Elk Bow Criteria?

[Lark Bunting]

What should I look for when it comes to purchasing a new bow? My Hoyt was purchased in roughly '98 and I am long over due for a new bow. My biggest limitation I have is I want to stay around $500 and under. My next biggest limitation is I am stuck with Cabelas selection due to their gift cards I have received.

I had my eye on the Legion but after handling a bow with an A2A length of 30.5" I was put off a bit. I guess this was intended for tree stand archers? Is 30.5 too short to be considered a good elk bow for a spot and stalk archer?

Today I noticed Cabelas is introducing the new Bear lineup. I see the Attitude is replacing the Encounter from last year. Any thoughts? It has a slightly longer 31" A2A and is their intro model at $399 for the RTH package.

I've never shot PSE but am willing to give them a chance if someone can give me some first hand experience. I remember when they, like Bear, were to be avoided. Bear has done a great job of bringing back customers via product line, affordability and customer service. I have not heard much on PSE.

Any insight is appreciated!

[cnelk]

I am a PSE user

Last year I purchased the DRIVE and I love it. - ~$500
Short/quiet/fast enough _________________________________ shot this bull with it _____________________________________>>>>>>

http://products.pse-archery.com/video/52113979

This past year I also purchased my son a new bow.
It is from Diamond CORE - ~$400
Diamond Archery is a sub-company of Bowtech
This bow is light! 3lb 2oz
And it shoots great.
Also short/quiet and plenty fast enough

http://diamondarchery.com/#/productBrea ... ducts&i=43

[Mojostylee24]

I too bought a PSE Drive this year. It is a great bow. It is only my second bow so I don't have too much to compare it too but for the price it was my favorite bow to shoot. Hope this helps, I am excited for you...1998 is a long time ago!

-Mojo

[ctdad]

Look at the Hoyt charger. It usually sells as a package including rest, stabilizer, sight and quiver. New they are about $650 but this is a package price. This bow is a shooter.

The good thing is that bows have improved so much in fifteen years that you'll likely find any of them to be awesome compared to your current bow

[BMF11]

I'm jealous that your in the market for a new bow Lark! It's a very fun process. I feel that the only criteria that matters is that you love to shoot it and can shoot it well. I think it can be a process because there isn't one bow made for everyone, so shooting as many different makes and models as possible is the only way to find your perfect match. You could compare it to trying to find the perfect pair of boots. It used to be that some companies were a year or two ahead of others with technology. I don't believe that's true anymore. I bought my last bow in 2005 (Bowtech Allegiance) and I was surprised then how every bow I shot was so user friendly compared to my PSE that I had for over a decade. User friendly meaning more forgiving and smoother draw and letoff. I have shot some of the new bows at a local archery shop the last few years and they are ALL very nice bows. I've shot new PSEs, Matthews, and Bowtechs, but still haven't found one that "fits me" like mine. Have fun with it!

[LckyTylr]

PSE . . . Absolutely worth Consideration and shooting at Cabela's range. I'd suggest going there when the store first opens on a week day, you will have the full attention of the Outfitter working the bow counter and will get opportunites to shoot multiple brands and bows.

[cnelk]

Since you will be using the bow for elk, I would recommend when test shooting bows is to use a arrow weight similar that you will be shooting.
A lighter arrow will feel different than a heavier arrow and a heavier arrow is better for elk.

When looking at bows, and you see the manufacture's IBO speed, remember that is for a 30 in draw, a 70lb bow and a 350gr arrow....

A good rule of thumb is that you will get ~10fps for every inch of draw length

Keep us posted on your search

[Lark Bunting]

Is there an A2A length considered too short for elk hunting from the ground? I think I've read the shorter A2A = less forgiving. However, there's also brace height to consider and can factor into the equation.

I may be over thinking the whole thing but I don't want to end up buying a bow because it felt good on my 20 minute evaluation only to find out it's completely wrong for what I intend to do with it.

[Lark Bunting]

Since you will be using the bow for elk, I would recommend when test shooting bows is to use a arrow weight similar that you will be shooting.
A lighter arrow will feel different than a heavier arrow and a heavier arrow is better for elk.

When looking at bows, and you see the manufacture's IBO speed, remember that is for a 30 in draw, a 70lb bow and a 350gr arrow....

A good rule of thumb is that you will get ~10fps for every inch of draw length

Keep us posted on your search

I'll be asking about arrows next...

[navet]

I am in the same boat. I have seen,but not shot, the Cabelas bow by Bowtech the Regulator. It comes as a package and is in your price range. I hope to try it soon.

[FemoralArchery]

I feel that the only criteria that matters is that you love to shoot it and can shoot it well. I think it can be a process because there isn't one bow made for everyone, so shooting as many different makes and models as possible is the only way to find your perfect match.

I feel the same way as BMF. The number one criteria is that its comfortable and you can shoot it. Any adult bow you buy is going to be powerful enough to kill an elk. It has been said for a long time that a longer ATA bow and a longer brace height will be more forgiving, but don't let this steer you away from anything. Shoot them. Do like Tyler said and go and shoot every bow they have at Cabela's that will fit you.

PSE makes a fantastic bow. The last one I had was a PSE. Shot wonderfully.

[Swede]

I do not think anyone makes a better bow than PSE, and they stand behind their product 100%. The A2A issue is not all that important with the newer parallel limb bows. Shoot what is comfortable for you. I prefer a thin grip. Maybe that is because I have smaller hands. Don't know. I am more accurate with my 30" A2A bow than I was with a 41 inch bow years ago. I do not like hand shock, but a little noise is no problem. My preference is to have a bow with an approximate 7" brace height.
I would try some bows and decide what you like. If you have to go with a mail order bow, I would order the PSE that gives you the most for your $500. Let us know what you decide and how you like it.

