When is the best time to buy a new bow and what is your favorite brand of bow?

2015-08-20T14:16:20-04:00

I'm new to bow hunting and have an old Hoyt Eclipse from when I was a kid that I never used. It's still in good condition and I'll use it this year, but I'm wanting to buy a new bow for next year. What are some things I need to look at when buying a new bow (i.e. brand, style, draw weight, etc.)?

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Aug 20 at 2015 2:44 PM

2015-08-20T14:44:34-04:00

Best time depends on 1. when you have the money, and 2. intended purposes. If you are planning on hunting with it, make sure you buy it with enough time to shoot it, get it dialed in, familiar with it before trying to take an animal. If for hunting and plinking, no real time frame for the plinking. Bowtech is what I shoot..they have a 15% military discount. Not sure if any other bows offer that or not. Best advice is to go to a few stores and SHOOT some different bows. See what is comfortable for YOU. There are different axle to axle length, different draw weights, different cam set ups....so while they all may seem to be about the same, you may find one that better FITS for you. Good luck and enjoy!

Response by GySgt Michael Salyers made Aug 20 at 2015 2:50 PM

2015-08-20T14:50:58-04:00

I shoot a Hoyt. I used to shoot Mathews they are all good bows, buy the one that feels best to you. Don't worry as much about the brand as you do finding one that feels good. Make sure your bow is fitted correctly to you and with the correct draw weight. The best time to buy is anytime you're ready. I'm not saying go out and be unethical and take a chance on wounding an animal, but for me, when I get something new I practice with it often and shoot it a lot.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Aug 20 at 2015 2:58 PM

2015-08-20T14:58:18-04:00

I reality, get it in your hands and which one feels 'right' to you? Find someone you can trust who knows what they are talking about and listen to them...then read my first sentence again. If you are not used to using the bow, you may want to consider one at the top end of your draw weight...unless you start doing traditional...but refer back to first sentence. If it right for everyone else but not for you, then it is not right. Best time to start was yesterday.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 8:52 PM

2015-08-20T20:52:55-04:00

I researched and looked at what the most important factors where in buying a hunting bow. I found after reading a ton of articles that any of the main brand bows will do the job. I decided on a Bear Domain due to its feel, price point and its forgiving nature. I bought it new on EBay for 2/3 of the price I found at major retailers. I bought it with plenty of time to have it properly adjusted for draw length and practice with it. I hope this helps.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 9:00 PM

2015-08-20T21:00:45-04:00

I remained an E-4 forever when I got out of the Active Army and whent to the Guard. I was too busy going to college to bother with NCOES schools and moving around due to work and school didn't help.
I was an E-4P when I got out of active duty if that tells you anything. I guess my point is, if you make it a priority to get promoted, attend NCOES schools and do your SSD you will be fine. Don't make the same mistake I did.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 9:34 PM

2015-08-20T21:34:46-04:00

The letters of recommendation can come from any officer that has personal knowledge of your work ethic, abilities and likelihood of success as an OCS candidate. The officer interview is a different thing (at least in the Army it is and requires an 0-3 or above to interview you and fill out interview form that is part of the package). You should have at least one officer in your chain of command writing one of your letters of reccimendation.
Why won't any officers in your unit write one?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 9:44 PM

2015-08-20T21:44:02-04:00

36 military jumps logged, 21 civilian free fall jumps. AATW!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 9:46 PM

2015-08-20T21:46:23-04:00

Contact a peer at your gaining unit who is a recent graduate. They are the best source of information. Also look at the Manuever School's website. I went in 2008. It was an ass kicker. No time for much other than studying. Good luck.

Response by COL Jeff Brown made Aug 27 at 2015 12:42 PM

2015-08-27T12:42:14-04:00

Matthews Solo Cam is the one I switched to about 4 years ago. Easier pull and 70% let off. Good with carbon arrows out to 50 yrds with very little drop.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2015 7:29 PM

2015-08-27T19:29:18-04:00

Whenever you can afford a bow is the best time to buy a bow.

Also, I'm a Hoyt Shooter and I'll talk crap like the next guy, but it's not because I'm that brand loyal. Most bows are fast enough. It just depends on how much you want to spend. I buy all of my bows used to save the money. They all still kill deer. The three bows I've owned have been a Reflex, High Country, and now my Hoyt.