On the hunt for a new backcountry bow

[rds1865]

For the last 5 years, my backpack backcountry elk hunting has been done with my 2016 PSE Drive R - 70#, 28" draw. It has gone 4 of 5 on elk, all under 20 yards on 4 shots. Before this season, one of my limbs splinted 2 weeks before the season opened. I had previously purchased an extra set of limbs, so got it back in service in time.

It's been a great bow, near ideal for my use - lightweight (3.8# bare), plenty accurate, plenty powerful (336 IBO and gets 330), compact (30" ATA) etc.

There isn't a place to shoot all the potentially fitting bows, so I'm trying to narrow the field and then get to stores that carry them for testing.

If I keep a bow similar in spec to what I have, the following would be good fits:

- Mathews ARC 30
- Hoyt RX-10
- PSE Mach 30
- Xpedition NexLite 30 (intrigued by this bow, never held one or any magnesium/magnesium blend for that matter)
- Bowtech Alliance 30

If I stayed in the budget category which the Drive R was, I'd look at:

- Darton Consequence SD (only goes to 60#, if it went to 70#+ I'd probably buy it if it tested good for me)
- Find a used Drive R (boring, but smart & effective)
- Bear Whitetail Int or Resilient

If I opted for a longer ATA for a wider range of western hunting applications, these are on the list:

- Mathews ARC 34
- PSE Mach 33 or Sicario
- Xpedition NexLite 33
- Bowtech Alliance 33
- Prime Divide 33

I'd default to Mathews, although I've never owned one, just due to having parts availability and resale value should I need either. Otherwise, I'm open to feedback. While I'll spend time testing bows I can get my hands on, I would prefer to limit the list before doing in person shopping. I'm hours away from full service shops with reasonable inventory.

Specs I'd prefer, sub 4.25#, shootable over speed (although both are a bonus and I don't mind going up in draw weight), packable, reliable. Have full service shop at my house. So tuning and other features are great, but not deal makers or breakers. If you have experience with these in your own quest, would love to hear the feedback.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

The pse carbon bows are my favorites.

 

[sf jakey]

I just spent some time with the pse, the Hoyt and the Mathews. All very close, Hoyt being the heaviest. Honestly, I find the Mathews hard to beat, same weight as pse. About the same speeds and much less expensive. Mathews was much more quiet and dead in hand, but that was a bare bow vs bare bow. FWIW, I really want to justify the PSE, but really can’t.

 

[rds1865]

I just spent some time with the pse, the Hoyt and the Mathews. All very close, Hoyt being the heaviest. Honestly, I find the Mathews hard to beat, same weight as pse. About the same speeds and much less expensive. Mathews was much more quiet and dead in hand, but that was a bare bow vs bare bow. FWIW, I really want to justify the PSE, but really can’t.

Which Mathews and which PSEs did you shoot 30s and/or 33/34? Makes sense on the carbon.

 

[fatlander]

I don’t think carbon is worth the squeeze. They’re louder, finishes never hold up, and they’re stupid expensive.

Buy a year old lift x or Hoyt AX and put the difference into a really good rest, sight, and quiver. You’ll get a fully rigged out bow for a little more than the price of a bare new bow.


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[Wirrex]

I’m no real help because I lug around a 36” Mathews title. If I were you I would buy what fit the best and felt the best on the shot.

 

[swavescatter]

I think it would be wise to visit a pro shop with most of these bows in stock to shoot back to back.

I went cold turkey to a shop with zero bias. I had heard of Hoyt, Bear and Mathews but didn’t appreciate any differences. I shot several bows not having ever pulled back a compound. When I shot the Mathews last my jaw dropped at how quiet and refined it seemed. The tech knew to give me that bow last and was already smirking.

 

[rds1865]

I think it would be wise to visit a pro shop with most of these bows in stock to shoot back to back.

I went cold turkey to a shop with zero bias. I had heard of Hoyt, Bear and Mathews but didn’t appreciate any differences. I shot several bows not having ever pulled back a compound. When I shot the Mathews last my jaw dropped at how quiet and refined it seemed. The tech knew to give me that bow last and was already smirking.

Hear this about Mathews with regularity. I'll make sure the shop has them in stock or prioritize at least one shop visit that does.

 

[rds1865]

I’m no real help because I lug around a 36” Mathews title. If I were you I would buy what fit the best and felt the best on the shot.

Don't those long bows point and hold great though? Good advice, thanks.