Question: What is the lightest most forgiving target bow on the market?

Sturdyman · 11-22-2009, 04:26 PM

Hello All,

Archery can be quite addictive. In my search for my first bow I not by design put together a 3D/Hunting bow to be used in close quarters. I am now in search for a good target bow. I would like to know what is the lightest most forgiving target bow on the market. Now that I am able to shoot what I have I am not in so much of a hurry to make a purchase. I will buy a quality target sight that I can use on my current bow until the next bow purchase can be made. I am within 1.5 hours of Lancaster Archery and will be able to shoot a variety of bows.

I just need a little advice from the experts on this forum. Which target bow is smooth, forgiving and light weight? I have seen Hoyts, Bowtechs, Matthews, and PSE's during the shoots at my club. I have a general idea of what I am looking for. I know I have asked this question before in one way or another. Please endulge an old fool who does not want to waste money on his next purchase. It doesn't grow on trees you know.

Supermag · 11-22-2009, 06:07 PM

Not so much of a bow suggestion but more of a piece of advice, a lightweight bow will probably shoot less accurately for you than a heavier model. The extra weight helps keep the pin steadier on target and keeps the bow more stable.

SandSquid · 11-22-2009, 07:02 PM

Martin Mystic w/ elite limbs and Furious-X Cams
Martin Scepter4 w/ elite limbs and Furious-X Cams

(Both would be even better if you can find one a used w/ Nitrous-X cams ;-)

I have (2) Martin P3's, both have Elite limbs. One has Nitrous-X cams and the other has Furious-X cams. But, if I ever get the opportunity, I'd upgrade my "target" bow to a Scepter4 and my hunting bow to a Mystic.

Sturdyman · 11-22-2009, 07:49 PM

Thank you for the advice Sandsquid I am downloading the Martin Catalog as I type this responce. There happens to be a Pro Series dealer in Hagerstown Maryland. That is about the same distance from Baltimore as Lancaster Archery.

Thank you too Supermag. The reason I would like a light weight bow is because I am not in the best of health after recovering from surgery. I am using archery to help me get back into shape. I will attempt to address the stability issue with the application of stablizers and other accessories.

Thanks to the both of you, at least I have options other than the big four (Bowteck, Matthews, Hoyt, and PSE). Currently I am shooting a Bowtech Tomkat which weighs 3.8lbs before accessories.

This forum is a great resource. Please keep the info comming. Thank you everyone.

Too Many Hobbies · 11-24-2009, 02:22 PM

What do you consider light?

Sturdyman · 11-24-2009, 07:29 PM

4.25lbs and under. Idealy 4.0lbs and under.

Too Many Hobbies · 11-25-2009, 11:01 AM

Elite XLR - 4.25
Mathews Hyperlight - 3.45
Mathews Z7 - 3.97 (Shot this last week and loved it, very smooth, Man I need more money for a new hunting bow...)
Hoyt Alphamax 32 - 3.9
Hoyt Alphamax 35 - 4.1
I am sure that one or more of the Bowtech bows meets the 4.25 lbs requirements, but they don't have the weight of their bows on their website.

kebees4 · 11-25-2009, 11:19 AM

The Athens is that light also. They are great shooting bows. The 32" is 3.95 lbs.
Check out their web for details.

http://www.athensarchery.com/bows.html

Daniel Boone · 11-26-2009, 05:23 AM

Elite XLR is a great feeling bow. Been showing it can shoot some excellant scores. Go shoot one and let the guys from Lancasters tell you all about them.

Good Luck and find the bow that feels best to you! That where accuracy comes into play.
DB

Sturdyman · 11-26-2009, 08:25 AM

I actually looked at the Elite XLR on the web site last night. I would have to get the version with the Cuda cams because of mt 27 inch draw length. The
xlr is definatly on my short list as well as Mathews' Drenelin LD and Athen's Accomplish 34.

Just looking at as many bows as I can. Thanks for the suggestions and please keep the information comming.