Cliffs notes version.

Been away from bows for quite some time. Had a Martin Gonzo Safari back in the day, then a Mathews Solo Cam. I was slinging aluminum arrows, Muzzies, and both were set at 80#.

(laugh now)

Obviously I need to catch up as I'm thinking about adding more hunting opportunity to my season.

So give me the low down on a few solid performers, maybe anywhere from 5-7 years old, and whatever is the hot [bleep] to bolt on them. I'm sure they'll be light years ahead of where I used to be. Thinking 30-06/Leupold, not custom Wizbang and Nightforce if you get my drift...

Used Mathews Switchback, QAD (drop-away) arrow rest, and SPOT HOGG fixed sight.

It takes a lot more than fifteen years for animals to show significant signs of evolution. I still kill critters with great aplomb using a #56/28" recurve slinging sticks topped with double blade Zwickey's. Don't feel too left behind as the old stuff will still work.

ltppowell nailed it. I might add one little thing, get the tight spot quiver. It's the only way to go for a bow mounted quiver.

No doubt the old stuff works, but I'm not that comitted and can't shoot daily. Equipment is light years beyond what it was 15 years ago. Seems lotsa trendy crap too. Just a matter if which is which.

I liked the old Mathews I shot for sure.

I still use a 2006 switchback XT as the go to bow for almost all my hunting. I also own a new Elite bow which I love as well. However that Switchback is amazingly easy to draw and shoot.

Do you have to change the cams in order to change draw length or can it be adjusted on the Switchback?

Needs cams, look on Archery talk classifieds, they are almost always available for sale there.

Also Harlon on this site would be able to swap them out for you and dial in your bow to maximum potential. He has done several Switchbacks for guys here including mine with new string and cables. Mine is actually better now then when it was brand new.

Good to know. This schit has changed so much I'm clueless.

I just got back into archery last year after 15+ years away from it. Carbon arrows and parallel limbs are probably the biggest differences from when I retired my release previously. I currently have a 60lb Strother Rush XT, 70lb Bowtech Experience, and a 70lb Obsession Phoenix is on the UPS truck for delivery this afternoon. Seems like all the bows today are really pretty dang awesome. Pick a set of specs you like (33" ATA, 7" brace height, 80% let off, 335fps, for example) and shoot a couple models with those specs if you can.

Probably the best thing I've done is get a custom Black Gold sight made to my liking. Got the 6" dovetail at a hunting buddy's encouragement and am glad I did. Oh, and went up to a 1/4" peep. Best move ever.

It really hasn't changed that much, just small refinements. There are lots of gimmicks and doodads out there, and "good ideas" that ain't. Simple, durable stuff is out there and the way to go, IMHO.

Just left Sportman's Warehouse, good grief it's pricey too. I reckon carbon outlasts aluminum by a long shot.

Cool stuff for sure

Don't be fooled that just because they don't bend or kink they last longer. A "sprung" or fractured carbon arrow will explode upon release from your bow. They still need to be checked and flexed by hand before shooting. They will wear out and become higher risk as they age.

I did not believe this when it was told to me. ...... Until It happened!

I had a carbon arrow explode (I guess) on me a couple of years ago. Ten yard shot on a deer, and I really didn't know what happened until I found the broadhead w/adapter under where the buck was standing and arrow parts downrange. That said, I'll take carbon over aluminum all day long. I can't frickin' stand a bent arrow.

Had a similar thing happen with an aluminum arrow. Arrow broke into 3 pieces. Broadhead went furthest, fletching second, and middle part of the arrow traveled the least. 'Twas a bit puzzling...

Just got a Viper brand sight. It has micro adjust and a six inch dove tail. I like it. I think I paid 90 bucks.

I like the new mid range stuff from Hoyt and Mathews. The Hoyt Charger comes in a kit for $650, add arrows and a release and you have a brand new very nice bow for under $800. Most of the companies have something on this order - try as many as you can find.

The more I dig, the more it seems a Mathews Switchback might just be the one.

If you’re thinking Mathews, you might want to try out their Mission line. Comparing the Mission Ballistic to the Switchback by going with the Ballistic you’ll loose a few ounces, almost 3” shorter ata, and gain 12 fps IBO. In the past 10 years bows have gotten a bit faster without giving up a smooth pull and quiet releast. The set up my son and I got was Ballistic with sights, release, whisker bisquit, ½ dozen gold tips, stabilizer and a hard case for $800.

That's a Pacnor tubed, AI'ed custom in a McMillan stock. I'm on a Ruger American Rifle 30-06 budget...Ha!


But like everything else, if I get hooked again, it's all over....

Any traditional bow hunters?

My Browning Cobra II was my last attempt at archery.....oof

I shoot both compounds and recurves. My recurves get about 90% of my time, but there is no denying that the compound is a superior weapon for most of my hunting needs here in the west. Something about the simplicity of a nice Trad bow is really fun. Once you figure out an aiming system and get your form down it can be surprising how accurate you can be. I shot a personal best 284 25X with a NFAA Trad Legal recurve this spring before I put it away and got my hunting recurve out.

I walked out the door of our pro shop with a Mission Craze combo all set up by the guy and his son, arrows cut to my length, sight adjusted (think bore sighted) , release and a block target for $645 tax included. I'm excited to get back into it after a dozen years away!!

I've been nose deep into "Archery Talk", well more reading than talking. The changes in equipment and set up is pretty amazing. The little vanes and cruise missiles outta 60# 80% let off. Nuts.

Pretty much sold on a 2014 Quest Drive at the moment.