Are Black Widows worth the extra cash? I've always wanted a MA II or a PL I have the money for a used one, but I got thinking. I could buy 2 or 3 cheaper priced bows for the same price as a BW.
:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
I love it when these come around!!!!
:jumper: :jumper: :jumper:
They are fine bows. Whether they are worth it or not is something only you can decide.
Since we're all different, each individual will have to decide for themselves whether Black Widows are worth the extra cash. But I'm sure that legions of Black Widow shooters out there will certainly agree they are worth the price. While I don't own one yet, I've decided for myself that they are worth the money...or at least that I'm willing to pay the money they want for one.
That said, I just ordered a new custom bow from a different boyer. Frankly, when all was said and done, the price I paid wasn't all that much different from what Black Widow is currently charging for their bows.
Bought mine in 1982. Cost was a bit less back then but was still more than half a months pay. Looking back, it was money well spent. For guys like me that find a bow they like and then shoot it until something falls apart, it's a very good value. The way things are going, I'll fall apart before the Widow!
There is really no bow out there that is magic. You just have to find the one that fits you personally the best. This could be a used Bear that cost $150, or a Habu. Only you will be able to tell what it is worth.
They are very well-built bows designed for the average archer to shoot well...with outstanding customer service.
I see the prices of the Blacktail, Schafer, Robertson, Morrison, and many others very similar to the Widow. However, I do notice the re-sell values of the Widow probably better...so many would have to conclude that they are worth the $$$.
I am a working class guy where every dollar counts. I have found through buyin and selling alot of bows looking for the magic bow has cost me alot and I keep coming back to a widow recurve. I honestly dont think there is a better recurve out there. The fit and finish is perfect and is important to me, the performance as a hunting bow cannot be beat. As said alot, there are prettier and faster bows, but as a great all round bow that is backed by the best customer service in the buisness a black widow bow cannot be beat. and thier resale holds up very well.
To me yes, they are worth the money.
BW makes an excellent bow, as does Morrison and others. None are cheap, some just more expensive than others. With that said, I've noticed that BW holds its value in the used market better than most, probably because of their loyal following and their high initial price. I own a BW PMA-V and will keep it, even though most of my shooting is done with a longbow. :thumbsup:
QuoteOriginally posted by huntnut:
Are Black Widows worth the extra cash? I've always wanted a MA II or a PL I have the money for a used one, but I got thinking. I could buy 2 or 3 cheaper priced bows for the same price as a BW.
Only you can answer that question young grasshopper
I've bought three used on tradgang and every one has been great to shoot and in excellent shape. They are built like a brick SSSSS house. Nice bows
Bill
Bud, buy ya widow and dont look back! there the bow all others are judged by ...my 2 cents!!! mark#78....you wont regret it!
You said you have always wanted one.You probably won't be happy untill you've owned one.Look for a good deal on a used Widow.I've seen a lot around $600 and one at $250 which I stupidly didn't buy.You can shoot it a year and if you find something better,sell it for what you gave.
I am a true diehard Bob Lee fan, but wait till I get my hands on a Black Widow!!!!!!!!! I love BW's but cant make myself buy one yet or cause i always find another BL to get. :banghead:
I big plus I see with the BW is the resale is great. I was going to buy the new greatest compound that runs $750 and after one year it might be worth $500 and just drops after that. Where the BW might keep the same value for the next 5-10 years. I know that owening one probably isn't going to make me shoot that much better, but it's just the mind set that I have one of the most popular bows out there. And if I deside I don't like it I can sell it and probably not loss a dime.
Ever bow I ever bought, regardless of the bowyer, was worth what I paid for it.
That being said, I do own 5 Widders. And theys all wuth it.
My Widows are worth every penny. The bows are just "great" bows. Morrison makes an awesome recurve as well; maybe a tad better performance than a widow.
Buy a used widow. You will be pleased with it.
JDS III
Well I just put an add on the classifieds to try to find a used one. I figured I always wanted one so I should buy one while I still can. Thanks for the info and opinons guys.
Obviously it depends on who you ask.
