Bear THP Adapt vs. older Mathews vs. BowTech RPM 360

[TNbowhunter]

I have a 2013-model BowTech RPM 360 that I bought new nearly a decade ago. I've killed several great bucks with this bow, and I've shot it accurately out to 50-60 yards. It's fast and highly tune-able, but with my limited tuning skills, it's tough for me to get it really dialed in myself. I'm also looking for a bow that's a touch less aggressive on the draw cycle because I'm not really chasing speed anymore. There's nothing wrong with my bow, but I'm getting that new-bow itch, and I'd love y'all's feedback on a few options I'm considering...
My top current option is to get a new Bear THP Adapt. From what I can tell, it's affordable ($400-500), super easy to tune, and smooth to shoot.
A secondary option would be to find a used Mathews in a similar price range ($400-600).
A final option would be to keep my BowTech RPM 360.

Thoughts?

 

[MattMan81]

Spend 300-500 bucks on a press and keep shooting the RPM. Tinker with the tuning more. Invest for the future of any bow.
Then in a few years anything you get you got the capability to tune it. Or just keep on enjoying tuning up what you got. I personally find more satisfaction shooting something I maintain over brand new off the shelf.
Just my thoughts.

 

[Exhumis]

Or the 4th option, find a used Bowtech made 2020 and on which is when they implemented the deadlock system. Makes tuning sooo much simpler. Look it up. Could probably get into a used revolt or Solution SS(Super Smooth) for around 6-7 bills or maybe even newer. Since you’re already familiar with Bowtech. Look at the SS line of bows, very smooth especially on the comfort setting. If my shoulder wasn’t tore up I could shoot my Realm SS all day. Mathews you’ll need mods for the draw length and still have to take it somewhere to tune it unless you get yourself a bow press.

 

[Camelcluch]

I would not go to the Adapt from the Bowtech and I’m not a BT fan. I would spend the money on a press and maybe a lesson or two. Commit to getting better and go from there. Good luck!

 

[woodsdog2]

All of the suggestions above are great. There are plenty of updated bows with different tuning options. BT's system is highly rated but to me it adds complication and something potential to break. So far I've not heard anything negative about their tuning systems at all however. PSE has the new EZ 220 system but you still need a press. Obviously Matthews has the TopHat system and that requires a press as well. Elite has a system too but I still like the tunable yokes on both cams the best. However, you still need a press. Do you see the common thread here?

 

[Halfstep]

I have a friend who recently closed down his archery shop and he still has a brand new 2018 Bowtech Realm he is looking to sell within your price range. I can hook you up if interested.

 

[parkersdad]

I have a brand new Hoyt Torrex XT, a Mathews HTR that I love and a new to me Mathews Switchback XT. I bought the Switchback at a good price and put new limbs and a wheel and cam on it. I love this old bow so much it will probably get more hunting time than my new bows. Go old and work on them would be my vote

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Plebe]

I have a brand new Hoyt Torrex XT, a Mathews HTR that I love and a new to me Mathews Switchback XT. I bought the Switchback at a good price and put new limbs and a wheel and cam on it. I love this old bow so much it will probably get more hunting time than my new bows. Go old and work on them would be my vote

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I keep hemming and hawing on a new compound, but I haven't jumped from my Switchback XT yet. Really wanted to try the carbon elite bow this year because the brace height and bow weight are more in line with what I've got and like.

I will say for Switchback fans, my Mathews Legacy backup has been awesome in the woods for me and I might even shoot it better than my Switchback XT. It has a little less let off, so maybe not quite as butter to draw. Otherwise, it's not so different that I wouldn't look hard at one if in the solo-cam market, as an alternative to the popular Switchback and Z series bows.

Bows are very individual, it's hard to recommend one, but there's been a Legacy floating around classifieds awhile now.

 

[TK161BOONER]

Get a Mathews Halon 6 or newer…

 

[mtndragon]

I recently picked up an Adapt Plus and I am very happy with it. I shot the original Adapt, and was not impressed as the cable slider really made the bow feel kinda stiff for a single cam. The new roller cable guide definitely makes the bow much smoother. The Hotwire sight is totally usable, but I swapped it out, and really most of the other parts. I really just wanted the roller guide, served cables, and Hotwire as a back-up sight, which is why I went with the RTH package. Mine was a mess out of the box, so unless you're prepared to go over and fix a bunch of build issues, buy it from a dealer who will go over idler wheel lean, cable and string tensions, axle to axle, etc. I am pleasantly surprised that the strings and cables settled in after the first couple of days, and I've had no peep twist since and it's been extremely consistent and accurate. 30" draw @ 71.5 lbs, everything in spec, and it is shooting a 490 gr arrow 267 fps-10 fps slower than my Carnage and 15 fps slower than my VXR with the same arrow. I can use pins well past 100 yards with that 490gr arrow and with the addition of some dampening, it's super smooth and quiet. The weight as picture is 5lbs, 12 oz's. This just became my primary saddle/tree hunting bow.