hunter1 13 post s 31-Jan-2008 7:59 PM	I am considering buying a new Bow, I am not sure what to buy. I like the new Mathews DXT but, Then theres the new truth 2 by Fred Bear or the Browning Illusion then theres Hoyt, Reflex, and many other good manufacturers. But which one. Last Edited on 31-Jan-2008 8:00 PM
Nighthunter Guest 0 post 2-Feb-2008 7:56 AM	Hunter1-How many bows do you need? You just bought two new bows last year. Save your money..hunt with what you have. It is quality equipment and it is fairly new. I finally bought new after 10 years with my Darton. That money you will invest in a new bow(which wll not be that much better than what you have)could go to a hunting trip. Like to Wisconsin or MN. Trust me you have quality equipment, proven by the animals you have taken. Don't get caught up into the "have to have the latest and greatest" syndrome. When the equipment you have begins to let you down, then buy...until then....keep stickin' and grinnin"
hunter1 15 post s 2-Feb-2008 3:50 PM	Well Nighthunter this is how I figure it. I have 4 dozen arrows that I do not use. One bow I have just replaced the cam , cable and string, another that I did not take off the hanger the entire season and of course the new jennings not to mention 5 different sights,4 rests,3 quivers and misc. peep sights, string leaches, 6 different types of broadheads. I am sure there's more I have not found yet, so why not take all this dust collecting equipment and buy one high quality bow with a good airline approved case for that trip to Wisconsin and I'll still be able to stick-em.
Nighthunter Guest 0 post 3-Feb-2008 6:27 AM	I think the plan would work if there was a market for used archery equipment. Unfortunately, I have found that there is very little return on your investment in this game. If you do find someplace(maybe Ebay) please let me know, I have a rather large collection of used archery equipment that "collects dust" as well. Do you still have deer coming? Post some pics.
hunter1 16 post s 3-Feb-2008 10:40 AM	Ebay is to cut throat. Try Gunbroker.com The deer have stopped coming , either to much snow and ice or they are getting better food at Doyle's and Coburn's. I had one big one so I was still feeding him grain but some one hit him last monday night and the deer did run off but the damage to the car does not look good for the deer. Last year the deer disappeared about this time then came back as the snow melted. Have you ever tried Rabbit hunting with a bow.
Anonymous Guest 0 post 6-Feb-2008 2:22 PM	Mathews is best with a great line of bows. Naples, FL
hunter1 17 post s 6-Feb-2008 3:58 PM	I would agree, but there are alot of different Bow manufactures that do produce high quality equipment such as: Browning, Bowtech, alpine, Fred Bear, Pse and so on. Also if you want a Mathews and do not want to pay that much there is Mission Archery a sub company of Mathews at an affordable price. The bottom line is whatever you prefer is what you should buy. Then there are those who search the internet untill they find a deal that can not be passed up.
Rick Guest 0 post 8-Feb-2008 2:11 PM	Bowtech is the only way to go> Get yourself a one today.
Anonymous Guest 0 post 9-Feb-2008 9:30 AM	Posting one liners promoting a bow "Bowtech is the only way to go> Get yourself a one today.", with out any information is pathetic. Another cheap salesman trying to sell a bow. DON"T SELL IT...TELL IT! Real users stating real life experiences is proof to REAL bowhunters. I like the bow I shoot and if you like yours that is great. Stop promoting equipment. Shoot what you like, tell everyone how well it works and move on. Realistically, a decent hunter could buy a $50 Walmart bow and kill an animal if he has done his homework. The choice of weapon does not make the hunter.
