Durable Entry/Mid-Level Bow

[pnwsteelheader]

I’m sure there have been similar threads, but I wanted to ensure my usage was factored into any replies.

I’m primarily a rifle hunter for mountain blacktail and bear in Western Washington. Lots of old growth, open timber and sub-alpine habitat between 3000 and 5500 feet elevation, with slope angles between 30 and 60 degrees. Nearly always off-trail so slips and falls occur a few times each season even with microspikes or crampons later in the season.

That being said I’d like a bow (ideally under $1000) that while not necessarily lightweight, would withstand a higher frequency of bumps than what a tree-stand or blind hunter would subject it to. DURABILITY is my primary concern.

Lots of crusty ole blacktail show up on my cameras in late November and December. This would allow me to pursue those when I’m drawn for multi-season.

Thanks for any input.

 

[benconfused]

I’m sure there have been similar threads, but I wanted to ensure my usage was factored into any replies.

I’m primarily a rifle hunter for mountain blacktail and bear in Western Washington. Lots of old growth, open timber and sub-alpine habitat between 3000 and 5500 feet elevation, with slope angles between 30 and 60 degrees. Nearly always off-trail so slips and falls occur a few times each season even with microspikes or crampons later in the season.

That being said I’d like a bow (ideally under $1000) that while not necessarily lightweight, would withstand a higher frequency of bumps than what a tree-stand or blind hunter would subject it to. DURABILITY is my primary concern.

Lots of crusty ole blacktail show up on my cameras in late November and December. This would allow me to pursue those when I’m drawn for multi-season.

Thanks for any input.

Are you a righty or a lefty?

 

[pnwsteelheader]

Are you a righty or a lefty?

Righty

 

[ResearchinStuff]

For durability, probably Hoyt. But what youre really describing sounds like normal Backcountry use, and basically all the major brands have proven adequate for that. It's dry firing that tends to ruin bows

 

[06 SB]

Are you talking $1000 for just the bow or all in? Archery accessories can be insanely priced. I would look at used bows from Spokane Valley Archery (podiumarcher.com). They go over them and put new strings on them. Hoyt is a leader in durability. Mathews and Hoyt have hold their value longer compared to the rest and it is not even close. Personally I would look at those two plus Elite and Darton.

 

[pnwsteelheader]

Ideally $1000 all in. Definitely will be a secondary option to rifle hunting, but wouldn’t mind up to $1200 or so.

 

[2Stamp]

For RTH (ready to hunt) setups just to name a few options. Hoyt Enduro (or previous Torrex model), Elite Basin, Mission Range, Bear Alaskan (or any of the $600-900 Bear RTH bows). You're not asking for a flagship bow, you just want a good one to augment rifle hunting.

The strings are the shortcoming part on some bows, but that's not abnormal. Any set of strings will get you through a season easily.

A shop that has used bows is also a good option.

Go to a shop that has a few of those brands, shoot what they have in your price range.

 

[pnwsteelheader]

For RTH (ready to hunt) setups just to name a few options. Hoyt Enduro (or previous Torrex model), Elite Basin, Mission Range, Bear Alaskan (or any of the $600-900 Bear RTH bows). You're not asking for a flagship bow, you just want a good one to augment rifle hunting.

The strings are the shortcoming part on some bows, but that's not abnormal. Any set of strings will get you through a season easily.

A shop that has used bows is also a good option.

Go to a shop that has a few of those brands, shoot what they have in your price range.

Yeah I was curious about used bows. If it’s something I decide to invest more time in, I’m not opposed to eventually upgrading. Too many pursuits as is with fishing, backpacking, and hunting.

 

[JoshOR]

Great deals on used bows on archery talk. Find a few year old flagship bow from any of the brands at 50 % or more. Love my Bowtech revolt x, found it for $500…

 

[blackveltbowhunter]

For straight up durability against abuse for bows in recent years my money would go to a Mathews V3X or Phase 4, or Hoyt RX7/8 or Alpha X/AX2. All of them have simple bullet proof tuning systems, good limb reputations and integrated component options are rugged.

 

[filthyskills]

I have a VXR for sale if you’re interested. I’d consider the VXR/v3x very durable in my experience.


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