Getting Back into Archery

[louisianahunter]

Good morning everyone,
I've been a very casual bow hunter in Louisiana, always keep shots under 25 yrds. Been using a 12-year-old budget bow that’s served me well enough, but I just drew a late archery New Mexico mule deer tag—and I know that’s a whole different game when it comes to shot distance and precision.

So I’m finally diving back into the world of archery and upgrading my entire setup. I’ve got the time (and now, thankfully, the means) to invest in something solid. I’m not looking for budget or used gear this time, but I also don’t want to spend more than I need to just for the sake of buying top-shelf.

That said, I’ve been out of the loop tech-wise for the last decade, so I could really use some guidance on where to focus. I'd say I'm pretty close to a "new bow hunter" despite the fact that I have killed a few with my old bow. I’m planning to hit up my local pro shop next week and ideally walk out with a full setup so I can spend the next 9 months getting dialed in. Really appreciate any input on where to start, what’s worth the money, and what you wish you’d known when you upgraded. Happy to have recommendations on what bows/rests/sights to look at or recommendations of topics to think about my priority.

• How much does axle-to-axle length really affect stability for longer shots?
• Is a carbon bow worth the premium in terms? I thought heavier mass was better for stability?
• Bows like the Mathews Lift look interesting, but I’m hesitant about being locked into proprietary accessories—any thoughts on that trade-off?
• Low profile quivers seem to be pretty important?
• Are most rests/sights/stabilizers still generally compatible across brands, or are there new trends in integration I should be aware of?
• What other questions should I be asking that I might be missing as someone jumping back in?

Sorry I know I'm shot gunning a lot of questions at once. Typically when buying a rifle I'll take months reading reviews/holding guns before committing. I figure what matters most right now is I get shooting soon. Also this bow will probably get used more for white tail woods, but I'd rather it built for out west (maybe elk next year?).

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bump79]

Good morning everyone,
I've been a very casual bow hunter in Louisiana, always keep shots under 25 yrds. Been using a 12-year-old budget bow that’s served me well enough, but I just drew a late archery New Mexico mule deer tag—and I know that’s a whole different game when it comes to shot distance and precision.

So I’m finally diving back into the world of archery and upgrading my entire setup. I’ve got the time (and now, thankfully, the means) to invest in something solid. I’m not looking for budget or used gear this time, but I also don’t want to spend more than I need to just for the sake of buying top-shelf.

That said, I’ve been out of the loop tech-wise for the last decade, so I could really use some guidance on where to focus. I'd say I'm pretty close to a "new bow hunter" despite the fact that I have killed a few with my old bow. I’m planning to hit up my local pro shop next week and ideally walk out with a full setup so I can spend the next 9 months getting dialed in. Really appreciate any input on where to start, what’s worth the money, and what you wish you’d known when you upgraded. Happy to have recommendations on what bows/rests/sights to look at or recommendations of topics to think about my priority.

• How much does axle-to-axle length really affect stability for longer shots?
• Is a carbon bow worth the premium in terms? I thought heavier mass was better for stability?
• Bows like the Mathews Lift look interesting, but I’m hesitant about being locked into proprietary accessories—any thoughts on that trade-off?
• Low profile quivers seem to be pretty important?
• Are most rests/sights/stabilizers still generally compatible across brands, or are there new trends in integration I should be aware of?
• What other questions should I be asking that I might be missing as someone jumping back in?

Sorry I know I'm shot gunning a lot of questions at once. Typically when buying a rifle I'll take months reading reviews/holding guns before committing. I figure what matters most right now is I get shooting soon. Also this bow will probably get used more for white tail woods, but I'd rather it built for out west (maybe elk next year?).

Thanks in advance!

• Axle to axle length is about string angle primarily. With a shorter ATA bow you have a steeper string angle and with longer shots and slider sights you're peep alignment is critical and when it's steep it's harder. It really depends on your draw length. What's your draw length? A 33" ATA fits most guys well enough for hunting.
• IMHO Carbon isn't worth the cost.
• With a Lift, you can still use normal accessories. You don't have to use the integrate stuff but it's nice.
• I love a Tightspot 5 arrow (longer version) quiver and second gripper. The low profile quivers are nice but not mandatory. However, these have been out forever and you can find them on classifieds all the time. No brainer to me.
• I personally am not a big fan of long stabilizers when hunting. Just find a decent carbon non-fancy one and get the balance right. It's not about make or model but about the effort you put into getting it right.

If it was me and I wanted the best bang for my buck, I'd do this:

• Bow: Get a leftover new Prime Revex or RVX. You then get free strings and cables every 2 years for life if you're the original owner. You can pick these up new for $750 or so.
• Rest: I personally think rests are a little over thought for the average guy. I've had QAD, Ripcord, AAE and Hamskea. I like the micro adjust on the QAD best and I've never had an issue with them. Just get one of these with micro adjust and use whatever you're used to for cable or limb driven.
• As for a bow sight - it's tough to go wrong with a major manufacturer. They've make some great upgrades the last few years. I'd find a HHA Nytrx or Spott Hog Boonie.
  • https://www.hhasports.com/products/nytrx/
• Stabilizer - Personally, I love the Beestinger Counterslide 15" as you can move it forward and back, take away and add weight to get it just right. Easier, more compact and not that expensive.
• Quiver - Tightspot 5 arrow longer version. Add dual gripper or foam in the top for extra security.