Nighthunter Guest 0 post 9-Feb-2008 9:34 AM	The last posting was from me...in case anyone thinks that I would state the facts and not own up to it. NIGHTHUNTER
Rick Guest 0 post 9-Feb-2008 1:14 PM	I have a Bowtech Gaurdian set @ 65lbs Muzzy drop away rest Cobra sight and release shooting Radical X-weave arrows. I say it is the best because out of all the bows I have owned over the years it is the best. My personal preference!. I see that Nighthunter has a Drenilin a good choice but you buy the name along with the bow just like I have, yes there are $ 50.00 bows that will kill deer but would you use one. No I would not! In my opinion Bowtech is the quietest, vibration free bow sold.
hunter1 18 post s 9-Feb-2008 1:45 PM	Okay I have now shot: Mathews DXT, Drenilin,Hoyt vectrics,The truth 2, PSE x-force, reflex, Ross, Darton,Martin, Browning Illusion,Mirage,and alpine. Out of these 14 new bows I tried out only 3 were Quiet, no vibration at the shot and smooth drawing. The rest that were shot had atleast one or more faults. The Mathews DXT and Drenilin were quiet,smooth and vibration free. The Truth 2 was the same with it's new string silencers a nice shooting bow. The Browning Mirage was just as quiet,smooth and no vibration but the Illusion was quiet,smooth,no vibration and virtually no sound making it the quietest bow I have shot to Date. I will add that none of these bows had a Stabilizer but all did have some kind of vibration dampening factory installed. The Best Bow! That is a foolish statement to make since there are over 5 million licenced Bowhunters in the USA and I am sure that not all shoot or own a Bowtech. The best bow is what ever the individual prefers and can shoot to best of his or her ability. there are some people who can shoot 3-D all day long but can not hit a deer at 20 yards. It is preference at what is the Best bow and ability to put an arrow where it needs to go at crunch time. If you buy {the best} but can not shoot acurately with it, than is it still the best. Last Edited on 9-Feb-2008 1:47 PM
Nighthunter Guest 0 post 9-Feb-2008 5:18 PM	Thanks for tellin' it. I shoot high end bows and equipment because of the amount of practice I do and the amount of hunting I do would wear out a typical/cheaper bow. If I wound or miss an animal, I can say that it was 100% my fault, not the equipment I use. I like the wording used "the best bow I have ever shot". Much better...that tells it...I have had many bows and the Drenalin is the best bow I have ever shot.. that being said, I don't care where it stands in the market that is not relevent.. It sounds like Hunter1 is doing his homework. Shoot many bows...try them all. It is what trips your trigger and the confidence you have in your equipment that makes you successfull..either in 3D or shooting animals.
hunter1 19 post s 12-Feb-2008 11:07 AM	I have it narrowed down to 2. {not that I need another}The Mathews DXT Or the Browning Illusion 07 Model I do not like the torque from the new improved Illusion. But that is my opinion.
hunter1 21 post s 18-Feb-2008 7:18 PM	Okay, I have made my choice. I have purchased a 2007 Browning Illusion with hush kit installed. Why did I buy it? 1. The bow is extremely quiet. 2. No bow torque. 3. Smooth drawing 4. Easily adjustable in let-off and draw length adjustments 5. The best part, a very good deal. I almost bought the DXT I had it in my hand at the check out, but I had to compare the two just one more time. So back to the archery shop to compare. I ordered the Browning online and received it in three days
Bill K. Guest 0 post 21-Feb-2008 6:59 AM	I have a Browning Illusion and I hate it. Yes I agree it is smooth and quiet but I feel bow torque when at my anchor point. The SRS system does not work very well I have had a few string burns on my wrist. The bow just seems like it is going to explode when holding at full draw. I have to retighten all screws after 100 or so shots. It is just junk as far as I am concerned. I have switched to Martin Bows. Not really sure if this is the feed back you want but here it is.
Nighthunter Guest 0 post 21-Feb-2008 10:39 AM	In response to the last posting...It was likely that the bow you had could have been "junk"..that does not indicate that all Browning Illusions are of the same quality. Your new choice of bows is Martin... but you did not specify what bow that is...I assure you that some of the cheaper Martins are "junk" compared to the Browning Illusion. If you want to make comparisons...do so by being specific and comparing apples to apples. I believe the intent of this sight is to educate and inform. Gross assumptions and vagueness indicates lack of knowledge and experience.
