The ultimate bowhunting question

[Geezy Rider]

I'm also in the market for a new bow. I won't pick the bow, I'll let the bow pick me. I plan on shooting as many as I can and which ever one is the most accurate in my hands and feels the best, regardless of speed or quietness is the one.

My order of preference is accuracy, total feel of the bow,(ease of draw, hump, wall,ect.....) and then speed. Alot can be done to make a bow shoot quieter so it's not as big a concern to me.

[BIG IRON]

Don't over look the inexpensive brands. You might miss out on a great bow that fits you.

[Cajun Blake]

go to several archery shops and shoot ALL the bows , not just the big 3

don't believe everything you read in a magazine or hear from the 21 yr old archery tech behind the counter

IBO and speed (fps) is so over-rated as I killed many deer back in the 80's shooting 240 fps

I'll take smoooooth and quiet all day long over speed

[Geezy Rider]

When you're looking at bows, try using some heavy arrows (500gr +-) when testing it. Some bows will quiet WAY down when you go significantly over the 'standard' 350gr. You'll also see that some bows will shoot that heavier arrow better (not just initial speed but retained energy) - IMO this is a better measure of bow performance than the advertised speed. Lots of good ones out there, go try them.

FOC stands for Front Of Center. Basically there's a balance that gets optimum penetration and flight performance. Think of it like throwing a lawn dart v. a piece of pipe. They are building some arrows now that are specifically designed for this, and you can also do it by raising the point weight.

I like your advice. Definatly something to consider.

[dustoffer]

I am a quiet freak--I'll take quiet over speed. Only advantage I see with speed is to reduce misses caused by errors in range estimation due to flatter trajectory--a definite advantage if I was shooting 3-D, etc. But, since I limit my shots to 25 yds and under, quiet is at the top of my list. And, I shoot 2215s at 60 lbs with a 145 grain BH and it just shoots right on through 'em unless I hit the spine.

[MichaelW]

I would take a look at the classifieds as well after you figure out what you want.....many almost brand new bows well below cost!

[Ricky T]

Most bows these days do such a superior job of both, quietness and speed, compared to bows of even three years ago, I would not use either one as my main criteria in a new rig.

Scout said one you have confidence in, and I agree. How do you find that in a new bow? In my experience, by shooting many bows, when you pick one up and it just feels good, aims good, draws good and hits where you're looking you'll KNOW which one to choose. Kinda like a good woman.

[*DW*]

Whatever feels good to you.
Or do the math Buy a good 5 to 600 bow
And take the other 6 to 800 you'd spend on
Big name bow and buy a good hunt.

[RdRdrFan]

Quiet and accurate. That's what I want in a bow. Speed is for guys who like to have a pissing contest at the range. A quiet bow is for hunting.