So I got a bow for Christmas. It's a diamond bow and seems to be a good starter for me.

It didn't come with any accessories (arrows,case, trigger release etc) so I would greatly appreciate this boards insight into some much have accessories and how to get started.

I was thinking about going to basspro to get "fitted"

What is your budget?

You'll need to get:
- arrows
- release
- sight
- quiver
- stabilizer

Take the bow to a proshop and make sure it is set to your draw length and have them install a peep and a string loop. You can have them set up arrows for you as well. Prices on quality arrows really don't vary all that much from proshopss vs online.

...accessories on the other hand can often be found cheaper online. You can spend as much or more on accessories as you did on the bow, so it's really a matter of how much you can/want to spend. If you give us a budget we can probably give you our best fits to stay within your budget (and because this is TexAgs at least a few people will recommend you spend 8x your stated budget).

Not much advice on the other but I have a hard shell Plano case you can have if you want. My 2 cents are get a drop away rest and spend some bucks on your sight. Text me if you want the case!

Just going to say this because it's always fun to say....

Whisker Biscuit

Spend the $$$ for good accessories. When you upgrade to a fancier bow, you can move them onto the new one.

Crusaders41 said:

---

Just going to say this because it's always fun to say....

Whisker Biscuit

---

I always think naughty thoughts when I hear these two words.

nactownag said:

---

So I got a bow for Christmas.

---

I missed Christmas? I know I am forgetful but wow, how did that happen?

Sean98 said:

---

What is your budget?

You'll need to get:
- arrows
- release
- sight
- quiver
- stabilizer

Take the bow to a proshop and make sure it is set to your draw length and have them install a peep and a string loop. You can have them set up arrows for you as well. Prices on quality arrows really don't vary all that much from proshopss vs online.

...accessories on the other hand can often be found cheaper online. You can spend as much or more on accessories as you did on the bow, so it's really a matter of how much you can/want to spend. If you give us a budget we can probably give you our best fits to stay within your budget (and because this is TexAgs at least a few people will recommend you spend 8x your stated budget).

---

I was thinking maybe 300-500 for now but as time goes on I'm willing to spend more.

Can you give me some brand names that I should look for or avoid for these accessories?

I really appreciate it

i recommend finding your closest archery shop and going in there and talking with them. It might be a little more expensive than buying everything at a bass pro or cabelas, but you will get more knowledgeable service and advice from the guys who do it all day every day. For me personally, I also like to to support those smaller businesses.

Go in and let them know your budget and they can point you to the best gear available in your price range. I would recommend spending a little more on a release, rest, and arrows. Your sight is important but as someone new to archery, all you really need right now are three fixed pins that are bright.

Good luck and welcome to the club!

I second frog killer - its always good to support the local guys. Plus they will spend more time getting the right equipment for what you are trying to do. I will gladly tell you the equipment I am shooting, but that may not be whats best for you.

Welcome to the addiction

If I had $500 here is how I would spend it:

Arrows: $100-125/doz
- GoldTip Expedition or XT Hunter - 1 dozen finished arrows

Release: $75
- Scott or Tru-Fire. I prefer a wrist strap double caliper release. Scott Shark or Little Goose, Tru-Fire Bulldog, etc. (online purchase)

Sight: $75
- I think TruGlo is the best of the "budget" sights. Something like the 3-pin "Rival" will fit in this price range - or a 5 pin if you can find it on clearance/sale (my Cabelas had multiples in the bargain cave a month ago).

Rest: $125
- VaporTrail Limb Driver Pro-V - buy this at your pro-shop and have them install it.
- (this is the last area I would scrimp on)

Quiver: $50
- Plenty of usable quivers at/under $50. Octane, Trophy Ridge 5-spot, Rage, etc.

Stabilizer: $50
- Stabilizers are overlooked by many, but I think a key component of consistent shooting. I like a HEAVY stabilizer. The good news is they are installed by simply screwing them in so you can buy on eBay/online and find them pretty cheap. I have an NAP ShockBlocker. I also like the B-Stingers. But if you choose you can go with the cheap Sims Limbsaver and it'll cut down on vibration.

...if you are looking to trim that to closer to $300 you could cut your stabilizer down to $25 (or cut it entirely for now), drop your quiver down to $30, ...personally I still wouldn't scrimp on the rest, you could cut your sight down to $50 (particularly if you scour ebay or the ArcheryTalk classifieds), and you could go with a cheap release for now. That could save you $25-50. Total that could save you another $100-125, but in the long run will probably end up being a cost that you pay again when you get frustrated with the cheaper equipment.

One more point. I love supporting the local pro-shop as well but I recognize there are times when finances drive the decision. So to that end I would say you can actively shop your bow sight, quiver, stabilizer and release online. There can be some solid deals on eBay, ArcheryTalk Classifieds, or just after Christmas sales from the litany of online retailers.

However I would take your bow to a pro-shop in order to 1) have them confirm and adjust (if needed) your draw length/weight. 2) buy your rest and have them install/time it for you. 3) Install your peep sight (I like a G5 meta-peep) and your string loop. and finally 4) Have them measure/cut/finish arrows for you. You can just go with a half-dozen at first if you need to save money. ...from that point on if you want you can order finished arrows through a couple of eBay shops (that are usually out of state pro-shops themselves) relatively inexpensively. I shoot Easton's, but I listed GoldTip because they are probably the best bang for your buck. I like my Easton's better, but I shot GoldTip for a long time with no problems and they are $25-50 cheaper per dozen.

Do you still have the case available? Also new to bows and just got my first bow.

Also does anyone else have arrow recs? I am getting my bow tuned at Knocked & Loaded in Killeen and will probably go with what they recommend but thought I would ask here as well.

Also on releases, I think I selected the Spot Hogg Wiseguy... really liked how it felt and liked the hook vs the caliper. Anyone with thoughts on this release?

I have had the wiseguy and really liked the release. You may also look into Truefire Harcore release as it also has a hook version and is a very nice release.

Good advice so far. I agree about spending money of good rest. I really overlooked vane damage and its effect on accuracy when I started out. Spending money on a good fall away rest now will save you headaches later on. I use the Limbdriver Pro-V that Sean suggested. It is a great rest. For now, you can skimp elsewhere.

A fixed 3-pin sight on a starter bow is good choice until you really figure out how far you'll be shooting and what sight preferences you develop. I started with a Tru-Glo. You should be able to find some good deals now. I saw the G5 XR2 sight I use at the local Gander Mountain for 60% off.

If you go to a proshop, they should let you try a bunch of releases. I still think wrist strap releases make the most sense for a hunter. Certainly one on a budget. You should be able to buy a Scott Little Bitty Goose on ebay for about $50. I use that as a back-up but still consider it my lucky release. Scott makes great releases under the $100 range.

You said bow accessories but if you will be hunting from a tree stand, get a safety harness for hunting and installing a tree stand.