ESEE of the compound bow world?

TrailWolf

TrailWolf

Joined
Apr 13, 2009
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Off topic, but I feel that you guys can help me more than any other group because you understand what type of product and service ESEE offers...

So... trying to get into bow hunting and am looking to pick up my first compound bow in the next 3 weeks and spend under $400 for the bow alone.

With that said, can you guys recommend me a bow company whos products/reputation are in line with those of ESEE? Meaning a company that puts out a bow with an excellent price to value ratio, while maintaining excellent quality and customer service - the ESEE of the compound bow world!

After some research on my own, I've read great stuff about Martin bows. Is this accurate?
 
Martin actually made a takedown compound bow in the 1980s that I wanted, it was called a Rat Pack Bow, no kidding! :D

Martins have a great reputation. I had an old Jennings for years that was awesome. In crossbows, you can't have a complaint with a Horton Hunter.
 
I like pse, but thats just me. I would go to a bow shop and see what they recommend. Do not buy your first bow on line, find a shop and try some out, they will hook you up if its a decent bow shop.
 
bowtech and hoyt both make great bows. They also both have a secondary line called diamond and reflex respectively. These "lower" models are just the 1,2, and 3 year old models that are rebranded and sold at a much lower price. But like the other guys said, If it's your first bow go to a pro shop and get sized up and see what you like. They usually even let you demo different bows. Archery is expensive. Even with a 400 dollar base bow you're looking at close to a grand by the time you're flinging arrows. APA and mathew's also both make great bows but they are big, big money. Like $1000 for the bare bow.
 
Thanks for the advice so far guys - this weekend I'll be upstate and can try a few different ones out...

Just curious though how the martins compare to the bowtechs and mathews that are twice the price? Would a beginner really get THAT much more from the latter?
 
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You could always make yourself a recurve. I did that a few years ago and it worked out great. alot of power. I dont bow hunt, this was just for taget but the arrows hit with the same force as a professionaly made recurve. just my 2 sense. i did use store bought arrows though.
 
I've been hugely impressed with Hoyt, and am shooting my third one now. That said I also like the way the Mathews "solocam" shoots as well. See if you can shoot somebody's setup, or if there's an archery shop that will let you shoot one. If you buy used make sure to really check it out.... cracked limbs (hairlines) etc. Good luck and have lot's of fun.
 
I shoot re-curve bows better than I shoot compound bows. I shoot instinctively with re-curve and use sights on a compound and still shoot the re-curve better.
 
now is the time to shop for bows if your not worried about having the new hotness. the 2011 bows are out and the pro-shops are clearing out the 2010 bows for good prices. Just today I picked up a 2010 martin firecat for $509 out the door, all set up and ready to shoot with a release and 6 easton arrows.
 
I shoot recurves primarily (I have a special fondness for 70's/80's recurves) but mess around with compounds occasionally. Most of my stuff is vintage, though, so I can't help you with the modern compounds. If you're ever looking for a good modern take-down recurve, though, check out Win&Win. They're a Korean company, and their carbon foam laminate limbs launch an arrow way faster than other bows of equal draw weight.
 
Hi guys - Thanks again for the comments!

To be honest, I never really considered a recurve just becaue they didn't seem to popular - but it sounds like a lot of you guys are big supporters! I do like the overall simplicity over the compounds similar to how I prefer a revolver...

@fortytwo - I'll definitely check out Win&Win tonight.

What are the advantages of shooting a recurve over compound?

Longbows are out for me since they will be a bit to unwieldy for the woods hunting up here...
 
TrailWolf said:
Hi guys - Thanks again for the comments!

To be honest, I never really considered a recurve just becaue they didn't seem to popular - but it sounds like a lot of you guys are big supporters! I do like the overall simplicity over the compounds similar to how I prefer a revolver...

@fortytwo - I'll definitely check out Win&Win tonight.

What are the advantages of shooting a recurve over compound?

Longbows are out for me since they will be a bit to unwieldy for the woods hunting up here...
Click to expand...

The only advantages of recurves are 1) the history of them along with the challenge and 2) they're generally cheaper overall because you don't have to accessorize them with sights and rest, etc.

I would not recommend a recurve to get started bow hunting. You're on the right track. Get a good mid-range priced compound bow. If you decide that isn't enough of a challenge any more (that will take a while if you're hunting) then you can move on to a recurve.

Bows are very personal preference. I'd hit some local archery shops if you have them and try some different bows like the guys here said.
 
savagelh said:
Archery is expensive. Even with a 400 dollar base bow you're looking at close to a grand by the time you're flinging arrows. APA and mathew's also both make great bows but they are big, big money. Like $1000 for the bare bow.
Click to expand...

And you sure don't need that to put a whitetail down reliably, that's for sure.
 
A couple years back when I wasn’t sure if I wanted to start bowhunting, I went to Cabela’s and bought a last-year’s-model bow with a basic sight, rest, quiver and 4 free arrows for $250. It was a PSE Fireflight 33” axle to axle. I replaced the rest with a Ripcord fall away rest and left everything else the same. They set the bow up for me, I shot it and took it home. I will not shoot a deer with a bow over 30 yards. Equipment or not, that is the threshold for me. Within those ranges a basic fiber optic sight, and less expensive arrows that are (gasp) .003 tolerance is just fine. If I was shooting 50 yards I would probably need better everything and a faster bow. For what I use it for it works just fine. My dad has a Mathews Switchback and it’s an awesome bow, but way more than I need for how and how often I hunt.
 
+++ on finding a local shop that will size you and let you try multiple bows

It's worth a $40 price diff IMO if they provide good service and get a bow that fits you well.

I personally like simpler designs, less to rattle, less to break. Basic PSE is what I used for the longest. I had it cranked up to 80lbs, it was all set up for me. I never hit a deer that wasn't a full, clean pass through shot. I'd be shaking all over pulling 80 on a 65% bow now though heh. Practice practice practice and use clean, perfectly sharp broadheads when you go out to hunt.

And opinions differ, but I liked big heavy arrows 2219's if I recall, been a while. They punched through anything. That's why I ran the heavy 80lbs draw, to keep 'em flat longer.
 
Ok so recurve is out for now.

So I've been fooling around at work and doing more research - the three bow companies that are in my price range and generally respected are:

-Martin
-Bear
-Diamond

Im leaning towards Martin, but is one generally considered better than the other or is it a ford/chevy debate?

This weekend I will look at 2010 models on sale and get fitted.
 
TrailWolf said:
Ok so recurve is out for now.

So I've been fooling around at work and doing more research - the three bow companies that are in my price range and generally respected are:

-Martin
-Bear
-Diamond

Im leaning towards Martin, but is one generally considered better than the other or is it a ford/chevy debate?

This weekend I will look at 2010 models on sale and get fitted.
Click to expand...

Yep, Ford/Chevy/Dodge debate.
 
I think bragging rights and pride of ownership take the place of practical use and pragmatism in some people's minds and they formulate scenarios, spoken or unspoken as to needing instead of wanting some mystical doo-dad.
 
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