hunter1 23 post s 21-Feb-2008 11:29 AM	Bill K. The Browning Illusion that you have, was it new when you got it or used. It seems to me that if you are feeling bow torque at anchor point, your draw length maybe to short. As far as the SRS system goes, you should turn each one after about 200 to 300 shots. Try replacing them their not expensive. There are 2 reasons why the bow feels like it is going to explode: String and buss cable have stretched, this only happens from extreme heat{like you left the bow in your vehicle in the sun}. Also check the limbs for any cracks or twisting. Having to retighten all screws means you are shooting arrows that are lite for your bow. You say you have switched to Martin Archery a good choice as long as you bought an upper scale bow. 1. You should take your bow to a pro shop and have them check your axle to axle measurement it should be 32", if it is not your string and cable needs to be replaced. 2. Replace SRS system. 3. If your bow is set at 60lbs your minimal arrow weight should be 5 grains per pound of draw weight. You would be safe if you figured atleast 8 grains per inch when choosing your arrows. I am willing to bet that your Browning was used or that you have neglected to keep it in optimal shooting performance and if that is the case, you should seek some professional help with your bow set up. Let us know! DOES THIS ANSWER ANY OF YOUR PROBLEMS WITH YOUR BROWNING ILLUSION BEING JUNK??? Last Edited on 21-Feb-2008 11:34 AM
Bill K. Guest 0 post 21-Feb-2008 4:26 PM	The bow was used given to me from a brother in-law. I measured between the axles and the measurement is 32 1/4 inches. So I called the local archery shop that I bought my Martin Bengal from and took the bow to them. I turns out that the axle to axle measurement should be 31 3/4 inches and the draw length is set at 28 1/4 inches and my length is 29 1/2 inches. I am having to SRS system replaced,new winners choice string and cable installed also another thing was one of the limb bolts was turned all the way in and the other was 4 turns out. The Martin Bengal I have is set at 60lbs, draw length is 29 1/2. I never looked at the Browning, I guess I should have, my brother in-law said it was all set. I should not have prsumed the bow junk until I get it back from the shop and shoot it now that it will be properly set up for me. Thanks for the tongue lashing it is just what I needed. I was going to throw that bow away. I will be sure to let you know how it shoots.
Bill K. Guest 0 post 21-Feb-2008 4:29 PM	I forgot to mention that I have very little knowledge of bows and accessories I have only bowhunted for 2 years.
hunter1 24 post s 23-Feb-2008 5:18 AM	Bill- You are one lucky man! your right about the axle to axle measurement @ 31 3/4" my mistake. It is a wonder to me that your Browning did not come apart shooting it so far out of adjustment. You could have also injured yourself not to mention destroying a good bow. Winners choice strings and cables are very good. Let us know how the bow shoots when you get it back, I bet you will not think it is junk.
Deerslayer Guest 0 post 25-Feb-2008 5:24 PM	I shoot an Alpine Silverado set @ 62lbs, 27.5" draw length,Carbon Exress Maxima 350, Wisker Bisquit drop-in rest, Jim Fletcher 1/4" hunter peep sight, Montana Black Gold 5 pin sight, Tru-glow 5 arrow quiver and limbsaver s-coil stabilzer. This is the best set up I have shot in 20 years of Bowhunting. I am not in any way saying it is the best there is, it is the best I have had. Barre, VT
Garret Guest 0 post 27-Feb-2008 4:24 PM	I shoot a Mathews Outback set @ 55lbs Limb saver rest and sight, Mathews 5 arrow quiver, hooded peep sight, easton axis arrows @ 29" grim reaper broadheads. This set up works very good for me. I hope to have some pics from this springs turkey season to post on this site. Salem, OR
Bill K. Guest 0 post 28-Feb-2008 1:14 PM	I have my Browning Illusion back and I will retract my saying that it is JUNK. I am impressed with this bow but I do like the Martin Bengal better, it seems to fit me better. Thank's I hope to post turkey pics when the season opens.
