Any Archers out there ?

[lizzyhermit]

I'm looking to upgrade my current archery equipment for target/3D shooting. Any suggestions/recommendations? I am seriously considering an overdraw bow. Pros/Cons ?

 

[jwdeeming]

I would definitely recommend any of the Mathews bows - the solocam coupled with their vibration dampener makes a sweet shooting bow. They're at the upper end of the price scale, but like a lot of things, you get what you pay for.

 

[Straight6Jeff]

Can't help you with the modern equipment. I'm more into the traditionsal gear. BlackWidow Ironwood TFV with a single arrow quiver.



Although, I do enjoy my Browning Drake Flightmaster compound.



What are the advantages/disadvantages of an over-draw?

 

[Shovelhead]

Most of the stuff out there today is reletively similar.

You really need to visit a dealer or a shoot and "try-on" a few from the manufacturers.

An "overdraw" permits you to shoot a shorter or weaker spined arrow, but it also magnifies shooting errors.

On my 3-D bow PSE '91 Limited(yeah it's old ), I'm using a "Slegdehammer" overdraw which permits me with my 30" draw to shoot a 24" arrow at approx 290fps @ 70#.

I've looked at upgrading to a newer bow but can't justify to Wifey dropping $400-500.

Currently in arsenal:

1-PSE '91 Limited (3-D)

1-Browning Bridger (Belonged to my Step-Son)

1-PSE Indoor Target Bow (36' stabilizer and 6X scope)

1-Bear recurve (1951 Target Bow found at estate sale)

Enough arrow building stuff to keep me busy for a couple of weeks.

 

[jwdeeming]

I've never shot an overdraw but have heard the same report as Shovelhead gave - an overdraw can tend to exaggerate your errors. I think most people would agree you HAVE to use a release for that setup. I'm sure they're plenty safe, but I've never cared for the idea of a razor sharp broadhead getting behind my hand with 72 pounds of pressure...



If speed is your issue, you might consider carbon arrows. I'm a recent convert to those and they are incredible. My draw length is 30". My Mathews at 72 lbs pushes 31" carbon arrows with 100 grain tips at 285 fps. At this speed I use the same sight pin for 0 to 30 yards, which is cool, but fast arrows sure make it a pain to find broadheads that shoot decent.



Shovelhead, I have my my grandfather's Bear Kodiak, and my cousin's Bear Cub, both from around 1955. I think the Kodiak is rated at 75 lbs. It's all I can do to string the darn thing - I'd never be able to shoot it. It's a keepsake anyway and better off on the wall.

 

[Shovelhead]

JW,

I found the opposite with my PSE, I tried Beeman carbon arrows, and after I weighed them and crono'ed 'em they were heavier and slower than the 2213s I'm shooting now.

 

[lizzyhermit]

I have shot since early childhood and all my family have grown up flinging arrows. My current bow is a Jenning's Shooting Star purchased in 1979, drawing 65# using fingers. I used to routinely shoot mild jug caps at 20 & 30 yds but that's been a few years.

My thoughts are to go to a larger let off as the 50+ year old back and shoulders could use a break. I figured an overdraw would allow for the aforementioned 0-30 yard flat trajectory and 40 and 50 yd. pins would round out my abilities. Do any of you recall the Bear Super Magnun? 48" overall and wow, what a recoil. Sold mine, wish I hadn't.

 

[Shovelhead]

Along the same thought as this thread originated... ... .....

Anybody done a "Robin Hood".



I've shot a bunch of nocks off, but only "R. H. "ed once in an indoor competition @ 20yds.

It's neat Oo. , 'til you realize you just ruined two arrows @ $10+ each. :{

 

[lizzyhermit]

Originally posted by Shovelhead

Along the same thought as this thread originated... ... .....

Anybody done a "Robin Hood".

not me (many close/costly ones), but my son 27 years my junior has,and has not let me forget it either. In fact, now that he's married and out on his own, how come I still have the RH at my house? Salt into the wound?

 

[TPCDrafting]

I RH'ed by total bad luck once right before archery season. Ruined two broad-headed arrows I was sighting in for hunting. One arrow at a time after that.

 

[Rob Thomas]

IMO, if your a target/3D shooter, speed and power aren't nessesary. One would use a "deflex" type of bow as oposed to a "reflex". In a deflex design, the riser is father away from the string, and way more accurate, and definatly more consistant. Also no need for an over-draw, as it will hinder accuacy. The real good shooters use a long axle-to-axle "deflex" bow, with either round wheels or a solo-cam ( as 2 radical cams hurt accuracy) at a low poundage, and typicly carbon arrows, and large quanitys of stabilizers.



I occasionally shoot 3D, but not in competition anymore, no time. I used my huntin' bow, its a Hoyt Smoke (extreme reflex design, and radical cams @312 fps on my crono) short axle length, and high poundage ( 94#'s) the advantage of high poundage to me is that I use one pin, out to 45 yards, and for huntin', I dig it. I only need to hit the vitals, so pin-point accuracy isnt as crucial, however I have Robin-Hooded several $15 arrows.



I tried carbon arrows before, and wont use them again, with high poundage bows, when I shot, my bow sounded like two silver-ware trucks crashin', that can't be a good thing. I shoot Super-slam, 480 grain arrows, with feathers, not vanes, which I build, as do I build all my own strings. Damn, I cant wait till bow season.



Later, Rob

 

[lizzyhermit]

archery hunting season in Arizona begins is two weeks... and yes, it's till hot !

 

[Rob Thomas]

Michigan's season doesn't start 'till Oct 1st, still to damn hot tho, I usually wait 'till the 3rd or 4th week, when the weather is better. The season goes 'till the end of Dec.





Later, Rob

 

[JSmith]

I shoot traditional longbows,I own two.

I have RH`ed arrows on two occasions.

I still have the alumminum arrows that are RH`ed.



Fox longbow 64#



Stotler Longbow 66#



I only shoot wooden arrows,that I makeup.

Cut to length,taper,stain,fletch,and install nock and field point or broadhead. I use the back quiver with a divider.

 

[Warpig]

Originally posted by jwdeeming

I would definitely recommend any of the Mathews bows - the solocam coupled with their vibration dampener makes a sweet shooting bow. They're at the upper end of the price scale, but like a lot of things, you get what you pay for.

I agree with the Mathews choice. I have an MQ1 and would not shoot anything else. Try one out, you will love it.



Tim W.