I have been considering purchasing a new Black widow bow this year, How ever I have notice a lot of used ones for sale. Are they for sale because of the bad economy? Or because of performance issues?
bad economy, and their good resale value
You could probably buy 2 in the classifieds for the price of a new one. I bought a PSAX about a year ago on here and I love it.
You can buy one of the best, most beautiful bows out there, but without practice and dedication these bows will not shoot any better than a $200 bow made in Korea. Great for a guy like me who will not spend $1100 for a new bow. Keep buyin' them Widows.
hi never owned one but shoot a few i think there a very nice bow and know a lot of friend that shoot them .i shoot a bow worth 2000 and it shoots no matter then others it the shooter . it just practice pravticie and it all comes together
I have many,many bows right now and only one is a Blackwidow model that being a 56" PSA-X model. It is one of my favorite bows. I have some bows that shoot faster,some that are quieter,but the PSA is real easy to achive great accuracy with I think it is the handle design/weight and the draw is very,very smooth also. Also the fit,finish,and craftsmanship of my PSA widow is first rate right there with my Morrisons, Blacktails, Centaurs and other higher end bows I own.
The main reason there seems to be more Widows advertised might be because there are probably more of them sold new. They are one of the premier bow companies and build a lot of bows. I'm one of those guys that seems to have to have a new one every year. :knothead:
there are alot of them out there, plus they are in my opinion one of the best bows made and hold their resale very well....
I owned alot of Black Widows(longbows & recurves) and sell or trade them because I want to shoot something differant....but I always come back to the Widows
I have about 30 bows at home with 2 being black widows a 99 MA1 and a 2K6 PSA2 and I always come back to the widows,,,, I agree that the bow you shoot good is priceless no matter what it costs and I won't say Black widows are better than anything else but they have a good feeling with me and I never ever doubt them..
with a widow I know exactly what I'm getting everytime I order or trade for one, I have had other custom bows and they always seem to be so different form bow to bow I never know what I'm going to get.
yeah most people I know love them or won't say anything bad about them,,,, 90% of the people I have met that have something bad to say about them never even owned one,, they always say "Well I shot one" but never actually owned one and had it all tuned up,, so I pay no mind to their opinions.
try for a week before you buy--> widow backs its rep up right there.
I have bought 3 of them used, still have one and the others, I never lost a Dime on. Are they the best?, depends on what your looking for....but they are pretty darn good!!!!!
Gosh, sure glad to see all the sensible posts here...no kidding. On other sites, there would already be the comments about "production bow", "overpriced", "not worth it", "$20 a barrel full", blah, blah, blah.
Yep, they are great bows that most folks can shoot accurately with ease, and they hold their value. Buy a used one now, shoot and keep it a year, and then sell for the same money (or more).
I have had quite a few bows, bought my first Widow here just to see what the hype was about plus I knew I could get most if not all of my money back. Love them, like said above, maybe not the prettiest,or the fastest or quitest but I think they are the best all around shooting bows out there.
Mike
I`ve owned a couple of the recurves. An MA and SA and loved them. Like someone ele said I traded just trying other stuff out. I`m presently shooting a PL and don`t see it leaving anytime soon.RC
The Widows are good bows and well made. I currently have two (a PGA and a Diamond Anniversary). I also have a number of other bows that may be quieter and perhaps faster, but with a Widow you will get most of your money back when reselling. There is a big following for the Widows, and I believe most owner's just like to try a different model. That's why you see so many being sold, or we need to downsize in weight.
It would be best if you could see the Widow boys at a Show to try the different ones and feel the grips.
If you don't mind buying a used bow you can get an awesome deal. Most of the time you can save $250-$300 over the cost of a new one.
I only own 6 of em. But I ain't smart enough to take my own advice. All but one were bought brand new.
Great bows and there are many out there, the widow shooters have a fever, must get a new one , its the widow bug, so you sell one too help buy another, Ive owned 15 of them over the years, and needless too say still shooting one.
Try one one and you may get widow bit.
I've heard nothing but good things about their customer service even with bows on their 2nd or 3rd owner,,I was in your position about 6wks ago and was motivated by the aforementioned "blah blah blah" I really like the looks of the TFX and found one for sale at my preferred length and weight,,very very nice bow,,smooth as can be to draw & faster than I thought,,try one,,you don't have to buy new,,,well worth lookin' into,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
I just got my 1st Widow in the mail today. I can't believe how accurate I shoot with it! I'm sold!
