2005 Switchback

[kingr]

I'm new to the archery world and I've got access to a 2005 Switchback for $550, bare bow. Good, bad, or in-line deal?? He put new strings on it last year and the bow itself is in great shape.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Its not worth a penny to you if it does not fit you. Before you even think about this bow, be sure that it fits and will work for you. Then its up to you... I did a very quick search on HSOList to see what they were going on there. And I saw a few in the $450 range?

[koonie]

If you are willing to spend $550 why not wait a month or two and save up an extra $150 and buy a new one. That way you get the warranty. I've sent in three or four Switchbacks that have been dry fired by their owners and the Mathews rep always tells me he'll cover the first dry fire under warranty. That's pretty good considering it's the owners fault for dry firing the bow. The warranty is well worth it. Just in case.

Regardless of what you choose to do, new or used, you are getting a sweet bow.

[cliffy]

I agree with everything that has been said. I own a 2006 Switchback XT....they are good bows....but you gotta make sure it fits you. If you are looking for a new bow...I would try a bunch of different brands and models and see what fits you the best.

Koonie is dead on about the warranty issue. I was checking out my XT about two months ago when I noticed a hair line crack in the top limb, near the limb pocket . It was so small that it was even difficult to see....I first noticed it when it caught my cleaning rag...just like a sliver. Thank goodness I had a life time warranty.....Matthews replaced BOTH limbs without any questions. I still dont know what I did that might have caused the crack......but that could have been a very spendy deal if I didnt have a warranty.

Good luck

Cliffy.

[Gus]

I say no deal. I wouldn't pay more than $450 bare bow. Keep in mind the warranty only covers the original purchaser so you'll be paying for any repairs should you need them. It's a great bow but I think 550 is a bit much with the XT/LD and now the Drenaline out. Bare bow Switchies were going for about 500-550 last year when the XT/LD came out.

[96trigger]

I just dropped $600 on a 2006 XT with a drop away rest, 3 pin lighted sight, and a Matthews quiver. Your best bet is to wait it out. I bought it on hsolist. $400 would be a good deal, 450 would be the right price, any more, and you are doing your friend a favor.

[LoneRanger]

Just to put in my two cents, I would look at a Ross before you go with the Matthews. Just go shoot one and see what you think. I ended up buying a Hoyt Vtech because I got a good deal and it fit me better. However, in the price range you are looking at, I think Ross builds a better bow than Matthews. I know that may make some Matthews guys cringe, but check out the way these things are constructed. I know Sportsman's Warehouse has them.

[arrowit]

Another great shooting bow for the price is the Synergy by Elite Archery 639.99 at Cabin Fever just was over there and shot one the bow looks and feels good.

[savy]

Was at the local archery shop yesterday shot 2 hoyts, 2 fred bears and then shot a bowtech its called the guardian just loved the bow very nice its got a new design looksa little different but shoots nice any one bought one yet?

[jlm]

Well, you may not have known it but you just shot one of the bet bows on the market. Bowtech has really come into their own over the last few years. In my opinion, the best bow maker out there right now (trust me, I was not a bowtech guy a few years ago). Their binary cam system has revolutionized cam systems. I am shooting an 06 Tribute and plan to upgrade again this Year. Best bow I have ever shot! Good luck!

[icehole10]

I just got back into bow hunting last year after a six year lay off. I decided that my old pse would be just fine but after shooting a few arrows with some freinds I found out just how out of touch I was so I bought an 05' switchback loaded for 650.00. I wasn't to sure on the deal I got, but I priced new ones and after I put everything a guy needs you were looking close to $1000.00. So I decided that a used one would have to do!