[JJ Overkill]

I agree with swede except I prefer a 6" brace
I would first off recommend you shoot every bow that you are interested in. as far as the pse lineup heres a quick list of the bows that might be in your price range all these prices are ready to shoot prices. whisker biscuit rest, Aries sight, pse neoprene sling, peep sight and d loop.

momentum 599.99
surge 499.99
the verge (bow only) 549.99
drive LT 599.99

go to http://www.pse-archery.com to check out the specs on these bows. the drive LT and verge are pro series bow on this list. the other two are main line bows.

hope this helps you out a bit. the price for just the bows are obviously cheaper without the RTS packages but I wasn't sure what you have in mind

[Stateline]

Just for fun you might look into a brand new last years model bow! You might find a premium bow for a price comparable to a lesser model. I purchased a new Hoyt Spyder Turbo last year, could probably find that bow now for a fair amount less than I paid, simply because the new ones are out. Shoot em all, do a little homework, love the new bow. They've come a long way.

[pointysticks]

ahh..nothing like that new bow smell!

PSE has come a long way. for awhile i felt the draw was very manly. the new stuff is definately the hot rods of the bow world. my first bow, i bought in tuscon at the factory. super fun process. i can promise you, i tried. i cannot draw back a PSE 4x4 thunderbolt today. it would blow my shoulder up.

i've never shot a short brace height so i cannot comment, but i seem to just stick to 7 inchers. the forgiveness may or may not be an issue anymore in a modern bow. but i find that in the field, i am rarely standing, feet-shoulder width..one square, leading foot at 45 degs, front shoulder down, back up..etc. my form goes out the window! my 7 incher give me confidence and wiggle room with my form. i'm a mess.
my current rig is 35"ATA. kinda nice. i am surprised that the peep is still relatively comfy compared to my last 30" bow. string angle, wasnt a problem either way. i am pretty sure 33" ATA would be my sweet spot. but this bow is still so new to me..time will tell.

if i was too look for a new cost effective bow. i like the Mission Blaze. that thing feels like an old Switchback XT!! amazing.

[Lark Bunting]

I agree with swede except I prefer a 6" brace
I would first off recommend you shoot every bow that you are interested in. as far as the pse lineup heres a quick list of the bows that might be in your price range all these prices are ready to shoot prices. whisker biscuit rest, Aries sight, pse neoprene sling, peep sight and d loop.

momentum 599.99
surge 499.99
the verge (bow only) 549.99
drive LT 599.99

go to http://www.pse-archery.com to check out the specs on these bows. the drive LT and verge are pro series bow on this list. the other two are main line bows.

hope this helps you out a bit. the price for just the bows are obviously cheaper without the RTS packages but I wasn't sure what you have in mind

Anyone know if Cabela's can order in any of these bows? I only see the Surge n their website.

[pointysticks]

this is probably very unhelpful..but i wouldnt buy a bow from a big box store.

the Cabelas in Reno..man the bow guy was not well informed. i watched him sell a release that he shortened to minimum length, so a customer could shorten his draw length.

i wanted to butt in so badly..but i refrained. just my experience. to be fair, the best bow tech guy i know got fired from a shop and now works at a Sportsman Warehouse. i hope you get someone like him!

[ctdad]

Some box store employees can be pretty knowledgeable. Unless you know your stuff, it can be difficult to tell though. Sounds like the op has points or gift cards to cabelas so that's probably what he's stuck with. I've bought bows at box stores but I do my own tuning so it doesn't matter to me

[Indian Summer]

My criteria is simple for an elk bow: Light!

I bought my first Mathews for one reason... super light. Only later did I decide I loved the way it felt and shot.

[JJ Overkill]

I sent you a pm.

[JJ Overkill]

my criteria is, the bow has to be fast 330fps+, shoot able, a decently smooth draw, hold steady, no hand shock and quite.


I love fast bows. but after I build an arrow for them I slow them down. my bow for last yr IBOed at 358fps with a 484gr arrow it shot at 305fps. this setup hits like a sledge hammer and a heavier arrow helps to quite a bow down. as for the draw there is only one speed bow I have shot that has a silky smooth draw. most have a hump somewhere in the draw cycle.

[JJ Overkill]

http://pse-archery.com/c/compound-bows main line bow link

http://pse-archery.com/c/compound-bow pro series bow link

[Lark Bunting]

Woohoo! I have a bow en route! Decided on a 2008 Mathews Drenalin, 70#, camo riser and black limbs.

Should be here next week. Can't wait for it to get here so I can dress it up with accessories.

[Willie makit]

Shoot em all, do a little homework, love the new bow. They've come a long way.

Statelines comment reminded me of Several years ago when I decided It was time for my first upgrade, I wandered in the big store looking at the racks of little light bows picking them up gingerly once I saw the $. Eventually a store clerk finally walked up and asked if i needed some help, " Yes, I'm thinking about upgrading my bow, but I'm trying to find where you keep the adult bows? " . They defiantly have come a loooong way in the last 10 years and yes he did laugh at me.

Congrats, You should be pleasantly surprised, happy shooting and merry Christmas.

[Stateline]

" Yes, I'm thinking about upgrading my bow, but I'm trying to find where you keep the adult bows? " . They defiantly have come a loooong way in the last 10 years and yes he did laugh at me.  

Now that's funny stuff Willie makit!! You just gave me a good Christmas laugh!! Been there myself!!

[Stateline]

Excellent choice Lark Bunting! A friend of mine shoots that one! Great bow! If I hadn't spent so much money on Hoyt clothes, I might switch over to one myself! J/K! Plenty of bow to bring the great Wapiti down!! Congrats!!!