Best to shoot different bows before buying, but what to do when looking at used previous gen models?

[Shady oaks]

Haven't looked at a new bow in a store or touched one in 10 years or so. Recently converting my shooting, both guns and archery, from right to left. Looking at getting a Mathews (only because it's one of the few lefties I've shot and prefer the shorter ATA), but having a hard time deciding due to lack of being able to handle different ones. I recently shot a VXR 28 and loved it for the few shots I did take. But I'm torn on if the 31.5 would be the same to me or not, or even something like a V3 31. What is the best recommendation on looking at used previous flagship style bows that aren't in shops today to handle? I posted this over on AT as well, just haven't gotten any responses. There are 3 on there classifieds that I like, a V3 31 for 900 loaded, VXR 28 with no sight or stabilizer for 600 and a loaded VXR 31.5 for 850. Also going to local shop and want to offer 950 for ready to hunt VXR 28 w/skb case.

Paralysis by analysis, this is my life lol.


For the record, I'm coming from a RH Elite Energy 35 70lb 28.5 draw.

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[Beendare]

Welcome to my world- I'm a lefty...grin

I go off of reviews and just buy previous gen bows at a fraction of the cost of new. Compounds are all pretty good now.
Edit; I don’t see any advantage to short ATA bows, go longer

 

[Sbird2019]

If those are the bow models you’re interested in, I would see if any shops have any Phase 4’s still in stock. The phase 4 is the same riser, cam, draw cycle, and nearly same specs as the V3 and VXR. The phase 4 comes in 29 and 33 ATA, so hopefully you could try both and that would for sure tell you if you like a 28 ATA bow, or if there’s something more to be desired.

 

[180ls1]

You might hate life going from a 35" to a 28" bow. I know it seemed OK for a couple of shots but you're pushing it in my book.

If buying based on specs I would error on the side of forgiveness. Like a v3 33 or similar.

 

[Shady oaks]

You might hate life going from a 35" to a 28" bow. I know it seemed OK for a couple of shots but you're pushing it in my book.

If buying based on specs I would error on the side of forgiveness. Like a v3 33 or similar.

I’ve wondered that a few times in this process. But then there was a part of me that told myself this is like starting from scratch being in switching to lefty.

 

[Samdemarais]

I would look at a Bowtech revolt or solution. Can find for $500-600. Great now, easy to tune yourself. I personally watch the archery talk long term reviews on YouTube for some good info on past years bows.