I love my Widows! :thumbsup:
The best customer service you will every get!The only bows I can set new or used the same as other B.W. its ready to go.They do hold there $ very good. Try there Test Drive.
:goldtooth:
I wouldn't know where to begin on my personal opinion of Black Widow and there customer service. Suffice it to say, I've found my preferred bow above all bows I've shot to date. 64" PL-X, 53# @ 29". Flat smokes an arrow!
i wish i had a widow psr 3 one piece 68#@30" (im 16 and want it to last) but they are so expensive if i had the money id get one 54" long
Gotta love those WIDOWS :thumbsup: :jumper:
First rate company to deal with, very professional.
Very good craftsmenship, I have owned two and sold them both after several months, these were before the asbel grip was being done.
They were a very consistent bow, but both I owned were to darn loud, and the grip to narrow for me at least.
I talked with many a widow owner before during and after I had mine. I have quieted many a bow but they were difficult to say the least.
They are good shooters though and hold their value well which says a lot, especially these days.
I like them. I don't have one now but I would if I had the money. Killed my first two whitetail trad kills with a MAB(black MA series) recurve. Sold it years ago 'cause I needed the money. Wish I had an SA series recurve in Autumn Oak or all osage or a PSR. But I sure don't have any complaints about my Beeler either!
OK, which bows shoot as well?
Quint....You have issues that can't be dealt with on tradgang.
Pay no attention to Quint. He is just a Widow hater full of rage and probably has never even shot or ever owned a Black Widow.
All bows REQUIRE tuning. Black Widows are outstanding bows and shoot right up there with the best of them and their customer service and great company history are second to none.
If you want to see how they compare check out Blacky's website or the reviews he has published in TB.
I think Quint is entitled to his opinion. I personally feel that they aren't that nice looking, are very heavy, yeah they shoot okay and hold their value because some people are willing to pay that much for them. I think that I have a couple of much nicer bows that cost half as much and were built by hand by true craftsman, who I love supporting. They are lighter, perform just as good and are better looking in my opinion. Seems like some guys just shoot them better than other bows. Some guys shoot $100 Pearsons better than other bows. Some people claim that they have great customer service, but I have gotten great customer service from every bowyer I have ever worked with. I really don't see what Widows offer that I don't get in other places. Seems like the bow companies that spend the most on advertising sell the most bows, but somebody's paying for the advertising! Kinda like Budweiser,not the best beer, but sell the most.Just imagine what a 6 pack would sell for if they didn't have a billion dollar advertising campaign. :knothead:
I am test driving a widow this week, i wish i could test drive other bows also. How do I know if another bow is as good or better, most builders, require you to buy a bow to try one out. I not aware of any builder with in reasonable driving distance of VT. Black widow was not my first choice, I would love to try a shrew or a belcher, or any of the other builder. BW are just will to let you try there bow before buying it. If there is a builder out there that thinks he has a bow that is an equal or better than a BW, and is will to do a test drive, like BW does. I would be interested.
Hook up with Vermonster 13 for starters!Call some of the other bowyers and ask them for a test drive.I just bought a bunch of used bows from the classifides and shot them to try them. I could always get back what I paid when I sold them. When I figured out exactly what I wanted, I had it made. Man was it fun shooting all those bows!
Black Widow makes a great bow, they have great customer service, and they are a great bunch of people. As stated previously they have a test drive program, so they put their money where their mouth is.
You may find a cheaper bow that you like, but you will not go wrong with a Black Widow.
Scott
black widows bows are a quality product, apparently great service.
Widow topics like this - been DONE TO DEATH . There must be 1000 resources on them if people USED THE SEARCH routine.
horatio1226,
Yes everyone is entitled to their opinion...BUT that is not what Quint did. He started his own post simply to bash a particular bow maker. AND it was not based on his experience with the bow. That is not right. Period.
Like I said before he has more important issues that can't be dealt with on tradgang.
as far as a test drive, I think it is a great idea, Robertson does it as well.
I love widows, my longbow is one of my favorites. If you ever get a chance to go and visit Black widow it is worth the trip. All the folks talking about the bows being made by machine have no idea, they are no more made by machine that a Morrison or Blacktail both of wich use CNC in their process as well.
horatio1226 stating your opinion is not the problem. You did in in a respectful manner. So you don't like Widows, that doesn't make you a hater or a bad guy. It would be a pretty boring world if we all had the exact same likes in bows or anything.
