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What do you shoot and how do you like it? Are you keeping it or looking for something different?

Looking to get a new bow this winter or early spring. I have a 20 year old Matthews Outback. Nothing wrong with it but it's time for something newer.

I'm not even sure what to look for anymore. My wife and kids all have much newer and cheaper equipment than mine and it's faster and quieter than what I have.

Deer hunting in the Midwest will be what it's used for 80% of the time. I'd love to start bowhunting is South Dakota some. My shots would not be more than 50 yards, probably ever and will be more like 25 and under around home.

Not looking for the fastest bow in town. I like to shoot heavy arrow with heavy broadheads. But they're all faster than what I have now.

I'm open to pretty much anything but have looked at Mathews Image, Matthews Phase 4, Bear Adapt and Bear Legend XR. That shop also sells Prime.

I bought a new BowTech 34SS this year and it's the best bow I've ever owned. Make sure to check it out.

Best of luck.

The biggest problem when looking for a new gadget, is buying it new. It doesn’t matter if it is a gun, bow or optics, you best deal is to get a better used bow than an OK new bow.

I bought a Mathews “Chill” when they first came out and hunted with it for several years. It is a better bow than the Switchback by a bunch. My son got a new bow this year and gave me his 3 year old Mathews VXR, and it is much better than the Chill.

Start looking for a used VXR, they are several years old now and archery equipment becomes much more affordable once a new model comes out.

Forget second tier new stuff and buy top tier used stuff, you will find out you are getting way more for your money…

That's a good option. They did have some used bows at that shop too.

PSE

I misspoke when I said I'm open to anything. LOL. Not that.

Old Hoyt Trykon, no need to replace it yet, still going strong and I shoot it well

I'll echo shrap - were it my money I'd rather have a 2-4 year old, used flagship model from Mathews, Bowtech, or Hoyt than a brand new mid-low tier from anyone. Money will work out to about the same. Plenty of guys that need to have the newest bow every year that take a bath on their older ones. If you're not trying to get it outfitted until after this bow season time is on your side.

PSE has been completely changed with John Dudley's designs. He worked for Hoyt for a long time. You see Hoyt in many of the new PSEs.

I run Elite but I am probably going to pick up a PSE EVO EVL 34 EC just for the hell of it.

I shoot a Hoyt Torrex XT. My 3rd. First was the regular Torrex, then on a whim decided to see what my league scores would be with the regular Torrex vs Torrex XT (same average over 10 weeks), them my shoulder started giving me fits so I bought a 50#'er. Liked them all and have kill 3 elk and 2 pronghorn with them so far.

That's kind of where I'm at. My wife and girls are shooting 50# bows and are faster and quieter than mine. My son shoots 70# but he's 19 and hasn't learned yet.

Bear species long draw

I agree with Shrapnel and Tzone. I picked up a VXR 31.5, and it shoots like a dream. I'm on year 3 with mine; can't see not keeping that one for the duration. I do still have my Reezen 6.5 for backup!

#49lb Bob Lee recurve.

I have a 2014 Hoyt Carbon Spyder, a 2020'ish Matthews VXR31.5 and a Black Widow Recurve (forget model but shorter riser with the longer limbs, I think 58" overall). I bought the BW in like new condition but used for about 40% of cost of a new one but with someone else's initials on the bow. I've always shot recurves and they're pretty simple so was able to it up myself.

To me, it's whether a person knows enough about archery (and has access to a bow press!) to buy a used bow and save a good bit of money or pay up for a new one and develop a relationship with the local shop to help you set it up and get going with the new bow.

Regarding bows, the Matthews grip feels a little blocky to me and the bow feels a little top heavy. Though, it shoots great. The 2014 Hoyt Carbon is my favorite compound I've had, though I've only had a handful. I think the older Hoyt has a great reputation with many people.

I shoot an old Mathews Legacy. It shoots fantastic and is fast enough for me so I’ve never upgraded.

An original Grayling, MI made, 45# Bear Kodiak Hunter recurve purchased in 1973 or 4. A Mathews Conquest II that is 41" axle to axle, long by today's standards. I also have an Excalibur 340 Mag crossgun. Haven't hunted with it yet but I will. Between the recurve and the compound just depends on my set and shot distance potential.

If you’re planning to keep the new one 20 years like your current bow, I would buy new and top of the line from a reputable pro shop.

I used to buy a new one or two every year. Now I keep them 5 or 6 years and get a new one. Currently have a Mathews VXR that’s 3 years old. It’s a great bow.

I shoot/use an Elite Enkore, fantastic bow! It checked every box I had for a bow when I got it a couple years ago. I've had other Elite bows, no disappointment with them for me.