Man, I see a lot of BEAUTIFUL custom bows around these parts, bows that just make a man drool.
Morrisons, Zippers, Shrews, the list goes on and on-----all are lovely bows in their own right.
But, really, is there so much of a difference in performance to warrant such a ginormous difference in the price tag between one of these and a production bow? Hoyt bows just plain rock--they are a bit more utilitarian in appearance than these more glamorous bows, but do the pretty bows shoot any better?
It is all really reminding me of the HOG member Harley crowd, always on the quest to find the next new performance doodad on a scooter that isn't much of a race bike in the first place. Even with all the performance gizzies on the market, a Harley is still slow.
I'm not trying to be a contrary, or a thorn in the side here, I am genuinely curious.
(I am VERY fond of the custom bows myself)
So, is it all about aesthetics, or is it a performance thing?
QuoteOriginally posted by Spectre:
So, is it all about aesthetics, or is it a performance thing?
a bit of both. Imho
Theres just something romantic about them (yes I said that) The Woods, the feel the weight the way they sound the way they shoot, The known fact that someone put their heart and soul, Blood and sweat into making that bow just right for you or someone else.
In your defense however. I have never been a fan of "stamped out" cookie cutter bows, Like the ones HOYT makes, However Out of my own curiosity, I went out and bought A Dorado Last week and it's a great bow Shoots fast, draws smooth, VERY accurate. Took a bit of work to Silence, However I give it a Major thumbs up :thumbsup:
Theres Nothing wrong with them and they get the Job done..
Really depends on the bow... Some are just really good lookers and so so on performance... Some have both looks and performance, but then again some of the production bows are down right high end on performance at a fraction of the cost...
Kinda depends on what you want out of your bow... If you just want a really good hunting bow and are of the performance first mentality production bows are the way to go, IMO. But, if you want all the performance and a bow that you can just look at and say WOW... you'll have to pay the high end prices of the custom bow, or the price of a used custom... I'm more on the later end of that last sentence... ;)
Pretty is just that...pretty. There is nothing wrong with utilitarian equipment. It's just like a plain jane truck, and one that's loaded with amenities. They both get you to work and back. I am normally a very practical person about this sort of thing myself, but there is nothing like owning a beautiful piece of artwork that shoots like the dickens to boot!
In my opinion pretty does not shoot any better than utilitarian. I like plain ,good shooting,what I call"woods bows" I have seen fellows with expensive bows that were lousy shots, while others were great shooting used bows. It is not the equipment, it is the person using the equipment, that dictates how well it shoots! Money cannot make you a good shot!! :banghead:
Another thing about custom bows, is that they are "custom". With a production bow you get what you get. A custom can be ordered with the exact weight that you want, with the exact grip that you want, length, etc... which in turn "can" increase performance for the individual shooter, since it is built for him or her. Not to say that production bows can't be shot well and can do the job, they can and do. Just don't have the choices as with customs.
BOB
QuoteOriginally posted by Spectre:
But, really, is there so much of a difference in performance to warrant such a ginormous difference in the price tag between one of these and a production bow?
No.
QuoteOriginally posted by Lenny Stankowitz:
QuoteOriginally posted by Spectre:
But, really, is there so much of a difference in performance to warrant such a ginormous difference in the price tag between one of these and a production bow?
No. [/b]
Thats what I have been thinking, too.
I have two custom bows, so I certainly aint trying to bash on them---I love them, too.
However, I'm sure that I'm not the only one around who simply can't warrant the cost of one. There is always the "used" route---but that used bow was custom made for another shooter. Besides, one can get a good new production bow for about the same cost as a used custom in most cases. I would be a little less concerned about dragging my lower cost production bow through the brambles, too.
My money
There can be a huge difference in the fit and finish of the bow and the performance.
I've owned bows (custom and factory) that weren't the greatest in the fit and finish dept, but shot wonderfully. Bows that were drop-dead gorgeous, stable to shoot, but dogs as far as performance goes and bows that had the best of both. Customs and factory bows fall into all of those catagories.
