New compounder needs advice

[Hidden Hippo]

I had my first go at compound on Friday night and have decided that I would like to get my own kit. My drawlength is around 26" so that will limit the choice of actual compounds avaiable. However, I've pretty much decided to go and have a look at all of the ones WAS have to offer (if I can get there) but my real question is about the accessories. Which sight is recommended by most people around here? I'm currently using an Ultima Carbon on my recurve and love it, but don't know if there is a better value one around.

Also, which scope is recommended? Is it worth paying the premium on a Beiter scope for the plastic lens or paying an extortionate amount for a Sure Loc Black Eagle?

Finally, what type of rest would people recommend? Launcher or drop-away? I've really got no idea about this type of thing.

I will also be getting (I expect) a nice Carter release aid and will use my old Beiter stabs I expect.

Thanks in advance.

[pyroarch57]

Originally Posted by Hidden Hippo

I had my first go at compound on Friday night and have decided that I would like to get my own kit. My drawlength is around 26" so that will limit the choice of actual compounds avaiable. However, I've pretty much decided to go and have a look at all of the ones WAS have to offer (if I can get there) but my real question is about the accessories. Which sight is recommended by most people around here? I'm currently using an Ultima Carbon on my recurve and love it, but don't know if there is a better value one around.

Also, which scope is recommended? Is it worth paying the premium on a Beiter scope for the plastic lens or paying an extortionate amount for a Sure Loc Black Eagle?

Finally, what type of rest would people recommend? Launcher or drop-away? I've really got no idea about this type of thing.

I will also be getting (I expect) a nice Carter release aid and will use my old Beiter stabs I expect.

Thanks in advance.

My preference would me the SureLoc Challenger or better still (if you have the dosh) the SureLoc Supreme. The Beiter scope is excellent (5x) - i have tried the Black Eagle and IMO there isn`t enough between them to justify the extra cost. As to launcher, you wont go far wrong with the Trophy Taker, but my personal preference is the Spigarelli dropaway which can be used either way. `Carter`... excellent choice, wouldn`t use anything else. Welcome to the

[Little Miss Purple]

Check out some of the previous threads on advice... they are linked below.

Also try and get your hands on as much gear before you buy.... and be aware of different models (I like the loesch bt release aid but only found out last week that there is a mark 1 and a mark 2 - very different n the hand!!)

Have fun

[Hidden Hippo]

Thanks for the advice. Most of those threads are more regarding recurve though LMP, but I've trawled through the forum before and had a look at previous threads which have definately been some help in looking at scopes in particular (although I don't think many really looked at the questions I am asking).

The reason I've chosen a Carter (other than Adam's advice) is because it felt very solid when I was using it on Friday night (HT2000 I believe) and didn't feel as if it was going to fall apart on me, which I liked considering the fact that the bow scared me enough as it was.

I'll have a look into the Supreme, but the price rise of around £60 is fairly large. Is the difference really that great to warrent the cost, or is it more of a "got the money then why not" type of thing (I could get the money if I wanted but don't really want to be wasting it if there is very little difference when it is the best part of a nice release).

Edit: Alternatively, there is a Sure Loc Challenger Ultra listed on Alternative for £115 (normal Challenger = £100 and the Supreme =£165). Has anyone got any experience with this sight? Is there any real difference between it and the normal version of the Challenger?

[pyroarch57]

Originally Posted by Hidden Hippo

Thanks for the advice. Most of those threads are more regarding recurve though LMP, but I've trawled through the forum before and had a look at previous threads which have definately been some help in looking at scopes in particular (although I don't think many really looked at the questions I am asking).

The reason I've chosen a Carter (other than Adam's advice) is because it felt very solid when I was using it on Friday night (HT2000 I believe) and didn't feel as if it was going to fall apart on me, which I liked considering the fact that the bow scared me enough as it was.

I'll have a look into the Supreme, but the price rise of around £60 is fairly large. Is the difference really that great to warrent the cost, or is it more of a "got the money then why not" type of thing (I could get the money if I wanted but don't really want to be wasting it if there is very little difference when it is the best part of a nice release).

Edit: Alternatively, there is a Sure Loc Challenger Ultra listed on Alternative for £115 (normal Challenger = £100 and the Supreme =£165). Has anyone got any experience with this sight? Is there any real difference between it and the normal version of the Challenger?

Barely any difference. The Supreme is just a bit quicker to adjust. They`re both excellent sights. I`ve been using one for four years. The only diference between the Challenger and Challenger Ultra is the Ultra is lighter.

[Hidden Hippo]

I doubt I'd bother with the extra being spent on the Supreme then. I'm on a (sort of) student budget which is reasonable but not huge (I'll be getting donations for Xmas I expect, probably for the release, sight and scope) but the bow I'll be getting on my own.

As for the scope (decided against the Black Eagle, far too expensive) is there really a difference between the K Lens and the normal glass lens in the Beiter scope? The price difference is only around £15, but its a little odd that they've got the plastic lens if there is little/no difference other than the weight. Also, which is better in terms of size, the 29mm or 39mm (or is it a purely personal choice)?

Finally (for this reply) how good are Quicks at letting you try compound bows? I've bought recurves from them in the past and always been able to try them, but obviously I'm not going to plonk £600 down on a compound without trying it first. Would you recommend them or WAS (I should be able to get there for something this major) for service and help setting it up as I've never tuned a compound?

hidden hippo, you could always try a 5 pin sight ,you can pick them up fairly cheaply, see how you like shooting with a sight before you go down that road of scope set up, may not be everyones cup of tea (pin sight) but they are a good starter, also have a quick look at the jim fletcher release aids, good quality,been about for years and will not cost you the earth like some i could mention..

[h20vrrq]

Originally Posted by Hidden Hippo

Finally (for this reply) how good are Quicks at letting you try compound bows? I've bought recurves from them in the past and always been able to try them, but obviously I'm not going to plonk £600 down on a compound without trying it first. Would you recommend them or WAS (I should be able to get there for something this major) for service and help setting it up as I've never tuned a compound?

I contacted/visited most of the main archery dealers when I was looking for a new bow. I would have to say WAS were probably joint top with Merlin for help and advice. They couldnt have been more helpful in letting me try out bows. I hadnt actually intended in buying a bow when I went to see them, but came away with a new Guardian. I also asked about new sights, rests, etc and was given very good advice (pro's & cons of each). Once I had everthing i wanted they set the bow up for me; they took there time and made sure it was right. All i had to do was take it home and shoot it.

[schony]

Thats Service!!!! Keep up the good work

[Ceri Jones]

Try as much as you can, and find the kit that works for you, i feel that compound is a very personal thing..