New bow advice
Contributors to this thread:Wisconsin
From: Badger_16
29-Aug-20
I have a bowtech assassin I bought new in 2011. I have been debating on upgrading to a newer set up but wondering if it's worth the money. My factory specs for my current bow says it shoots 333fps, the new bows in my price range all have specs around 315-320fps. The knock on my bow is it feels stiff drawing it back and doesn't have great let off. So my debate is, is it really worth buying a new bow that would be slower than my current bow? Does the fps affect shooting distance, I practice out to 40yds, that's the max range I feel comfortable shooting at.
From: Tomas
29-Aug-20
The loss of 15 to 20 fps won't mean squat. Find a shop that will let you test shoot a bow before you lay down cash for it. If you can afford it ,get a new bow , you should have confidence in what you shoot. Don't be afraid of checking out a used bow.
From: Reggiezpop
29-Aug-20
Lots of deer, elk and bear get killed every year with 175fps out of a long bow or recurve. The new speed you listed is still still screamin’ fast. Tomas was right, you should be confident and enjoy what you’re shooting. Have fun with the process of getting a new bow, and let us know how it turns out. If you’re looking for a bow with an amazing draw, try an Elite Ritual. I’m sure you could find a model a year or two old for cheap.
From: Badger_16
29-Aug-20
Thanks for the input guys, $500-$600 is a lot of money for me so I want to make sure I'm spending it on an improvement and not buying a downgrade. I feel comfortable with my bow, i have been shooting a lot this summer so I will probably get one more year out of it. I just wanted some input now so I can start researching different options for the next year.
From: Reggiezpop
29-Aug-20
Also Brandon, don’t get completely hung up on that speed. I shoot an Elite Ritual. 60lb draw weight, 29.5 draw length with ~560gr FMJ arrows. I think when we measured it I was getting around 255fps, and that set up has killed a lot of deer. I’m Sure there’s lots of others here that also shoot between 250-300fps with their compound and are extremely successful. Enjoy the ride!
From: Pete-pec
29-Aug-20
I shoot an old bow that most aficionados wouldn't even think about, but it shoots straight, and I'ts comfortable. I know guys who upgrade each and every year. I can only assume it's the same premise as the guy who likes to buy or lease a new truck every year? Because they like new things? I'm of the mindset, that if it's not broke, don't fix it, and if it isn't perfect, retool it to fit you. In my opinion, the greatest tool in my bag, is string wax lol. In other words, why upgrade? Speed means something, but accuracy means everything! Practice good form, and try to achieve perfection, and you're golden! One more thing on the topic of new bows. What have manufacturers truly done to improve the modern compound? What did their ads say about the bow you bought previously? Probably something like the best value on the market? Well, imagine the value you've truly saved by not falling for their desire to create and taunt you into buying the latest greatest? Their advertisements should really say this: Yep, they still kill shit....just like they have since paleo man did 8000 years ago! lol!
From: RD in WI
30-Aug-20
I shoot a 2009 Mathews Drenalin LD. It shoots my antelope arrow, which weighs 413 grains, around 247 fps. My deer hunting arrow is 50 grains heavier - I'll have to shoot it now in order to reach the deer before season is over. I would chronograph the arrow you shoot through your current bow and shoot your prospective new bow with the same arrow. That way you ensure that you are getting the performance you want to achieve with the new bow. You might be surprised by how fast the less expensive new models shoot. Good luck.