Best New Bow for under $400???

Slippy · 03-24-2008, 11:20 AM

What do you think is the best new bow for under $400.00 and why? Thanks!

jcmorgan31 · 03-24-2008, 12:35 PM

Martin Cheetah.

Some of the best limbs on the market.
Bearings in the cams and not bushings.
Limb bolts thread into a steel barrel nut and not into the aluminum riser.
No bow press needed to break bow down.
Comes with a module pack so you can change the draw length.
15 lbs of weight adjustment and not the standard 10lb range.
Outstanding customer service.

All for $349ish.........

Slippy · 03-24-2008, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcmorgan31

Martin Cheetah.

Some of the best limbs on the market.
Bearings in the cams and not bushings.
Limb bolts thread into a steel barrel nut and not into the aluminum riser.
No bow press needed to break bow down.
Comes with a module pack so you can change the draw length.
15 lbs of weight adjustment and not the standard 10lb range.
Outstanding customer service.

All for $349ish.........

Sounds pretty awesome. What are your thoughts on the Bengal or Pantera made by Martin Archery? How much do they cost?

jcmorgan31 · 03-24-2008, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slippy

Sounds pretty awesome. What are your thoughts on the Bengal or Pantera made by Martin Archery? How much do they cost?

I have no experience with the Pantera.

The Bengal is basically the same bow as the Cheetah. Only difference is the axle to axle is 33" instead of 31.5" and it will go to a 30" draw. For that you pay $20-$30 dollars extra.

I forgot to mention that the Cheetah has a hole in the rear of the riser to accept the Martin factory STS string stopper. You can add that to the bow for $15 out of my shop.

Slippy · 03-24-2008, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcmorgan31

I forgot to mention that the Cheetah has a hole in the rear of the riser to accept the Martin factory STS string stopper. You can add that to the bow for $15 out of my shop.

Its about time that Martin starting doing that like all other two of the Big Three do. Those front mount STS things ain't exactly my thing.

jcmorgan31 · 03-24-2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slippy

Its about time that Martin starting doing that like all other two of the Big Three do. Those front mount STS things ain't exactly my thing.

Most manufacturers just started putting them on this year. Difference is that Martin is actually paying STS for their invention instead of calling it something else and marketing it as their own "innovation"

Slippy · 03-24-2008, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcmorgan31

Most manufacturers just started putting them on this year. Difference is that Martin is actually paying STS for their invention instead of calling it something else and marketing it as their own "innovation"

Yeah, Martin always has been an honorable company, thats for sure.

I haven't seen them on a Hoyt yet?

BUNNYMAN · 03-24-2008, 01:35 PM

Slippy, I see that you are trying to say that Martin is in the Top 3 of archery companies......

J.C. · 03-24-2008, 02:05 PM

Try a Mission X3, Slippy. I love mine.

Paul S. · 03-24-2008, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BUNNYMAN

Slippy, I see that you are trying to say that Martin is in the Top 3 of archery companies......

I caught that too.

Martin might be near the top in other parts of the internet, but thats about it.

Don't get me wrong, Martin does make a decent bow, but to say they are as popular as BowTech, Hoyt and Mathews is insane.

Slippy · 03-24-2008, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul S.

I caught that too.

Martin might be near the top in other parts of the internet, but thats about it.

here we go, another basher. Paul, I didn't expect that from you.

Mission X3? Who makes those and where do they sell them? Pictures???

archer1983 · 03-24-2008, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slippy

here we go, another basher. Paul, I didn't expect that from you.

Mission X3? Who makes those and where do they sell them? Pictures???

I think some new Alpines are going for like $350 I hear?

Slippy · 03-24-2008, 02:31 PM

I thought I put you on ignore?

Ronhop · 03-24-2008, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slippy

here we go, another basher. Paul, I didn't expect that from you.

Mission X3? Who makes those and where do they sell them? Pictures???

Mission is owned by Mathews and has a pretty nice line of bows...

www.missionarchery.com

Check it out. I tried one at my local shop that just happened to have one set up for a 29" draw a couple of months ago and it was nice.

Ron

archer1983 · 03-24-2008, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slippy

I thought I put you on ignore?

archer1983 · 03-24-2008, 02:40 PM

Personally, I think the Mission Line is solid for the price.

jcmorgan31 · 03-24-2008, 02:43 PM

Come on someone....list the great features of the Mission line and give us their MSRP.

They look like 2003 Mathews bows with all the bells and whistles stripped off to me??

Slippy · 03-24-2008, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronhop

Mission is owned by Mathews and has a pretty nice line of bows...

www.missionarchery.com

Check it out. I tried one at my local shop that just happened to have one set up for a 29" draw a couple of months ago and it was nice.

