Switching bows.

[setterguy]

Would like to get some thougts on this subject from those that have had experiences similar. I am going to be going on a archery moose hunt next fall. I am currently shooting a low to average performing bow, and want to upgrade before the big trip. How long should I anticipate it taking to get comfortable agian with a new bow? Does it take, minutes, hours, weeks, I don't have any idea. I would like to get the bow now, but don't think I can swing it until spring. (I plow snow for a living) I would like to hear your thoughts and opinions. Thanks..

[jlm]

If you have a lot of experience with bows and shooting, you will more than likely pick it up very quick. I would recommend getting a bow that fits you well right off the get go which will help. In my opinion, the feel of the bow is a vital part of accuracy and confidence. Don't get caught up in name brands or advertising, use your gut feeling when testing them out. Buy a bow someplace where you can actually shoot it and get a good feel for it. Another issue is the release (if you shoot one). Either use the same release you have now or one with similar characteristics. This will help getting on track much quicker. What a great opportunity, a new bow and a moose to try it on! Good luck!

[setterguy]

Thanks for the reply. Good point on the release, didn't even think of that. I am soooo pumped for this trip. I know the guy who owns the lodge and I am trading him out for some work so its not even costing me much. He has agreed to guide me personally for 7 days, 24 hours a day in a tent camp 4 miles down river from the lodge. I have been to this area many times fishing, and have seen some real monsters back there. He told me he might be able to get two tags, so if someone was interested in the other one, I could get you more info. A friend of mine has agreed to tag along as a camera man, meat carrier but doesn't have any desire to shoot.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Usually, the hardest thing to get used to is either the Draw cycle or the grip. I would have to say, if you shoot quite a bit to begin with, it really shouldnt take you to long to get used to a new bow. I would give it about a month, just so you get real comfy with it!

[Stratosman]

I agree with the two above posts, I made the switch two falls ago, bought the bow in mid August and was driving tacks with it that week, I think that guys who shoot alot aren't going to have a problem making the switch, it's all in the release technique, if you have that, you should have no problems. My uncle shoots 2 different bows for hunting, depending on the species, and I believe another for league, no problems. What performance problems are you having with your current bow and how long have you been shooting?

[setterguy]

Not really having any "problems" to speak of, it was time for a new bow anyway now I have an excuse. The bow is about 6 years old and was on the cheap end back then. Plus confidence in your equiptment is in my opinion the #1 factor, ecspecially when going on a trip of a lifetime.

[scruffy]

setter:

something to think about...

as long as you are getting into a new bow, you may also want to think about different arrows, different weight broadheads, etc. unless your happy with what you have now. just a good time to make the switch, as long as you are starting from scratch. i know i gained about 40 fps switching to carbon, shorter arrows, and a lighter broadhead.

also, as prev. poster kind of mentioned, the more things you keep the same (release, draw length, draw weight) the faster you will adapt to your new bow.

so how much $ are we talking for this moose hunt?? sounds like an awesome time. and where specifically is it?

good luck with the new bow, and the hunt.

[TomBow]

Let fit and comfort dictate which bow you buy, everyone has their individual preference and not every bow fits every hunter. Probably most important: Go to a BOW shop and get set-up right from the get-go. You can save money by buying a bow at a general sporting goods store (Gander Mtn, Sportsman's warehouse, Cabelas) but a pro shop will work one on one and you'll get quality equipment that fits well and suits your needs. The quality of bows has really evened out across most brands.

The theory on Carbon arrows is good as far as more speed goes; more speed equals a flatter trajectory which helps with range estimation errors. Carbon arrows are more durable than aluminum; the general rule is once aluminum arrows are bent, they are pretty much shot (no pun), carbons are either straight or broken. One thing to consider is that unless you make a change in draw weight or draw length (which increases the amount of stored energy at full draw) a lighter arrow and a heavier arrow shot from the same bow with no change in DL or DW will have roughly the same penetration energy (Measured in foot-pounds of KE (kinetic energy). Heavier arrows may have a slight momentum advantage downrange, after 40 yards or so. From what I've read about moose, most people go with a heavier arrow and broadhead combination to try and maximize penetration (dems mooses is BIG!). I'd suggest a cut on contact broadhead to further maximize penetration. But like all bowhunting, it's all about shot placement. check out moose anatomy to you know where to place your shot based on different shot angles.

Best of Luck!