There's no one "best" bow--if there were, that would be the only bow on the market or at best everyone else would be copying the same designs. Seems there are more bowyers and more variations on designs that ever these days.
Buying used is probably your best bet, as you can usually get your money back if you find it's not "the" bow for you, vs. taking a loss on a new one--just like any other bow.
If you were to ask me, I'd say they are well built, and the company has a great reputation, but.......I've owned two, and shot many others--I don't own one now, or have plans to buy another.
Chad
hey!!
A MAN IS ONLY AS COOL AS THE BOW HE CARRIES!!!
:bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: :thumbsup:
Never had one but resale value is a good indicator of whether it's worth it. Plus like RH said, you probably won't be happy till ya get one. I just got a Dauntless, I'm happy.
Bowless
Is a _____ bow worth the money?
You could plug in tons of names in the blank above, but only the shooter can decide.
This is a certainly a hobby for most of us, and if BW's are what you want to spend your money on, go for it. I ordered a PAX just 6 weeks ago.
In my opinion we shouldn't just try to cut corners and buy the cheapest bows possible. Find the one you like to shoot the most, and that's the one you should shoot.
Brett
Go to the Widow Wall and look at what they have.
:coffee: :coffee:
NO!!!.......... :biglaugh: of course they are, just like all bows made by all "small business" traditional-only bowyers that you see advertised in Tradgang and TBM. On the other hand, any "traditional" bow made by big, corporate oriented wheely bows companies isn't worth ONE of your hard-earned pennies, for the principle of it. BW has made traditional bows since 1957, and kept it that way even when the wheely "revolution" nearly ran them out of business. Isn't that enough of a reason to get one?
I love this most common question because the answer is contained in the posted question.
Here's the answer (in your own words)
Quote ... I've always wanted a MA II or a PL. I have the money for a used one, ...
Then you list your problem.
Quote ... but I got thinking...
Stop thinking and buy the bow!
Want to play safe, buy used.
If you like it, call BW and have them build one just for you.
YEP!!
These days, many traditional bows will throw a 10 grain/pound arrow at about 190 fps, +/- 10 fps. Most pull smoothly without stacking issues. Most offer custom grips, come in various lengths and configurations and can be made of the exotic wood(s) of your choice. And at traditional distances, most shoot where you aim them. So what else matters? Here's a few points to consider:
Name several other custom bow companies that have been around for 50 years as Widow has???
Name several other bow companies that have enough confidence in their respective bow to let you "demo" one in the comfort of your home - without obligation to purchase- to make certain that the bow you are considering will meet your needs.
Widow's customer service is legendary and you will not find better customer service. Period. That's period!.
I've been shooting Widows exclusively for the past twenty years and have never once - not once - hand an issue with any of my bows. Because I'm fortunate to be able to hunt out my back door, my Widows are hunted hard and often and if you inspected them, you'd think that they were just used as wall art and rarely used for hunting. A couple of my oldest Widows have remained strung (other than changing strings, of course) for the better part of twenty years, without issue, and I still shoot and hunt with these bows regularly.
And it's absolutely true that Widows have not just good, but exceptional resale value. I routinely see twenty year old Widows selling for more than what I paid for mine new.
I'm hoping this keeps a bunch of you busy while I check out the classifieds.
:goldtooth:
I recently purchased a used PTFV and it shoots well and seems to be a good solidly constructed bow. I think it is worth the money I paid for it.
Killi, you're funny! Anyway, for whatever its worth, Black Widow Bows are worth every penny they ask for. As are all of the rest of the fine bowyers out there. Alex B hits the nail on the head with his post. WE ARE A SMALL COMMUNITY, AND WE NEED TO SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER. Frankly, I would love to have all of the fine bows out there, Black Widow just happens to be one of the many. I want a 65 Lb PLX and I hope to save enough money to get one. T.
"YES" Just my humble opinion.
Regards, Carl
Labs4me, You give compelling testimony favoring Black Widow bows. However, I think you may have overlooked one point: Black Widow also has a history of giving back to the small traditional bowhunting community described by AlexB by supporting various organizations like Compton, etc.