Keith A. Guest 0 post 2-Mar-2008 7:27 PM	I have a Ross Cardiac set @ 70lbs, 29" draw, limbsaver rest and Cobra sidewinder 5 pin sight, string loop, S-coil stabilizer, I shoot Beman ICS 340 @ 30" with Muzzy MX-4 100grn. I absolutely love this bow. Cool website I hope to have some pics to post soon. Arlington, TX
Sarah S. Guest 0 post 2-Mar-2008 7:40 PM	Hi, I am shooting a Parker Hornet @ 45lbs this is my first bow and I love shooting it at targets and 3-D. I will be Deer hunting this year for the first time, hopefully I can post my first deer on here. Greensboro, NC
Randy Guest 0 post 6-Mar-2008 4:41 PM	I have a Fred Bear Truth 2. I have had it for 3 months and love it. It is smooth and quiet. I really like the string suppressors, a very nice bow. Corpus Christi, TX
Chase Guest 0 post 8-Mar-2008 5:34 AM	I am 15 years old and this will be my first year of bowhunting. My bow is a Darton 3000 set at 50 lbs. With a rip cord rest, cobra 3 pins sight, bohning 4 arrow quiver. I shoot Gold tip 45 to 60 arrows. Kansas City, MO
Roger T. Guest 0 post 13-Mar-2008 5:39 AM	I shoot a PSE X-Force. In my opinion it is the best bow I have ever owned. Milford, CT
Dale Guest 0 post 17-Mar-2008 3:53 PM	I shoot a PSE X-Force at 55lbs with Carbon force arrows. My sight is a Copper John Dead Nuts 4 pin, Jim Fletcher peep, Trophy ridge drop away rest and tru-ball release. This is my set-up and it works best for me.
Heritage Hunters 3 post s 22-Mar-2008 5:58 PM	Congrats on the new bow purchase Hunter1 I personally feel that any bow produced with today's technology is going to a good shooting piece of machinery. It's really about "feel", price range and the specs of the individual after you look past all the brand hype. Shoot as many as you can test and then make the decision. Again, I think you'll be pleased with the Browning Hunter1
hunter1 27 post s 23-Mar-2008 6:29 PM	Thank you HH, So far I am very pleased with the Browning. Unfortunately my shooting distance is the length of my basement, still over 3 feet of snow on the ground. I have a Delta River bottom buck target and you can just see the top of the ears.It might melt before spring turkey season.
Shawn Guest 0 post 1-Apr-2008 6:16 AM	I have an Alpine set @ 55lbs, Beman ICS 400 @ 27", Carter release aid, Summit HotDot sight, Bohning 5 arrow quiver. I use NAP thunderheads 125. Middleboro, MA
Buckman 5 post s 2-Apr-2008 4:56 AM	i have heard allot of good things about the new truth 2 by fred bear Last Edited on 2-Apr-2008 4:58 AM
hunter1 34 post s 2-Apr-2008 2:24 PM	Buckman, I tried the Truth 2 when I was looking for a new bow. It was quiet, smooth and vibration free. I did not like the look of the bow, but I was already to buy the Browning when I tried the Truth. A very good choice and a good bow for the money. Hunter1
BIGWISCONSINBUCKS 11 post s 10-Apr-2008 1:19 PM	HAS ANYONE HEARD ABOUT THE NEW BOW BY G5...QUEST ARCHERY. I KNOW ITS ROSS PARTS AND STUFF LIKE THAT,I JUST WANT TO KNOW IF ANYONE HAS SHOT ONE YET.WITH THAT SAID HOW ARE THE ROSS BOWS? I HEAR THEY ARE HARD TO TUNE.
okiecowboy49 1 post 13-May-2008 7:27 AM	i wouldnt trade my mathews switchback for anything well maybe the new dxt.. and there is always resale value to think about as well Last Edited on 13-May-2008 7:28 AM
Odo Guest 0 post 18-May-2008 3:55 PM	Looking for a new bow, or a new twist to your shooting? Why not consider a longbow or recurve? Its alot of fun, and the nice thing is you don't need lots of expensive extras. A bow, some arrows spinematched to the bow (important), a tab or glove, and a quiver to carry the arrows. Thats about it! I haven't touched a compound or rifle in almost 10 years and really don't miss them a bit...and have never enjoyed myself more. You won't drive tacks like a compound will let you do, but at 12-18 yards (typical bowshot for hunting) you don't need to. Its both challenging and enjoyable at the same time. And there's nothing like the experience of taking a deer with a ttaditional bow and arrow shot instinctively. Maybe just pick up a set of used gear and give it a try. If you decide its not for you then no problem... you'll still have your compound.