But Quint isn't being respectful and is just stirring the pot, in my opinion. He already started another Widow hater thread that was closed, so moved to this one.
Grayseas, If you ever get the chance to get to one of the larger trad shoots, that is one of the great things to do there, shoot bows from a lot of different vendors. Good luck with the Widow, or which ever bow you decide to order.
I am always open to honest, respectful opinions of equipment.
Take care and good shooting to you no matter what type of bow you are carrying.
Quint,
tell me a bow that doesn´t require tuning...
I don´t know a single one.
I´m glad that there are widows for sale.
Got a nice one-piece recurve for 400Euro, that is about 590$. Good price for a great bow.
Powerful and a sweet shooter.
Love it.
Grayseas,
I know Timberhawk Bows will let you try before you buy.
I have a PSA II and really enjoy the bow. I've always seen a lot of Widows in the classifieds, but I suspect like others said it's because that many more of them are made.
quint...widows require no more tuning than any other bow,matter of fact the psax osage i had was probably the easiest bow to tune i have had.status symbol is exactly right.well worth the money.
:readit: :readit: :readit: :readit: :readit: :readit: :readit:
I have several high end custom bows and my PSA X ranks right there with them. I plan on ordering another one if they come to the Bama shoot again next spring. I want to shoot one of there 2 piece longbows and another 3 piece with a different grip.
I dont give a rats ass what people say about there bows, lifes to short to listen to a bunch of crap about how they are over priced and a $300 dollar bow will shoot just as good.
When i buy a item that im going to hunt with for years to come and you add up all the hours i spend in the woods with that weapon made by a company that has been in business as long as they have, your not talking about that much money.
I have a pair of binoculars i paid $1,300 dollars for 15 years ago and they are as good as the day i bought them. Shoot what you want and quit worring about the money lifes just to short. We are on this earth for only a short time my friends so enjoy it while you still can. Here today gone tomorrow.
right on the money joe...only get one trip around the tree then you're gone.may as well stop and enjoy the finer things in life...c'mon quint'''turn that frown upside down little buddy...you know you want a widow.just do it. :D
Tick Tock Quint.....
lol....thats funny
I've NEVER met anyone who has shot a Widow & didn't like/love it! I probably will never own one though - too much $$$. I'm not saying they're not worth it. I AM saying I have 4 kids & I don't expect to see that much green paper in one place anytime soon!
I think widows are too heavy. Its like a catch 22 for me. Being heavy, they shoot smooth, but they're too heavy for my taste. I had a Great Plains Palo Dura that shot really nice, similar to a Widow, but just too heavy for my taste. I like lighter bows. I'd much rather spend the $1000 + on a Griffen or Shrew. Much more attractive bows also to me.Don't care for those big, blocky risers.
I agree that the Widow bashing threads stink. I hope I don't come across as a basher. Too much misery in this world to bash somebody's choice of bows. Generally I stay away from these threads, but this one seems okay to post my honest opinions. Gotta love the gang. If someone wants to send me their PL to shoot, I'll enjoy it with an open mind! :archer:
The black widow bows shoot as well as the person behind it. Get to know the bow. I have been fortunate to try many bows,both longbow and recurve. Shot a lot of bows over the years and I fill the freezer. I still go back to my old autumn oak because it feels good and sends an arrow where I am looking. Just my two cents.
Own one, a PSA-V 60" takedown. Doesn't shoot as well as the PMA's at 62" or 64" but very consistent, solid as a rock. I'm building some 64" limbs for it as we speak, yes, they're in the oven right now. I bought a lefty 62" older MAIII for my Bro, he loves it and bought an old 35# target Widow (1225, I think) for the Mrs. and it still shoots great although it's an early 70's bow. I think they are first rate and I'd love to buy another. Gotta love 'em!
Steve
I bought one from a friend of a friend and he is getting it to me on Thursday. My brother has one and I have loved shooting it. This one came up for sale and I shot it some in early October and really liked it but would not turn loose of the money. I have really been enjoying the traditional shooting this year and just decided to call the guy Saturday and see if he still had it. It is a 10 year old bow but he just put new limbs on it last year and it is 47# @ 28. I can't wait to get it and get used to it. I'll post up some pics next week.
