Buying used, or bow recommendations.

[wcasey755]

I’m getting back into modern archery after a 6 year trad journey. Had a lot of fun but two kids later I don’t have the time to dedicate. Looking at getting a compound. Budget for the bare bow is under 800.00. I’m 6’3 and haven’t checked my draw length in years but I believe it’s 31 or 32”. What new bare bows in that price would you all recommend? Would prefer a 33 or 33” ATA. Or if I should buy used, what protections can I take to not get taken for a piece of junk or outright scam? I’d like to be shooting accurate at 60 yards. Before anyone tells me to do research. I have, I just prefer human opinions over someone getting paid to say nice things. Thanks guys and gals

 

[HilltopHitman]

Buy used. Lots of guys buy bows and never shoot them. Look for a flagship that’s about 2-3 years old. Mathews, PSE or Hoyt.

 

[wcasey755]

Buy used. Lots of guys buy bows and never shoot them. Look for a flagship that’s about 2-3 years old. Mathews, PSE or Hoyt.

That’s what I’m seeing. I’m just wondering if there’s any protection for me as the buyer beyond PayPal good and services?

 

[Mighty Mouse]

If you’re going to be depending on a bow shop for tuning and maintenance, find a good shop and buy a brand they carry and are familiar with. Every major bow brand offers multiple great options. With an $800 bare bow budget, you should probably be looking at used flagship models 2+ years old. Buying used from a reputable shop should be a safe bet. If you share your approximate location, someone can likely recommend a local shop.

 

[wcasey755]

Buy used. Lots of guys buy bows and never shoot them. Look for a flagship that’s about 2-3 years old. Mathews, PSE or Hoyt.

I’m also noticing a lot of the sellers are accounts that are like 5 months old. Which is a red flag I would think

 

[wcasey755]

If you’re going to be depending on a bow shop for tuning and maintenance, find a good shop and buy a brand they carry and are familiar with. Every major bow brand offers multiple great options. With an $800 bare bow budget, you should probably be looking at used flagship models 2+ years old. Buying used from a reputable shop should be a safe bet. If you share your approximate location, someone can likely recommend a local shop.

I’m in cowlitz county Washington! About a half hour from Vancouver or 45 from Portland.

 

[Mighty Mouse]

I’m in cowlitz county Washington! About a half hour from Vancouver or 45 from Portland.

Someone else may know of something closer, but The Bow Rack in Springfield, OR has a good reputation.

 

[AlphaK9]

Just here to say I can absolutely testify on the difficulty in trying to be full time worker, dad, husband, and instinctive trad archer. Compounds make it significantly easier and less stressful. Do lots of 3D shoots and it's like riding a bike, it comes back quick.

 

[wcasey755]

Just here to say I can absolutely testify on the difficulty in trying to be full time worker, dad, husband, and instinctive trad archer. Compounds make it significantly easier and less stressful. Do lots of 3D shoots and it's like riding a bike, it comes back quick.

For real! But I’ve never in my life had so much adrenaline or felt so good as when I killed my recurve buck.

 

[HilltopHitman]

That’s what I’m seeing. I’m just wondering if there’s any protection for me as the buyer beyond PayPal good and services?

I’ve bought swaros, western mountaineering bag, and others from here with ease. Just vet the sellers.

If I was you, I’d look at a Mathew’s traverse, atlas (I think LD), or a used lift if you can swing it. PSE, I’d look at one of their many long draw bows for that 32 draw..

You’re a lot better off saving 25 dollars a week for a few extra months to get the best that you can afford, it’s the off season. Cut out your wife Starbucks and make her buy Folgers for two months and get the bow you want.

Edit:I have a 32.5 inch draw length. I’m 6’5. There is a lot of options out there.

 

[180ls1]

At that draw length (31" here also) your ATA should start at 35+" - especially coming from trad bow string angles. Mine is 39", its not that bad at all to carry and hunt with.

 

[wcasey755]

I’ve bought swaros, western mountaineering bag, and others from here with ease. Just vet the sellers.

If I was you, I’d look at a Mathew’s traverse, atlas (I think LD), or a used lift if you can swing it. PSE, I’d look at one of their many long draw bows for that 32 draw..

You’re a lot better off saving 25 dollars a week for a few extra months to get the best that you can afford, it’s the off season. Cut out your wife Starbucks and make her buy Folgers for two months and get the bow you want.

Edit:I have a 32.5 inch draw length. I’m 6’5. There is a lot of options out there.

A traverse and atlas were at the top of my list. I’ve always wanted to be part of the Matthew’s or Hoyt crew! A real archer haha. There’s an atlas on the classifieds here but unfortunately the seller has only had an account since march so im a bit gun shy there.

 

[AlphaK9]

To the OP- I don't have a 30+ inch draw, but I know several companies do make them. One that comes to mind is Mathews- I think they made one called the Atlas that would be a couple years old now. Maybe the new Lift XD- I think that one goes to 33". Good luck.