First time buying Questions

[fishingchef]

I am planning on buying my first bow sometime this spring. Any and all information will be greatly appreciated. I am looking for a dependable, mid-priced bow, will be using it for white tail hunting, I understand and have been suggested to look into mathews and bow tech products, looking to spend around $500, will this dollar amount afford me a good bow or am I going to have to spend more money? Ideally $500-600 spent, ready to hunt is what I am looking for.

This is an entirely new can of worms for me so no bit of information is to simple, products, shops, etc. Just starting to research, thanks for the help, and any advice

fishingchef

[I'llTakeWhatiCanGet]

I think you're probably gonna be a little over your budget with a matthews or bowtech. About 3 years ago, I worked in a pro shop and we sold the Mathews FX as a combo for about $500, I'm not sure if you'll find that deal anywhere any more, but its a possiblity.

Take a look at the PSE Nova. Its a great starter bow, and is available with several choices of wheels/cams. The cheapest model comes with round wheels, but for not all that much more you can get it with a solo cam. Where are you located? I could give you a couple names of guys I know if you're in the metro area. Shoot me an email if ya want [email protected]

Good luck in your search.

Porter

[Dan DAN the fisherman]

Look on hsolist or hso_archery_forum.com. There are a lot of Mathews ans Bowtechs for sale on both sites. Just look through all of them, and see if there is something that will fit your needs. I just got myself a switchback a a really good price!

Dan

[Captain B.R.K]

The best thing to do is go into a local archery shop and start talking to the guys in there. You'll want to get the correct measurements on what size of bow you'll need. There are about a million different equations I've heard.......the right one can be heard at the archery shop by the guy that does it 356 days a year:)

If you are looking to spend $500-600, you won't be getting into a Mathews or Bowtech........but you can get into some nice Hoyt's!

[ghotierman]

will budget include accessories? or is the $500 for bow only...that will help determine how far you money will go. go to a pro shop, get fitted right and try a couple different bows. brand name or not...shoot a bow that fits.

[DRH1175]

If you are going to stick with that budget I would look at the Parker Pheonix it isn't a mathews but for the price a real nice bow. If there wasn't a bow called Mathews it would be something I would look real hard at. I would stay away from the PSE's on the low end anyways I have one now and do not like it. You can find several bows in that price range though. You will just have to sacrifice some of the options on a mathews. There is also some mid priced mathes FX, classic that will be close to that range. One of the other best places to check is on hsolist. They have several Mathew bows from time to time and at a huge discount compared to brand new.

[Allegiancefreak]

You need to really checkout hso_archery_forum.com. They sell alot of quality bows cheap. You can get top bows for reasonable price.

Also check out the Bowtech Tomcat. Great bow and it comes complete for $500. Sweet bow.

You can also sign up for hso_archery_forum.com and leave a post about what a good bow setup is for under $500. Depending what time of day you post it you will get serveral answers within a couple of hours. The people there are great. I always use it and get good sound advice for all.

This forum is a great 1 also but hso_archery_forum is used by people all over the world. You can get some great ideas there.

Good Luck

[island guy]

Fishingchef.....I'm in the same boat you are. Limited budget but want a good bow! hso_archery_forum.com is a great site. BUT the more I research I've decided to go to a bow shop, maybe spend a little more than I should, but at least I'll feel comfortable knowing I was measured up properly and have a person I can come back to for tuning, repair, questions, ect. Depending where you live there are lots of good shops, they will often have some good used stuff to. Just my 2 cents.

[jlm]

You may also want to consider buying a used bow. I trade every year or two and upgrade all the time as do many others. You can usually get a used bow all set up for much less than the original selling price. I will caution you though, if you buy private, have it checked out at a bow shop before spending your hard earned money! Good luck and welcome to the wonderful world of bowhunting!

[fishingchef]

Fellas, I definately appreciate the advice, I guess I forgot to specify I live in Minneapolis, and will be headed to WI where I spend spring-fall months. Interested in buying a bow here in the metro, or any recomended bowshop in the bayfield/ashland area, if any? I'd definately rather spend more $ on a good product, than replace a more affordable model in a year or two, but sounds like everything else, technology continues to make once great products obsolete sooner than later.

Thanks for the advice.

[Allegiancefreak]

i would recommend Cabin Fever in Victoria. They have a great selection of bows and Jeff and Brian are the greatest ppl to deal with. I live in Richfield and I went to them even tho I had to drive a bit it is worth it. Best customer service around. Talk to Brian. Tell him Allegiancefreak recommended him.

[Guest]

I will second Cabin Fever in Victoria.They have great customer service and are very good with setting you up with the right gear.I used one shop for 10 years and didnt think I would leave,but went into thier store once and have been going back since.

[Captain B.R.K]

Jeff (Cabin Fever) runs a great business and Brian is a good guy behind the counter. Both those guys are very knowledgable and 1st class customer service oriented gentleman.