It is amazing how many options are available for hunting bows today. There are different models, in different sizes, covering all price ranges. There is a bow out there that will fit all the criteria you have for a hunting bow. Here are some things to consider when buying a hunting bow.
1. Price. Let’s face it, price will be the primary limiting factor when you are looking purchase a new bow. We all have to function within our means. Prices for new bows range from about $200 up to nearly $1000. As with most things, the best idea is to purchase what you can afford. Remember, you will also have several accessories to buy that will add up to quite a bit of money, so figure them into your total budget for the bow. If you want to go all out, I recommend looking at a Matthews or a Hoyt. They are certainly top of the line, and will serve you for years to come. Mid priced models are provided by companies such as PSE and Parker. If you are looking for something inexpensive, or a model to just get started and see if you like it, check out Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops. They carry several models from companies like Bear Archery, and Martin Archery that are very reasonably priced.
2. The right specs. Do your homework before going out to buy a bow. You need to know what you are looking for, and then limit the possibilities by your own desires. You need to know your draw length, as well as the draw weight that you would like to shoot. Also consider what let-off you would like your new bow to have. Let-off is given as a percentage of the total draw weight. Most bows today are between 65% and 85% let-off. The higher the let-off, the less weight you are actually holding back at full draw. The best thing to do is to go to an archery shop, and let the archery pro measure your draw length so that you have an accurate measurement. After that, you will have the flexibility of buying there, or shopping elsewhere, such as online retailers. Make a list of the traits you want your bow to have, and then look in your price range for those characteristics. This will help you narrow down the hundreds of possibilities available to you.
3. Check the axle to axle length. This measurement is particularly important if you plan to hunt from a tree stand. The shorter the overall length of the bow, the easier it is to deal with it in a tree stand. Longer bows are easy to bang against tree branches, or the tree stand itself. However, the longer bows also tend to be a bit more forgiving. That is, they can absorb small mistakes better than shorter bows. A slight bump on a shorter bow may mean the difference between a complete miss and a kill.
4. Buy local. I recommend buying your new bow from a local retailer. Sometimes you can get a better price from the larger stores like Cabela’s or Bass Pro, but unless you live right down the street from them, you won’t be able to have them take care of any problems that may arise with your equipment in the future. Local dealers often will install any equipment that you buy from them for free, making sure it is set up correctly and tuned to your bow. This will save you a lot of frustration, especially if you are new to archery. At a pro shop, you can also test out different models, finding the one that feels just right in your hands. Small things, like the feel of the grip, could make a difference in how well you like one bow over another. Archery pros can also set your draw length, and adjust your draw weight, so that your bow ends up being truly tuned to you and your abilities. You lose this personal touch by buying online, or from a catalog.
5. Look of the bow. After everything else is decided, you have to consider what your bow will look like. After all, you are making major investment, and buying something you expect to last for several years. You need to buy a bow that you like! Some bows are very functional, but just are not aesthetically pleasing. Others may look “cool”, but either are not as functional, or are “high maintenance”. Some people like short limbed bows, while others like a longer limb with a shorter riser. Some people like a standard limb, while others like a recurve limb. Some like a round wheel, while others like a cam. All of these differences have a design purpose, but in the end, the choice really comes down to preference. My preference happens to be a single cam bow with recurve limbs. This, however, may change when I decide to buy my next bow.
These suggestions will get you started on your quest to buy a new bow. If you have the ability to buy any bow you want, I recommend looking at the new line of Hoyt bows. They are incredibly smooth, shoot great and very fast. There is a reason that these bows are beating the competition in 3D archery shoots. Find a bow that fits you, and the criteria that you have outlined, and you will be happy.