Good post and well said. :thumbsup:
this years bows are some of their best looking bows !!!!!
Black Widow.....There is no subsitute :D :D :D
David
Yep absolutely they are worth the money.
Had one, traded it. Stupid!! Stupid!! Stupid!! That being said they are worth it to me, and I'll have another soon enough if I find a good one in the classifieds. :knothead:
They are fantastic bows and they have the best customer service i have seen ,i realy like their pl longbows .
Everything that we strive for or do should be "worth it"...
No matter what our make of bow is, it should be "worth it"...
"Worth" is also a very personal thing, and needs to be determined by individuals...
I never cease to be amazed at the quality of traditional bows available these days. It is a far cry from the days when I started shooting in the mid-sixties.
I guess we should let the free market decide if Widows are worth every penny. From my personal point of view they are, I guess I wouldn't have three of them if they weren't, trying to scrape the money together to get another.
So, if any of you guys have a Widow lefty that you just don't think is worth keeping, let me know.
Nice bows. :thumbsup:
I've just never been able to figure out the "code".
PMA, PSA, PTF, PSR, PLX, SAV, MAV, PDQ ???
Is there a secret handshake as well? :)
Looking through the posts I see this hasn't been said yet so...
I wouldn't give $20 for a barrel full of 'em!! :biglaugh:
The ones I've shot/handled have been extremely nice bows; excellent fit and finish, smooth draw and fast shooters. I don't care for the way most of them look so they're not for me, but that's about the only complaint I have with them. Some guys like a 'Vette, some like a 'Stang... I normally end up with the Escort :D
Now if anyone wants to part with a late 50's early 60's Widow though, I'll talk about naming my next child after you. Those are some nice looking bows! :D
I have owned many bows during the last fifty years, but when I look at my bow rack I see four Black Widows hanging. To me they are worth the money.
there are a lot of good bows out there. black widows bows are one of them. i had to sell at a loss a couple of bows tha i bought and did not like to buy my psr recently. should have started with the widow. it would have been cheeper. i also own a tomahawk longbow that i think the quality is just as good.
Are they worth the money? I only have one so I cant say, but after I gather up at least four more I should be able to have a more intelligent opinion for you.
Yes. They are worth the money.
Shoot one, preferably several of different lengths, and at least one with a standard grip and one with the Asbell grip, then decide if you can live without one or not. All custom bows are "expensive," a relative term at best, but only you know if you can afford it or not. They are well-made bows, and the people that make them are first rate. In my opinion, they are probably the most "bomb-proof" recurves out there. If you shop around, you'll find that their prices are in line with other high-end bowyers, and even less than some. (By the way, I don't own one, but I have owned one before.) Good luck.
Bought my second one in 1993. Never regretted it. The Black widow and my wife are the only things I still have from that year.
Picked up a used MAV for $600 in excellent condition......just like new. Bet I could sell it for same in a couple years.
Yes it is worth it if that's what you want.
Extremely solid bows and very smooth.
I went the "more bows is better" route before.... now I have a widow and I'm very happy. :thumbsup:
My Opinion....Now Y'all dont get Mad at me.... They are VERY Nice Bows, I have 13 or 14 Bows ALL Bought for Less than the Price of a Widow. Again, MY Personal Opinion.
Shakes...
Calm yourself down and pick a spot before taking the shot and maybe you wouldn't need to shoot so many bows at once. Jeez, how strong do you need to be to hunt with 13 or 14 bows? :notworthy:
I've found that one arrow from one Widow works just fine for me. :p :biglaugh:
I have had three widows, I much prefer the handling and balance of standard Hill style longbows. In comparison the BWs are heavier and slower handling, I shoot much better with a bow that is not so clumsy. I would suggest the BW longbow over the takedowns.
Widow has a great resale value for sure...problem is..I AINT GONNA SELL...best investment for the money Ive ever spent
I hope so, 'cause I just sent an order in for one yesterday! ronp
I think they are worth it
I know guys that have them and they adore them, however,personally, I wouldnt give $20.00 for a whole barrel full of em...Paul Rainha
Paul, it sounds like you have really fallen in love with that Pronghorn :eek: ...and remember, I have a pic of you shooting a Widow with a smile on your face so better not upset the cart toooo much. :knothead:
There's usually four or five Widows on the Tradgand classifieds at 25 to 40 percent off the price of a new one. If I was in the market that's the route I would take. Beautiful bow for sure, but I would opt for a lightly used one.
