Compoud bow advice

[GFritsch]

Newbie looking for some advice on a compound bow.



After using a friends Reflex last weekend I realized that bows are too cool! Been reading as much as possible on the internet and decided to go to the archery shop this afternoon and try some different bows. The Mathews switchback XT seemed like the nicest I tried, but all seemed to work well. Any of you folks have any input for a new bow user?



I am 6' 3" about 230lbs and was told that 29. 5 -30" draw was correct, and 70lb pull was right for me.



I am looking for a bow to use for fun, perhaps 3D cometition, and hunting next year when I feel I have a good chance of hitting right.



Any input is welcome...



Thanks,

Greg

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I'm not familiar with what's out there now because I've been hunting with my bow for about 10 years now and haven't had a desire to get anything newer. One thing I'd highly recommend is a high let off bow. Mine is an 85% let off and it sure comes in handy while hunting. I once had to hold my bow drawn for 5 minutes before I was able to take the shot and was able to do it. I doubt I could have with a 60% let off bow. One consideration is that some of the trophy books won't accept your entry with greater than a 60% (I believe it's 60 - it may be 65) let off if your looking for that. Myself I hunt for me - not for the trophies.

 

[LRotter]

You can't really go wrong with a Mathews. I'm a Mathews shooter myself. If you've shot several different bows and you liked the Switchback XT the best, then by all means, get it. Hoyt, Bowtech, PSE, Darton etc all make fine bows and will do the trick. It all comes down to preference. I shoot a Mathews LX @ 75lbs, 29" draw with 405 grain arrows and get 295 fps out of it. You're a bit taller so yeah, your draw should be around 29. 5-30. Just be warned though, archery is addictive as hell. Good luck with whatever you decide to get.

 

[NPloysa]

I have a Hoyt Raptor single-cam I am selling. 70# draw, 30 inches (I need to double check that), 75% letoff.



Nick

 

[RHARVEY]

I went from a Golden Eagle. . years ago to a recurve... and yes you can get hook'd... .



Rick

 

[Paladin1911]

Bowtech Extreme VFT shooter here. While I love Bowtechs, the fastest and quietest bow I ever owned was a Mathews UltraMax. Great bow, but definately the not most forgiving! Like said above, you really can't go wrong with the Mathews SwitchBack. You may want to take a look at the Bowtech (or Diamond, which is owned by Bowtech) Liberty and Justice. Also very nice bows in the same parallel limb design.

 

[GFritsch]

Thanks for the responses so far. I am going to try a Bowtech before deciding.



Also, who has experience with a good dealer in the Sacramento Valley area. I went to a place in Stockton, CA but I didn't feel that the owner took much interest in my new bow purchase. LOL the customer in the store was far more helpful. First a 30" bow fit me, than a 27. 5 inch??? I would, no matter what bow I select know that I got the right size.



Thanks again,

Greg



Greg

 

[GIT-R-DONE]

I like the AR-31, Hoyt Viper Tech, a few others, but try some of them out and see which one you like. Good luck and good attitude about not hunting until you fell your ready. Good Luck

 

[Hummin Cummins]

I have a PSE Firestorm Lite and a Matthews Switchback. Both are last years models. The PSE is way more forgiving than the switchback. Both 70# 29" draw length. I'm 6'4 and "measure" 31" draw length but shoot 29". This is the most important thing to keep in mind. Shoot before you buy and make sure it feels good. My PSE is way more comfortable to draw and hold than the Matthews.



Just like these trucks, bows are addicting to tinker with just as much.