hunter1 119 post s 18-May-2008 5:31 PM	Your are right> Traditional gear is more challenging. I used to have a bear recurve many years ago. But no matter what you shoot you are welcome here.
abolt308chic 12 post s 19-May-2008 9:17 PM	I'm shooting a Hoyt Rintec @ 45lbs.
BustedAssRanch 7 post s 30-May-2008 8:17 AM	I read down this thread till I seen you bought a bow. I try to steer away from telling anyone what bow to buy. It is a pick one up & go shoot it type thing. Each person knows what they are looking for, forgiveness, no torque, speed, whatever. I shoot a bowtech that is a few years old. It does what I want it to do..KILL! Before it I shot an old PSE it Killed also. I guess what I am saying to the folks that have been bow hunting for a while or to the newbies go to pro shops that have a few brands & shoot. :)
mhouck06 1 post 8-Jul-2008 7:49 AM	i recently purchased the hoyt katera.. i shot some of the bowtechs, and they were comparable, but the price was a little out of my range for the few i liked. i did shoot the bear truth 2.. it shot well, but the draw was not too smooth and it didnt have a very nice wall at the end of the draw.. after i shot the katera i knew it was the one. and being only $50 more than the truth 2, i couldnt pass it up. no shock at all, shot thru the chrono at 317 fps, easy to tune and by far the quietest bow i have ever shot.
nate 8 post s 11-Jul-2008 2:53 AM	I love these kinds of posts. Everyone thinks their bow is the best....and they are right. To every bowhunter out there, their bow is the best if it wasn't, they would not be shooting it. Here is what I tell folks who are just getting into the sport or they are wanting to upgrade their old equipment... Go out and shoot every bow you can get your hands on. You will find things that you like or dislike in every bow you shoot. Pay attention to how heavy the bow feels. Is it loud when you shoot it? Does it vibrate? Is it jumpy on release? Remember, you are buying this with the intentions of shooting it for years to come. Make sure it is one you want. Dont run out and make a purchase based on what someone says. Buy it because you like it. ---------- www.4doutfitters.com
DEWSTER 1 post 5-Aug-2008 6:57 PM	I BOUGHT A BOWTECH PATRIOT LATE LAST YEAR OFF EBAY, I LIKE THE BOW BUT CANT GET IT TO PAPER TUNE FOR NOTHING THE CLOSER I MOVE ARROW REST IN TOWARD THE RISER THE BETTER IT GETS BUT I NEED TI GO MORE BUT THE MY FLETCHING STARTS HITTING THE RISER ANY SUGGESTIONS? IM ABOUT TO GIVE UP ON IT. I'VE BEEN LOOKING AND THE MATHEWS DXT AND THE ALPINE SILVERADO, BUT I HAV'NT SHOT NEITHER ONE, ANY SUGGESTIONS? Last Edited on 5-Aug-2008 7:10 PM
hunter1 132 post s 6-Aug-2008 8:34 AM	Dewster, Please explain a litte more info. It sound like your problem is a combination of things. I would square my rest back to the original position. Then try moving my knocking point a littl up or down. Also have you checked the bow to make sure cams, cable, string, limbs and slide are working properly.
