[buckslayerII]

Hi - am getting back into bow hunting after about a 10 year absence. Had bought a new set-up back then and hunted again with it this year. It's dated, and along with the "itch" for something newer, I want to upgrade my equipment. Have learned a lot reading on here, but I have three basic questions that I can't find satisfactory answers to:
1. Used equipment prices look attractive. But, would I be better off spending 2X as much at a good bow shop to take advantage of their knowledge.
2. My old set-up uses a basic flipper rest - light and effective. Are all of these new rests worth the added weight, cables, micro micro adjustments and complexity to somebody who would rather be in the woods than tinkering with his equipment after it is set up correctly?
3. Same for sights - old set-up is a basic pin through a peep. Put it where you want to shoot and kill the deer.

As with EVERYTHING in life, it appears as though archery has become very commercialized. To me, it's more about getting into the woods, getting in front of a deer and shooting it. Of course, if I can greatly increase my chances of shooting one at longer distances, with less light and with cleaner shots, then I will be willing to buy some of this technology. So, any advice would be appreciated by this semi-newbie who was blown away by the racks and racks of products where the TM Hunter and 3-pin used to hang. Thanks

 

[snoopy]

buckslayerII,

You will probably get so many different answers to this that you will end up more confused in the end. Personally I try not to get too caught up in the new toys. I bought my current bow used in 1993 and have had great success with it. I have helped quite a few people get into bowhunting and I always advise that they start out inexpensive and follow their gut from there. Two reasons: 1.) Unfortunately, most people do not stick with it for more than a couple of years. 2.) The more you are around other hunters and equipment the more you learn what your person preferences will be.

Here is my two cents worth:

1.) Buy a bow that fits you. Go to a least two different shops and get measured for draw length. Ask to shoot a couple of their bows.

2.) Always start out with a draw weight that is relatively easy for you. If 60lb if tough to pull then buy a 50-60lb bow not a 60-70lb. It's usually harder to pull during the hunt than it is in the yard.

3.) When you ask about sites and rests you will get many, many opinions. Just search through this site and you will see. Each individual likes their setup for various reasons.

Bow: It's hard to buy a bad bow in the last few years. I own hoyt but have shot mathews, pse, parker & martin that friends own. I would recommend any of these. I would buy used but thats just me. I know many guys that buy a new $700 bow every year or so.

Site: Visibility and ease of adjustment are most important. Yes it's worth spending a few bucks to move up from the old steel pins. I really like my Trophy Ridge but there are alot of good sites out there.

Rest: For hunting I think the Whisker Biscuit is hard to beat. My friends and I have had great luck with this rest. There are alot of shooters that like the drop aways. I think either is better than the old flipper rest.

Arrows: Don't buy your arrows until you have every thing else. Then have a pro shop help you with the selection. Depending on your cams, draw weight and draw length your arrow choice will vary. Alum or carbon either will get the job done.

Broadheads: I ain't touching that one! Thats the biggest debate on this site. No matter what head you choose someone has had a bad experience with it. The most important thing is that you be able to hit your spot when shooting. Most modern heads are very effective but only if you put it in the right spot. Shoot alot, keep your equipment in good shape and only shoot well within your effective range and all broadheads are deadly.

I buy alot of used equipment and like it that way. There is always a risk but I've had good luck. If you have any archery clubs near by you won't have trouble getting help tuning and setting up. In my experience most pro shops will help set you up and tune your bow whether you bought from them or not. They'll charge you but it will still be alot cheaper than a brand new bow and equipment.

 

[buckslayerII]

Thanks for typing all that out, Snoopy. You raised some good points and more questions:

BOW - I'm a guy who buys most larger ticket items used. Don't see why a bow would be any different? (Is this larger ticket) Anyways, local shop sells Matthews, Renegade and Parker, but would probably service any. Of those choices, I'd tend towards Parker based on my limited knowledge. Would have to drive about an hour to shoot many different brands to see if I liked one better.

REST - have been thinking that the Whisker Biscuit looked very practical.

SIGHT - here's my concern: don't all of those fiber-optic pins get confusing when the moment of truth comes?

Thanks again!

 

[Hendrick]

I think you are on the right track. If I were you I would definitely buy a used bow as many great used bows can be found that are only a year or so old but are dramatically cheaper than when new.

You said you wanted a rest that is simple, then the Whisker Biscuit is the ticket. No moving parts and your arrow can't go anywhere. I just installed one for hunting and I love it.

As for pins, many guys, including myself, only have a single pin. Mine is set for dead on to about 25 yards and I compensate beyond that. I personally find this easier than multiple pins but everyone is different.

 

[dogknapper]

I was in your shoes this time last year. I did not buy a used bow. I bought a Cabelas PL1 (a PSE/AR Clone) that was mid-range in price. I shot it for a couple of months to get a feel for new technology (the last bow I had owned was a Fred Bear Super Necedah recurve circa 1968). Then I went to the pro shop. I bought a new Bowtech Pro 40 2004 that was discounted because it was an unexpected delivery. The bow came in unordered and the shop agreed to sell it discount rather than send it back. I took 2 deer with it this year.

I liked the Pro 40 set up and wanted to try a Pro 40 Wheely. I got one off of here at 50% of original price (a virtually new 2003). I put 80# lbs on it and really like it. I shoot a 460 grain arrow at 28 inch draw; the bow chron'd at 269 FPS. I will hunt with it next year.

I would say get used first and go to the pro shop and try various makes as part of the process.

 

[snoopy]

My bro-in-law shoots a Parker and it is a great bow. I think its the Hunter Mag or someting like that. It's fast and quiet.

As for sights just get less pins. As stated in an earlier post alot of guys just use 1. I use 3 and see no need for 5 but some do. To each his own. If you are shooting inside 40 yards you should really only need 1 or 2 pins.

 

[ks_kiwi]

As others have said, you'll get lots of opinions here.
I've owned 3 compund bows in the last decade - all Mathews but only one was purchased new.
As a lefty it can be a bit harder to find exactly what you want, but I enjoy the challenge of all the online research etc.

Second, the sight.
I went last year to a single pin sight after having had a miss by using the wrong pin in the heat of the moment. I have adjustments I can make on it and shoot out to 50 yds (though that's a little too long for hunting).

The simplicity of the wisker biscuit looks good to me but I haven't used one. Instead, I tried a trophy ridge drop zone this year and was astounded by the results. Saw my groups halve in size at 30yds - best accessory I bought this year..

Good luck.
May you drop a big 'un in '05.

 

[buckslayerII]

Thanks again guys.

I had only used 1 pin previously, so these multi-pin sights look pretty intimidating. KISS works for me!

Also, does all of the fiber-optic, glowy stuff really make it possible to shoot in lower light?

My biggest hurdle right now is going to my local shop and shooting all of the Parkers to find the one I like best, but then walking out and buying it used on here. I come from a small town and I like to buy locally. However, my wallet says otherwise for a bow right now. Sure would like the months between now and next bow season to get up to better form though.