Bow Choice for Starting out shooting ABA

[Serum76]

Hiya peoples,

As a returning archer I have been looking about the net and noticed that there is a whole plethora of new ideas in archery out there. When I left I was shooting an old Hoyt at 60# and 30" draw at circles. With a few friends deciding to shoot ABA its peaked my interest. After shooting a few bows of late I have narrowed my choices down to three good cheap/mid priced bows to get back into the sport with. The three I have liked are 2012 Hoyt Rampage, 2012 Bowtech Assassin and the 2012 PSE RALLY. Was just wondering if any of the three shine in anyones minds more than the other two as I am having trouble choosing between them.

Any feedback from someone that has thrown more than a few arrows through one of these would be appreciated.

[Mark Burrows]

In this day and age I don't think it matters a great deal the brand. You are best if possible to shoot a few bows and decide which bow suits you best. Having said that i think the Rampage and the Rally are a bit slow for ABA unless you are shooting at IBO, which few people do. Don't discount the Bear range, either the Carnage, if you can still get one, or the new Anarchy, which are still in the lower end price bracket but shoot above it.
But as I said you will be better off if you can shoot something first.

[davidpartay]

When I started shooting back in September I was tempted to buy a cheap bow, but then decided to spend a bit more on a good mid-range bow so that in a year's time or less I didn't end up spending the money on a good bow anyway.

So I ended up with the Bear Strike RTH package, and I am extremely happy with it, I know it will last me for years. Basically, what I'm trying to say is I reckon that you look at spending a bit more money you'll be happier with the product and won't feel a need to upgrade it within a few months .

The Bear Legion is the 2012 replacement for the Strike, it's got upgraded cams and different string dampeners or something. Might be worth checking out, as it's a few hundred cheaper than the Anarchy.

[Dicko.66]

The best advice I could give is stick with a quality brand. You won't go too far wrong if you stick to Hoyt, Matthews, PSE, Bear or the like. And nowadays you don't have to spend a fortune to get into the top brands either, as they all have quite competitive prices on a few of their bows. After that it really comes down to personal preference and what feels good to you.

[Mark Burrows]

When I started shooting back in September I was tempted to buy a cheap bow, but then decided to spend a bit more on a good mid-range bow so that in a year's time or less I didn't end up spending the money on a good bow anyway.

So I ended up with the Bear Strike RTH package, and I am extremely happy with it, I know it will last me for years. Basically, what I'm trying to say is I reckon that you look at spending a bit more money you'll be happier with the product and won't feel a need to upgrade it within a few months .

The Bear Legion is the 2012 replacement for the Strike, it's got upgraded cams and different string dampeners or something. Might be worth checking out, as it's a few hundred cheaper than the Anarchy.

Good advice David. Especially stay away from those cheap ebay bows.
There is nothing wrong with the Bear range of bows. I am currently shooting a Bear Carnage and find it a great bow.( I came equal first at the Nationals in Freestyle unlimited with it this year.)
Last weekend I was at a shoot without a bow and borrowed a Bear Strike. It was a little short in the draw for me and I had to borrow a release as well but shot reasonable scores with it. Great bow package.