Compound Bow Question

[countertop]

Hope folks can answer this, not sure where else to post it.


Since VA is so friendly (at least in NoVA) to bow hunters, was looking at getting a compound bow for this coming deer season. WOuld like to get one now so I can practice enough with it to actually be productive.

Saw a bow thats interesting. Its a Mathews Ultra Light. Bow itself is about 8 years old but looks lightly used. Any thoughts on how long this should last. He's asking $250 for it. is that a good price?? Are Mathews Bows good? I saw bows starting in that price range at Dicks, but they were unstrung. Not sure what a complete set up would run or even what to look for. ANy advice or guidance you have is appreciated.

 

[gunmn74]

Since this is a first bow purchase you are going to need alot of help.
The way the bow is set up now probably wont fit you. You are
going to need someone that knows what they are doing set your
draw length (critical), serve in your peep sight and kisser button,
get the write arrow for it, and tune the bow (you dont want wobbly
arrows). You could buy a bow off ebay and take it too a pro-shop
to have it set for you but you will be much happier if you can ask
some questions and get some good awnsers. Most good shops will
set a bow up for you if you purchase it from them and that will normaly
run you atleast 50 bucks if you have all the parts.
I learned the hardway 15 years ago. I went to an archery shoot and
guys saw what I was doing and tried to help me set the bow up for me
but the draw length would not go where I needed it. I sold the bow and
bought one that fit me and my score greatly improved.

 

[Kingcreek]

gunmn74 is correct.
Get thyself to a full service archery shop and let them help you get set up- you'll save money in the long run.
BTW, Mathews makes excellent compound bows but there is very little range for draw length adjustment. kinda like buying a suit.

 

[1911 guy]

Used bows in an archery shop.

The previous two posts have got it right on. Being your first bow, you have no idea what your draw length is, the sights will not be set for you, the arrows need to be cut to match your length and draw weight, and a hundred other things.

Go to an archery shop and look at used bows. They'll steer you in the right direction. Also, look at new bows from last years models. They're like cars, new models every year and when the new comes out, the old get discounted a bit.

Most new bows are short axle to axle, requiring you to learn to use a release. If you want to shoot fingers, your options will be used or recurve.

 

[Sunray]

"...is that a good price?..." Depends on the poundage of the bow. A lot of places have a minimum draw weight for hunting. Virginia requires any bow to be able to shoot an arrow a minimum of 125 yards. A light draw weight won't do that.
Then you get into the right draw length for you. A bow is a very personal thing. As mentioned, it has to be right for you. Most compounds are adjustable for draw length and weight, but it has to be right for you.
Go to an archery shop and get fitted. Be prepared for some sticker shock too. A good compound bow isn't cheap. Nor are the arrows. $75 to $100 per dozen isn't unusual. The bow shop will be able to get you started with stance, etc.
You also need to be fit enough(upper body tone. Mostly your back and shoulders) to pull a bow without hurting yourself. If you can't easily lift the draw weight, you won't be able to pull a bow of that weight either.
When you get that far, practice shooting at a 9" pie plate starting at 20 yards and shoot until you can hit it every time. Then move out to 30 and repeat. If you're planning on using a tree stand, you'll have to practice shooting from it too. Bend at the waist to shoot.

 

[jamesb]

If this is your first bow, like Sunray said there will be other costs associated with it. You will need to pick a comfortable release, arrows, broadheads, sights. All in all I spent 500.00 getting started. Like the above members said go to a proshop and get fitted and try out some bows. They will be able to size you and give you the best fit as well as arrow length and broadhead weight for your bow and what you will be hunting. Since your profile says your in NOVA 2 shops I have used and recommend are
Hoffman Archery Inc in Warrenton, VA and B&B Archery Proshop in Manassas, Va. Both have very friendly staffs and will answer your questions. I would avoid the chain stores like Basspro, Gander, and Cabela's, you might save a few bucks but the knowledge you get for the local stores is worth it.

 

[countertop]

Thanks guys!

You talked me out of it.

jamesb - do you have a contact number for B&B Archery Proshop in Manassas, Va.?

 

[Aries-]

glad you arent going to go for a used bow. most things used are great, but bows are a very personal tool. almost everything on the bow is personalized just for you. (making it very hard to buy a bow if you are still growing like i was when i got my first bow, got it one year, and the next year things didnt fit right, and i couldent shoot right with it).

only bow id go for used would be a longblow, or recurve, or you know a CrossBow(they arent much different from a rifle these days... just take longer to reload lol)

 

[NateG]

Good, someone mentioned B&B. I got my bow there a couple seasons ago, and I was pretty impressed with them.

 

[dfaugh]

www.archerysolutionsusa.com