New Compound Bow Recommendations

[medic11]

I quit bow hunting several years ago because it was so dang hot during bow season, now I'm out west and several areas are bow only. What's the best bang for the buck on bows these days ?

[RebelYelp]

what's your price range ? PSE has some phenomenal bows, especially without breaking the bank. I also sell Elite and would put them against any competitor as well. The biggest thing is shooting as many as you can, taking the pros and cons of each, then choose the one that "fits" you the best. Be glad to help any way I can.

[skywalker]

I bought an Elite Hunter last summer after not bow hunting for about 6 years. I shot some before purchase and it was a sweet shooting rig. Good luck!

[jdbuckshot]

There are a lot of great bows on the market.

choose one of the following - Bowtech, Matthews, elite, Hoyt.

They are all good - just go shoot them and find one you like. I would definatly get one in the 70# range.


However - the way you set it up is much more important than the actual bow you buy.

your going to be hunting deer sized game and larger - so you need a heavy arrow. and a good penetrating (fixed blade) broad head.

I would look at some arrows in the 10+ GPI range with a good 125 grain or heavier broad head - like a slick Trick or VPA, or a good two blade.

you need to target an arrow in the 450 plus grain total weight. I would never shoot an arrow at an elk that was less than that weight.

Every shop I have been to in MS tries to sell light arrows, light broad heads, and fast set ups - this is not what you want for hunting big game....

[medic11]

Thanks Jim, picked up a new bow today. I'll definitely take your advice since you've walked the same trails I'll be hunting on.

[Seymore]

I have a Switchback I bought brand new and have thought about replacing a time or two. I go shoot new bows every year and there just hasn't been anything since the Switchback that just grabs me to the point of replacing the Switchback. I'm not knocking the new stuff as there are some really good bows out there. You can look up the reviews and see there are a lot of folks who think it's the best made so far and until something really revolutionary comes along they ain't changing. If you don't mind buying used then look for a used Switchback or Switchback ET. They hold their value and you can expect to pay anywhere from $300-$500.

[mfalkner]

There are a lot of great bows on the market.

choose one of the following - Bowtech, Matthews, elite, Hoyt.

They are all good - just go shoot them and find one you like. I would definatly get one in the 70# range.


However - the way you set it up is much more important than the actual bow you buy.

your going to be hunting deer sized game and larger - so you need a heavy arrow. and a good penetrating (fixed blade) broad head.

I would look at some arrows in the 10+ GPI range with a good 125 grain or heavier broad head - like a slick Trick or VPA, or a good two blade.

you need to target an arrow in the 450 plus grain total weight. I would never shoot an arrow at an elk that was less than that weight.

Every shop I have been to in MS tries to sell light arrows, light broad heads, and fast set ups - this is not what you want for hunting big game....

Very good advice here. I shoot recurves but the same principle applies - ~10gpi with some weight up front = consistent penetration and a quieter, less shocky, bow. And keep the broadheads sharp enough that you're scared of them.