Bought mine off the auction site three years ago. Got a great deal on a 2 month old bow. Don't shoot it much cause I'm into long bows but have no desire to sell it. It is a great shooter and looks good to boot. If I sold it today I would not lose a dollar on it.
I've owned about 30 different makes of recurves and so far ""For me"" my widows to me are the best I have found.. I do have a pittsley preditor that cost me 200.00 used and a St Charles thunderbird that I love also.. right now if I could have anything out there and not have to wait more than 3 - months for it? without a doubt in my mind it would be a 62" PLX in all osage or tulipwood..
LADDY--> I think you have that backwoods, I have 1 howard hill and a strunk of the same design (straightlimb) and they don't even compare to the shorter, faster centershot blackwidows in the "slow and clumsy" department.
I have had 2, still have one. Bought both used, one was $375 and the other $450. Great bows, smooth and silent. They are everything people say they are including expensive. Don't be afraid to buy a used one.
Yes
Order yourself a new Widow.. worth every penny. When you own one, you will agree.
John III
They're well worth the money. I have owned 4 and just ordered a new one that is due here in Feburary. They have customer service that is second to none ! Just my opinion.
James
I just picked up a used one from a buddy who bought it new in 1991... :eek: ...I've shot it quite a bit and it is still a quiet, fast, smooth shooting bow. I like it a lot, but I have only shot one or two recurves/longbows that I didn't like a lot... ;)
NO!
I'm wondering why there are so many BW for sale all the timed in the classifieds??? Do you Widow fans just keep upgrading or what's the deal????
Never shot one so I can't say if they are worth the $$$, if it works for ya, stick with it!
I bought my widow SA III second hand for $500. I also have a Blacktail that I paid twice that for. The widow shoots as good or better as the Blacktail for me. I love the romance of a truely custom bow but the performance, fit and feel is there and that for me makes it worth it.
For me some are some aren't.
Had a PMA, nice looking bow. I just couldn't shoot it as well as my Brack so off it went.
The wife bought me a PLGA long bow and I shoot it better than any bow I've ever had. So it is.
John
I usually shoot selfbows but for a list of reasons I recently needed to buy a bow. I chose Black Widow because I have many friends that shoot nothing else. I've met most of the good folks that make up the company. I know what they have done for the UBM and archery in general. I ordered the short riser takedown and extra matching limbs targeted for 59#@29" +/ 1 pound. I ordered it after moose season in September. They told me it would be 13 weeks. Before I recieved the bow I received a video in the mail that covered tuning and general instructions about the bow. I picked up a valuable tip from the video that has helped me with my form and accuracy. I received the bow in 9 weeks. The bow came with two sets of 58#@29" limbs perfectly matched. I was shooting a 64#@29" Jeffrey's that I picked up second hand. The Widow requires a stiffer arrow. I shot three arrows through the chrono weighting 640gr. 180, 182,and 181 fps. I've built my own bows for 14 years and can't help but look for flaws. I've found no flaws. The bow is almost as quiet as my selfbows and shoots right where I look. I bumped the arrows up to 725 grs. and can move back to 40 yards and still shoot relatively flat. If I had to complain about anything it would be the physical weight of the bow but that is likely the secret behind the accuracy and stability. I feel like I've received a first class hunting weapon from a first class company. I have no regrets for the price I paid. I also have no doubt that if offered the chance next year it will send an arrow clean through anything Alaska has to offer.
Widows are worth it BUT Morrison's are worth more :goldtooth:
Black Widow has a great reputation and builds a fine bow. I just happen to think Bob Morrison builds a better one. I know my Morrisons are faster.
YES,YES,YES,YES,YES,YES
I think you understand what I mean.
The ones I have are.
