First time Archer looking for bow, HELP!!!

The Overfishin Condition · 03-07-2009, 09:05 PM

First off, I'd like to thank sliverslinger for offering up some suggestions in response to my WTB ad in the classifieds, and pointing me towards ebay.

What I found when I went to ebay, is that I'm probably in way over my head when it comes to just picking a bow and buying it. I've been around guns most of my life and know about what are higher quality and highly regarded, and which are not. The same is just not true for me when it comes to bows.

So, I'm 6'3", and while I wouldn't consider myself a weakling, I'm definitely on the leaner end of the spectrum... Sliverslinger confirmed what I thought would be the case- a 31 inch draw would be in my ballpark.

So, would people recommend a 60-70 lb draw weight? What about longer axle to axle compared with shorter?

Brands? Lots of questions I know. I've heard a lot on here about Mathews, Bowtech, Hoyt, etc... I just don't know where to start.

Sorry about all the questions, I appreciate all feedback. I'm suddenly just overwhelmed by everything out there! Thanks, TOC.

Adjhunt · 03-07-2009, 09:14 PM

Welcome to bowhunting! And your right, just getting into bowhunting can become very over-whelming.

I know you will get a lot of different opinions on what brand of bow, but truth is all the bows on the market today can get the job done!

Before committing to buying a bow, I would head into a bow shop that carries many different brands of bows such as, Hoyt, Mathews, Bowtec, PSE, Martin ect.....
Draw and test shoot many different bows so that you can get a feel for what you will be dealing with. If you are going to be hiking a lot with the bow then look for a lighter weight bow.

60-70 lb bow would be great for you. I'm just over 6'3" with a 31in draw also.
I would recommend getting a bow with an axle to axle length between 32" and 36".

Over all, getting a bow that feels right in the hand and shoots consistent for you is the way to go!

Good luck, and I hope this helped a little.

Big Unit · 03-07-2009, 09:54 PM

PM'd ya. I have an answer for ya...maybe...and it's in your town!!

Nothing like the pull of a string and the smooth release of that arrow.

BU

Eagleclaw · 03-08-2009, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Overfishin Condition

First off, I'd like to thank sliverslinger for offering up some suggestions in response to my WTB ad in the classifieds, and pointing me towards ebay.

What I found when I went to ebay, is that I'm probably in way over my head when it comes to just picking a bow and buying it. I've been around guns most of my life and know about what are higher quality and highly regarded, and which are not. The same is just not true for me when it comes to bows.

So, I'm 6'3", and while I wouldn't consider myself a weakling, I'm definitely on the leaner end of the spectrum... Sliverslinger confirmed what I thought would be the case- a 31 inch draw would be in my ballpark.

So, would people recommend a 60-70 lb draw weight? What about longer axle to axle compared with shorter?

Brands? Lots of questions I know. I've heard a lot on here about Mathews, Bowtech, Hoyt, etc... I just don't know where to start.

Sorry about all the questions, I appreciate all feedback. I'm suddenly just overwhelmed by everything out there! Thanks, TOC.

I would go down to your local archery shop and shoot as many different bows as you can. I'd have some reservation about buying my first bow off the internet. Being a first time archery buying from your local shop would be the way to go. They will set you up with what bow fits your body and help you fine tune your set up and your shooting form. I'm not saying not to buy online just that you'll get more support from your local shop. Learning to shoot can get very fustrating and demoralizing if your bow isn't shooting properly. Welcome to the wild world of archery.

sliverslinger · 03-08-2009, 07:27 AM

I would second going to the local archery shop and checking out the bows there and find something that you really like. Then you can go to Ebay or somewhere else and check prices. You sometimes can get a brand new bow for 100 or so less. Just shop around. I wouldn't just jump on the first one that you find. There are deals out there.

Eagleclaw · 03-08-2009, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sliverslinger

I would second going to the local archery shop and checking out the bows there and find something that you really like. Then you can go to Ebay or somewhere else and check prices. You sometimes can get a brand new bow for 100 or so less. Just shop around. I wouldn't just jump on the first one that you find. There are deals out there.

you can also find some good used bows or cosignment bows at your local archery shop too. I'm just saying for a first time archery shooter i'd go to your local pro to get all the help you can get.

Oregonhunter · 03-08-2009, 07:48 AM

Yep they are right hit the pro shops and shoot everything they have with your draw length....they will also double check it to be sure its right.

Buy what fits YOU best and feels right in your hand.

