New or Used

So I'm looking into archery. I got some money set aside, and want to get what I need to start practicing. So Bow, sight, arrow rest, string decelerator, kisser button and peep sight insalled etc and some arrows. heres the question- buy a brand new decent entry level bow, or buy an older top of the line bow for the same ammount. I'm feeling pretty good about a 2003 hoyt razortec bow right now that had new limbs and a string put on it a year ago, as long as the draw length can be adjusted for me. Like new condition. Thoughts?

I keep thinking along gun lines- how much has changed in a quality bolt action rifle in the last seven years? But archery may be different. I don't know much, but I know I want to try it.

Everything I've read about the razortecs is good, great actually. They're going for around 350, naked bow. They were $750, stripped, in 2003. I'm sure its slightly heavier than a 2010 or 2011 model bow, but other than that I'm not sure why it wouldn't be a good idea.

As long as you don't buy the cheapest models most of the compounds are good and way better than they were a decade ago. My thoughts are if you know your way around bows as far as setting them up, sighting them in, etc then do as akitadog says and buy a used top of the line bow for a fraction of the new price. If your just getting into it I would spend the extra and get one from a good dealer that will help you get started and point out the things to watch out for. There are a lot more things to go wrong with a hi tec bow than there were with the old recurves that you need to be aware of when buying a used one. They are like a new car however and drop like a rock in value the first couple years of use.

I disagree with Esox on this one.  I think the tech. on the middle of the road new bows these days is just as good or better than 5-8 yr old top of the line bows.  I personally think your are better off picking a bow that fits you and feels good to you, regardless of price or age (as long as it's in good condition) and reasonably quiet.  Granted, you will most likely be able to find a $1000 bow that will feel great to you but do you want to spend that much when you are just getting into it?
 
I would look at the older top of the line bows and try to shoot some and pick a couple favs. but I would also shop around at some shops and look at some of the brand new mid range bow packages and shoot them as well.  Most if not all will have great speed, parallel limbs, some will come with STS's, low end to decent sites/rests, etc.  Most are north of 300 fps IBO these days. 
I like a real short bow since I treestand hunt almost exclusively and in some pretty tight spots.   I bought a Martin Bonehunter (Cheetah) pkg. from "Richard" Sporting Goods in '09 and I am very happy with it.  It is a single cam, 31" axle to axle, 7.25" brace height, 320 fps IBO and is super quiet and smooth.  The pkg. was $399 and they gave me 20% off up front plus I had $100 gift card and $50 in money from shopping there so much.  It was a no brainer for me at that point. 
 
All I am saying is just don't discount the mid-range new bows that are in your price range w/o trying them out.  Good luck whatever you decide on.  Plenty of deals out there either way you go.

I have a Mathews Drenalin, shoots great for me no need to upgrade

I hope you aren't going to be spending $600 on the Razortec. It should be quite a bit less than that even with all the bells and whistles.

there is a hoyt razor tech sitting at my shop right now with a quiver whisker bisquet, nap stab ,3 easton epic arrows, hha 3 pin sight and a wrist sling for 350 pm me if interested.

The thing about bows is, the bow companies do everything they can to get archers to buy a new bow as often as possible. The slightest improvements are billed as the next "revolution" in archery and the thing that will "change everything". (Most of the time, the changes are relatively minor-it seems to take at least ten years for substantial changes to occur). As a result of this, bows dont hold value very well and archers change bows way too frequently...putting some quality bows out there cheap! You could get an excellent rig that is only a couple years old for your price range. My advice to those buying a bow, new or used, (and I'm certainly no expert) is shoot as many as you can and go with the one that feels best. Dont get wrapped up in brand names or arrow speeds. Just get something you can shoot well. New or used, doesn't matter.

Been checking the local craigslist. Some big name bows for well within my pricerange. I need to find out exactly what my draw length is.

ORIGINAL: bassboatbill

Determining draw-length and draw-weight
Once you have found a bow that fits you and your needs you will need to outfit it with some accessories. First of all, you have to make sure the draw-length fits you and the poundage is right. Find your wingspan (finger tip to finger tip) and divide that by 2.5. This will give you a close measurement of your ideal draw-length.

Sweet! Thanks for the advice man. So far, its just been me drawing bows of people I know, and then said person squinting their eyes and going "yeah, thats pretty close. Yours (draw length) is probably an inch less than mine. Maybe an inch and a half".

This gives me 27.5 inches. Sounds a little short. I'm 5'9

Robinson, just a bit North West of Pittsburgh. We have a Gander Mtn pretty close. Next Saturday I'm heading out to Ultimate Outdoors- http://www.ultimate-outdoors.net/ and hopefully I'll get some of those questions worked out. I hear good things about them, Gander Mtn, so-so.

5'9" and 27 inch draw

Keep in mind SONO that when adding a string loop, your actual draw length will decrease.Some times you can make it up depending on the style of release you use such as a trigger that is close to the jaw of release. Just keep that in mind. Some bows can not be adjusted in length without buying a cam where others can be by replacing the draw module. See Rob at C&M near Cranberry if you need any help or contact me.

OA- good point. I never even thought of the release. My fiance's sister just got a new bow recently. Its got a 27' draw length. I'll ask her if I can playa round with it tonight.

These guys with 31' draw lengths must be some long armed dudes.

Instead of starting a new thread, I'll just post this here and hope some people look at the post-
Sights!
Looking at the Spot Hogg Right on 5 pin, wrapped (5 pin for 3-d shoots, eventually). This sight is around $160 though, and it would be by far the most expensive accessory purchase I make. I figured that if I do buy a more expensive sight it should be fine for years and years. Why not get a 5 pin right off the bat if I plan on doing 3-d shoots eventually, instead of buying a less expensive 3 pin then having to upgrade?

Also looking at Cobra sights, and Copper John sights. Any thoughts/suggestions? All of the big name sight manufacturers around the 100 dollar price point have mostly good reviews on cabelas.