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Question for Bow Junkies

shmelton

shmelton

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Jan 5, 2020
Messages
540
I’m not a bow junkie, and haven’t really paid attention to what came out in 2023. I’m planning on buying used a 2023 bow in January, after all of the bow junkies buy their 2024’s. What bows really stood out in 2023? I’ve been shooting an Evolve since 18, and I love the bow. It’s just time to move on. Help me spend my money!


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Wish I could help you. You might be better asking this on AT. Here we blow all our money on saddles and climbing methods. I have an APA Mamba 33 and an elite Enkore. Both I believe are 2020 bows and I like the APA better. I was at a 3D shoot this weekend and everyone and their brother had a Mathews V3 or whatever it is. There must be a reason.
 
As far as new bells and whistles and features and adjustability, probably Elite Omnia (aluminum) or the Era ( Carbon). I haven't shot either but the Omnia seems well received
 
You really have to go shoot these for yourself. It’s really hard to get a solid idea without your own experience. Hoyt, Mathews and Elite are solid but who knows, you may like the PSE Mach. FYI, Scheels discounts last year’s models for a good deal. Good luck.
 
@shmelton
Here's the best advice.... Physically put your hands on and shoot as many bows as possible!!! :cool:

REASON: Archery is personal and it fits everyone and that's why everyone likes it. 10 guys could buy the exact same brand and model of bow, but those same 10 guys are going to accessorize it differently to fit them.

I don't like the draw cycle or how some bows shoot, so that's what I'm shopping for when I buy a new bow. Elite, Martin and Darton seem to fit that bill to a "T"....for me. The most popular bows tend to be the ones with the deepest pockets for advertising. :rolleyes: That doesn't make them "the best". Just because brand X is on all the hunting shows or is what the next guy is carrying, does NOT make it the best bow for you. That's just marketing.

I have an Elite Ritual 30 and would be interested in a longer axle to axle model too, but 1 compound is enough for me. Darton is making a big comeback, but their marketing budget has always been slim, so you don't hear too much about them.

Bottom Line: It all goes right back to personal fit and feel. :)
 
Man that’s like asking who makes the best truck. It really depends on what qualities matter to you. Speed junkies go for Mathews, smooth shooters are usually Elite and Bowtech. Lightweight is Hoyt. Quality for the every man you’ve got Bear, PSE, Martin, etc. Just gonna hafta shoot. My advice tho - wait until after season. Shops are gonna be swamped right now with last minute tune ups, repairs and weekend warriors. After season a shop may be more inclined to take their time.
 
If I was buying a new bow pressless left / right arrow flight tuning would be toward the top of my list… someone correct me if I’m wrong but doesn’t that narrow things down to Elite and Bowtech?
 
I'm more of a newbie than a junkie, but I like my elite omnia a lot. Bowtech ss34 came in a very close second, again no expert but mainly because it was a bit heavier/longer, and felt ever so slightly harder to hold at full draw for a long time, but the pulling back part of the draw cycle was ever so slightly nicer/easier at the same weight.

But I shot about 8 bows in the 12-1600 range (I asked for 10-1200 but he slipped in a Hoyt) and to be honest they all felt really nice compared to my old bear cruzer g2 so I'm not the best judge here.
 
I’ve put my hands on the new Bowtech, Elite, and Prime Flagship bows. None of them fit like my Evolve, but my Evolve likes to be tuned like a cheap guitar. That’s the only reason I’m thinking of changing. I do like the Matthew’s V3, and the Bowtech Revolt. I just hate spending money older tech.


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neonomad said:
If I was buying a new bow pressless left / right arrow flight tuning would be toward the top of my list… someone correct me if I’m wrong but doesn’t that narrow things down to Elite and Bowtech?
Click to expand...
I think pse might deserve a little credit. I think they put out a clip system ( like an e clip) to shim cams but I admit I forget all the details anymore
 
Horn said:
I think pse might deserve a little credit. I think they put out a clip system ( like an e clip) to shim cams but I admit I forget all the details anymore
Click to expand...

I’ve been shooting PSE for 20 yrs I’m going to have a hard time switching. But, I am going to try other bows 1st.


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I like Bowtech with their deadlock cam system and I like Elite with their S.E.T. adjustable limb pockets. These technologies really help make tuning quick and easy especially with today's short ATA bows.
 
Bowtechs tuning system is slightly superior to elite in my opinion but you can't go wrong with either.
 
I had a hoyt RX-1 and then last year switched to a matthews v3x.. Honestly, its the best bow ive ever shot.. before i bought it i tried out every bow in the shop. How quiet this thing is I dont know how its possible. it shoots like a dream, and with 75# limbs with some twists in the string I got it up to 78.6#. So.. if you want a great bow and save a little cash, maybe buy last years model, the v3x, instead of the phase 4.. but the phase 4 looks great too. I love how quiet it is, I love the fact that my sight goes thru the bow instead of attached to it as well
 
I bought an old 2014 Mathews Monster this year. If I had the money to blow I would go in and check out everything, especially the Elite bows. The SET technology seems appealing to me, especially since I've had issues with tuning my fixed blades.
 
IMHO Stick with PSE and get the Omen! If you’re looking for something different, check out Darton’s Prelude 32. Darton has a lot of color combinations too.
 
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