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Perfect elk bow?

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Perfect elk bow?

Postby Freebird134 » 02 01, 2015 •  [Post 1]

What's the perfect elk set up, imaginary (i.e., the specs you want, but aren't actually available) or real (i.e., a specific bow and setup)? How would you choose and set up the perfect elk bow, if cost wasn't an issue? I know "perfect" will be in the eye of the beholder, and being able to reliable shoot accurately and confidently matters most--but I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts on your preferred gear and specs.

I'm considering upgrading my Bowtech Insnaity CPXL to a Hoyt Carbon Spyder (34 or turbo; with my 29.5-30" draw length, 30" bows are too short). Not only do I really like the Hoyts, but could reduce my bow weight by nearly a pound while still being just as accurate and powerful. I love the simplicity of a limb driven arrow rest--very easy to work on if something happened in the backcountry. I'll probably keep shooting a Trophy Taker Smackdown Pro, just because the Limbriver Pro V can't attach to the bottom limb (I've had trouble with quivers interfering with the rest cord when it attaches to a top limb. Although I like my Tommy Hogg 3pin, I'll probably switch back to a Black Gold Ascent 3 pin that is lighter and I see the pins better. I don't know what quiver I'd use--My Octane deadlock pro is a wonderful quiver, but I just can't put Octane on a Hoyt!

So, this is what I'm daydreaming about right now:
Bow: Hoyt Carbon Spyder 34 or Turbo
Rest: Smackdown Pro
Sight: Black Gold Ascent 3pin
Quiver: Hoyt? Fuse?
Stabilizer: depends on the setup--the lightest I can use accurately
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Re: Perfect elk bow?

Postby AlexG » 02 01, 2015 •  [Post 2]

Mt perfect elk bow would be
Bow: Hoyt Nitrum 34
Sight: Montana black gold ascent 4 pin
Rest: Smackdown Pro
Quiver: Tightspot
Stabilizer: Bee Stinger sport hunter extreme 10''
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Re: Perfect elk bow?

Postby Freebird134 » 02 01, 2015 •  [Post 3]

AlexG wrote:Mt perfect elk bow would be
Bow: Hoyt Nitrum 34


Why the nitrum?
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Re: Perfect elk bow?

Postby AlexG » 02 01, 2015 •  [Post 4]

The reason i am going to get the Nitrum 34 was i didn't feel there was any noticeable advantages going to there carbon bow and not worth the price in my mind.
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Re: Perfect elk bow?

Postby Freebird134 » 02 02, 2015 •  [Post 5]

AlexG wrote:The reason i am going to get the Nitrum 34 was i didn't feel there was any noticeable advantages going to there carbon bow and not worth the price in my mind.


If cost wasn't an issue, which would you get? You don't think saving 0.5lb is an advantage? Just curious.
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Re: Perfect elk bow?

Postby AlexG » 02 02, 2015 •  [Post 6]

If cost wasn't an issue i might get it but a 0.5lbs doesn't matter to me and i like shooting heavier bows as they tend to shoot better for me. I also think they aim better and are easier to shoot on those windy days.
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Re: Perfect elk bow?

Postby COhoythunter » 02 02, 2015 •  [Post 7]

I guess I might be a bit bias. But I do believe I have a perfect bow set up for elk. my opinion of course. Hoyt carbon spyder ZT Turbo- Easton A/C/C's- 100 grn SOLID broadheads -Spot Hogg Real deal 5 pin (sighted 30-40-50-60-70)- carbon blade 8.5'' stabalizer-tight spot quiver. Delievers 85 ft lbs KE. I chose to go with a faster bow b/c of target acquisition meaning less arrow drop, so if I misjudge my distance a little, I wont be that far off the mark as the arrows would only be a few inches apart at if that makes sense.
Hoyt Spyder ZT Turbo- 72#/28'' . SOLID Broadhead 100 grn. Easton A/C/C ProHunter 426grns- 300 fps-85 KE.
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Re: Perfect elk bow?

Postby otcWill » 02 03, 2015 •  [Post 8]

Funny you asked! I just sold my house and made a killing so I decided it was time for some upgrades :) . I shot every bow under the sun and went with the Nitrum 34. I put a MBG 3 pin ascent on it, Hamskea Versa Rest, Tightspot quiver, and a 10 inch B-stinger. IMHO this is the best settup money can buy. I'm more than happy and driving tacks out to 120 yards. Lookout critters :shock:
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Re: Perfect elk bow?

