advice on new bow

toro44 · May 19, 2006

I have been shooting a Hoyt Legacy for over 10 years. The reason I haven't bought a new bow is beacause of the forgiveness in the Legacy.

Its finally time to for me to get a new bow and was hoping for some advice.

I understand the reason people are fascinated with velocity and the positives of velocity, however, I do not wish to sacrifice forgiveness for velocity. I prefer a bow that shoots somewhere in the 270 fps area that has forgiveness in the back area to a bow that shoots 300+ fps with little forgiveness. I shot the Bowtecs a while back and know that they are not the bow for me.
Tried the Switchback and am seriously contemplating.

Any other suggestions. Size and velocity aren't the highest priorities on my list.

thanks

BOHNTR · May 19, 2006

toro44:

It's nice to see someone actually concerned about bow forgiveness and accuracy over speed. The type of bow you're describing is generally a longer ATA (axle-to-axle) length and most importantly, a deflex riser design. These two factors, along with cam design are what generally make a bow very forgiving, efficient and quiet.

The Switchback is an awesome bow, however, it does not fit the bill on what you're describing you want.

There are a few options out there. My first choice would be the Hoyt Protec. It has an ATA of 37 3/4", 8" brace, and an IBO rating of 303 fps. With the cam an half system, it makes it a VERY nice hunting bow and fits what you describe to a tee, IMO.

The Reflex caribou is a finger bow with a deflex riser but a long ATA. However, it is fairly slow with an IBO of 254. A better choice from Reflex is probably the Highlander. It offers a 36" ATA, 7 1/4" brace, and IBO rating of 305 fps.

Martin Archery has a few that are close to fitting your bill as well. Also check out PSE, as they have a few options. Good luck and hope it helps.

BOHNTR )))---------->

fin little · May 19, 2006

While your trying different bows , shoot the switchback LD. With a 9 inch brace , it ought to be a sweet shooter.

DBLung · May 19, 2006

LAST EDITED ON May-19-06 AT 04:19PM (MST)[p]I agree with BOHNTR on the bows he recomends for you. But I have a question. DO you shoot competition or do you just hunt? I used to compete and understand why forgiveness is important. But for a hunting bow, forgiveness is way overated. The way manufacturers are designing bows these days, and with the componants avialable shorter, faster, lighter, bows are not much less acurate. A big, long, heavy bow is only going to gain you about a half inch at 40 yds relatively speeking. I don't want to pack a 40" long 15 lbs. bow around all day. I'm not trying to argue with anyone, just something to think about. Also the only way to buy a new bow is to shoot as many as you can, and buy the one YOU like, not the one the bias archery salesman wants you to buy. Good luck

cbryant11 · May 20, 2006

i agree with db lung i have a hoyt striker that is 7 yrs old and i am getting a new one this year, i have shot alot of the bows and i find the switchback xt is awsome. they say its slower than the switchback but i dont care it shoots really good and its quit and fast so that is what i am settling for.cbryant

PullShootExplode · May 21, 2006

You should do your self a favor and go shoot a Ross. I was blown awaywith how sweet they are. I ended up with a 334 and will stick with it for a few years.

ForkWest · May 22, 2006

LAST EDITED ON May-22-06 AT 09:03AM (MST)[p]Can you explain your opininons of "forgivness." I'm somewhat new to bowhunting and it sounds like my priorities are similiar to what you are talking about. Would just like a little more discussion on it.

BOHNTR · May 22, 2006

ForkWest:

In short, a more "forgiving" bow is generally a bow that will "hide" SOME shooter flaws. The longer the ATA, better brace height, and deflex riser design assists in this area.

MANY archers have small imperfections in their shooting form. A bow described above will often allow them SOME relief in shooting consistency.

BOHNTR )))---------->

DBLung · May 23, 2006

BOHNTR
You might want to explain what the goods and bads are with a deflex riser. You certanly know what your talking about, but to me balance is important, and a deflex riser is going to need a bigger heavier stabilizer to balance out. The same reason why most target archers shoot deflex style bows with long heavier stabilizers. I understand it creates a bigger brace height and helps eliminate torque. But to me it would create problems up the road and on the mountian. Straighten me out on this, cause personaly I don't think I would want a deflex riser on a hunting bow.

BOHNTR · May 23, 2006

Dean:

That's a good point, especially for some bow companies. However, the modern high-end deflex bows (Example-Hoyt ProTec) are VERY balanced even without the assistance of a stabilizer (in some cases). They're actually not that long either. I'm currently hunting with the ProTec and it's a sweet shooter at 37 3/4 " ATA. Man, I can remember when that was considered SHORT.

With a normal hunting stabilizer, the bow balances perfectly in my hand. So did the Aspen, Spectra, etc. ALL were AWESOME hunting bows.

I've shot all sorts of bows over the years, and by far some of the best hunting bows I've used were of this design. (Hey remember the Hoyt Rambo and Pro-hunter) I need all the help I can get.

I don't want to sound like Chuck Adams, but with the introduction of laser rangefinders, arrow speed is not that critical anymore, IMO.

Now please don't get me wrong, other bow designs (parallel limb design, etc.) are VERY accurate bows and sweet shooters as well. I have a few of those too and I enjoy shooting them. However, when I'm on a serious hunt, a forgiving design bow is in hand. Honestly, good shooters (form wise) will shoot any bow well. But for those (like toro44) looking specifically for a forgiving bow that's not turtle slow, that design just under 40" ATA is a good choice, IMO.

BOHNTR )))---------->

ForkWest · May 25, 2006

So I've been shooting this bow for 3 years now, bought it used for a heck of a bargain and have been pretty happy with it, Keep in mind this is my first and only bow so far. Very short (32 ATA), very light, don't know if thats good or not. http://www.highcountryarchery.com/bow_4runner.htm
Now would you classify it as forgiving or not?
And can you explain "deflex"? If I'm shooting this bow well, which I think I am, by switching to another should I expect equal to better result, all other factors held constant?

BOHNTR · May 25, 2006

ForkWest:

I would not classify that particualr bow as a forgiving bow. However, if you are shooting it well and accurately at all of your desired ranges, then don't fix something that isn't broke. Stick with the bow your comfortable and most importantly confident with.

Without trying to confuse you (and others), the easiest way to describe a "deflex" style riser would be the grip/arrow rest (threaded hole) on the riser is either even with or in front of the limb pockets on the bow.

BOHNTR )))---------->

toro44 · May 25, 2006

I really appreciate all of your advice. I have something diagnosed as a benign tremor meaning that I don't have the most steady hands on earth. I have to do the figure 8 with a rifle. A bow offers me more of a manner of bracing my arms together and I am a descent shooter. However, most of my friends shoot the newer MAthews and Botechs and I have not seen a reason to buy a new bow if my accuracy (and comfort level) decreases. I get close to 250 fps with my Legacy, but realize that I am shooting technology from last century. Someone mentioned that newer bows offer the same forgiveness (within 1/2 in) as a bow with long axle to axle length or high forgiving bow. I do not want to say that this is not true for everyone, but my experience is that it is not for me. i will look at models recommended and the Hoyt will be the first one I look at. I only hunt and do not shoot competition. Thanks again for taking interest, always good to get advice from you guys.