DEWSTER 3 post s 6-Aug-2008 8:40 PM	I JUST GOT THE BOW BACK FROM A ARCHERY SHOP LAST FRIDAY, HAD A NEW STRING INSTALLED, PEEP SIGHT LOWERD, D-LOOP INSTALLED, WENT FROM A 30" DRAM TO A 29" DRAW, IT HAS A RIPCORD ARROW REST ON IT. BOW IS SET AT 70LBS. I TOLD THE GUY WORKING ON IT, WHEN HE WAS REPLACING THE STRING TO CHECK EVERYTHING OVER, BUT YOU KNOW HOW THAT GOES SOMETIME. IF THE ARROW IS SHOOTING PERFECT UP IN DOWN THROUGH THE PAPER WOULD YOU STILL WANT TO MOVE THE KNOCK UP OR DOWN A LITTLE? IT ONLY TEARS LEFT OR RIGHT THROUGH THE PAPER. I TALKED TO THE GUY TODAY FROM THE ARCHERY SHOP. AND HE WANTS ME TO BRING THE BOW BACK ASAP AS I CAN. HE'S SEEN ME AND HOW I SHOT THE BOW IN THE PAST, POSSIBLE HE OVER LOOKED SOMETHING. THE BOW USE TO SHOOT LIKE A DREAM, USE TO ROBINHOOD ARROWS OUT TO 35 YARDS, NOT NOW I CANT GET 3 ARROWS IN A 2" CIRCLE NO MORE. BEFORE I TOOK THE BOW TO THE ARCHERY SHOP I NOTICED THAT THE BOW STARTED MAKING A LOUDER THANG SOUND THAN BEFORE WHEN SHOOTING IT, SO I THOUGHT THAT THE STRING WAS ABOUT 2 YEARS OLD AND JUST GET STRETCHED, AND I STARTED TO SEE THE ARROW STARTING TO WHIP WHEN FLYING TO THE TARGET ESP. AT 40-50 YARDS, WHIP BAD ENOUGH TO MISS TARGET AT 60 YARDS. THE GUY ALSO SAID THAT I MAY NEED TO TRY LAYING MY THUMB UP AGAIST THE RISER, BOWTECHS WITH THE VFT SHOOTS BETTER WITH THE THUMB AGAINST THE RISER, HAVE YOU HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT THAT? I LOVE THE BOW I HOPE I CAN GET IT FIXED, BUT IT IS A 2003 MODEL, IS IT TIME FOR A NEW ONE?, DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE MATHEWS DXT OR THE NEW ALPINE SILVERADO? I GOT MY EYE ON EITHER ONE OF THEM. ANY SUGGESTIONS? AGAIN THANK YOU FOR THE REPLY, HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN SOON.
jrwingbone 3 post s 7-Aug-2008 3:22 AM	I now shoot a Mathews, but this season I'm going with the Parker brand. Will let you all know what I think after I get it this weekend...JR.
hunter1 133 post s 7-Aug-2008 7:36 AM	Dewster It sound like you have a serious problem. It is possible that your cam/s is out of alignment or your idler is off. Maybe an axle. I think the best thing to do is to go back to the archery shop and have them watch you shoot a few arrows. Maybe they will see what is wrong. Or just have them completely tare the bow down and check everything when reassembling it. Good Luck
Heritage Hunters 14 post s 7-Aug-2008 7:49 AM	I agree with Hunter1 in that you need to have the shop fix whatever the problem is. It may take a little tinkering to figure out what the problem is, but keep putting arrows through it (there at the shop) until it shoots the way you're comfortable with. Good Luck! Jrwingbone: What Parker bow are you using this season? ---------- www.theheritagehunters.com Last Edited on 7-Aug-2008 7:51 AM
DEWSTER 4 post s 7-Aug-2008 5:20 PM	HUNTER1 I HOPE YOU SAID THAT THE BROWNING ILLUSION 2007 MODEL IS JUST AS GOOD AS THE DXT, I JUST BOUGHT ON TODAY, AND GOT A WHOPPER OF A DEAL!!! I'LL LET YOU KNOW HOW IT GOES WHEN I GET IT AND GET IT TUNED IN. ANY SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THE ILLUSION? DO YOU OWN ONE? DOES ANY ONE SHOOT ONE? WHAT ARE THE PRO'S AND CON'S? Last Edited on 7-Aug-2008 5:23 PM