Postby AlexG » 02 03, 2015 •  [Post 9]

otcWill wrote:Funny you asked! I just sold my house and made a killing so I decided it was time for some upgrades :) . I shot every bow under the sun and went with the Nitrum 34. I put a MBG 3 pin ascent on it, Hamskea Versa Rest, Tightspot quiver, and a 10 inch B-stinger. IMHO this is the best settup money can buy. I'm more than happy and driving tacks out to 120 yards. Lookout critters :shock:


That Nitrum 34 pretty awesome bow i just got to save some more money, right now i am shooting the 2013 spyder turbo and love it but i decided i need a new bow this year.
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Re: Perfect elk bow?

Postby pointysticks » 02 03, 2015 •  [Post 10]

Driving tacks at 120!????

Seriously? I'd take that and go pro.

Me, money no object? My bow would be a carbon Hoyt 34. Versa rest with an overdraw. My 3 pin custom ascent sight. I'm on the fence about my tightspot.
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Re: Perfect elk bow?

Postby otcWill » 02 03, 2015 •  [Post 11]

pointysticks wrote:Driving tacks at 120!?
Well 8 inch groups to be exact

Me, money no object? My bow would be a carbon Hoyt 34. Versa rest with an overdraw. My 3 pin custom ascent sight. I'm on the fence about my tightspot.


What don't ya like about the tight spot? I have yet to purchase but so many are fans
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Re: Perfect elk bow?

Postby pointysticks » 02 03, 2015 •  [Post 12]

My tightspot rattle like a maracha. It was this plastic sleeve under the hood. It came loose. It was so loud! Every shot. It was almost funny. Like a rattlesnake after every shot. I took it apart and stuffed the thinnest foam sheet inside. Problem solved. When I get time I'll contact them. But right now I just want to hunt with it.

It is a solid mount tho.
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Re: Perfect elk bow?

Postby otcWill » 02 03, 2015 •  [Post 13]

Appreciate the report, thanks! How's overall feel/balance? Worth the coin in your opinion?
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Re: Perfect elk bow?

Postby pointysticks » 02 03, 2015 •  [Post 14]

its heavier than i expected. heavier than the T5 on my last bow.

the balance is infinitely adjustable. i have mine kinda tilted. the arrows dont run parallel with my bowstring. just worked out that way. i had to do some futzing with it, to make sure the lower arrow holder cleared the cord on my Axion pulse rest. once i worked that out, i quit thinking about it.

that first arrow position where you yank the arrow towards you to unclip it. i dont know how i lived without something like that before. pure genius. one of my other arrows positions is loosening. i have to keep tightening that allen to hold the arrow from sliding down..once it clears the hood even the tiniest bit..it will rattle too.

in general, it is a good quiver. not cheap tho.
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Re: Perfect elk bow?

Postby jmez » 02 06, 2015 •  [Post 15]

Bow Carbon Element
Rest Hamskea versa rest
Sight CBE tek hybrid 5 pin
Quiver Hoyt Arrow rack 6 arrow
No stabilizer
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Re: Perfect elk bow?

Postby Freebird134 » 02 07, 2015 •  [Post 16]

jmez wrote:Bow Carbon Element
Rest Hamskea versa rest
Sight CBE tek hybrid 5 pin
Quiver Hoyt Arrow rack 6 arrow
No stabilizer


Why is the element the perfect elk bow?
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Re: Perfect elk bow?

Postby brohymn2 » 02 17, 2015 •  [Post 17]

What ever bow shoots best for me. Right now is a hoyt carbon spyder 34 with a spot hogg hogg it and a Ripcord rest
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Re: Perfect elk bow?

Postby jmez » 02 17, 2015 •  [Post 18]

Because it is light and small. It packs easy. Carbon riser is very tough. For such a small, light bow it holds rock steady on target and shoots extremely well. I shoot it without a stabilizer as it doesn't really need one. Kind of what you look for in a description for backcountry gear, small, lightweight, functional, tough as nails and packs easily. .

I really like how the carbon bows shoot/feel. The riser is very stiff and therefore they have a different feel all the way through the shot. You have to shoot one as it is hard to explain. The more you shoot one the more apparent it becomes. I can't ever see myself going back to an aluminum riser, it isn't "hype" after you've shot the carbon. Big difference on the shot.

It is the first short ATA bow I have owned and I'm usually not a fan of the shorter bows. This one holds and shoots amazingly well.
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