Hunting Forum

Hey all,

     I am finally ready to pick up a bow, but I need some suggestions on brands. I have heard great things about Bowtech, Hoyt and Matthews. I am just a bit confused on what is a good draw length and weight and how to dial in on bow optics. Please help

 

Remi

Draw length and weight are specific to the shooter. As far as sights go it is personal preference.

Remid98 - Congrats on your decision to use bow. My preferred method of hunting even though i haven't killed anything larger than a rabbit yet. Been close a few times though. I shoot a matthews bow myself and my friend shoots a bowtech that i have shot and i like them both. They have a smooth pull with a nice break and shoot really smooth. You will find what your preference is and can usually shoot most bows at the retailer before you decide. Like most people you will find that price tag usually dictates what brand you will want. My mathews was $800 bare bones (before arrow rest, sights, quiver etc). My friend bought his bowtech for $699 ready to go and had everything you would need to hunt.

Draw length = Wing span / 2.5. Example mine Wing Span 71 inches. 71/2.5 = 28.4 so my draw length is 28 inches. Usually a dealer will measure you and can get you set up for that length when you make purchase. This is particularly important if you purchase a mathews as the cam's are not adjustable and you have to purchase a different cam wheel if you change your draw length. The bowtech is adjustable. Not sure about hoyt.

Optics as gopheer1 said is preference. Spot hog is a good brand to check out and usually a 5 pin set up is good. Shooting weight depends on your "strength" and what you can handle. I shoot at 70lbs but started at 60 and worked my way up. Minimum hunting poundage is 40. It is important to know what weight you're shooting because your arrows have to weigh at least 6 gpi (grains per inch) per pound of your bow.
Ex. If shooting 70 lbs your arrows must weigh at least 420 grains.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions or need clarification.

Happy hunting, season is right around the corner

thank you, that was exactly what i was looking for.

go to www.archerytalk.com to get any and all questions answered. More info than you can read.