New Bow search

[dyrtnappn]

I am beginning the search for a new bow but it’s been so long since I’ve bought a new bow that I’m just not sure what’s out there. I’ve done a little research at what’s coming out but tbh they just all look the same and I have no idea what all the new technologies are really even doing. I’d like to go to a bow shop and shoot a few but it’ll be a couple months until I have the money. I just don’t want to go in too early and have them set up a bunch of bows for me to try and not buy anything that day so that’s why I’m starting here.

I’m currently using a PSE vendetta and have been for the last I think 11 years. Love the bow and it shoots great but it’s awful slow. My main goal is to get something a little flatter shooting while retaining arrow mass and KE. My bow hits plenty hard but it’s got quite the arc. For example my sight box maxes out at 80 yards so I can’t really shoot beyond that. Id like to be able to practice at 80-90 yards. I do have a short draw length. I’m not sure specifically but I think I’m at 25 or 26” with a standard finger trigger release. So I know my speed will definitely be limited just from that. I don’t have a target number for speed but just something a little flatter shooting.

All this to ask what you would recommend going and looking at. I have no brand preference. I hunt for mainly archery elk spot and stalk in the coast range but I am going to be doing more deer hunts from a saddle in the coming years. I also would like something that’s gonna last another 10-15 years just like my trusty PSE has.

 

[dtrkyman]

Just go to a reputable shop and try several, at that draw length try and shoot some short draw specific bows, they tend to be more efficient at shorter draw lengths than bows with a longer draw option!

There are several other factors to getting increased distance from your sight, sight that is closer to the riser gets you some distance and where you anchor does as well, a high anchor will kill long range capability!

 

[billysmals]

I guess I would ask not what bow model or barnd you want, but what style of hunting you primarily do?

Hunting in a treestand vs mule deer vs elk vs....can help you identify what you priorities are..(besides already speed)

From there I can work towards the bow and that is a question of what it's important to you and your budget.
Lot's of good bows from all the brands (Darton, PSE, Hoyt, Mathews, Elite, Bowtech, Xpedition...and more). It's kinda of what is your flavor, and materials, and priorities? It would take a long time to go through all the models... So shooting them helps with all that. Also price, find a budget and then pick a bow in that range: carbon and magnesium = $$$$. Between all of them you can almost find a bow in any ATA from 29-35 inches with a variety of specs to fit your needs and also in the budget. One brand won't offer all those options of bows, but if you get an idea of the bow specs you want, then you can go find the brand that offers it.

If you are on a budget but want some of the new tech, look into last years bows. Most of the bows didn't change a whole lot. I know my shop was offering some good deals on last years models. You can also buy used from several websites who are reputable to save some money. Many can be purchased for the same price as a new "budget bow" essentially $700-900.

In general if you are trying to get a little more speed then look at a shorter bow. Less than 33 in ATA and more likely around 30 ATA. The shorter bows across all brands mostly skew towards more speed when compared to the same model that is longer.