Ron

Thanks, you reminded me. My shop actually carries Mission. They look okay. Never shot one. I think the fact that they are made by Mathews pulls a lot of weight.

archer1983 · 03-24-2008, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slippy

Thanks, you reminded me. My shop actually carries Mission. They look okay. Never shot one. I think the fact that they are made by Mathews pulls a lot of weight.

w

f is that supposed to mean?

Slippy · 03-24-2008, 02:52 PM

I think if they weren't made by Mathews, total sales would go from 500 a year to 6?

Don't get me wrong, I'd buy one, but I wouldn't pay more than $150-$175. NIB

jcmorgan31 · 03-24-2008, 03:01 PM

Mission X5. This bow is "Top of the Lne" and "Decked Out" according to the website.

Camo riser, string silencers, zebra strings.........MSRP $559

Mission X4. This bow will "Get your Attention" according to the website.

Same features....less riser cut outs..........MSRP $449

Journey. At least it has parallel limbs.

Same features....better looking riser.......MSRP $599

X3. Finally, a bow in this price range with a fully machined (not cast or extruded) riser. (What machining? It is a solid piece of aluminum with 6 small round holes and a big fat grip.

)

Same features...minus camo on the riser.....MSRP $379

Buckmasters. Basically an '05 switchback without the harmonic dampeners

No price listed, but I'm sure its MSRP is well over $600.

I'm sorry to offend all the fanboys....but if you are recommending a Mission bow over a Martin...you are a Mathews nazi.....nothing more.....nothin less. Stick to promoting your Mathews....they make a nice bow.

Slippy · 03-24-2008, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcmorgan31

Mission X5. This bow is "Top of the Lne" and "Decked Out" according to the website.

Camo riser, string silencers, zebra strings.........MSRP $559

seriously?

clemenlp · 03-24-2008, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcmorgan31

Mission X5. This bow is "Top of the Lne" and "Decked Out" according to the website.

Camo riser, string silencers, zebra strings.........MSRP $559

Mission X4. This bow will "Get your Attention" according to the website.

Same features....less riser cut outs..........MSRP $449

Journey. At least it has parallel limbs.

Same features....better looking riser.......MSRP $599

X3. Finally, a bow in this price range with a fully machined (not cast or extruded) riser. (What machining? It is a solid piece of aluminum with 6 small round holes and a big fat grip.

)

Same features...minus camo on the riser.....MSRP $379

Buckmasters. Basically an '05 switchback without the harmonic dampeners

No price listed, but I'm sure its MSRP is well over $600.

I'm sorry to offend all the fanboys....but if you are recommending a Mission bow over a Martin...you are a Mathews nazi.....nothing more.....nothin less. Stick to promoting your Mathews....they make a nice bow.

Spoke to our Local Mathews Retailer who states that he doesn't think the mission line will be around next year. He said that Mathew's mission's are about as successful as PSE's AR line was. Says that for the money people are just buying used Mathews, high end PSE's, or Parkers.

He said, basically people want to see a roller guard and harmonic dampeners when you say they are made by Mathews.

jcmorgan31 · 03-24-2008, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clemenlp

Spoke to our Local Mathews Retailer who states that he doesn't think the mission line will be around next year. He said that Mathew's mission's are about as successful as PSE's AR line was. Says that for the money people are just buying used Mathews, high end PSE's, or Parkers.

He said, basically people want to see a roller guard and harmonic dampeners when you say they are made by Mathews.

I just think they are low end bows with a higher than necessary price tag. You can take Martin out of the line up and still find much better buys with other companies. I'm amazed they made it this long....

clemenlp · 03-24-2008, 03:54 PM

Ya, I wasn't really impressed with it when I looked at them. Didn't even have a desire to shoot one. I feel there are much better bows out there for the same or less money.

dbdcougar · 03-24-2008, 05:20 PM

The Pantera is gone this year; just eeking outside your price limit is the MOAB which is much nicer to handle. Light, good in the hand shock dept., MPro has a nice draw curve - just not a speedster.

jcmorgan31 · 03-24-2008, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbdcougar

The Pantera is gone this year; just eeking outside your price limit is the MOAB which is much nicer to handle. Light, good in the hand shock dept., MPro has a nice draw curve - just not a speedster.

What do you mean out of his price range??? It is right ther before tax....

BowhuntnHoosier · 03-24-2008, 05:27 PM

Slippy and Justin pushin Martin Koolaid again.

jcmorgan31 · 03-24-2008, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BowhuntnHoosier

Slippy and Justin pushin Martin Koolaid again.

Better than pushing Mathews sewer water just because of a name there Frank...

