Looking to buy a compound bow

[Travisj1987]

I’m looking to get into shooting bows and possibly hunting. I have never shot one and frankly have no idea what I’m doing or what to look for. I have plenty of experience with guns and everything on the other side of the world.

I am looking for a new challenge and something new to get into it.

Any advice or suggestions? Specifically, a good all-around compound bow for a beginner.

[Twist]

Find a shop close to you, others can make recommendations.

Try as many as they’ll set up, or already have set up, that fit you. Make your decision on what feels the best. Grip, draw cycle, etc.

[tigerscowboy]

Used Bowtech is a great start, but get fitted first. We are all different sizes everywhere

[Fishndude]

Look at a NEW Hoyt Torrex

[dosrobles]

Go to a good shop (not bass pro or academy).

Ignore the name and buy what feels right to you and fits your budget

Look For:
Is it quiet when you draw
Is it quiet when you shoot
Is it the same every time you shoot it
If it’s used what does the “pro” say should be upgraded

[jnd1959]

I'd give the bow shop your price range and shoot bows in that range. Different manufacturers. Don't shoot at a target, shoot at a blank stop. Concentrate on the draw and release. A good shop will watch you draw and release and make suggestions. Narrow it down to the top two. There's some pretty good, shootable entry level bows out there. I started on a diamond and moved to an elite. I shoot an ember, which is their entry level bow, more of less. I shoot competitively with an echelon, which was their top end bow until a couple of years ago. This year I shot the ember because I was waiting on mods for the echelon. Even with that entry level bow I was able to place in several tournaments. The higher priced bows are usually faster, quieter and have better cams and limbs. That said, I have no qualms about hunting with either of my entry level bows. In fact, I'll probably use the ember on a guided coues hunt in January and for Colorado elk next fall. Then black bear in 2023.

Shoot several. It's a personal preference. Don't worry about sites and rests. Get a standard three pin sight and a whisker biscuit rest to start. You'll upgrade those eventually anyway. Do take some time deciding on a release. Shoot several with someone watching you to make sure your anchor is good. Pick one your comfortable with. Almost everyone goes with a finger (trigger) release. My release costs about half what my bow costs and to me it's worth it. It's set very light, probably three ounces, and I've missed animals because if that, but I'll not go back to a trigger release.

Have the shop pick your arrows to start. When you shoot, don't worry about hitting the bullseye. Concentrate on form and release. I wouldn't even start with a target. Shoot this way until your process is comfortable and automatic. Then shoot at a target. But still don't worry about the x. Shoot at the same place on the target until your groups tighten up. Then have the shop help you site in. They'll probably do that backwards but don't worry about it concentrate on form then groups then hitting what your aiming at. All the while your building those back muscles and ingraining that draw process into muscle memory. Stop before your tired (this is hard for me). Shooting tired will just cause bad habits. Try to shoot every day. Once you believe your ability is hampered by the equipment upgrade. Start with the rest and buy a good stabilizer. One you can add weight to. Honestly, I'd only upgrade the site if you want to change pins or move to an adjustable site. Arrows, release, rest, stabilizer, bow then site is my suggested progression.

[T-roy66]

I'd give the bow shop your price range and shoot bows in that range. Different manufacturers. Don't shoot at a target, shoot at a blank stop. Concentrate on the draw and release. A good shop will watch you draw and release and make suggestions. Narrow it down to the top two. There's some pretty good, shootable entry level bows out there. I started on a diamond and moved to an elite. I shoot an ember, which is their entry level bow, more of less. I shoot competitively with an echelon, which was their top end bow until a couple of years ago. This year I shot the ember because I was waiting on mods for the echelon. Even with that entry level bow I was able to place in several tournaments. The higher priced bows are usually faster, quieter and have better cams and limbs. That said, I have no qualms about hunting with either of my entry level bows. In fact, I'll probably use the ember on a guided coues hunt in January and for Colorado elk next fall. Then black bear in 2023.

Shoot several. It's a personal preference. Don't worry about sites and rests. Get a standard three pin sight and a whisker biscuit rest to start. You'll upgrade those eventually anyway. Do take some time deciding on a release. Shoot several with someone watching you to make sure your anchor is good. Pick one your comfortable with. Almost everyone goes with a finger (trigger) release. My release costs about half what my bow costs and to me it's worth it. It's set very light, probably three ounces, and I've missed animals because if that, but I'll not go back to a trigger release.

Have the shop pick your arrows to start. When you shoot, don't worry about hitting the bullseye. Concentrate on form and release. I wouldn't even start with a target. Shoot this way until your process is comfortable and automatic. Then shoot at a target. But still don't worry about the x. Shoot at the same place on the target until your groups tighten up. Then have the shop help you site in. They'll probably do that backwards but don't worry about it concentrate on form then groups then hitting what your aiming at. All the while your building those back muscles and ingraining that draw process into muscle memory. Stop before your tired (this is hard for me). Shooting tired will just cause bad habits. Try to shoot every day. Once you believe your ability is hampered by the equipment upgrade. Start with the rest and buy a good stabilizer. One you can add weight to. Honestly, I'd only upgrade the site if you want to change pins or move to an adjustable site. Arrows, release, rest, stabilizer, bow then site is my suggested progression.

This
Plus remember that the bow shops are getting hammered with working on bows for the guys and gals getting ready for hunting season next weekend. Give the shops a couple of weeks to catch their breath from this rush.

[bakin7005]

You been a member since 2013 and haven't had the opportunity to shoot a compound or bow hunt? Just curious.
Seek out a local archery shop and hang on! It's a fun ride.

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