I want a bow that shoots great for me and is top-notch in the fit and finish dept. Uneven (or a bad fit) fades, inconsistent treatment of the limb edges and other little things start to wear down my "love" for a bow. Bowyers tend to charge more for the level of craftsmanship I look for in a bow. And that includes factory bows... many of them are just as expensive, if not more so, than the customs.
QuoteOriginally posted by Jeremy:
There can be a huge difference in the fit and finish of the bow and the performance.
I've owned bows (custom and factory) that weren't the greatest in the fit and finish dept, but shot wonderfully. Bows that were drop-dead gorgeous, stable to shoot, but dogs as far as performance goes and bows that had the best of both. Customs and factory bows fall into all of those catagories.
I want a bow that shoots great for me and is top-notch in the fit and finish dept. Uneven (or a bad fit) fades, inconsistent treatment of the limb edges and other little things start to wear down my "love" for a bow. Bowyers tend to charge more for the level of craftsmanship I look for in a bow. And that includes factory bows... many of them are just as expensive, if not more so, than the customs.
Which one? I have never seen a production recurve for more than about $800. And that is a very high price IMO. Remember, we are talking about hunting bows here, not competition bows.
The Bear T/D ($999) T/D Supreme ($1399) for starters.
There are tons of customs and production bows in the $600 range. The customs get up higher when you start using carbon and foam limbs, and comparable factory bows will be close to the same price range. $600 for production ILF limbs... morrison's start under that for the glass and about that for the foam and carbon. Add in the $500 riser (bob's or a factory) and you clear the $1K mark for a hunting bow.
It's all personal taste and what your $$$ looks like.
Will an old straight limbed 45# Bear Kodiak do the job of a 45# ?????, on a whitetail at 20 yards? Absolutely!
My best shooting and performing (for me) bow is my ugliest least expensive bow.
I am still trying to figure out how to improve it's looks but every time it lets loose an arrow ;)
Maybe some day I'll luck on to both
?
Our world would be much more drab(in every possible sense of the word) without the choice of high dollar custom bows. IMHO
I can and do own, shoot and enjoy both types of bows. I am truly blessed to be able to do so!
God bless,Mudd
Some guys like pretty things, I go for function.IMO
Another thought on the production bows: give the company a call. Many of them will alter a grip for you at the factory, even Bear will work with you if you ask nice.
My first priority in a bow is that it shoots great for me. My second priority is that the fit and finish are top notch. Most of my bows are production Bear bows from the '50s. The fit and finish on many of these bows outshine most everything I've seen from Bear since the early 80's and what I've seen from many of the other factory bows recently as well.
Many of the custom bows have good performance to begin with. The bowyers then added their thoughts and design to make the bows look good through designs, woods used, extra inlays and the finish. I know my targets don't care which bows the arrow came out from. But I don't mind to have some romatic feeling to have a good looking bow accompanying me when shooting or when it's on the wall at home.
As said above; it is the guy pulling the string, not the price of the bow.
Some can't justify the top dollar bows, and some like the looks and feel of a custom bow. For me; I like dancing with the prettiest girl at the dance. Add good manners, and it is sure adds to lifes pleasures. Life is too short for me not to shoot a bow that is a looker. It just makes hunting that much more fun.
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g56/huntit/P1000235-1.jpg)
You can have it both ways! Here is my functional and purdy as far as I'm concerned, Morrison Shawnee. All black phenolic, foam/carbon, no wood and no skins. I've wrecked enough purdy bows to last me a lifetime. I've settled on functional high performance. Fall, drop it, whatever, just get out some wet and dry sandpaper and spit on boo boo and it's gone!
