4 Bows. Need Help Choosing One!

GreyGhost83 · January 30, 2011, 08:17:00 PM

OK. So here is my problem. I have been out of archery for about 4 years now. I am looking for a cheap traditional bow to get back into things. I took a job driving long haul and sold all my equipment. I have a local job now and really want to start shooting again. Before I sold my equipment I was shooting a 55# Martin Dream Catcher with Port Orford Safts 23/64", 55-60 spine 125 grain field point, (135 grain zwickey for hunting) and a damascus glove and really liked it. I really am not looking to spend $700 on a bow at this point in time though so, I have narrowed it down to 4 bows I really like. I did shoot a recurve before but I am also interested in a couple longbows right now. I have never killed any animals with a traditional bow so I am looking for a bow that will give me the best penetration for whitetail. I do plan on being ready for next deer season. I am kind of scared of the 2 recurves though because I have been reading some horror stories about their limbs. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

1) Martin Jaguar Take Down Recurve
2) Martin X-150 Recurve
3) Martin L-100 Longbow
4) PSE Legacy Longbow

lbows · January 30, 2011, 08:31:00 PM

I'm not a recurve guy, but I had a chance to shoot a PSE Legacy. Very nice bow smooth, quit and very dead in the hand. I think you would be happy with one, hope this helps.

ishoot4thrills · January 30, 2011, 08:36:00 PM

I've heard some not-so-good things about the Jaguar.

Heard good things about the X-150.

From what I've heard, I would choose the X-150.

GreyGhost83 · January 30, 2011, 08:38:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by lbows:
I'm not a recurve guy, but I had a chance to shoot a PSE Legacy. Very nice bow smooth, quit and very dead in the hand. I think you would be happy with one, hope this helps.

The Legacy was actually my first choice then my dad suggested the jag take down and then I saw the other bows and got SO confused I didn't know where to go with my decision.

MJB · January 30, 2011, 08:40:00 PM

I'd try shooting the four bows you mentioned. Attend some Traditional events that have vendors with bows there. Then you can make the decision.

Very difficult to tell someone what to choose. What one likes in a particular bow may not suite you.

GreyGhost83 · January 30, 2011, 08:42:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by ishoot4thrills:
I've heard some not-so-good things about the Jaguar.

Heard good things about the X-150.

From what I've heard, I would choose the X-150.

that was my problem with the jag also. I read so many reviews about limbs breaking. But then again I also read a lot of good reviews. So a mixed bag I guess. All the bad reviews did say martin replaced the limbs for free but I just don't want to be waiting on new limbs all the time and never getting to shoot.

January 30, 2011, 08:47:00 PM

None of the above, get a Lost Creek.

Stumpkiller · January 30, 2011, 08:48:00 PM

I have a 55# Dream Catcher and it is my primary hunting bow. My suggestion would be to scan the classifieds and see if you can find a used Martin or Damon Howatt Hunter. They are similar in feel and performance to a Dream Catcher and can be had relatively inexpensively. A Super Diablo is pretty much the Papa of the Dream Catcher (you couldn't tell the later Diablo from a Dream Catcher in the dark) but they usually command a premium price if you can even find one for sale.

GreyGhost83 · January 30, 2011, 08:55:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by pavan:
None of the above, get a Lost Creek.

I checked out the lost creek web site. Really nice bows. Just a bit more than I am looking to spend for getting back into shooting right now. I would love to have something like that lost creek judge or maybe a black widow. Just out of my price range at this point. Thanks for the suggestion though.

January 30, 2011, 08:57:00 PM

The classifieds have lots of great bows for less than new that will blow through a whitetail. If I had a 28 inch draw there is a Checkmate I would own right now.

Swiftspeed10 · January 30, 2011, 10:42:00 PM

PSE legacy, I had an Impala but I prefer longbows so definately go with the Legacy, if your willing to spend a bit more you can get a maddog mutt from maddog archery, great bow.

GreyGhost83 · January 30, 2011, 11:24:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Swiftspeed10:
PSE legacy, I had an Impala but I prefer longbows so definately go with the Legacy, if your willing to spend a bit more you can get a maddog mutt from maddog archery, great bow.

I actually sent maddog an email about the mutt. Have you had any experience with the mutt? Thanks for the suggestion.

slivrslingr · January 31, 2011, 12:33:00 AM

I'd consider a Bear Montana as well.

Sixby · January 31, 2011, 01:29:00 AM

From what I have been reading it would be really hard to beat one of the new Samick recurves since price is th factor. Everyone says they shoot fantastic. God Bless you and good luck, Steve

ishoot4thrills · January 31, 2011, 02:16:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by slivrslingr:
I'd consider a Bear Montana as well.

X2. You can get one of these for around 200 bucks used. Good bow for the money.

Or, look into an old Shakespeare, Browning, Ben Pearson, or Bear. These old bows can often be had for around $125.00 or even less.

cacciatore · January 31, 2011, 02:48:00 AM

I have many old bows that satisfy me as well as high end customs.You can always resell them at the same price.make a search.