Black Widow has been in business for many years. It's longevity alone should speak for the integrity of the company and the quality of their bows. As far as custom bows are concerned I would guess there are probably more Widows out there than any other. They along with a few others were the only custom trad. bows still available in the 80's and 90's when the compound market about took over. There are apprently a lot of folks who like them and I am among their number. I have shot them since the early 80's. All were used that I picked up here and there. I bought my first new one specially for me in 94. Bought my second in 2004. I have shot and owned other custom bows, some less expensive and some more. Most were prettier, but none shot any better. During the last few years Black Widow has made great strides in making their bows more appealing to the eyes and currently are making some really incredible looking bows. They have always shot great and like others have stated, their customer service is second to none. You see a lot of them for sale because there are a ton of them out there. Do they appeal to everyone? No, but neither does a Harley.
Great bows that apparently hold their value.
I will never know. My PSAII will be mine until death and my sons fight over it after I am pushing daisies, or some poor idget steals it and I have to hunt them down to get it back.
Otherwise it is my hunting bow for a long, long time.
QuoteOriginally posted by horatio1226:
I think Quint is entitled to his opinion.
Maybe so, but not here on Trad Gang if he's breaking the rule of respect and smarting off to other members.
No one is 'entitled' when it comes to Trad Gang. Posting here is a privilege not a right.
Thanks for reminding us of our privilege. I am certainly guilty of forgetting that fact.
I just got a black widow demo today, I like it a lot. What a great program. It is great to be able to shoot a bow before buying it.
.Have had several and customer service is unmatched.If I had too choose 1 bow for the rest of my life.It would be a Widow because of all things mentioned above.
I don't own a Widow, and I never have. But I have shot them plenty. I have NEVER shot a Widow that I didn't like. Aside from that, Ken Beck is one of the great, true gentlemen in archery. You can't go wrong with a Widow.
I got a used MAIII about a month ago here on Trad Gang.It was a little noisy when i first got it.I played with the brace height so my arrows flew true.That got it a little quieter.Then played with differant string silencers at differant areas on the string."Got it quiet".So,you can get them quiet.And they are a smooth drawing,shooting bow.One reason for selling and buying these bows is,the older you get,and your health issues tend to make you come down in weight.I also now have a target bow made by Black Widow.Also bought used here on Trad Gang.I don`t see me selling these bows anytime soon.I realy like them alot.
Well said Terry. And thanks for the privilege. This is a great place.
I'm surrounded by Widows here in Grand Rapids lol. All of my friends shoot them and up until going to my first 3d shoot a few months ago I had not been able to try anything but Widows.
They are all great bows, really quick and quiet from what I've seen, my friends all stand by them, and they have the best marketing for traditional bows around. I have their ads on my cubicle walls at work.
I'd love to own one. Almost bought a used one awhile back but I recently decided to go with something else when the time comes just to be different.
Black Widow are not my prefered bows,but I get 3 and don't plan to let go anyone of them,maybe buy the newer short riser 2010 bow :bigsmyl:
I just got a Bear Montana Longbow and figured it to be a stepping stone for my next longbow which I think might be a Black Widow. I heard the best thing about the Widows is the smooth draw. I've also considered the tomahawk from 3 rivers. Anybody have any suggestions for me on longbows?
QuoteOriginally posted by Richie Johnston:
Anybody have any suggestions for me on longbows?
Get to a traditional event or two, leave your credit cards and check book at home, and shoot as many bows as you can.
Think about what you liked or didn't, and then think about finding one.
I agree with BobW.Save your money over the winter,and come spring,go to a few traditional shoots and shoot as many differant bows you can.But odds are,if you shoot a few Black Widows,you`ll be geting one,weather it`s a used one or a new one.
Richie,
yes...the smooth draw. I remember when I pulled back a test drive Osage Widow for the first time. I couldn't believe how smooth and even the draw was. Up until then I thought my Bear takedown pulled nice. No camparison.
Buying a decent bow shouldn't be an impulse shoppers decision....but sometimes it is. ;)
Picked up a nice MAV for a good price and never regretted it. Very nice bows those widows. Would I sell it? Sure ... how much you got ? :D
Only reason I would sell it is to get something else .... that I've tried. To me, BW's are like CM's; you can't go wrong. Although the margins are different, you can count on receiving exactly what you pay for. That says something IMHO. :thumbsup:
Thanks all for the advice. I have heard of only one traditional shoot in California where a person can handle different bows from different bowyers and I think it is in Buellton, Ca. I'd love to try some different bows.