A production bow from most American companies are good hunting tools but, custom bows make you look better while your hunting. Really the game your chasing does not care if your bow is good looking or not. It only helps in the Hero pictures. My 2nd hand Holm-Made long bow is as Custom as I will get but it's a sweet shooter and we get along good. That's all I need.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Since I have a couple Harleys, am a HOG member, a couple production bows, and a custom or two, I think your question is kinda strange. Both my H-D's are fast, fast enough for me anyway as the speed limits in all the states I've ridden in can be matched +5mph, and I've been in most. The production bows, which include a Bear recurve, shoot the same. The customs shoot better, feel better, and in my opinion, look better. What I'm trying to say is that it depends on what you want out of something. Skinny strings, horn tips, limb bolts made from some critters antlers, and any other 'performance' enhancing item is in the eye of the owner. You don't have to understand why I like something.I might not understand why you do.
Fred....
Not all customs cost near $1,000. Chek-Mate offers bows that will hold their own against any as far as fit, finish, durability, and performance (not the absolute fastest, but not far behind the fastest). The warranty is as good or better than most, and unlike some bowyers they do stand behind it 100%.
The down side is the wait. With only one boywer, you will have to wait on a custom...but even the wait time is less than many others.
A couple others to consider, who's work is second to none, great folks to deal with, and prices start out very reasonable are Mike Treadaway of Black Forrest longbows and Roy Hall of Navajo.
Chad
I haven't read all the comments, but I have to say that I know of very few "off the rack' bows that will work for me (I draw 32"+). Mine are all "custom". None of my bows have exotic veneers, glitzy tip treatments, or other "eye candy", but still are custom as they were built to my specs.
So, to me, there is a difference, even without "eye candy".
I would love to get a custom bow,but for now have an adequate arsenal of arrow launchers.I think another thing is value put on the name-like the harley thing,I dont think anyone is bashing either one,if you have a brand name that is a status symbol and you can afford to go get it,no problem.
My fav.hunting bow that I will look the best in a hero pic with will hopefully still have the 68dollar price tag on it.
But one of these days,When things turn back around I will probably buy a custom.
If I do it really wont be because the expense makes any sense at all,other than I want it and I can afford it.But for now I am unemployed,So I best not even look at one.
Robert
All subjective my friend. To me personally a truly hand made custom that you pick the woods for is definitely worth it.
QuoteOriginally posted by FubarFred:
Since I have a couple Harleys, am a HOG member, a couple production bows, and a custom or two, I think your question is kinda strange. Both my H-D's are fast, fast enough for me anyway as the speed limits in all the states I've ridden in can be matched +5mph, and I've been in most. The production bows, which include a Bear recurve, shoot the same. The customs shoot better, feel better, and in my opinion, look better. What I'm trying to say is that it depends on what you want out of something. Skinny strings, horn tips, limb bolts made from some critters antlers, and any other 'performance' enhancing item is in the eye of the owner. You don't have to understand why I like something.I might not understand why you do.
Fred....
It was just an analogy. As said, a trad bow is pretty slow when compared to the other design---and no matter what you do, or no matter how much dinero you drop on the trad bow, it is still only going to go so fast. If your getting anywhere near 200fps, you are at the extreme high-end of the spectrum.
Same with the scoot analogy. Didn't mean to offend you, as I ride too. It was simply the only way I could put it into words.
Of course, if it was all about speed, nobody would be hunting with a trad bow------or riding a Harley.
Sheesh...
I am in the process of selling a production bow and am waiting for my new "used" custom to come in the mail. I am looking forward to the custom as I am a sucker for pretty wood. I agree with others that it is mainly personal preference and what you can afford. A well tuned production bow will definitely take out the lungs of a deer as good as a custom.
There are so many bowyers out there that ARE giving you both aesthetics and function for under $500. Because of this I'll probably never buy a production bow again. Nothing wrong with them, I just prefer to buy a bow made for me.
I've said it before and I'll say it again...ultimately, you aren't just paying for the bow, you are buying the bowyer and the community.
All you have to do is read threads like this to figure that out. People will defend their purchases passionately, even tenaciously at times.
...so buy a Bama! :biglaugh:
I look at it like this.....
The bow I shoot best is the bow I shoot best. I wouldn't shoot one that was a custom "just because". I also wouldn't rule out a bow, based on cost.
