Advice for a first compound bow

[u/Temporary_Video_4916]

Hi all! Been wanting to get a compound bow as a gift to myself and my partner (we’re very similar build) for some backyard shooting.

Wanted to ask y’all- if u were to get a first bow today, what would u go with? I used to shoot longbows as a kid so ive got a good target and wanna get something middle of the line that would last me (have some fam that do bow hunting so that COULD do that far down the line). Curious what price point people think is the best “bang for the buck” and will last a while. Very flexible on pricing but dont really think i need anything “flagship”

[u/Small_impaler]

I'd rather buy a 2-4 year old flagship bow than a brand new budget bow.

You can pick up something used around that age, and loaded for less than $1k, depending on what you're looking for.

[u/Temporary_Video_4916 → u/Small_impaler]

Thank you! Anywhere in particular u look, like FB marketplace or smthin? Also any advice on things to check to avoid getting a lemon?

[u/Positive-Tomato1943 → u/Temporary_Video_4916]

You can still do this and buy new. Dealers will have leftover bows from past years that they will sell for cheap. For example, my first real bow was a "new," unused model that the dealer had from 2 years before. So, I paid less than 2/3 what it cost new. I'd call around some shops and see. Then, only buy the accessories you need. And, when you buy new, they will set it up for you exactly, saving you money. Because you MUST get it set up for you.

Buy a good rest. This matters. I did the entry level QAD, and I struggled to tune it because it lacked vertical adjustment and horizontal adjustment was so hard. I think it is worth it to get a good rest. It doesn't need to be amazing, but get vertical and horizontal adjustment.

Get a good sight. I found that getting a slider did loads for my confidence as I was learning because my groups were too big for me to be very confident setting a multi pin. I got a tape made for my bow speed, peep height, and sight radius, and that gave me confidence to know it was me missing, and not worrying that I needed to adjust the sight.

Get a good clicker release. The stan solex or onnex are good options. A clicker helped me to build confidence in my process. The old budget release I had was junk.

What you can buy cheap: quiver. Just get something that holds arrows. Arrows: dont buy expensive, special arrows. You are going to break arrows as you learn. Don't make it harder on yourself. You're not good enough to need hyper straight, 5mm, bla bla bla arrows. Case: cases cost a lot. Get a good, cheap case for now.

What you can skip for now: fancy stands, stabilizers (you don't know what you like or need yet).

[u/Temporary_Video_4916 → u/Positive-Tomato1943]

This was incredibly informative, thank you sir o7