I'm looking to graduate from crossbow to compound bow and would like any opinions concerning buying new vs used. I'd like to keep it under $500 for starters, and move up from there if I can develop anything resembling proficiency.

Anything to look out for when looking at a used bow, or should I just go for a low end new bow?

Any thoughts or pitfalls?

Thanks,

Scott

Go used.

Use your brain when buying.

Check out the Archery Talk classifieds.

Get a gently used Hoyt or Mathews.

You can save quite a bit of $$ buying a nice compound that is 3 or 4 years old. Bow Technology & arrow speed has not advanced all that much in the last couple of years.

Definitely look for a good used bows. Some guys trade them in, anytime they come out with a new model and you can save big $$. The thing that bothers me about buying a new bow, is unlike a gun, you take a bath when selling or trading.

I'd recommend looking for complete packages. On Ebay I saw quite a few packages that included arrows, case, and quite often even releases.
Archerytalk.com classifieds is a great resource too.

I ended up buying a "new" 2008 Mathews Drenalin off Ebay. I also got a new CopperJohn sight for $20- delivered off Ebay .

Bought used Rip Cord rest, Stokerized EV1 stabilizer, and Mathews T3 quiver off the archery talk classifieds.

I ended up with $600- in my set up and looking back at some of the complete set ups I was watching and passed could of done a bit better going that way particularly considering some of the nice cases they came with..
Two to four year old top end set ups often have $1200+ in them all told and can be picked up in the 500 to 700 dollars range from what I saw.

Nothing wrong with used as long as it was well cared for. Some great deals to be had in the used market, bows have very bad resale value.

Great info guys. Any thoughts on more forgiving models for a novice? I don't need blazing speed, just something I can learn with. I doubt I'd take a shot over 30 yards where I hunt.

Make sure it will make the poundage and draw length you are wanting if buying used. Some bows, you have to change the cam to get the right draw length. That adds additional cost if you have to buy an new cam...

Look for a brace height of AT LEAST 7" (preferably 8") and a little longer ATA.

Buy used. You can get a year old bow if you watch AT for 50% the cost of a new one. From my personal experience a bow warranty isn't worth much anyway.

Used. The second you walk out the door that nice new bow is worth just over half of what you paid.

A used higher-end bow will cost about the same as a low end will run you new.

Shoot every bow you can get your hands on. You'll know what "feels" right after a few, and it will save you money in the long run. Building a relatioship with a Pro-shop is a worthwhile investment, they can help you narrow the field. Plus, if you do have an issue with a used bow, they are usually more than willing to help you to maintain your trust, as they know you will be looking for a new bow sooner or later.

Don't forget quality arrows and a decent bow sight in your budget, IMO, the two most important investments after your bow. Cheap arrows don't last, and cheap bow sights usually don't last either, and are hard to fine tune which doesn't help you gain the confidence in your shooting ability.

As usual AH64guy's advice is spot on.

Just pulled the trigger on a Hoyt Vectrix XL off Archery Talk. Bow has been crackerized. Came with a QAD rest, stabilizer and a cheap quiver for $260 shipped.

Thanks again for all the advice folks.

Scott

I've seen the "Crackerized" bows listed, but never shot one. Would interested in hearing your thoughts on it after you have had a chance to shoot it.

Feedback on the shop and their work has been very positive, but that's all just off of what I've read.

'Crackerized' is a custom string and cable, is it not?

Sounds like you got a real good deal Scott.

It's done by Carter's Archery, Mike Carter, and the shop is in St. Joseph, Missouri.

He also tunes the bow with the installation of the custom string and cable, from the reputation on the archery forums, he is very successful at smoothing the draw cycle and getting the shot consistant on a wide range of bows. I heard he was/stays backed up on work by several months.

My brother bought a Crackerized bow off AT too.

It shot great. It was the main Hoyt from about 3 years ago, can't recall the name. Alpha something?

He's got a great reputation for sure.

I'll let you know how it shoots when I get it. I need to find out what type of arrows the seller had Mr. Carter tune the bow with, I guess you're supposed to send the bow and one arrow for him to work his magic.

I can't wait to get my hands on it though. My wife is afraid another obsession has been created, she just rolled her eyes.

That is the same bow i bought last year used on Ebay. It seems faster than my dad's Switchback, but louder. I like it shooting axis nano 340s. Killed a yote and a doe last year no problems. Definite upgrade from my Parker.

Buying used bows makes good sense.
I bought a 2006 Hoyt Trykon XL in 2009 and just bought my nephew's 2004 Mathews Legacy before he started college.
I like the Legacy best because it has the 70lb draw weight I wanted and it does everything well. The solocam seems to throw all my arrows in a good group.
The Hoyt is nice, but it maxes out at 59.5 lbs. I want more! lol
I now see why the Mathews and Hoyt guys love their bows so much. They are so well made, I'm not getting rid of them.