I feel like my bows are the best being produced, currently.....and I hope you feel the exact same way (about yours). How much I spent on mine is irrelevant. And...vice-versa.
QuoteOriginally posted by BobW:
I haven't read all the comments, but I have to say that I know of very few "off the rack' bows that will work for me (I draw 32"+). Mine are all "custom". None of my bows have exotic veneers, glitzy tip treatments, or other "eye candy", but still are custom as they were built to my specs.
So, to me, there is a difference, even without "eye candy".
80% of the "custom" bows won't work for you either as most custom bow designs aren't made for that long of a draw.
Now, on the flipside there are literally dozens of ILF risers out there that coupled with a set of long limbs will will work very well. It really isn't about custom or production, it's about getting one that fits you.
It's kind of like saying that I have to have "custom" pants made because I have a 38 inch waist and all the size 34's on the rack wouldn't fit. No, you just have to get a pair "off the rack" that fits.
:thumbsup:
If you took an assortment in bows of varing prices spray painted all black standing in a corner and shot them untill you found the best shooter you would probably be real surprised when you washed the black off.Most guys would leave with a different bow than there perfect bow they came with. :biglaugh: There are pretty bows and there are good shooting bows.Sometimes they are the same but not always and looks don't help the shooting end of things. jmo
QuoteOriginally posted by Lenny Stankowitz:
80% of the "custom" bows won't work for you either as most custom bow designs aren't made for that long of a draw.
Now, on the flipside there are literally dozens of ILF risers out there that coupled with a set of long limbs will will work very well.
Well if 20% of the custom bows will work for him, that's at least as many if not more than "dozens of ILF risers". Custom ILF risers would be included in those custom bows you speak of too, right? ILF is a great format, but not any better than other construction for most shooters...even ones with long draws, in my opinion. That's speaking as an owner of both ILF and "conventional" custom bows.
QuoteOriginally posted by JC:
Custom ILF risers would be included in those custom bows you speak of too, right? ILF is a great format, but not any better than other construction for most shooters...even ones with long draws, in my opinion. That's speaking as an owner of both ILF and "conventional" custom bows
Not really JC.
I can pick up a catalog and pick out a production ILF riser, a set of production ILF limbs and I have a bow that will work very well, at my draw length, at a very reasonalble price, at my door in less a week.
Sure, I guess if that's what you consider custom...
Pretty much anything I can buy out of a catalog, in stock, is what I consider "production."
I own 2 bear takedowns and several Martins recurves. At this timeI also have several custom bows from 3 different bowyers. I can say without prejudice that the customs I have are more stable, smoother drawing, and much better shooting bows. That does not mean the off the shelf bows are bad bows, IMO they are not equal to the customs in performance.
That's what I mean Lenny, those are production bows....plenty of ILF custom bows that do the same thing the production bows do....and plenty of custom non-ILF bows that will work too. My point was, ILF is no better or worse than conventional...getting a bow to fit is not relegating oneself to ILF.
QuoteOriginally posted by Spectre:
So, is it all about aesthetics, or is it a performance thing?
For some - aesthetics only, for some performance only, and for some - both....
This would make for an interesting topic in TBM's "Campfire Philosopher".
Lenny, MAYBE Bob dont want an ILF, MAYBE he wants a 56" longbow(sounds funny) for hunting in a blind. There aint no shelf marked 56"Lb for 32" draw, custom is the only way.
Spectre, since you put Shrews in your target list, you can get a brand new one for $650. Thats far from from a premium price, if there was a U.S. made production Shrew I bet it would be real close to that price.
Dont think any one has mentioned grips yet, most bowyers will put any kind of grip you want on a bow, within reason, that is one of the most important thing on a bow. If it dont fit into your hand the same every time...
Eric
Apparently you were missing what I was saying JC, either that or I'm missing what you are saying.
My point to BobW was that you don't have to buy a custom bow in order to get one to fit his long draw...you can simply order it from a catalog.
