid background in the business, I decided to just buy what I like the best from them so I know I have easy access to local support.

Edited November 4, 2014 by Hozzie

[Wingshooter]

My newer 55lb-draw compound shoots an arrow faster than my really old compound set at 75lbs-draw because of newer technology in limbs and cam design. The good news is you don't have to break your shoulder to get a fast bow anymore.

A simple arrow rest (Whisker Biscuit or other "full-capture" type) and a good fiber optic pin sight will serve you well.

You can buy the bow alone and add components (get what you want), or buy a combo with everything already installed (maybe cheaper and easier). Either way, I would also recommend visiting a good archery shop that has knowledgable staff willing to set you up. Once you get your bow setup properly, then you can match an arrow to it. Edited November 4, 2014 by Batman

[Chris]

Hunter's Den carries Elites... that's why I went up there. Liked the Matthews better.

If you want to get one on the cheap, start watching craigslist. Archery season is coming to an end soon. I expect there will be quite a few bows available before long.

[BigK]

I hear you can go to Gander Mountain and actually shoot the bow before you buy it. I haven't tried, but several have told me this.

[Hozzie]

Well, I went and shot the new Mathews NoCam today.  Man is it nice.  Now just to decide if I really want to spend that much.  I am a sucker for shiny new things.