Bow input-Returning to bowhunting (Alaskan Pro vs AX2 32)

[MT_Fin]

I have not bow hunted for a number of years but my 16 year old has shown interest as they have been shooting bows in gym class. I was thinking about getting us each a mid-range set up to start out and looks like the Bear Alaskan Pro’s are well regarded in that range. However, I also found a decent deal on a new old stock 2025 Hoyt AX2 32.

Has anyone had experience with either now or have input? Should I be looking at other options?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[blackveltbowhunter]

Experience with both. The hoyt is a superior product. If they are close to same price no doubt I would do the hoyt. What kind of support do you have for setup? The only caveat might be if competing shops and the bear is at a superior service department. Even then I would likely lean toward the hoyt and travel for help if needed

 

[MT_Fin]

Experience with both. The hoyt is a superior product. If they are close to same price no doubt I would do the hoyt. What kind of support do you have for setup? The only caveat might be if competing shops and the bear is at a superior service department. Even then I would likely lean toward the hoyt and travel for help if needed

There is a full service pro shop in town, but not big enough for competing shops. The Hoyt is a fair amount more than the Bear.

 

[blackveltbowhunter]

Are both bows at the pro shop? Dealer for both?

It really depends on what you want. What you will use and how flexible your budget is. Both bows spec well with good options. The hoyt strings and tuning shims vs spacers along with an overall better build quality, and resale value would put it ahead of the Alaskan for me and worth 3 or 4 hundred more. If more than that, I would likely stick to my budget.

 

[MT_Fin]

Are both bows at the pro shop? Dealer for both?

It really depends on what you want. What you will use and how flexible your budget is. Both bows spec well with good options. The hoyt strings and tuning shims vs spacers along with an overall better build quality, and resale value would put it ahead of the Alaskan for me and worth 3 or 4 hundred more. If more than that, I would likely stick to my budget.

Neither are at the pro shop. Budget is flexible but not wanting a new flagship with top tier everything for $3k level at this point but flexible.

 

[blackveltbowhunter]

If planning to DIY the setups and tuning, then either option is good with the hoyt being overall easier to tune with shims rather than counting thicks and thins and decompressing everything.

If your planning to utilize the service of the shop near you, I would recommend finding out what bows they are dealers for. Then purchase one of the brands they carry even if you choose not buy new or from them. This will help avoid headaches down the road. For instance if you bought the bear and the shop is not a bear dealer, they may not be familiar with the nuances of the tuning system or have as easy of access to the parts or any warranty issues that arise. Same for the hoyt.

Totally get not wanting to fiscally commit to flagship pricing. The good news is the equipment your looking at is very good and will serve you well without the flagship budget commitment. Just plan beyond the initial bow purchase and that can save alot of frustration in the long run.

 

[tracknrackz]

I bought a ready to hunt bear bow about 5 years ago and it has served me well. The Alaskan pro gets great reviews for the money and it will get you back into the sport without breaking the bank. If you want higher quality and plan on really getting back into archery including 3d courses and want to buy all the accessories, you can easily drop 1k just on accessories, then go with the hoyt. The hoyt will also keep it's value better. The other option is buy a used hoyt already set up. Regardless, visit local shops and find someone competent to help set it up properly for your draw length.

 

[billysmals]

The bows you have mentioned are good options. As others have stated, the Hoyt has more features, but doesn't always make it better. There are other options rom other companies you could consider, including new and older flagship models.

If you are willing to buy used, you can get even better deals on flagships from last year or the year before.

You could consider looking for a used flagship from a brand that your local pro shop supports and look for one from the last two years. Then take it in and pay the shop fee for a tune and inspect. It might cost you $50-100 for that service, but it would be cheaper than a new old stock flagship. It would likely be within 100-200 of the Bear Alaskan Pro new. You could even find a Bear Flagship from last year if you like Bear.

I have found most brands lose the most in the first two years and then it flattens out. Some brands/models used over 10 years old are selling for 250-400, and a used flagship might be 500-900 from the last two years.

Some brands and models hold their value more than others.

I'm not a brand loyalist, and all the brands have a good bow to choose from...... but when it comes to used bows, Mathews will support that bow for life. Mathews will machine you parts and supply parts for as long as the company is in business. You could go buy a 20 year old mathews bow right now, and then order a new cam or part tomorrow and Mathews will make it. No other brand is doing that. Many brands will support for several years, but not 10+ with new parts.

The most economical thing would be to buy a used full setup from last year or the year before. I have regularly seen full ready to shoot/hunt flagships from last year sell for $1000 -1500 with high quality accessories. The struggle is they aren't always available when you want them and may not be the exact color you want or have the exact match of sight/rest/quiver you want.

I'm not sure how comfortable you are buying used equipment. I do it all the time, but I know it's not for everyone.