For me (and this is just my opinion) I stick with Bowtech and Mathews just because they have good bows and are either made here or have many shops that can do work no matter where I am at if needed. They also made awesome bows that are a few years old now that you can get great deals on....many $11-1,300 range new setups for $4-700.00 now.

But as far as ATA length its really up to you and what feels best, a longer bow may fit you a little better but you will have to decide that....I would get a bow with a good brace height (at least 7") just so you dont take out your arm and does make it easier to shoot in the long run...with your long wingspan you arent going to have to worry about speed at all.

I also like 60-70 lbs bows so you have room to adjust it some. If you dont like 70 take it down to 60 lbs and it wont hurt anything. This is just my two cents

Have fun shopping!!

oh

Firedog · 03-08-2009, 07:54 AM

You apear to be up here in Vancouver, head over to Archery World and they can help you out. Great guys. Other excellent shpos in that area but a little further drive, XXX up out of Rainer is a Bowtech Dealer as is Broken Arrow in Milwaukie. As far as brands go, shoot a bunch and pick what feels best. All the major brands make great bows and it comes down to feel.

sliverslinger · 03-08-2009, 08:13 AM

I bought my Parker bow for 2 reasons.
1. LIFETIME warranty to the original owner. Anything goes wrong with it and it is replaced, ie. limbs, cams, riser.
2. Price. Hard to beat a brand new bow for what I paid for it.

It is a sweet bow and I will show you all at the next archery shoot.

Eagleclaw · 03-08-2009, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sliverslinger

I bought my Parker bow for 2 reasons.
1. LIFETIME warranty to the original owner. Anything goes wrong with it and it is replaced, ie. limbs, cams, riser.
2. Price. Hard to beat a brand new bow for what I paid for it.

It is a sweet bow and I will show you all at the next archery shoot.

Parker makes some great bows. I've owned a couple. It's not the bow that kills the animals it the hunter behind the bow.

sliverslinger · 03-08-2009, 08:28 AM

My Martin bow I had last year seemed to be hard to tune. I think it may have been the tiny axle to axle. It had a really short brace height, like 6 3/4 or something like that. Hopefully this year will be different. Cant wait to get to shooting.

BowKiller · 03-08-2009, 10:18 AM

your local archery dealer would be archery world on 803 grand blvd in vancouver

No Fences · 03-08-2009, 11:11 AM

Don't do it. Stick with the rifle. We don't need anymore archery competition....................................... .......Just kidding.

Listen to these guys, go to the pro shop and let them help you. Also, the longer the ATA, the easier it is to hold the bow steady. Good luck, it's a rush.

The Overfishin Condition · 03-08-2009, 12:05 PM

Thanks for all the tips and encouragement, guys. On here, and in PMs I've gotten lots of help. Sounds like I'll head over to Archery World and check it out! I'll let you know what I end up finding out! TOC.

No Fences · 03-08-2009, 12:07 PM

Once you get dialed in, come out and join us for a 3-d shoot.

Big Unit · 03-08-2009, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Overfishin Condition

Thanks for all the tips and encouragement, guys. On here, and in PMs I've gotten lots of help. Sounds like I'll head over to Archery World and check it out! I'll let you know what I end up finding out! TOC.

I still have the bow here in the Couv you can try out! You'll have a lot of money left too!

BU

Catch 22 · 03-08-2009, 06:52 PM

Don't do anything until you KNOW your draw length. Get it measured. Changing a mod to get the right DL can be expensive or worse, out of existence. Buy a bow that already fits you whether it be new or used. I would stay away from a bow that is over 4 years old or so.

A 35" ATA(axle to axle) would be in the range if you are over 30" draw length. You can shoot a shorter ATA but why?

Hookset · 03-08-2009, 09:12 PM

If you've never shot a bow before, especially a newer short axle to axle bow, you need to learn some basic fundamentals; form, posture, stance, draw, sight and how to use the proper muscles, before you seriously start looking for a bow.

It would be like buying some very expensive golf clubs without knowing how to swing.

See if your local archery shop offers lessons and can set you up with a loaner bow. You may need to buy some arrows and shooting accessories, but it's better to learn how to shot first.

Typically, beginners start shooting bows with light poundage to develop form and gradually move up in weight. It takes time to build muscles and abilities to handle heavier hunting weight bows.

Once you start feeling comfortable shooting a bow, you'll have a better idea about what you'll need and you'll actually be able to distinguish differences between each model. And you'll actually start having a lot of fun when your nailing targets consistently.

good luck,

Gregg