need input on bow

[kyles2]

Hey guys i know that i just got a bow but im thinking about getting a new one..http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0038942417340a&navCount=5&podId=0038942&parentId=cat600266&masterpathid=&navAction=push&cmCat=MainCatcat21424-cat600266&catalogCode=QT&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat600266&hasJS=true

[TnRidge]

The Fred Bear bows are a good mid price bow .

[DirtySteve]

I generally prefer a little higher end bow. But here is a good way judge if the bow is right for you.


I am going to assume that you have considered the most common features like axle to axle length, brace heigth, and arrow speed that are always listed. those are important considerations and most people look at that first to pick a bow that suits their shooting style and needs.

Assuming this bow fits you here is my opinnion on how to tell if the bow is a good value. Go to a website that lets you compare one bow VS another. There are many of them out there, huntersfriend.com is one I use often.

Find the fred bear bow and compare it to 2 or 3 competitors that have the same axle to axle lentgh, brace height, and letoff. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples. once you match up those specifications look at two key statistics. Arrow speed and the energy efficiency rating. Energy effeciency rating is the amount of energy that transfers from the bow to the arrow. Most people don't realize that shooting 60lbs from one bow is not always the same amount of energy in a different bow even though they are pulling the same weight. Good bows are much more efficient.

If your bow matches up with its competitors in those two categories and it is a cheaper bow you are getting a good value. If it is even close and the bow is cheaper you are most likely getting a very good deal.

Here is my theory. Most people never look at energy effeciency. I believe it is what should make a $700 bow cost $700. Not the name or advertising like it sometimes is the case. Bow manufaturers know how to make bows more efficient. It is no secret. You have to have the least amount of moving parts possible and the moving parts that are there need to be as light as possible and limit the vibration. THe only way to achieve this is with more expensive materials. If you want to make a cam or a limb lighter without giving up strength iand durability you use better materials. If you want the bow to vibrate less you use better tolerances in the limb pockets or bearings and you have a machined riser instead of cast etc... All of these things cost more money to make the bow. So in theory the bow should cost more money. An expensive bow should have atleast an 80% efficiency rating. I prefer mid 80's

THe bottom line is if you find a cheaper bow that is performing as well as a more expensive bow you are getting a good deal. And if you have an expensive bow that is underperforming more reasonable bows you most likely are paying for a name or expensive advertising.

Hope this helps

[Quakmaster316]

Come in to Hicks outdoors in clio and i will get you all set up and shootin x s with that bow.
But i would consider the truth if i was going to get a fred bear but bows shoot just fine but i like the truth the best

[TnRidge]

Bottom line ...Shoot the bow and see how well it shoots in your hands .;)

[gwhuntr1212]

The instinct and the Truth bows both shoot sweet. Should have a few in the shop in a couple weeks. Feel free to stop in and shoot one whenever. We ship free anywhere in Michigan so look us up. www.castandblastoutfitters.com (http://www.castandblastoutfitters.com)

cast and blast
1600 glengary
walled lake, mi 48390
Toll free
1-866-926-8813