ckrich Posted June 9, 2010 Report Share Posted June 9, 2010 I've been looking at purchasing a new bow for some time now. I've sold my old rig and have my pennies saved up, and have been shooting nearly every bow I can get my hands on. I've been looking at a couple bows from Hoyt and Mathews, but also went down to the local Bass Pro and shot a couple of the "cheaper" brands. The bow models I have it narrowed down to have similar draw cycles, brace height, etc. and I am comfortable with each, so the issue for me is one of quality. Do the higher priced, big name bows offer a better choice as far as quality and longevity? Or could I expect the same from the cheaper brands, such as Bear Archery? I have read that you get a better/longer warranty with the Hoyt and Mathews bows, and also have concerns about material quality of the lower-end bows, such as strings. My good hunting partner purchased a Bear about a year ago and is already about 6 months past due for a new string, and he is meticulous about caring for his archery equipment. So, would I actually be saving $ by purchasing a lower-end bow? Or would that savings be going towards a future replacement/repairs? Your thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suro25 Posted June 9, 2010 Report Share Posted June 9, 2010 Chevy, Ford, Dodge.... Hoyt, Mathews... The argument will be the same. Its a lot of personal preference. I don't think you could go wrong with the Hoyt or Mathews. I personally have a Mathews Z7 and love it. I have a buddy that has a Mathews and had an issue with it and he called them and Mathews sent the parts over night to the bow shop to get it fixed. Mathews was spot on and stood behind there bows. I also have heard a ton of good things about Hoyt too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okiebuck Posted June 9, 2010 Report Share Posted June 9, 2010 What kind of money are you looking at spending? Hoyt has some amazing "cheaper" bows in their lineup that shoot as good as the $1000.00 ones. Can't go wrong with their lifetime warranty either... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunterbobb Posted June 9, 2010 Report Share Posted June 9, 2010 I have always believed that you get what you pay for. However, sometimes you are paying extra for the name. For this reason I almost always but everything in the Mid price range. I believe that buying middle of the road pricewise gets you the best value for the dollar. On the other hand there is nothing wrong with buying the high end equipment if that is what you want. But never ever by the cheap stuff you will be sorry in the end. There is always a reason it is cheap. :gun2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildthing Posted June 11, 2010 Report Share Posted June 11, 2010 I bought a Bowtech General...might never own another bow again. Do youself a favor...if you got money saved up...get a good bow. Go shoot all the others...then shoot a Bowtech last. That's what I did. Let one arrow fly...zero hand shock...smooth action...SOLD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkneck Posted June 11, 2010 Report Share Posted June 11, 2010 Not sure what you are calling a "cheaper" bow. Bear may carry some models that are less expensive, but Fred Bear bows are by no means a "cheap" or lower quality bow. Each manufacturer makes a broad spectrum of products to try to hit all the price points in the market. They also will sell their products in bulk to be privately labeled (Redhead at Bass Pro). They'll make minor changes so that the product is not identical to one of their models. They are not inferior just because they may be 15% less. Find what you like to shoot, they all make good products in my opinion, then do a little reading on the forums and reviews and you'll know you made a sound decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m gardner Posted June 12, 2010 Report Share Posted June 12, 2010 (edited) The Hoyts have the least complaints right now of any brand and they seem to last. I really miss the old Ross bows (I'm shooting a 2007 CR 337) and they can be had for under $300.00 because the company is out of business. G-5 is making some good solid bows too. As for money for quality. Talk to people who shoot lots and wear bows out. Some of the more expensive bows need alot of repairs becuase money buys speed right now. Edited June 12, 2010 by m gardner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckrich Posted June 13, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 13, 2010 By cheaper I meant in monetary terms. Cheaper just because the MSRP is less. I agree that Bear covers the price spectrum and puts out a quality product. I decided against buying a Bear, just because I couldn't find one that fit me well. I shot the Strike and Assault both and found them to be VERY nice, but just wasn't comfortable with either of them. I found a guy with a Hoyt Alphamax 32 that has seen very little use, and am considering buying it. I have shot a few of these bows, and have always considered it as one of my top options. It seems like every time I look at a different make or model, I always compare it to the AM 32. So that's probably a good indicator that I should get one. I'll let you guys know what I end up with, the decision is soon coming. I'm going crazy without a bow to shoot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkneck Posted June 13, 2010 Report Share Posted June 13, 2010 Just remember used bows are like used cars and depreciate a lot when you walk out the store. Buying a good used bow is the best way to save yourself some cash. That being said, you will not regret buying a Hoyt either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckrich Posted June 16, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2010 Finally made a decision... ... and I bought the used Alphamax 32 BC edition. It's in great condition and I am very pleased with the deal I got. It came with an Apex quiver, QAD Ultra-Rest Hunter, and aftermarket string stop. I'm gonna upgrade it a bit and put the QAD Pro LD on it, a G5 Metapeep, and probably a Cobra sight on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin R10 man Posted June 16, 2010 Report Share Posted June 16, 2010 buy the bow that best fits you..and that you can afford..one bow will really stand out when you shoot it..thats the one you want Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyPete Posted June 16, 2010 Report Share Posted June 16, 2010 My father bought me a new one since i wouldn't commit the pnnies for it lol, he got me a Martin Firecat....AND I LOVE IT! I think it priced out at $400, fast, short and light... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaTrae Posted June 17, 2010 Report Share Posted June 17, 2010 I bought a "pre-owned" Matthews and used it for two years, when I saw a great deal on a "pre-owned" Hoyt Ultratec, bought it and have never looked back. I've shot lots of other bows but the Ultratec is by far my favorite bow ever. I would also say that going the "pre-owned" route is the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutchies Posted June 18, 2010 Report Share Posted June 18, 2010 (edited) Check out the hoyt turbohawk.................$500 and it shoots like the Alphamax. You won't be disappointed. I love mine Edited June 18, 2010 by hutchies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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