Archery/Bows Guide for (broke) Idiots

[wrangler6831]

I know that you already have the bows but.....My son (now 14) purchased a Mathews Mission Craze for hunting and used it for a little over a year. When he got to the 7th grade 2 years ago our school has an archery team and shoot local, state and nationally. The only bow they allow in the competition is the Mathews Genesis. The reason being so that all the kids shoot on the same level with the same equipment. The bow sells for around $150.00, has no set draw length, and uses just a simple flipper rest. They can only shoot with bare fingers, a glove or finger tabs. All of the arrows are identical also. After shooting with the Genesis for close to a year his grouping with his hunting bow went from a pie pan size down to the size of a soda can, the reason being that the Genesis teaches the basics needed to be proficient such as anchor point, release form and aim. Its really a great bow for kids and adults just looking at shooting for fun, while keeping the price relatively low. Whatever you decide its an AWESOME sport to get into. From what I have seen there is no need the be embarrassed at the pro shop, Most of the shooter and staff are more than willing to take time to explain and give pointers. If they make you feel uncomfortable find a new pro shop.

 

[nybirdman]

Another note on a pro shop;hunting season is winding down,into the slow winter season.I am sure most pro shops would be more than willing to help a new shooting family.

 

[lockhaven]

if hunting is the main reason go with a crossbow, if you can fire a rifle accurately you can fire a cross bow with the same results. Shorter max distance of course

 

[paulharvey]

Crossbow is only allowed in bow season if you have a documented disability from my understanding. But the main thing is that its something me, wife, and son can mess around with, and doesn't involve a TV or computer.

I've got a cheap 3 pin sight on order, probably going to finger shoot for now; and im thinking about getting a cheap off brand Whisker Biscuit

 

[aczlan]

I would stay with aluminum arrows,cheap carbon can split and hurt you.

And they don't show up on a xray, so it is very hard to get them all out...

Aaron Z

 

[paulharvey]

if hunting is the main reason go with a crossbow, if you can fire a rifle accurately you can fire a cross bow with the same results. Shorter max distance of course

Well, I ended up getting my self a Man-Kung MK-180 brand new on Ebay for $54. It came with 20 aluminum arrows, but feathers literally fell oof in package. Contacted seller, who shipped another 20 for free. A pain to string, but fun. Did some more research and found the MK-180 is 130#, and the seller advertised as 180#, as many many ebay sellers do. Been playing with it for a while and it's fun. Got whisker biscuit and site on ebay for about $20 each; which when I think about it, I probably could have gotten close to a brand new equipped Bear Apprentice-3 for not to much more (and it could have been came pink lol)...

BTW: Man-Kung is made in the Republic of China (Tiawan), not PRC