Looking for a new bow setup

[Rufus]

I’ve been hunting with the same bow for a very long time. It’s probably time to retire it. I started looking at the new bows and found out really fast that I have been out of the game for a long time. I hunt both out of tree stands and also on the ground. Mostly for whitetails. Most of my shots are taken inside of 30 yards. I personally wouldn’t shoot past 40 unless it was at a wounded animal.

I’m sure that pretty much anything is going to be 100% better than what I currently have. With that said, I would like to find a nice setup. Would like a bow that is very forgiving and “shootable”. It seems that many of the new bows are extremely fast, but am wondering if that makes them less “nice” to shoot. I plan to go to a pro shop and have them help me, but thought I would ask here first for some suggestions.

Thanks. -Rufus

 

[Mighty Mouse]

Generally speaking, bows with longer brace heights and lower IBO speeds tend to be more forgiving/shootable. Those are subjective terms though…what feels good to you may not to someone else. Go to a reputable bow shop and have them evaluate your draw length then shoot every model you can (adjusted to your DL) and see what you like.

 

[jchamwv]

Agree w/ Mighty Mouse, Shoot as many bows as you can from various manufacturers. Don't buy the 1st one you shoot as it will probably feel a whole lot smoother and quieter than what you are currently shooting if your current bow is relatively old. When you find a couple that feel good to you wait a couple days and shoot them again before you decide to buy.

 

[OutdoorAg]

I’ve been hunting with the same bow for a very long time. It’s probably time to retire it. I started looking at the new bows and found out really fast that I have been out of the game for a long time. I hunt both out of tree stands and also on the ground. Mostly for whitetails. Most of my shots are taken inside of 30 yards. I personally wouldn’t shoot past 40 unless it was at a wounded animal.

I’m sure that pretty much anything is going to be 100% better than what I currently have. With that said, I would like to find a nice setup. Would like a bow that is very forgiving and “shootable”. It seems that many of the new bows are extremely fast, but am wondering if that makes them less “nice” to shoot. I plan to go to a pro shop and have them help me, but thought I would ask here first for some suggestions.

Thanks. -Rufus

It sounds like you have a local pro shop, and thats a great place to start.

I'll be a dissenting voice here... I dont think you need to go "shoot all the bows". Thats kind of the customary advice that you'll find. But the problem with that: All the new bows are fantastic. From the major manufactures. You're not going to find a "bad bow" in the bunch.

What is probably more important is that your bow shop can provide you with service for the bow you choose. For example, lets say you love the way the new Mathews looks, but your local shop is only a Hoyt/PSE dealer. I think you just pick between those 2.

Having support is important. Having a good tech that can set you up with with proper DL, draw weight, timing, etc is also important. I think the brand matters less and less every single year. Pick a flagship brand and a flagship bow, and get to shooting.

 

[High Climber]

It sounds like you have a local pro shop, and thats a great place to start.

I'll be a dissenting voice here... I dont think you need to go "shoot all the bows". Thats kind of the customary advice that you'll find. But the problem with that: All the new bows are fantastic. From the major manufactures. You're not going to find a "bad bow" in the bunch.

What is probably more important is that your bow shop can provide you with service for the bow you choose. For example, lets say you love the way the new Mathews looks, but your local shop is only a Hoyt/PSE dealer. I think you just pick between those 2.

Having support is important. Having a good tech that can set you up with with proper DL, draw weight, timing, etc is also important. I think the brand matters less and less every single year. Pick a flagship brand and a flagship bow, and get to shooting.

Solid advice right here