 

[louisianahunter]

• Axle to axle length is about string angle primarily. With a shorter ATA bow you have a steeper string angle and with longer shots and slider sights you're peep alignment is critical and when it's steep it's harder. It really depends on your draw length. What's your draw length? A 33" ATA fits most guys well enough for hunting.
• IMHO Carbon isn't worth the cost.
• With a Lift, you can still use normal accessories. You don't have to use the integrate stuff but it's nice.
• I love a Tightspot 5 arrow (longer version) quiver and second gripper. The low profile quivers are nice but not mandatory. However, these have been out forever and you can find them on classifieds all the time. No brainer to me.
• I personally am not a big fan of long stabilizers when hunting. Just find a decent carbon non-fancy one and get the balance right. It's not about make or model but about the effort you put into getting it right.

If it was me and I wanted the best bang for my buck, I'd do this:

• Bow: Get a leftover new Prime Revex or RVX. You then get free strings and cables every 2 years for life if you're the original owner. You can pick these up new for $750 or so.
• Rest: I personally think rests are a little over thought for the average guy. I've had QAD, Ripcord, AAE and Hamskea. I like the micro adjust on the QAD best and I've never had an issue with them. Just get one of these with micro adjust and use whatever you're used to for cable or limb driven.
• As for a bow sight - it's tough to go wrong with a major manufacturer. They've make some great upgrades the last few years. I'd find a HHA Nytrx or Spott Hog Boonie.
  • https://www.hhasports.com/products/nytrx/
• Stabilizer - Personally, I love the Beestinger Counterslide 15" as you can move it forward and back, take away and add weight to get it just right. Easier, more compact and not that expensive.
• Quiver - Tightspot 5 arrow longer version. Add dual gripper or foam in the top for extra security.

Hey thanks for the response this is giving me a great place to start. I'll have to look into specific products.

My draw length is around 29" but I want to get checked by two different pro shop staff if possible. So I think around 33ATA is right.

What about Prime makes you favor their bows?

As far as cable vs limb driven are there any trade offs? On my old bow all I've used is a whisker biscuit lol.

When it comes to sight I've heard movable sight isn't the best for western and fixed is preferable? I was thinking 3 pin with floating 3rd for compromise.

And I guess 15in stabilizer is short to you? I think my current one is 6 or 8".

 

[louisianahunter]

Additional question to any:
I've always used the shitty release I bought 12 years ago. Is now a good time to look into other release styles (back tension/thumb/hinge)? Or just upgrade to better wrist trigger release?

 

[Bump79]

Hey thanks for the response this is giving me a great place to start. I'll have to look into specific products.

My draw length is around 29" but I want to get checked by two different pro shop staff if possible. So I think around 33ATA is right.

What about Prime makes you favor their bows?

As far as cable vs limb driven are there any trade offs? On my old bow all I've used is a whisker biscuit lol.

When it comes to sight I've heard movable sight isn't the best for western and fixed is preferable? I was thinking 3 pin with floating 3rd for compromise.

And I guess 15in stabilizer is short to you? I think my current one is 6 or 8".

I agree with the 33 ATA at 29". That would be a good fit.

I like the quality of Prime and they shoot great. There's so many good bows now it's tough to say xx is sooo much better. So for me the free strings and cables every two years is killer. At $150+ a set in 6 years that's $450. Then even if I get a new bow I can keep that one as a backup for life that always has free strings.

Oh man, the limb vs cable driven is like the fixed vs mechanical debate. I don't really want to dive into it Both work fine IMHO.

I like a 3-4 pin slider for out west. Must have a 2nd and 3rd axis adjustment.

Well, the 15" counterslide is like having a 6" back bar an 9" front. So it's way more compact that you'd think. I've had both the 12 and 15". 12" is super nice for whitetail.

 

[CoWapiti]

I just went through the same thing in terms of upgrading my setup. I ended up with a Lift 33 I purchased new at a huge discount from my local dealer. I'm a 30.5" draw and the 33ATA feels great to me. My old bow was a similar ATA. I went with a Hamskea Epsilon for the rest and like it so far. I chose a spot hogg boonie 3 pin vertical for the sight and absolutely love it. I went with the bridgelock dovetail mount and personally really like it compared to a traditional mount on the side of the riser. I totally understand the mentality of feeling forced into buying proprietary accessories but almost all of these sights/rests etc are available with mounting solutions to fit almost every bow so you really aren't stuck buying anything. I did go with the mathews 1 piece low pro detachable quiver as it is touted as one of the best designs out there and I have to say, it's pretty dang nice. Fwiw, I'm not a mathews fan boy. This is my first mathews bow, but I'm really enjoying it so far. I haven't purchased a stabilizer yet and have been shooting without one, but might buy a crossover 821 stabilizer to try out. The adjustable concept seems interesting to me, and people seem to like them.

I didn't feel like a carbon bow was worth it for the price. I shot a few before buying and they are nice, but I didn't feel like spending that kind of money.

I also upgraded releases from an old Scott little goose to a Carter Like Mike II. I really like the Carter a lot more and feel like it's helped improve my shooting. I also picked up a Wise Choice thumb button and shoot them both frequently. I don't know that I'll hunt with the thumb button this year, but maybe in the future. I'm just more comfortable with the Like Mike right now.

Good luck with your upgrading and have fun!