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Upgrade?

4.7K views 14 replies 8 participants last post by  Hawkeye70  
#1 ·
I bought a Sanlida Dragon X8 on Amazon and it has been great, but I'm curious when I should be looking to upgrade to a flagship bow?

I am new to the sport and have only been doing some practice sessions in the yard and at a local range. I do plan on setting up my first hunt next season, but from everything I've read and heard "confidence in your equipment" is extremely important. I just don't know how confident I can be with the set up I have now.
 
#2 ·
Best advice I can give is try as many bows as you possibly can until you find one that fits you. It’s hard to do when your first starting out Bc you don’t know what your necessarily looking for. Eventually though you will figure it out and you might find a mid range you like over a flagship. Everyone is different but everyone’s advice helps.
 
#3 ·
I don't even know what bow you own....sounds like an Asian brand? As long as it is safe and consistent, the first priority of a new shooter is developing solid repeatable form. Every shot must be a mirror image of the best shot you can make....same stance, same grip, same anchor, same float, same release execution, same follow-through. A bow that fits will reward your efforts and continue to do so while staying in tune. You don't necessarily need a brand new flagship bow, but once you are shooting consistently and confidently, an exploration of various brands at archery shops would be well worth your time. Cost doesn't equal accuracy....but cheap often ends up costing accuracy.
 
#4 ·
I had to look up that bow to even know what it was. Looks like a complete package for $199. Did you take it to a shop to have it set up for you? If not I'm going to go out on a limb and say you're probably not set up as well as you could be. Things like your draw length and nock point are probably off to some degree, maybe a little or maybe a lot.

That's where I'd start. A full set up for $199 is going to be low end with low end accessories but you can still get a little run out of it up give it a fighting chance by ensuring its properly set up for you.
 
#5 ·
I had to look up that bow to even know what it was. Looks like a complete package for $199. Did you take it to a shop to have it set up for you? If not I'm going to go out on a limb and say you're probably not set up as well as you could be. Things like your draw length and nock point are probably off to some degree, maybe a little or maybe a lot.

That's where I'd start. A full set up for $199 is going to be low end with low end accessories but you can still get a little run out of it up give it a fighting chance by ensuring its properly set up for you.
Yes I had it set up at a local shop. It's a great little bow but as you mentioned it definitely has low end parts.
 
#7 ·
I agree with a lot of what others have said above....BUT, that being said, I also believe absolute confidence in your equipment is paramount. Your mind is THE most valuable aspect of shooting a bow, it can also be your biggest enemy shooting a bow. So if there is even .00001% doubt in your set up, that WILL eventually get into your head and negatively affect your shooting. You can go to most good pro shops and find brand new flagship bows that are just old stock, or even set up, used flagship bows in excellent shape, for really pretty good deals. That is the route I would suggest, unless budget is really no concern...which is not the case for most of us. The materials, and parts, in a higher end bow, absolutely make a big difference. Also customer service of a 'main line' manufacturer is going to be there with no question....even if you buy used, you may still have to pay for some parts or service....but they are still having your back. A good dealer is also an important part if you don't have the equipment and knowledge to work on your own bows.
Also, hiring a professional coach, or finding a knowledgeable mentor who is willing to help you, and show you the right things to do, and what not to do...are very helpful aspects. Once you decide that you are in for the long game....try to save up and get yourself a bow press and learn your bow intimately(some take this to that weird, yucky level😃)....but those are all things to consider. And be patient, and try to do your builds the way you really want them....the first time, even if that takes a bit longer.
Your bow should absolutely get the job done, if it is tuned, fits you...and you are taught the correct form, and execution of the shot process....but equipment is really secondary to proper form, fit, and shot execution.....just some things to consider. Hopefully I did not overwhelm you. Also do not try to shoot a bow that is too hard for you to easily pull back. If you can not sit flat on your butt...a d draw the bow STRAIT back, relatively easily...it is too much. Pulling too much weight will also destroy your form, and maybe your body.....
 
#8 ·
I believe everyone should start out with a “entry level” bow or any type if equipment for that matter. Just like every kids first car should be a POS. Builds character for one, and it makes you appreciate what you have. When you finally work yourself into an upgrade you will appreciate it that much more.
 
#9 ·
Valid points ...but why would you want even a chance at breakage or equipment failure in something like beginning archery? The beginning archer, draws his bow back, and a catastrophic failure like a cheap made cam with a burr, cuts a string and the bow blows up in their face ...that will be on their mind EVERY single time they draw a bow back....for years after that. Any failure of equipment is going to get in your head.. I shot for years and years, and was very confident in my shot and abilities....and the first time my CPx limb let go at full draw....it took me years to get over that fear. I feel I was an accomplished archer by that point, by no means a world champion....but that one equipment failure git in my head for years....I think that would be horrible for a new archer to try to over come...and I understand that an 'entry level bow is far different from an inferior non-name branded bow....but I also believe no matter what level of archery you are at, that you should get the best equipment you can. You also can not buy skill, I see this a lot in combative pistol class....people think they can substitute poor trigger control or shot anticipation with a custom trigger...and all the best gear in the world will never work, without proper shot execution....but I think confidence in your gear let's your mind focus on what your mind should focus on....aiming. I believe there should be a fine balance of both....of course skill and execution being the larger part of the equation.
 
#11 ·
Took my entry level bow and did a course at a local range. I'm happy to say it kept up with my buddies hoyt torrex, but I did notice one large inconvenience. He has a new single pin sight and I'm still using my generic 5 pin. His quick adjustments he could make made his confidence skyrocket while I was trying to figure out where to sight in at 45 yards.

Needless to say I was extremely happy with how my budget bow preformed and am on the search for a new sight haha. I love all the input from everyone. Thank you!

I think I'm going to stick with my set up for now and when the time is right look for a used flagship.
 
#14 ·
I have been shooting/hunting for a long time...and although a single pin slider does have a cleaner sight picture...and you can adjust it to the exact yard....you would not catch me dead in the woods with a single pin slider....some people make it work....but to me it is just dumb to hunt with one....you have to worry about getting the animal ranged, and then adjusting your sight...then drawing back all while not being detected by an animal. I bow hunt almost exclusively from the ground, in Ohio for white tails....and I would take your 'generic' 5 pin sight over the most fancy single pin slider on the market....7 days a week. With my V3x 33, I have the Axcel/Mathews 5 pin BL sight, but I think I am gonna try out the Sure Loc Carbonix sight....for target and maybe even 3D....but you can bet the deed to your house if I am hunting....I will have a 5 pin in the bow. Just my opinion. I think a 3 pin slider, may be okay for hunting....because you have a way greater chance of getting a shot in the top three pin ranges....but a single pin...no way for me as far as a hunting set up.
 
#12 ·
You can upgrade your accessories and change them over to a new bow in the future.
 
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#13 ·
Entry level is absolutely sufficient....not long ago John Dudley took an entry level Hoyt and used it almost exclusively for a season...when he pretty much got any bow he wanted for free...he did that just to show that you don't HAVE to have the best bow on the market....obviously before he switched to PSE....but I guess my biggest point would be to buy the absolute best that you can afford....but like someone said above, almost all of them will shoot better than we can, of they are tuned and fir to the archer.
 
#15 ·
When you can justify spending $1,200 for just the "flagship bow". Everything else is extra.

I just bought a Sanlida. I feel it's a sold bow for the price. I haven't chrono'd it yet. I've seen what others have tested the speed at, but I'm not drawing an 80#-90# bow. Mine is more like 45#. Maybe it's 250-300 FPS. I believe the higher poundage Sanlida was 300-350 FPS.