[tracker]

I've been rifle hunting for a few years and I've been itching to get a bow. Anyone have any suggestions on what bow would be best for a beginner? I'm female, my draw length is ~27inches. I'm going to Bass Pro on Monday morning to see what they have. I don't know how much I can draw for weight, but I'm thinking I'll be lucky if I can draw 40lbs. I'll need to work my way up I'm sure. I'm willing to spend between $300 and $400. I'd like something that is good for a beginner but could later be used to hunt if I get good at shooting it, so maybe something that has an adjustable draw weight.

Are there any (brands/types/etc.) that you absolutely wouldn't buy? And why. Are there any you recommend over others?

Thanks!

 

[on_the_fly]

There are many great bows out now. I shoot a Hoyt now myself, but I would recommend you go see what feels the best to you in your buggett. I think the Fred bear bow line is nice on price and has been a great starter for most of us archers. I would think you'll want 40/50 lbs limbs, starting off pulling 40, shoot as much as you can daily but stop before arms fatigue. Shooting with fatigued arms will only caz you frustration in sloppy shooting.

 

[Predator]

Take Your Time.

And I mean, really take you time on this one. do some investigative work online and find a convenient bow shop that carries a good selection of bows and will allow you to shoot from that selection.

shooting a bow at first is difficult mainly because you are not used to using the particular muscle groups needed to draw a bow in your day to day activities. you will quickly over come this and find you can draw more and more weight. so it is important that you select a bow that allows you to significantly increase weight as well as a couple inches of draw length in either direction and feels comfortable to shoot throughout the shot.
My daughters have indicated that they want to have a go at archery, so I am right in the middle of what you are seeking to do. I also got my son into archery and deer hunting last year. after he practiced with my old bow and showed he truly had an interest I bought him a hunting bow. See Below Link...

You asked if there are any lines to disregard and why, the best answer to that is to look into how the manufacturers take care of their customer after the sale. most reputable bow manufacturers make at least an OK bow, and I would not recommend emerging companies till they have been out and proven their worth for a few years.
I myself am partial to PSE and even more so now having gotten my 2010 AXE back. they gave me a new set of 2011 cams NO CHARGE.
I have heard of other companies charging $80.00 just to look at the bow. and then an arm and a leg to take corrective action.
I have included a link to at least get you started. good luck!

Main Line Bows, Stinger 3G

 

[gfdeputy2]

I agree with both previos posts & no offence to Bass Pro but I would also recommend a local bow shop at least to look & try them out proper fit to me is more important with a bow then a rifle. For me Hoyts fit the best others it could be PSE, Matthews or others the local shops usually carry all or most of the major brands & don't seem to push one over the other $400 should get you into a nice beginner set-up (new) but for your first I would not rule out used you can get a great set up for less then $300 My local shop will sell some very nice setups for $125 & up so if you decide you do not like the sport you can easily sell it & not be out a good chunk of change & with the local shops if you do like the sport you can always trade it in on a better bow Just a thought

 

[Guest]

Bow for beginners

I've been rifle hunting for a few years and I've been itching to get a bow. Anyone have any suggestions on what bow would be best for a beginner? I'm female, my draw length is ~27inches. I'm going to Bass Pro on Monday morning to see what they have. I don't know how much I can draw for weight, but I'm thinking I'll be lucky if I can draw 40lbs. I'll need to work my way up I'm sure. I'm willing to spend between $300 and $400. I'd like something that is good for a beginner but could later be used to hunt if I get good at shooting it, so maybe something that has an adjustable draw weight.

Are there any (brands/types/etc.) that you absolutely wouldn't buy? And why. Are there any you recommend over others?

Thanks!

I personally would look at PSE bows. They are really nice quality for the price. Something like the CHAOS FC INFINITY. It has adjustable draw weight from#40 to 60 lbs and will cost around $300. I agree with other folks saying do your home work and try shooting different bows. You can look at my site for pricing as well. Good luck and I'm sure you will love bow hunting.

 

[tator]

I started bow hunting 3 years ago and I purchased the PSE Stinger package for around $400... but now they are like $300 at Bass Pro. It is a very good bow, and reasonably priced. Not a big fan of paying more than my mortgage payment for a bow. Remember you'll need a good release ($40-$50) and Arrows ($50-$75 for 12) and you'll need broadheads ($25-$40 for 3 of them). Just some added costs that some people don't think about.

 

[TexasRem700]

I hunt now with a Mathews Reezen 7.0. Mathews are very expensive but you will not get them from a big chain store and most Mathews Dealers will ensure it is the propper fit and ofter much more help with you bow selection than the big super stores. Mathews makes Mission bow they are less expesive than their big brother line and shoot very well. But bows brands are like ford vs chevy you eiter like one brand or another but get the job done. I shot a PSE Baby-G for over 10 years before buying my Mathews last year.

 

[Kansasdoe]

Mathews bows are expensive bit Mathews mission line is more affordable. My mission craze bow is very adjustable for draw length and weight. I'm just starting out so I wanted something that I could start out with a low draw weight n work my way up. Its also a shorter bow which fits me well since I'm only 5ft 2. it cost me $440 with the bowhunter package. The mission riot bow is also very adjustable as well but isn't as short.

 

[TexasRem700]

The Mission Venture is an amazing bow totaly forgot I shot that bow at a outdoor expo last year and it shoot almost as good as a Mathews

 

[tracker]

shoot as much as you can daily but stop before arms fatigue. Shooting with fatigued arms will only caz you frustration in sloppy shooting.

That right there is probably the best advice I could be given, hadn't even thought of it!

The Bass Pro Shop near where I live is great. I'm sure some of them might be crappy but it depends on who is working, and from my research I knew the bow had to fit so if they hadn't wanted to bother with that I would have gone elsewhere. In this case, the guy took a ton of time with me to select the right bow and get it set up for me, like over two hours of his time. I went with Diamond Razor Edge, it was $329 and the draw weight is 30-60 which is great because it was difficult to pull 30lbs after I had drawn it a couple times. I'm sure I'll work my way up, and they'll adjust it for me for free as soon as I'm ready. I don't plan to hunt with it until at least next season, and I'm sure it will last a few years. At that point if I like bowhunting I might pony up the money for a more expensive bow. Thank all of you for all your advice!

 

[on_the_fly]

Congrats on your new bow ! Now it's time to sling some sticks through that thing !:thumbup:
A real good friend of mine shoots a diamond bow. REALY nice bow, One of the newer companies but I haven't heard any bad about them. My friend realy like his.

 

[gfdeputy2]

congrats on the bow I agree with Fly I have not heard anything bad about them either don't get caught up to much about a more expensive bow being better either yes some of the more expenive bows are built better & shoot faster but I can tell you even the lower priced bows are fast enough to kill deer I have friends that will not give up their bows from the 80's & 90's they just know their bows very well, they kill deer with them so they don't want to change. If you take care of your bow & maintain it regularly It could last a lifetime. Keep that string waxed & use a good quality wax not the cheap department store stick & that string will last a long time. I have said before I shoot around 1/2 to 1 dozen arrows every day all year long & wax my string weekly if I am hunting I wax it everytime I come out of the woods I had that bow for 4 years sold it to a buddy & he has had it for 2 years & the string still does not need to be replaced
good Luck with the new Diamond
one last thing like Fly said
"shoot as much as you can daily but stop before arms fatigue. Shooting with fatigued arms will only caz you frustration in sloppy shooting."
not only that but you can do damage to your body Trust me I pulled 5 different muscles & tore 2 muscles almost 3 years ago & my shoulder is still not right & may never be