I am on the market for a new compound. I will be purchasing it as a setup fully equiped from whatever dealer I go to. I am looking for something that is going to last me. I currently own a Bear recurve and an Excalibur croosbow and an old browning compound that is a POS so I am not privy to any particular brand names since I have not hunted with a newer compound.

I have an idea of what the more respected brands are and I understand that you get what you pay for just like everything else in this world. But I do have a couple of questions as to the model differences and what you get for the money you are putting out.

Basically I am looking to spend under $700 on my setup if I can get away with it. I like the looks of the new Fred Bears, Diamonds, and PSEs. The only thing I don't like about the looks of any is the shiny metal on the Bears and the grip on the PSEs.

With all of these brands the top of the line full setup runs about the same with Diamond as the top end of the spectrum. #1 What is everyones opinion as far as purchasing the top of the line model or the middle of the road? What I'm asking is if I went Bear route would I be spending my money better if I got the Lights Out/Game Over/Truth 2? Or if I went Diamond would I be spending smart if I bought the Stud/Black Ice/Ice Man?

I am leaning towards the Diamonds but I have a read a lot of good things about the new Bear line. #2 Which way would you go Bear, Diamond, PSE? Suggest another affordable bow if you like but I think Bowtech and Mathews are out of my spending range.

#3 What is your overall recommendation? I mean Make/Model/Rest/Sight/Quiver/Arrows?

#4 Do I really need a stabilizer? What does it do for me?

I'd try to find a sweet deal on a used top-brand model (Mathews, Bowtech, PSE, Hoyt, Browning, etc.) or spring for the new one that shoots best at your local pro-shop.

The used ones will likely come already set-up and if you go with a new one, you can just add whatever components are recommended by your local pro (provided you have reputable shop in your area).

Plus, if you build one at a local shop the bonus is that the pro will probably help you learn how to shoot it which is a lot more important that any piece of specific equipment IMO.....

BTW - Welcome to 24HourCampfire!!

martin and her sister co. rytera

Since you list $700 as your top end, let me recommend the following:

Check out the ebay auctions, for a used Mathews DXT or Drenalin model bow. I would prefer one of these, lightly used, over any of the middle of the line bows, any day.
With luck, you can find one totally fitted out, with sight, peep, string loop, rest, etc. as a package. For under $700.

As far as arrows go- don't know your draw length, or weight, or model of bow you will end up with, but there are many great carbons out there, just make sure you get arrows correctly spined for your bow.

Stabilizers may or may not be something you need- I use them on my bows, both for dampening vibration and noise, but also for balance.

The only disadvantage to buying something sight unseen, or used, is that you don't have the benefit of a bow dealer's help in getting it set up. If you are handy at bow tuning, however, it's not a big deal.

Last year, I bought a Bear Truth bow, as a backup to my Mathews Drenalin, for an upcoming Africa bowhunt. I shot it a lot last summer. It was an okay bow- but not compared to my Drenalin. I sold it upon return from Africa.

Don't want to get into an argument with others about whose bow is best- I happen to be a Mathews fan, but Bowtech, Hoyt also make good quality stuff, with their own loyal followers.

1. As far as top of the line or middle of the road I would shoot them all and see what feels better for you. They will all kill deer and shoot just fine. By going up in price you usually just gain a few features, usually speed, quietness and lack of vibration at the shot...you just have to decide how important that is to you.

2. Bear, Diamond, PSE are all decent bows. I would go with whichever one you like the best. I would also look at Martin bows.

3. Trying to keep your budget in mind I would go with a Martin Cheetah, whisker biscuit arrow rest, cobra stealth sight, kwikee kwiver and easton st epics or beman ics hunters. That will put you at about 610 to 650 before tax. Keep in mind you will also need a peep sight and release.

4. A stabilizer is not a required piece of equipment but it will make the bow quieter and dampen vibration at the shot. If you get the right weight and length it will also help balance bow.

Also check archerytalk.com there are a lot of good used setups there for a reasonable price.

if your interested i have a buddy that has a new bowtech guardian he just decided to sell for 400.00

I would try to get to a lot of bow shops and see what works for you!! Shoot them all!
I am happy with a bow that is comfortable to draw and fits my bow hand well.
All the top name bows will do the job,are pleanty fast and reasonably quiet.
Once you know what they feel like IN YOUR HANDS you will know what to shop around for .New-used , whatever
Good luck, enjoy the chase

After you go shoot some bows let me know what weight and draw you are. I have what I believe is a good deal I'm about to list on here for sale once I find a box for it so I can ship it. It's my backup bow and has less than 200 shots fully rigged and is totally top of the line.

If you decide to go new check them all out locally. Expect to pay about 50% of the price of the bow into sights, rest, release etc....

Hoyt has a new TurboHawk out now. They sell for $550 and have a $50 rebate. The TurboHawk is built on a magnesium riser and has the same limbs and cams as the $850 Alphamax. I just may have to get one of these myself.