Compound bow, $200?

[YZINGERR]

I've been to three archery shops and have received vastly different help on what i need. Wanted to see what opinions the CGers had to give about the selection available.
I'm looking to get a compound bow for hunting for around $200.
The last bow i had was a bear compound bow that i outgrew 15 years ago.
Thx

[DirtyDave]

Are you looking to get just the bow for $200 or the whole package? There is a big difference. Once you set up a bare bow with Sights, Stabilizer, Quiver, etc. It adds up fast. You can still put one together without going over the top though. Heck a dozen new arrows is going to cost you a minimum of $60 and that's without Broad Heads.
Are you looking for new or will you consider used?
Bass Pro has a pretty decent selection of lower cost bows and packages.
Check craigslist and ArcheryTalk.com for used bows

[Ninask]

Going to a shop for advice on tack and trying to get a good deal-good luck on that one
N

[YZINGERR]

$200 for the bow alone is what i was shooting for. I still have my arrows, quiver, etc.

[DirtyDave]

$200 for the bow alone is what i was shooting for. I still have my arrows, quiver, etc.

Arrows from a bow you outgrew 15 years ago may not be ideal for a more modern bow

[wellfedirishman]

I've had good luck on Archery Talk looking for used gear (traditional).

Cabelas always has great sales on new compound bows with free shipping and no tax.

[YZINGERR]

Arrows from a bow you outgrew 15 years ago may not be ideal for a more modern bow

After i posted that, i though the same thing.

[Citadelgrad87]

$200 for the bow alone is what i was shooting for. I still have my arrows, quiver, etc.

Look around and figure out what you want, most companies have a bare bones "entry" model, then one just above that. Don't buy the cheapest. I got a PSE, they have a Chinese made entry level, then above that is the Stinger, rated as a great buy and a fantastic beginner bow you won't have to step away from right away if you improve. I think it was $299 for the bare bow. Haunt archery talk and craigs list, pounce on a lightly used one.

[Happyhappycamper]

New Bows depreciate worse than a new car driven off the lot... I suggest buying a used one in great condition already set up with all the accessories and such. Trying to buy a new one for $200 will not net you much more than a childs toy for shooting hay bales in your backyard.

I typically look for bows made 10 years ago or less from the common name brands (Hoyt, Mathews, Bear etc) buy them, use them and usually sell them for what I paid after the season is over. There are definitely deals to be had out there. I just purchased one off this forum a few days ago and actually gave a little more than market value on it because it was in such great condition and I intend on keeping it rather than selling it off like I usually do.

[randomBytes]

Pretty sure I paid more than $200 just for the riser (target recurve) which was the cheapest Hoyt had ;-)
Looking at all the options in compound bows just made my head hurt.

Look at lancaster archery - good prices and very helpful.

[YZINGERR]

Looking at all the options in compound bows just made my head hurt.

that was my dilemma, there are a seemingly endless amount of bows in my price range but every store told me to get a different bow for different reasons.

[CAL.BAR]

Good luck! I tried Craigs and e-bay for MONTHS looking for a youth bow for my son. Damn Hunger games! Every kid seems to want a bow these days. Finally ended up finding a used package for 280!

[lewdogg21]

My best advice is try to shoot a variety of bows and models and then zero in on a few that you really like. It may not make sense but different ones will feel and shoot different for you. Accuracy in archery is based upon repeating the same shooting form each time and feeling comfortable.

If your pissed off at your wife or your bow doesn't fit you right will probably yield the same results. Think zen and find one you like then hit bow shops or archery talk.

I think my bow was like $500 but with all the crap and arrows it was over $1100 IIRC. Granted I shoot carbon arrows at $100/dozen but that's not even close to the most expensive ones.

[Jimmy Deuce]

My suggestion!

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Diamond-Archery-Infinite-Edge-Bow-Package-RH-Mossy-Oak-Break-Up-Infinity&i=708225

[joker70]

The <$200 compound bows on craigslist seem to be the >10 year old bows like the one you already have. Anything that is more recent, the seller usually wants close to what they paid for it. I'd try Archery Talk classifieds. They seem to be more reasonable and are always looking to sell their equipment to buy the latest and greatest bows. Try calling some of the pawn shops in your area as well.