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Looking for a new bow
Islander1989
Member Posts: 183 ✭✭✭
Ok guys, I finally got the ok from the wife to buy a new bow. I haven't looked at new bows in years, so I don't even know where to start. I have had my current bow for 16 years, so the budget is pretty unlimited right now.
What I want to know is what are the important specs of a bow and how do they affect how it shoots. For example;
How does axle-to-axle length affect how a bow shoots besides how tight a spot you can shoot it in?
How does brace height affect how the bow shoots?
I know those aren't the only specs to look at, so what else should I consider and how do they affect the performance of the bow?
All info is appreciated.
What I want to know is what are the important specs of a bow and how do they affect how it shoots. For example;
How does axle-to-axle length affect how a bow shoots besides how tight a spot you can shoot it in?
How does brace height affect how the bow shoots?
I know those aren't the only specs to look at, so what else should I consider and how do they affect the performance of the bow?
All info is appreciated.
Comments
Take into consideration the feel, weight, speed, and quietness.
Good luck and have fun shopping.
ATA length- more can be easier to shoot to a point... I would stay over 30" min. I have been shooting some new bows that are 36"+ and I like them better. Usually loose some speed with the longer bows... My recommendation: go about 33-36"
Balance is also an important thing. If a bow feels good in the hand, it will be easier to shoot well. This is the main reason I got a Hoyt. It balanced for me. My recommendation: find what balances for you.
Grip- A big grip may feel nice, but lends itself to bad torque problems. Randy Ulmer just wrote a good article on this in the last Bowhunter Magazine. I have since took the grip off my bow and shoot off the riser. What an improvement. My recommendation: find what works for you.
Brace height- As Chief said the bigger BH bows are easier to shoot. Bows like the Hoyt Katera are short on BH. If your form is good you can shoot them well, but they get twitchy when your form is not so good. Short BH bows do build a lot of speed, so if that is your thing then that may be what you want. My recommendation: go at least 7".
Noise, speed, and price all come into concern at some point. You have to decide what fits your needs. In my opinion all the bows on the market have plenty of speed, and will out shoot your current bow. You will just have to put some time in at some shops and shoot every bow you can get your hands on. Take your time, and enjoy. My recommendation:You will find the right bow for you.
Thanks.
Shoot as many as you can and get what you feel comfortable with. With todays technology there really isn't a "bad" bow out there.
Keep us posted and post some pics if you can when you make your choice.
My opinion- I don't like the longer A to A if your hunting. I prefer shorter, but thats just me.
What do you like better about the shorter bows for hunting? I will be stricktly hunting with my bow.