First bow

[3006Sprng]

Let’s just say a guy was going to start bow hunting in the future,

What’s a decent packaged bow to start with?

500.00 to 1000.00 price range.

Not a beginner hunter, but would be a beginner with a bow.

Thanks.

 

[Sheltowee]

I'm partial to Elites. They tend to be very smooth and forgiving-- a good thing for a beginner. I'd also strongly suggest starting with a 60lb draw rather than a 70. If I were starting out, I'd be looking hard at the Elite Ember RTS package.

Go to a decent bow shop and shoot a couple. Finding which one fits you best and feels most comfortable is more important than guys giving random opinions on the internet. Any Bear, Bowtech, Mathews, Elite or Diamond should be good quality and you can get one used and in good condition from reputable bowshops.

 

[Addicting]

Let’s just say a guy was going to start bow hunting in the future,

What’s a decent packaged bow to start with?

500.00 to 1000.00 price range.

Not a beginner hunter, but would be a beginner with a bow.

Thanks.

Matthews has a great starter bow for youth that will grow with them into an adult. My boy has one and we like it.

 

[Rack Daniels]

I’ve heard great things about the Bear RTS packages, just throw a drop away rest instead of the whisker biscuit but the biscuit DOES work well for a beginner. I’ve never personally shot these but intend on getting one for my oldest in Feb for his bday. Shhh

I’ve shot Mathew’s PSE and Hoyt and I absolutely hated the Hoyt. The Mathew’s was very nice but out of my price range. I’m on my second PSE (outdated limbs got ruined on first from being an idiot) and I really think they’re great bows. They can be like shoes though, and everyone’s got a different taste for comfort/price/reliability etc.

Good luck in your search! Bowhunting is kind of an expensive sport, but it is super fun and rewarding and absolutely will make you an overall better hunter/outdoorsman.

 

[TOGIE]

i bought a bear, g2 cruzer or something, i don't even know.

it will kill stuff, no doubt. i am the one proven to suck though, not the bow.

 

[TheTone]

Great time to buy right now on 2025 leftovers. My local shop has 2025’s at around 30% off

Almost any brand makes a good bow, individual fit and feel is the biggest factor anymore IMO

 

[3006Sprng]

Great time to buy right now on 2025 leftovers. My local shop has 2025’s at around 30% off

Almost any brand makes a good bow, individual fit and feel is the biggest factor anymore IMO

Yeah fit and feel above all for sure,

 

[ammo]

I upgraded to an Elite last season!! I love it, it's a great bow.

 

[howl]

$1K? Gosh lee. I guess that explains the surge in traditional bow popularity.

 

[Jnasa]

Try to find a bow shop in your area. Try shooting a few different ones to see if anything seems to fit better. Many bows will be discounted to make room for the “new 2026” bows. Good time to buy. If you buy a bare bow would have to add accessories. Can get a kit with whisker biscuit for around $100. Or price together your own and choose what you want. Shop should be able to help.

One package bow I almost bought was the Hoyt Torrex package. It was a good set up for $800. Wasn’t as smooth as couple flagship bows I tried. Shot well though.

 

[SD_Prairie_Goat]

I use a diamond archery bow. SB series but I think they don't make it anymore. I find it does everything I want and more for a middle of the road bow brand

 

[3006Sprng]

$1K? Gosh lee. I guess that explains the surge in traditional bow popularity.

Rifles are 500.00-10,000.00, what’s the issue with 1k?

 

[howl]

Rifles are 500.00-10,000.00, what’s the issue with 1k?

Relative importance.

 

[3006Sprng]

Relative importance.

Explain,

 

[Rack Daniels]

Explain,

How important is it to wear Burberry and Gucci when you’re wealthy? How important is it to have a brand new Tacoma over a little 87 Honda accord? They both do the job equally. One might even be cheaper to maintain. But it might not be “as good”

 

[elevatorman]

I personally like bowtechs for the features, accuracy and adjustability and I can do everything at my house. I need no "bow guy" at the local shop ever. But most importantly go shoot them in person. Its literally like speed dating. You can not go off anyone's brand or preferences on here. You gotta go put your hands on as many as you can. I had one bowtech for 10 years. Went to the shop to shoot the new mathews (wife decided she wanted to buy me a new bow and thought the mathews would be the one) anyhow I shot a hoyt and immediately handed it back to the guy. Shot a bowtech and mathews for a half hour side by side and picked the bowtech. The handle on the mathews didn't fit right.

You dont need to spend a ton. My first bowtech was the ready to hunt package model for cheap and it did great. Stock components could put arrows in a couple inch circle at 50 yards and I upgraded one thing at a time slowly over the years

 

[HiMtnHntr]

I’ve shot bowtech for the last 25 years or so. They’ve worked for me. My advice is to get a package bow that is ready to go and you can upgrade things as you go along.

 

[DKenny]

I think one of the best ready to hunt packages offered is the Bear Adapt 2 HP. The can be had for about 600. They have the updated Whisker Biscuit, but you could have it changed out if you desired for a drop-away. The bow is a very smooth shooter. This is coming from a PSE guy for the last 15 years.

 

[grizzly63]

Go to an archery club and visit with folks and check out the bows. People will most likely let you shoot their bows. Don't get too tied up with poundage, shoot what's comfortable, not what others think you need. My 12 yr old daughter had a pass through on an elk at 42 ibs. Accuracy is more important. Most clubs have indoor winter leagues and that would be a good place to start. Good luck, its addicting.