By the same token, just because you spend more and wait longer for a "custom", doesn't mean it's going to fit well.
I was only using ILF as one example of a production model.
Which brings us back to the original question.
"But, really, is there so much of a difference in performance to warrant such a ginormous difference in the price tag between one of these and a production bow?"
To which I replied...
"no"
QuoteOriginally posted by WESTBROOK:
Lenny, MAYBE Bob dont want an ILF, MAYBE he wants a 56" longbow(sounds funny) for hunting in a blind.
Eric
Maybe he does, that why we all gots choices...and opinions.
:cool:
nah, he doesn't.....and the reason is the "aesthetics". And from a lack of full knowlege to them (due to the lack of interest - again, my aesthetic taste), pricing isn't any advantage from what I've seen in catalogs...
I don't think this can ever be answered with the absolutes we seek.
QuoteWhich brings us back to the original question.
"But, really, is there so much of a difference in performance to warrant such a ginormous difference in the price tag between one of these and a production bow?"
To which I replied...
"no"
That's ONE opinion.
The only person one can answer this question for.......is himself. How or why another man spends his money.....is of no interest or concern to me.
Ahhh, I understand. I just gathered from your post that you were focusing on ILF's as the way to get a bow that fits.
I think if you tell the maker the correct specs and he's a bowyer worth his salt, his custom bow will fit you as well if not better than any production bow...ILF or not. At least that's the case with the custom makers I've purchased from.
Does the ginormous difference in price tag justify performance increase? Well, that depends. Most Ferrari's cost 2-3x more than even the top end Corvette...yet they only outperform the Corvette by maybe 2-3%...but it's still 2-3%. It's up to the individual to determine if it's worth it or not, but look at any of the tests by Blackie or whomever and the top dogs in performance are ALL custom manufacturers, at least from my memory. So, the performance difference is definitely there, it would just depend on how much money someone wanted to spend on that difference.
For me, it's not just about the speed, that's just a nice icing for my cake. I like custom bows for both performance and looks...mainly because when I pay for it, I get exactly what I want.
Usually my conversations with a bowyer go like this:
"I'd like to have it built out of this combination of woods, in fact, I'd like to use this here fence post from pappy's farm for most of it..."
"No problem"
"I'd like the grip to be just like this one...."
"No problem"
"I'd like the length to be 56", will that work with my 27" draw..."
"No problem"
"I'd like it to have these spangles and doo dads on it...."
"No problem"
"No problem" is worth money to some people. To others, it's not. But the reality is, you do, almost all of the time, get what you pay for. It may only be 2-3%, or it may only be exactly how you want it to look, but you still get it.
Well said GMMAT!! Well said!!!!!
God bless,Mudd
The best way to answer your question is to put your Hoyt's, I assume a Dorado or GM up against the customs. I've shot the Hoyts, great value bows that will do the job, my customs like my Widow's and my Morrison simply perform better and look better, that is all that it is.
When I shot a Dorado, the best I could get out of it was about 165fps, My Widow PSR is smoking it at 189fps. Speed isn't everything I know, but it does help.
QuoteOriginally posted by Spectre:
It is all really reminding me of the HOG member Harley crowd, always on the quest to find the next new performance doodad on a scooter that isn't much of a race bike in the first place. Even with all the performance gizzies on the market, a Harley is still slow.
I've been thinking this too. I used to want a Harley. I'm afraid this trad shooting is becoming "cool". Just like Harley riders..There a some that are motorcyclists and some are the "Harleys are the only REAL motorcycle" guys. There are trad shooters that are ARCHERS and then those that truely scoff at anyone that shoots a compound as if shooting one makes you less of a person. If the bad Harley mentality invades Trad archery too much I'll be practicing more with my atlatl just not to be a part of it. My 2 cents :p
QuoteOriginally posted by Zradix:
QuoteOriginally posted by Spectre:
It is all really reminding me of the HOG member Harley crowd, always on the quest to find the next new performance doodad on a scooter that isn't much of a race bike in the first place. Even with all the performance gizzies on the market, a Harley is still slow.
