Basically, I'm in the market for a new to me, or new bow altogether. Currently I'm shooting an original X Force. I used to be obsessed with speed. Not so much anymore. With todays newer bows, most are pretty dang fast relatively speaking. Ever since I had my lung surgery a couple years ago, my right shoulder tingles all the time and is just not as strong as it should be. Something about the way they tied it up, and did the second hole through my back. Even as im typing now, it tingles. That being said, I really would like a smoother drawing bow, that's easier to hold in hunting situations. I'll be shooting probably 60lbs. Coupled with the right arrow setup, I'd still like to be close to 300 fps if thats at all possible. From the little research I've done so far, I've gathered that a modern day 6" brace height bow is comparable to a 7" brace height of 7-8 years ago. I will probably go to a couple local archery shops and handle several different brands. A couple years ago I handled an Elite 32, maybe, and really liked it. I've handled some Hoyts, and love how smooth they are. Not sure if I wanna go all out fag and try a Matthew's, but I'm open minded. A few disclaimers: Im not super knowledgeable on setting up bows myself, or tinkering with them like alot of you guys. I usually depend on the bow shop to set it up, I sight it in, and kill shit with it. And I do like doing some 3-D with it in summer just to keep sharp. So, if anything clicks here that makes you say "oh, he needs to pick this one up. Or needs to try this out, lemme hear it". Oh, I currently have a Trophy Ridge React site, a vapor trail rest, so I dont necessarily need a whole setup
New Bow Purchase (picking your brains)
- Thread starter Redhunter1012
- Start date
Oh. I've been shopping on Archerytalk, and they have some killer deals on bows there, but before I pull the trigger, I definitely wanted any umput from you guys
- 25,126
- 261
My kid makes fun of me for it, but IMO, the Mathews Switchback is still the smoothest bow going. I take my antique Switchback to shoots and without fail people will stop me to look at it and say, “I wish I still had mine”. They are fantastic IMO and can be bought for two or three hundred bucks Mason has a Halon 6/32, Halon X Comp MCC2. I have the Switchback, Drenalin, and a Conquest Apex 7. The Switchback is still my favorite. Not as fast as Masons bows, but it hits where aimed and more importantly, you don’t have to fight it while aiming!
Reach out too Milo and pick his brain. He’s the one with the highest regard for bow informantion on this site.
I'm not your archery guru guy. BUT. . . I'm within driving distance. I have a Hoyt Spider set at 60lbs that is very smooth if you'd like to shoot it. I do value the ability to hold a bow in your hands and actually shoot it.
Big_Holla
Senior Member
I kicked myself in the ass when I sold my Mathews Q2 and went with the latest and greatest at the time Creed. Worst bow I ever owned and I even shot the damn thing before deciding on it. Not sure if the hype got me or the actual bow I got was different in some way to the one they let me shoot before ordering. That said I tried several other bows that next year and when I shot the Elite E-35 I fell in love LOL! So unbelievably smooth to draw and so easy to hold it reminded me a lot of the Q2 but with speed. That'll be my bow for many years the way I look at it. Try some Elite models, even some of the older 2-3 year old bows if you get a chance.
bigten05
*Supporting Member*
i just sold my halon. still have my helim, but if i was you and considering a mathews id look at the no cam htr lots of people say they are good shooting bows. but like you said they are all comparable nowadays just depends on what flavor you like.
I'm actually looking at that too. Used one, price wise, isnt out of the question. I've seen some for sale reasonably priced. Phil, I may very well take you up on that offer sometime. Good thing is I have lots time to do this right, so holding onto some is high on my list as wellCarbon Air Stealth, with 90% let off...
I really, really liked the Elite I drew and shot a few years ago. I immediately wanted one. There are some killer deals on Elites on Archerytalk. I appreciate your imput as I already love them
Still shooting a 2007 Switchback XT due in large part to the smoothness of the bow. I have probably shot 50+ new bows since then and only two bows have come close to making want to switch: one of the first Primes (Beener had one) and the Elite GT500. So another vote for going old school and finding a nice Switchback.
Check out the Elite bows. I'm a through and through Hoyt guy but you sound like you would really like an Elite. My dad switched to them from Hoyt a few years back just due to their back wall. He didn't care for most bows including Hoyt because the back walls were too jumpy for him, I think the old age and shoulders were really at fault but he swears by it. Have multiple guys I hunt with also in that same boat, love it for the back wall. Super smooth and they can hold them all day and no jump issues.
Its just "nervey" all the time. Im sure it'll require some sort of maintenance in the future when i have time or cant deal with it anymore. I just dont enjoy shooting anymore due to my shoulder's relationship with my current bow. I think it's becoming irreconcilable, haha
Im leaning that way for all the reasons you listed. But Im gonna do my due diligence and try a switchback, a few Hoyts, and maybe a Cabon Stealth if the price is right
Maybe it’s time you think about shooting a different style bow...one you don’t have to hold back. I know it’s a hard thing to think about, but think about those kids man. Save that shoulder for casting at throwing a ball with them. I’ll leave it at that...good luck on the search.
I hear ya. I've sat with the crossbow a half dozen times since gun season. I hunted with a xbow up until 11 years ago or so. I enjoy hunting with them too. I think a newer, smoother bow will help. My Dr in C-bus says some therapy would probably do me wonders. We do have a physical therapist at work who is free I believe. Maybe I need to quit being a pussy and go talk to her.
