[kcisys]

I moved to Dallas three years ago. I was surprised to find that the target archery community is almost non-existent in Dallas! Well, to make a long story short, a new range opened up and I am reviving the archery passion.

My problem is this: I'd like to get a target rig, but none of the Pro Shops in Dallas carry anything for target archers. (Only one place had so much as pin nocks!) I want to be able to shoot some target bows, so that I can know which to get, but the shops wont order them. They don't sell. And, to make matters worse, they don't carry much for left handers! I couldn't even find a LH hip quiver! So, how do I go about trying out new equipment?!

You can see from my signature that I am shooting a Martin Bengal, but I'd like to move into a Bowtech Specialist, Mathews Apex, or maybe even a Hoyt. I'd even go for a bow that's a few years old. Any suggestions how to go about this in Dallas? Would any target archers in Dallas be willing to let me put a few arrows through their bow? (I know that's a big ask!!)

I'd also entertain discussion about which bows are best for target right now.

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[thare1774]

I would stay away from Bowtech if you don't have a great dealer around, lots of CS and warranty complaints, makes it easier to have a good shop backing you if anything happens to your bow. Apex's are great target bows, I also like the Vantage by Hoyt. Both long ATA and stable target bows, can't go wrong with either.

 

[kcisys]

I would stay away from Bowtech if you don't have a great dealer around, lots of CS and warranty complaints, makes it easier to have a good shop backing you if anything happens to your bow. Apex's are great target bows, I also like the Vantage by Hoyt. Both long ATA and stable target bows, can't go wrong with either.

I hadn't thought much about not being able to service the bow with no dealer. That's a really good point. There is one shop that deals in Bowtech, but they only had a handful of Bowtech bows (all hunting). I think that I could get decent support for a Mathews, even though most of the Mathews stuff is hunting.

I might just end up buying an Apex or Hoyt, and see how I like it when it arrives. Like you said, you can't go wrong with those.

I also forgot to mention that I want something with a long ATA.

Thanks for the thoughts. Keep 'em coming.

 

[12RingKing]

If they're a dealer they can get you whatever you want.

I think he was trying to say, make sure they're a good dealer and they'll back you up if any warranty issues come up. In that regard, Bowtech has been lacking lately by some accounts.

 

[12RingKing]

I hadn't thought much about not being able to service the bow with no dealer. That's a really good point. There is one shop that deals in Bowtech, but they only had a handful of Bowtech bows (all hunting). I think that I could get decent support for a Mathews, even though most of the Mathews stuff is hunting.

I might just end up buying an Apex or Hoyt, and see how I like it when it arrives. Like you said, you can't go wrong with those.

I also forgot to mention that I want something with a long ATA.

Thanks for the thoughts. Keep 'em coming.

Both good choices. I'd lean toward Hoyt if it was me. The spiral cams are supposed to be some very nice bows to shoot. Really pleasant by many reviews.

 

[kcisys]

I've not fired either a Hoyt or an Apex. Can anyone provide any insight on how they compare to each other?

 

[12RingKing]

I can not unfortunately. I do however know that you may have a hard time test shooting any of these bows. Atleast where I'm from, most dealers don't stock target bows because they hang on the wall and never sell.

One option you have afforded to you is AT has awesome classified adds. Once you figure out which direction you want to go you can check in the classies for something that matched your needs.

You can get a bow for a fraction of the cost of a new one and usually they're only a year or two old. If you dislike it, you're not out too much and you can just repost it and sell it here.

 

[kcisys]

I knew that AT would be a good place to go. And when we're talking Apex or Hoyt, there's really not a bad choice. Still, it would be nice to shoot em first.

 

[Fury90flier]

See if there is a shooter in the area, probably a few here. Maybe they'll let you come over and shoot some.

I'm in Houston and there a a few shops here, Viking and West Houston Archery come to mind. It may be worth a trip to make a trip down.

Go used...if you don't like it and you got a good deal, you could always get your money back out of it. I'll be picking up a Martin Shadow Cat this week from a guy here. Never shot it but that's OK.

 

[kcisys]

I might have to drive down to Houston some weekend.

 

[3-D Junkie]

I have a custom dipped A7 I just put in the classifieds. It's been a good bow. Its a 2011 50-60# has a 28.5 and a 29" cam and a new extra set of strings.

 

[Takeum]

Look into elite archery,, they have the Tour which is a great bow nd awesome cs...