Site Notices
6/17/2013 4:21:35 PM
Author
Message
TNBayou
Member
Offline
Posts: 1149
Feedback: 0% (0)
Posted: 11/30/2011 5:44:51 PM
[Last Edit: 11/30/2011 6:09:00 PM by TNBayou]

THE IMAGE ABOVE IS A PAID ADVERTISEMENT
I am contemplating asking the wife to get me a compound bow for Christmas. It would be my first compound, and it would be for hunting deer and turkey.

I have a recurve and two hickory longbows that I made myself (in fact, the first bow I ever fired was one I carved out of a stick of hickory), but I understand that they are two different animals.

I'm not able to spend a ton, and honestly I don't want to until I find out if I'll even stick with the compound over the recurve.

Looking around, it looks like something like the Martin Threshold is in my price range of about $200 for a complete bow. (I'm looking for something like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MARTIN-THRESHOLD-NG1-RH-70-COMPOUND-BOW-/140652639144?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20bf8cf3a8 ). I know the accessories won't be the best, but they will at least let me get out in the field.

Does anyone have any alternatives they might suggest? I have been perusing Craig's list for some used compounds, but it seems like folks want nearly new prices for them on there.

Thanks!

ETA: I am in the Nashville area as far as Craigs list goes, so if you see something there that looks like a winner, let me know! Thanks!



loonybin
non compos mentis
Offline
Posts: 2838
Feedback: 100% (6)
Link To This Post
Posted: 11/30/2011 9:14:05 PM

Originally Posted By TNBayou:
I am contemplating asking the wife to get me a compound bow for Christmas. It would be my first compound, and it would be for hunting deer and turkey.

I have a recurve and two hickory longbows that I made myself (in fact, the first bow I ever fired was one I carved out of a stick of hickory), but I understand that they are two different animals.

I'm not able to spend a ton, and honestly I don't want to until I find out if I'll even stick with the compound over the recurve.

Looking around, it looks like something like the Martin Threshold is in my price range of about $200 for a complete bow. (I'm looking for something like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MARTIN-THRESHOLD-NG1-RH-70-COMPOUND-BOW-/140652639144?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20bf8cf3a8 ). I know the accessories won't be the best, but they will at least let me get out in the field.

Does anyone have any alternatives they might suggest? I have been perusing Craig's list for some used compounds, but it seems like folks want nearly new prices for them on there.

Thanks!

ETA: I am in the Nashville area as far as Craigs list goes, so if you see something there that looks like a winner, let me know! Thanks!



Honestly? I would skip that one, save up some more money (or sell some stuff to add to your archery budget), and get a better bow. Even though a Diamond Razor Edge is considered a "youth bow," it will stretch all the way to 29" DL and 60# DW, which is plenty for whitetails, hogs, even elk with a fixed blade.

There's a used 2009 Diamond Stud for sale at an archery forum I frequent.
fleaBay has a Bear Truth 2 that you could snipe for close your price range –– and a far better bow than that Threshold. One of my coworkers shoots a Truth 2, and has had good success with it.

“Truth and freedom either go together hand in hand or together they perish in misery.”


Proud Member of Team Ranstad...The Fantastic Bastards
one15
Offline
Posts: 1233
Feedback: 100% (31)
Link To This Post
Posted: 11/30/2011 9:41:37 PM
just keep watching CL. If it's like my local one bows pop up all the time. Don't be afraid to offer less than their asking price. Used bows don't keep their value like firearms do. I picked up a used 2010 mission eliminator 2 made by mathews fully loaded with hardcase for $300 in my local area.If not diamond, martin, bear and pse all sell fully set up starter bow kits. Most are right around the same price range.
TNBayou
Member
Offline
Posts: 1151
Feedback: 0% (0)
Link To This Post
Posted: 12/2/2011 2:28:40 PM
[Last Edit: 12/2/2011 2:32:33 PM by TNBayou]
The driving thought behind this bow was obviously cost. Amazon had them for $46.99 shipped, but that deal has ended. I did a bunch more research after I posted this, and I found the archery talk forums. I now have my eye on something along the lines of a Martin Bengal. By the time I got the Threshold set up (at it's current price) I would be approaching the cost of the Bengal. From what I understand, the Bengal won't need nearly as much to get it up and running, plus it shoots from an integrated arrow rest, which would be much more familiar to me. From what I've read the Bengal can also be adjusted without a bow press, which would help out a ton.

It also makes me smile listening to people talk about hand shock in regards to a compound. Come shoot my hickory self bow and then we'll talk

Thanks for the info and 'talking me down off the ledge' haha.


ETA: I also found out that the Threshold is a re-branded bow made by a Taiwanese manufacturer. With so many made in the USA options, I would rather go that route.

That Bear Truth 2 is a good looking bow. I've added it to my watch list and I'm off to research it a bit... Thanks!



loonybin
non compos mentis
Offline
Posts: 2841
Feedback: 100% (6)
Link To This Post
Posted: 12/3/2011 1:12:44 AM

Originally Posted By TNBayou:
The driving thought behind this bow was obviously cost. Amazon had them for $46.99 shipped, but that deal has ended. I did a bunch more research after I posted this, and I found the archery talk forums. I now have my eye on something along the lines of a Martin Bengal. By the time I got the Threshold set up (at it's current price) I would be approaching the cost of the Bengal. From what I understand, the Bengal won't need nearly as much to get it up and running, plus it shoots from an integrated arrow rest, which would be much more familiar to me. From what I've read the Bengal can also be adjusted without a bow press, which would help out a ton.

The "integrated" rest simply means that they've put a rubber pad down on the riser shelf for quietness. You still need to add an arrow rest to it.

That Bear Truth 2 is a good looking bow. I've added it to my watch list and I'm off to research it a bit... Thanks!
Of the two, I would pick the Truth 2. The Bengal is the Bengal MAG –– meaning cast magnesium riser. The Truth 2 has a forged Aluminum riser, which will be stronger and less prone to flex, not to mention it will absorb vibration better. Plus, the dual arc string stops will make it quieter.
“Truth and freedom either go together hand in hand or together they perish in misery.”


Proud Member of Team Ranstad...The Fantastic Bastards
TNBayou
Member
Offline
Posts: 1157
Feedback: 0% (0)
Link To This Post
Posted: 12/3/2011 2:12:45 PM
Thanks for the input LB.

I'm getting a bit stonewalled by the wife on this, which means that she has either already bought something for me or thinks I have enough man toys (never!)

However, if that's the case I just get to buy what I want after the first of the year

A trip to the local archery shop may be in order. I have seen some pics of the firecat and it's lines really appeal to me (remember, I'm coming from Trad archery where things such as visual appeal matter ).

Is there anything missing from this bow? Other than the broken sight.

http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1622539&highlight=firecat

Archery » Bows