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Post by swampdog on Jan 24, 2024 12:50:55 GMT -5
Great information for someone getting into bowhunting. My favorite compound bow was an old 70s era PSE two wheel at 55 lbs and about 30% reduction in the draw hold. I shot it best with no sights and killed a lot of deer with it. It’s too old to safely shoot. My best compound was a Parker I bought used. I reduced the weight down to 50 lbs and killed quite a few deer with it. I’m currently trying to strengthen my shoulders and core to take a deer with my Bear 50 lb recurve.
So saying all that, a local shop and either used or a “package” set up is what I’d go with. The local shops will tend to be more apt to build a relationship with you and go a little/lot further with you than a big box store.
Good luck and feel free to use this forum to help with the addiction, if you get that far😉
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Post by bullfrog on Jan 24, 2024 14:07:03 GMT -5
Great information for someone getting into bowhunting. My favorite compound bow was an old 70s era PSE two wheel at 55 lbs and about 30% reduction in the draw hold. I shot it best with no sights and killed a lot of deer with it. It’s too old to safely shoot. My best compound was a Parker I bought used. I reduced the weight down to 50 lbs and killed quite a few deer with it. I’m currently trying to strengthen my shoulders and core to take a deer with my Bear 50 lb recurve. So saying all that, a local shop and either used or a “package” set up is what I’d go with. The local shops will tend to be more apt to build a relationship with you and go a little/lot further with you than a big box store. Good luck and feel free to use this forum to help with the addiction, if you get that far😉 I’ve been out of Ocala for years. If Shane still runs Jerry’s Archery, I can’t recommend them enough. I’ve shot the same bow for over 25 years. If I decide to upgrade, I’ll be going to see Shane. Practice, practice, practice. Don’t skimp on changing out your bow string from year to year. Have your pro shop do it. Want to see what happens when you let your string get worn out and you get cheap? Watch me screw up this spring turkey season years ago: The string was stretched. Didn’t figure it out until after this video was over and I shot a buck in Gainesville high and to the right as the arrows all flew in these shots. |
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Post by meateater on Jan 24, 2024 14:13:53 GMT -5
Agreed on the big dollar bows. I'm still shooting a 25 year old Parker that I bought from Bass Blow and it has killed far more deer than two of my buddies big dollar Mathews bows, my nephews Hoyt, and Bohicas Hoyt, combined. The point being, you don't have to spend thousands on a bow to hunt successfully. I personally like the whisker biscuit or some iteration of it as well because it captures the arrow and is always silent... I got busted (again) one time when my old aluminum Easton arrow lightly tapped a different style rest on a old Bear Kodiak Magnum I had. Thankfully I have learned more from my failures than my successes. before the whisker biscuit came out the deer and other hunters must have thought someone was using morse code. everything knocked my arrow of the rest. |
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Post by One Man Gang on Jan 24, 2024 15:30:34 GMT -5
"TINK,ta,tink,tink"....
"$#$@ this $#$@ing arrow rest!"
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Post by Crkr 23 on Jan 24, 2024 15:48:04 GMT -5
Moleskin everywhere you think an arrow shaft may touch.
Yes Shane is still the owner of Jerry's in Ocala. They have a great staff there and also they offer one on one lessons.
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Post by tampaspicer on Jan 24, 2024 16:51:32 GMT -5
Some very good advise from everyone in this thread.
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Post by Crkr 23 on Jan 24, 2024 17:10:53 GMT -5
Kind of nice to see a thread on this forum where there's no bitching, moaning or agendas. Just sportsman trying to help.
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Post by JS84 on Jan 24, 2024 17:21:36 GMT -5
Ocala is probably the most practical.
What are some differences between some of the mid level manufacturers? Any reason to look at a bear over a mathews or pse. Quality, longevity, customer service?
Those were listed in no specific order I should mention.
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Post by Crkr 23 on Jan 24, 2024 17:56:11 GMT -5
Now we can start arguing. Lol
All the manufacturers make some very good bows, it's a matter of what feels good to you.
IMO, I would go to Jerry's, they carry Hoyt, Bowtech, maybe Bear and Matthews. Try them all, they will let you shoot them and you will get an idea of what fits you. They'll set the draw length and poundage to fit you. The other thing, Jerry's will help you after the sell and not nickel and dime you to death.
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Post by One Man Gang on Jan 24, 2024 18:02:03 GMT -5
In my humble opinion shoot what feels good, and don't trick it out with a bunch of doo-dads. Keep it basic. I believe in a peep sight and a good arrow release to accompany other basic things like silencers and dampers that should come with the bow so you get consistent shooting. I would pass on the levels, and crazy odd balancing bars, for example.
Invest in some string wax and a set of Allen wrenches, maybe a broadhead wrench, and a hard bow case for starters. Over the years I've added serving string, nocks, crimp tool, etc to maintain my bow and make basic repairs in the field or at my truck. I also have dabbled with vanes and other things over the years but not so much anymore. All of my bow equipment stays in the bow case. Ready to roll in a farts breath.
I'll mention one other thing here. Once you've mastered hitting a pie plate at 30yd, take the bow and shoot it in the rain with a wet string and wet arrows. See what happens. It's eye opening. During bow season in my area of the state you WILL be hunting in rain. My son missed a ground level, chip shot on his first bow attempt a couple years ago in the rain because the arrow "died" in flight on its way to the deer.
I'm sure there will be more to add as this thread progresses so keep asking.
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Post by ogbohica on Jan 24, 2024 18:21:33 GMT -5
Just a tid bit of info but the company truflite arrow fletchings www.trueflightfeathers.com is right down the road from my northern crib, they still make em one at a time, dont allow anyone inside the factory and the quality is second to none. Iv e got a whole box of them I should dig up one day |
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Post by floridahunt on Jan 24, 2024 20:31:47 GMT -5
Wicked archery is great. They have my business. You really gotta respect the owner.
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Post by Stumpy on Jan 24, 2024 21:03:31 GMT -5
Ocala is probably the most practical. What are some differences between some of the mid level manufacturers? Any reason to look at a bear over a mathews or pse. Quality, longevity, customer service? Those were listed in no specific order I should mention. JS are you still in Palm Harbor? Go north on alt 19, past klosterman look on the right for Brittions Archery Shop...George is the owners name. He has a range, he is great on setting compound bows to the person. He's a Matthew's dealer.. As far as price and quality..your best bet is to demo the bows that you like.... Don't over bow your self, start low and go up on poundage...shooting form and arrow flight are more important than the cost and speed. |
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Post by altuck on Jan 24, 2024 21:23:06 GMT -5
First one was a 50# Black Bear recurve, still hangs on the wall.
First time I used it drew back so hard that the arrow came off the string.
15 feet up a pine, full draw, no arrow, doe staring at me.
If you bow hunt, you will have plenty of stories.
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Post by tampaspicer on Jan 25, 2024 8:59:38 GMT -5
I don't believe anyone has said this but paper tune your bow.
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