I even said to remove Martin from the choices and there are still a bunch of brands that are better values than a Mission.

archer1983 · 03-24-2008, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcmorgan31

I just think they are low end bows with a higher than necessary price tag. You can take Martin out of the line up and still find much better buys with other companies. I'm amazed they made it this long....

Good post.

jcmorgan31 · 03-24-2008, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by archer1983

Good post.

I need a smiley with this one.... are you

or

kebees4 · 03-24-2008, 06:42 PM

No one mentioned bear archery. They have some nice stuff under $400.00. I just got a truth off ebay for $335. new in the box.

J.C. · 03-24-2008, 06:43 PM

I like my Mission because it's light, draws easy and is shock free. I'm not particularly a fan of parallel limb bows. The added riser length makes the bow heaviier than I like. Yes, it is an older Mathews riser design paired with a Switchback style cam. The grip is a little thick but I took it off and am shooting off the riser. If liking it more than the Martins makes me a Mathews nazi in your eyes, then so be it.....

By the way, I didn't recommend it over the Martin I just said Slippy should give it a try.

I looked at the Cheetah and Bengal. They are both heavier than I like and the grip area is too thick, plus the Cheetah wont make my drawlength. They're well made bows though and I'm sure they are very good sellers for Martin.

jcmorgan31 · 03-24-2008, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J.C.

I like my Mission because it's light, draws easy and is shock free. I'm not particularly a fan of parallel limb bows. The added riser length makes the bow heaviier than I like. Yes, it is an older Mathews riser design paired with a Switchback style cam. The grip is a little thick but I took it off and am shooting off the riser. If liking it more than the Martins makes me a Mathews nazi in your eyes, then so be it.....

By the way, I didn't recommend it over the Martin I just said Slippy should give it a try.

I looked at the Cheetah and Bengal. They are both heavier than I like and the grip area is too thick, plus the Cheetah wont make my drawlength. They're well made bows though and I'm sure they are very good sellers for Martin.

Nazi......

Like I said.....take Martin out of the line up and there are still better values. At least there are bows with more bells and whistles for the money.

I guarentee you the grip area on an '08 Martin is smaller than the Mission grips.

If you like it and you feel like you got enough bow for the money....then awesome. I can't really argue with that.

I just listed a whole bunch of features for $349 and the Mathews mafia started chiming in with the Mission nonsense. Not one person has listed all the features you get for the money.....

Paul S. · 03-24-2008, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slippy

here we go, another basher. Paul, I didn't expect that from you.

Hell buddy, I'm not bashing you, I wouldn't do that.

O.K., lets just say from the amount of bows I see around here(and I see a bunch), I might see 2 or 3 Martins all year. And thats no B.S.

UPSTATE · 03-24-2008, 07:47 PM

Best bow under 400 bucks , thats easy , buy a used mathews on Ebay

JDX-- · 03-24-2008, 08:56 PM

Better than pushing Mathews sewer water just because of a name

Man, Justin

That just plain hurts

JDX--

BUNNYMAN · 03-24-2008, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDX--

Better than pushing Mathews sewer water just because of a name

Man, Justin

That just plain hurts

JDX--

dont worry JEFF, he was really digging and clawing for that one

Ronhop · 03-24-2008, 09:08 PM

Why are some of you guys saying that because somebody actually SHOT a Mission and liked it think that they are Mathews 'Nazis' ?

I can ask that question respectfully since I own 1 Mathews and 2 Bowtechs. Each bow is for a certain purpose and all three of them seem to be what the doctor ordered. 1 hunting, 1 indoor and 1 3D.

Did any of you guys blasting Mathews 'Nazis' ever shoot any of the Mission bows ? If you did, post up your honest, and I mean honest, opinion about how they shot. Make a useful contribution, not wether or not the 'riser looked good' or 'I was never a fan of parallel limbs anyway'. Did any of you guys shoot a Martin Bengal or Cheetah ? They are nice too, but have a lot more shock and vibration, to me anyway, than any of the Missions.... Come on, post up some comparisions and useful information that Slippy can actually use...

And, why would anybody say that the best bow is buying a used Mathews on eBay ? What model ? What Year ? What draw weight/length ?

Does anyone know what Slippy is using the bow for ?

Slippy ? Can you give us more information on what you are trying to accomplish ?

There are a lot of nice bows out there however the best bow for a person is the one they like the best and feels the best to them and gets them the best result for the purpose they are using the bow for.

Ron

BUNNYMAN · 03-24-2008, 09:13 PM

SUPERB POST RON..............

I personally HAVE shot a MISSION X3 and its great SMOOTH shooting bow for the money.......

SORRY TO BURST THE BASHERS BUBBLES