Looking for a bow

[Twins 57 Fan]

If a guy, we shall name him "me", was looking at getting in to bow hunting what do I look for in a used bow?

I know how to calculate my draw length but what else am I looking for? I would like to start bow hunting whitetails next year.

What is a good draw weight to start at for a tall and skinny 6 footer?

Is a used bow ok to buy? what about dryfires and how can I tell?

Sights? Releases? Cases?

What is a good price range for a decent bow? I dont need anything spectacular but not a piece of garbage either.

any help is appreciated.

[archerystud]

See if you can shoot the bow. The bow should feel smooth to you.

A good rule of thumb on draw weight would be to sit on a bench and attempt to draw the bow back slowly (like you were hunting a deer). My guess is you are probably looking for a 50-60 lb bow.

Check the limbs for cracks. Sights and releases are probably good but there is a ton to choose from there. I recommend a hard case to protect your bow better.

Price, is a tough one. My bow brand new was around $700 and I tacked on another $300 in accessories but I also used some of my old stuff.

I looked on another site and saw a pretty good used one (probably around a 1998 model but still a very good bow) with everything you need for $425. That seems pretty reasonable to me.

[Royce Aardahl]

If you have a friend that bowhunts grill him for info. Most are more than willing to help.

[stick]

This past summer I bought a Bear "Truth" complete setup (bow, quiver, whisker bisquit, and signts) on [YouNeedAuthorization] for around $400-something. This was to closeout the Truth model since the Truth2 was taking its place. It's been a great setup for me. I was looking for a used setup to keep the cost down and I was finding quite a bit online. I was ready to pull the trigger until I found the new bow for that price.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Used bows are fine to buy if you inspect them well.. Look at the limb pockets and look for areas that look stressed or cracked.

As someone already stated, a bow that fits is more important than how much you paid for it. Grip and draw cycle should feel comfortable.

as for poundage. Dont go too crazy. There are a ton of guys out there in the 70's for weight. ANd hey if your huge, go for it. I shoot 57 lbs and can draw while sitting, and havnt moved for the last hour and shivering.

[Bobb-o]

before you go the used route take a look at a good proshop and see what they have in the intro level bows. Fred bear has bows that run for as little as $200 brand new.