Blackhawk, thats down right blackmail...PR
A GUYS POCKET BOOK SHOULD BE THE JUDGE OF " if" it s worth it or not and ur personal tastes about like drive a caddy esclade or hummer to a vw bug or a john deer to a minnoplis moline you be ur own judge on that for me i say nope ! I OWN ABOUT 20 DIFFRENT BOWS BUT NOT A WIDOW I ASK MY SELF IF THEY ARE THAT GOOD WHY SO MANY FOR SALE AT ALL TIME S IN THE CLASSFIEDS ? ID RATHER HAVE A ST CHARLES YEW LONG BOW BUT THATS ME
I always hear, Why are there always so many for sale. Black Widow sells over 1000 bows a year, not many (if any) other bowyers can say that. There are more of them out there than most other bows.
Are they worth it? Of course they are, just as anything is worth what people are willing to pay for it...Mike
Yes they are,love the widows.Had several but now shoot Habu's
Martin builds and sells many more than Widow, and that's without CNC machinery. Of course, Martin has more employees, but here's an all handcrafted production bow.
Widows are great bows and very shootable, and I agree with those who say buy used. They are virtually bombproof and if you sell later, you will most likely get your money back.
I suggest the try before you buy program that they offer if you cannot find one to shoot. Know that you will have to drop a pretty penny to do so, but----- you will then be able to play with a Widow for a weeek. You will then come to your own conculusion to that age ol' question.
I did and now I have one on order.
So to answer your question, "YES" it is worth it to "ME".
Aloha,
Mark
No, not for me. They`re are basically a customized production bow,too. There is not one bowyer working on your bow, there are hired workers doing their part. They make a good solid product and found a good way to sell their not so perfect ones (this is their black series at a lower price).For me it is just a laminated piece of wood like other bows,too. They offer a try before you buy program, because their options are limited and that´s why they can do it. Their advertisement budget is more than a one man shop usually makes per year. If you are a little bit out of the norm(short draw or very long draw, there are better options than customized production bows IMHO).
tecum-tha,
Widow discontinued the "black series" a few years ago, however, those that acquired them still got the great BW warranty and customer service.
BTW, even the finest of bowyers (Morrison, Blacktail, others) use "hired workers" and have CNC machinery. I can certainly understand your dislike for "production bows", but I have to believe this does not lessen their quality.
I know they are not for everyone (I have a few non-Widow bows), but they have lots and lots of loyal customers who appreciate them for their more that 50 years of making trad bows.
Yep !
I wondered this so I recently purchased one(used) and I have to say they are every bit as nice and fast as I had heard. Are they worth the money? Well, that is one you have to answer for yourself, but I am pretty cheap, and I am glad I spent the money on one.
When I grow up maybe I will get a Widow,,,LMAO!
I think the main dislike I hear about BW bows is they aren't a true hand built custom. As stated above there are more bowyers out there starting to use CNC machinery and hireing help nowadays. the CNC machinery is cable of building a bow/limbs to tigher specs than the best human hands that is just the way it is.I have shot a few BW bows and handled many more I always thought they were a very soild bow with above average workmanship and performance.I don"t own a BW right now but I am thinking real hard about ordering one of my own real soon so I say they are worth the money.
YES
:archer: http://www.buffsblackwidow.com/videos/2007reviewfull2.wmv
This Fall, I took both a BW and a Toelke Whip for a test drive. I sent the BW back and kept the Toelke.
To me, the quality of craftsmanship, wood, noise and shootability were all superior with the Toelke Whip.
Not that the Toelke is cheap, but it's still several hundred less than the BW.
I'm not saying the BW wasn't nice, but I wouldn't pay more than $600 for one new, if I could get a Toelke for $700.
Overhead and extensive advertising is very expensive. You wonder how much of that is built in costs for each BW?
Went to Nixa, (BW Factory), shot many many bows,but preferred my Morrison. Bought a Quinn Stallion and liked it better than my Morrison ! I can buy 3 or 4 Quinns for the price of a Widow or Morrison.
They're all great bows, but are BW's worth the money? To me no!
