kickbacked
Master
- Jan 12, 2010
- 2,393
- 113
I went to two different shops today to look at getting into bow hunting. I mostly want to hunt small game around my woods but plan to eventually get where I’m comfortable with a bow to go after whitetail. I haven’t shot a bow since elementary school when I had a child sized compound. I’ve kicked this idea around for a few years but never pulled the trigger. So I went to 2 shops, I tell them what I’m looking for, my goals, that I don’t know weight or draw length. First store looked me up and down and said im probably a 31". They said that eliminated a majority of bows for me and that they had 2 bows in the shop that could be set to 31. Both of them bare were $1500, which is way out of the price range im looking for. I want to be below 1k out the door with at least most of the bells and whistles even if they arent the best sight, rest, etc. I dont want to buy a used bow because i have no idea what im looking at, whats good, etc. Im ok buying new, having a store set it up, build up a good relationship with the shop until I understand the basics. I guess i was expecting a little more from a completely empty store, to shoot a bow, to hold a bow or even just to measure my arms or something. I was told that if i get a bow with a 30" draw and not a 31" it can seriously screw up my shoulder.
So i walked out a little defeated. The guys in shop #1 were nice and I enjoyed talking to them but hearing for me to get into bow hunting i need to drop that much change with only 2 different choices and then buy all the goodies put me off a little. Plus im 6' 2", im not some an nba player, there has to be more options. So i went to shop #2 I told them what i had been told at the other store. I was told there that depending on what bow i picked out my draw length can be different and the guy I was talking to had personal bows of all different draw lengths. The prices were more in line with what i expected 600-900 fully kitted out. But he was talking way over my head about all the different specs on the bow that i know nothing about. I still didnt get to hold a bow. I still dont know my draw length. I did get a coupon for $100 off which is nice and a lot of advice but the bow shown off to me the most was from a Michigan company that i had never heard of which doesnt mean a lot but Id rather get a brand that has some history behind it and parts are more accessible.
So im hoping for some advice here on brands you guys like and your experiences. If 31" is my draw length is it really that limited of options for me? I dont want a bow to grow on, shop #2 recommended I not get one of those even though resale is easier as well. Everywhere I look people say you need to shoot the bows before making a purchase but I cant seem to even get my hands on one. I plan on going up to a place in michigan that offers a lot more brands, so we'll see where that goes. But can you really judge a draw length based on looks? I asked to be measured for my draw length but was told I needed to pick out a bow first, knowing nothing I cant pick out a bow and say this is the one, I can tell you what color I like but thats about it. Is there any questions i should be asking or things that I should be looking for? Sorry for the long post, its been a long day. Thank you for any insight you can give.
So i walked out a little defeated. The guys in shop #1 were nice and I enjoyed talking to them but hearing for me to get into bow hunting i need to drop that much change with only 2 different choices and then buy all the goodies put me off a little. Plus im 6' 2", im not some an nba player, there has to be more options. So i went to shop #2 I told them what i had been told at the other store. I was told there that depending on what bow i picked out my draw length can be different and the guy I was talking to had personal bows of all different draw lengths. The prices were more in line with what i expected 600-900 fully kitted out. But he was talking way over my head about all the different specs on the bow that i know nothing about. I still didnt get to hold a bow. I still dont know my draw length. I did get a coupon for $100 off which is nice and a lot of advice but the bow shown off to me the most was from a Michigan company that i had never heard of which doesnt mean a lot but Id rather get a brand that has some history behind it and parts are more accessible.
So im hoping for some advice here on brands you guys like and your experiences. If 31" is my draw length is it really that limited of options for me? I dont want a bow to grow on, shop #2 recommended I not get one of those even though resale is easier as well. Everywhere I look people say you need to shoot the bows before making a purchase but I cant seem to even get my hands on one. I plan on going up to a place in michigan that offers a lot more brands, so we'll see where that goes. But can you really judge a draw length based on looks? I asked to be measured for my draw length but was told I needed to pick out a bow first, knowing nothing I cant pick out a bow and say this is the one, I can tell you what color I like but thats about it. Is there any questions i should be asking or things that I should be looking for? Sorry for the long post, its been a long day. Thank you for any insight you can give.