First bow?

SAFalconer · Jan 24, 2015

Hi guys what do you recommend I get as a first bow? I was thinking along the lines of Bowtech and more specifically the Fuel. What do you guys think? Thanks in advance.

billc · Jan 24, 2015

Dont get sucked into the brand name at all.I may tell you hoyt but the next guy may tell you PSE . Go to a good pro shop and shoot a few bows of all makes. Pick the one that feels best to you that you shot well when there.

Then get the best rest and sights you can afford to pit on it. Then shoot shoot and shoot that bow and enjoy.

Limcroma Safaris · Jan 24, 2015

I agree with billc. I wouldn't purchase a brand name bow unless of course, you have shot the bow and you like the it. Shoot as many as you can, and see what feels good to you.

I would recommend for a first bow, something that has a forgiving brace height (7" or greater), and a smooth draw with a good valley with a rock solid back wall. Many of these speed bows with the narrow braces and nasty draw cycle are tricky to master even with experienced archers....Also as a last thought, make sure you select a draw weight that is reasonable. I see way too many archers try and shoot poundage way beyond what they can comfortably and quietly draw.

BRICKBURN · Jan 24, 2015

If you happen to be of smaller stature like me then you may be limited to very few choices.
I had two bows to choose from, literally.

If you are average draw length then, as they guys have said, shoot a large selection and see how they feel.

What is it that drew you to the Bowtech Fuel?

billc · Jan 24, 2015

Brickburn after a certain length on arrows us short guys like to start calling them spears not arrows anymore.

SAFalconer · Jan 25, 2015

Thanks for the advice guys. What drew me to the Fuel was the in the review I read on it it ticked all the right boxes. I like the fact that you can adjust the draw weight and draw length. As I never shot a bow before being able to start at a low draw weight has many benefits. The only real problem is that there are now pro shops where I live. The guy I did talk to about bows can get them for me but he doesn't carry stock so I cant shoot them. I'm open to any advice you more experienced guys have to offer.

Stefanus Prinsloo · Jan 25, 2015

billc said:
Dont get sucked into the brand name at all.I may tell you hoyt but the next guy may tell you PSE . Go to a good pro shop and shoot a few bows of all makes. Pick the one that feels best to you that you shot well when there.

Then get the best rest and sights you can afford to pit on it. Then shoot shoot and shoot that bow and enjoy.

This is the best to do, be comfortable and be sure to hit the spot where you aimed!!! Bow shooting is all about practising and not the make.

billc · Jan 25, 2015

SAFalconer said:
Thanks for the advice guys. What drew me to the Fuel was the in the review I read on it it ticked all the right boxes. I like the fact that you can adjust the draw weight and draw length. As I never shot a bow before being able to start at a low draw weight has many benefits. The only real problem is that there are now pro shops where I live. The guy I did talk to about bows can get them for me but he doesn't carry stock so I cant shoot them. I'm open to any advice you more experienced guys have to offer.

Most bow you can adjust draw weight by 5 to 10 lbs and length by an inch or two. You need to have someone who knows how to check your draw length to start.

I would say even if you need to drive a few hours a good shop will be worth the drive.

gizmo · Jan 31, 2015

billc said:
Dont get sucked into the brand name at all.I may tell you hoyt but the next guy may tell you PSE . Go to a good pro shop and shoot a few bows of all makes. Pick the one that feels best to you that you shot well when there.

Then get the best rest and sights you can afford to pit on it. Then shoot shoot and shoot that bow and enjoy.

Bill the only thing I would add is buy the best arrows and broad heads you can afford as well. You could buy the best bow in the world but it'll never be a shooter and won't effectively kill game w/out good arrows and quality broad heads.

thriller · Feb 12, 2015

I have shot a switchback xt from Mathews for 10 years now. It's very smooth and forgiving and not too expensive if you pick one up used. As everyone said its personal preference but this has been a great bow for me. Just make sure you get the best sight you can ( I shoot a trophy ridge react and love it) also a good release is worth it's cost. The main thing is practice however. I hope this is of some help

SAFalconer · Feb 12, 2015

Thanks.

kathy · Feb 12, 2015

SAFalconer, I understand when you say their isn't a pro shop near where you live. I drive over 2 hours one way to a shop. But with that being said you don't wont to start out wrong. call some shops close to you see what they have to offer. get a bow that fits you. as far as draw weight you can always change limbs on the bow. I shoot a elite answer very quite and smooth bow. with the new type bows you don't need to shoot the poundage we did 30 years ago. Forrest

Diamondhitch · Feb 14, 2015

kathy said:
... with the new type bows you don't need to shoot the poundage we did 30 years ago. Forrest

too true, 60 is the new 80

Gordon Knowles · Mar 19, 2015

Hello Guys .
I too am looking for my first bow . All the info I saw here is great and very insightful .
I stay in Randburg can anyone suggest a good shop in the Jhb are . I have heard that Pot Shot is good but they do not stock the bows you guys are mentioning . I Pse a good place too start looking?
I too think that a second hand bow is the right way to go for now but I have no experience and am very weary . In saying this does anyone have a bow they are trying to sell ?
Thanks Gordon

kathy · Mar 19, 2015

Gordon, first of all I have no idea about the bow shop ( Pot Shot ) but word of mouth is usually a good reference .that being said don't worry about the name brand get a bow that's feels good to you and fits you , your draw length is very important. don't just buy some used bow with out making sure it fits you, or can be fitted to you. make sure the pro shop tunes the bow and buy the proper spine arrows for it. hope this helps.Forrest

Wynand Rohde · Jun 4, 2015

Hi Gordon. Magnum archery in Kempton, BlouMeul in Alberton, Archers Edge in Pretoria and Potshot archery as you mentioned. Do yourself the favour and go shoot all the brands before you decide.

Panielsen · Jun 4, 2015

I used to own a Bear Silver Tip and hunted with it just fine. I then put down the bow for many years, and had to re-learn about the new bows. I tried PSE, Matthews, Bowtech, etc. at a pro shop and decided on the Matthews Solocam. The whole rig with accessories cost me about $1500 not including case and arrows. The bow is extremely accurate, light, and what I love about it is that it has a rather small profile, great for my ground blind. My friends have other brands and like them just fine, but I will say they like my Matthews as well. I do agree with everyone here though, and don't shop by brand, but rather by what feels good to you and you naturally shoot well. I almost made Momma mad again last week as I test fired the new Matthews No Cam, and wow! One glaring eye from the spouse made me hand it back to the salesman with a nice thank you! Talk about Dangerous Game!!! Anyway, good luck and keep us posted!

Diamondhitch · Jun 4, 2015

Panielsen said:
One glaring eye from the spouse made me hand it back to the salesman with a nice thank you!View attachment 42945

First bow?

SAFalconer

billc

Limcroma Safaris

BRICKBURN

billc

SAFalconer

Stefanus Prinsloo

billc

gizmo

thriller

SAFalconer

kathy

Diamondhitch

Gordon Knowles

kathy

Wynand Rohde

Panielsen

Diamondhitch

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