This is a post from the past. If you got the money and want the bow, then buy it. Remember, you can only shoot one bow, so why buy 3-4 cheaper ones if that is not what you want. I spent alot of money on my Morrison and it was worth every penny, to me that is.
I think of Widows as the "Rolex of bows." If you know watches at all you will likely agree that for the same price or less you can buy a better made, better performing watch. (I might go with the IWC Aquatimer over the Submariner for example). But only "Rolex" has that panache, that "name recognition factor" for some. So worth it? Yes and no. I'd love to have one (or a Rolex or IWC for that matter) but for that price/performance intersect then I would go for a Morrison, Border etc. I'd get a Widow at a good price used.
I sold my Rolex Presidential to buy my 1st widow........
If I had a dollar for every time this has been argued on the internet I could buy the most expensive Widow made and......I WOULD DO IT TOO.
:saywhat: Now there's a smart man...good thing you did not own a Timex.
Own five..YES!!!
C'mon Guys there are bow that cost almost the double and maybe they don't worth the half. The price is int he people that pay for it.BW must had been out of business since long time ago if a lot of people did'nt like them
Rolex are out buy Patek Philippe
Very good bow and company. I've had several and would buy another if I needed one.
i wont ever get rid of mine...i will purchase a new set of limbs though!!
You can buy a couple of Allen Brother strip steaks for dinner or you could buy a truckload of white cans with black lettering. we're only on this trip once friend, make of it what you will.
It's not all about the money.
Have you seen some of the force draw curves on these bows ? :thumbsup: ;)
I love a big smooooov bow. (MAV) I'm cheap too, and the used one I bought doesn't look or shoot a bit different from a new one !
I usually stay away from these threads, but here's a few reasons I think Black Widow is worth my hard earned money.
They are a very well made bow with design research behind them.
The resale on a well kept Widow is second to none.
The customer service the company offers is a benchmark for all retailers IMO. I have personally experienced their service on a couple of occasions.
They provide restoring and refinishing services.
How many bowyers are servicing and making limbs for bows made 30 years ago? Widow is.
If you order a second set of limbs years down the road, the precision of their equipement allows you to get a perfect functional and cosmetic fit .
It's a stand up company that has proven longevity. I don't doubt they'll be around for me and my bows in many years to come. When I hand them down to my kids, I'll be glad they can order some limbs for them if needed.
Woe, these bows sure seem to create quite a stir!
Sure you can order limbs for them, but you will pay top dollar for them and extra if you want an exact weight. How a company that has built as many bows as they have cant hit an exact weight ordered is way beyond my thinking...PR
Black Widow is just enjoying the free press.I am sure everytime one of these post comes up it creates interest in their bows and they sell a few more of them. I like their bows myself I don't clam them to be the BEST bow out there right now.I do however feel they are one of the better bows out there at this time, do have great customer service before and after the sell,and price is fair on todays market as there is a whole list of bows equal or more $$$ than Widow. Wait time of 7-9 weeks right now beats 6 months to a year+ wait time from some makers. Black widow as a company has been around for 50 years now and I beleive has had a big part in the growth of Trad archery as we know it today.
PM me if you need to know why your post was deleted - Rob.
Great response lisowczycy, care to elaborate on that?
I don't understand everyone coming down on this company all the time.
Paul, most bowyers I've done business with ask for a + or - 2 pound when ordering a bow. For any bowyer working with natural materials I would think it would be impossible to lay up a bow and know exactly what weight it will turn out. Too much variation in the materials. Of course you could glue one up heavy and grind it down to make exact weight, but is that what you want done? There are plenty of bowyers out there who charge just as much as BW and don't offer you the option of getting exact weight for extra money. It isn't worth the effort. There are plenty that you can get your exact weight for no charge, and I'm sure there are some that will mark your exact weight no matter what it is. My bowscale doesn't ever match what is written on any bow so I'm not too picky. My current bow, not a Black Widow, is two pounds heavier on my scale, but since it isn't calibrated it is close enough for me...Mike
After 4 1/2 years of traditional shooting, I finally got my Black
Widow PTF, tulip wood. I have no regrets. I don't know why I waited so long.