I've been thinking this too. I used to want a Harley. I'm afraid this trad shooting is becoming "cool". Just like Harley riders..There a some that are motorcyclists and some are the "Harleys are the only REAL motorcycle" guys. There are trad shooters that are ARCHERS and then those that truely scoff at anyone that shoots a compound as if shooting one makes you less of a person. If the bad Harley mentality invades Trad archery too much I'll be practicing more with my atlatl just not to be a part of it. My 2 cents :p [/b]
I don't know about all that, but the elitism drives me crazy.
This has turned into a pretty interesting thread.
The only way you can let that stuff bother you.....is if YOU allow it.
I hope EVERYONE thinks the bow they're shooting is the "best".
The only thing i can add to this thread is if you are going to spend a ton of money on a bow do yourself a big favor and shoot the exact same bow before you spend a bunch of money.
I took up trad last May and looked through all the magazines and the internet and i ordered a $1,200 bow without ever even shooting the bowyers bow, big mistake.
This bow is the one of the most beautiful bows i have ever seen and believe me i have looked at a ton of custom bows in the last year and i cant shoot this bow worth a flip. I dont like the limb design or the mass of the riser and its just plain slow.
Go back to the Howard Hill shoot last year here in Bama and the guys from Black Widow had a lot of there bows to shoot. I shot every bow they had at least 3 different times and found one that fit me like a glove.
I like high end bows with all the bells and whistles and really like that the bow im getting was built to fit me. I have a 30in draw and Bob Morrison built me a bow exactly like i wanted and he spent a lot of time talking to me about how i wanted this bow built. Im not saying it outshoots other bows but he built it to my specs and it really is a work of art.
I guess you can tell i really like all these great bows. Now if i could just learn how to shoot them. :biglaugh:
If you have to ask, I can't explain it to you!
QuoteOriginally posted by GMMAT:
That's ONE opinion.
The only person one can answer this question for.......is himself. How or why another man spends his money.....is of no interest or concern to me.
So true. But that is after all, what Spectre asked for...our opinions.
It's a "chicken or the egg" sort of an argument...
My $.02 is this: whichever bow you finally settle down to shooting enough to figure out how to shoot well will be the best bow you have. I don't consider myself or my bows particularly special but I shoot them (a longbow and recurve both made by Seigeworks) a LOT and can hit what I'm looking at give or take two inches out to 30 yards. They weren't made "to my specs" nor do they fit me like a glove BUT they are consistent.
So long as whatever bow you shoot is consistent (self, production or custom) and you shoot them CONSISTENTLY you will improve by leaps and bounds and you will have all the kinks worked out or at least you will know how to work around those kinks. If you are looking for that perfect bow that will make you that perfect archer without taking the time to perfect your form I'm afraid you are going to lose a lot of time and money and won't be much better for it.
I chose traditional archery for the very reason that the art is really about improving oneself and that can only be cheated so much. At some point you have to look in the mirror and realize that the only consistent variable in this whole game is you - particularly if you keep switching bows!!!
My point, Lenny, was it's fine to offer "opinion". That's great. Everyone's entitled (naturally).
When that opinion is offered as fact, though.....well....you know.
Like I said, I hope everyone feels their bow is "best". I think that's great.
I like opinions. This stuff makes for a fine debate.
I'm actually a guy who shoots some plain jane stuff, and also has a couple shiny customs, too.
I like them both, I don't see any real performance differences----nothing alarming enough to ditch one bow or the other, thats for certain.
I really just wanted to know if there was a notable difference.
Thanks guys for the replies here. This is a good thread.
I use an old Browning Explorer when I really want to have confidence that I'll shoot my best. It is a production bow that was slightly modified to slim down the grip and beef up the tips for FF type strings. I don't chrono my bows but it will shoot pretty much as quick as most any I've had (and I've had some of the best including those with foam/carbon limbs). She sure ain't pretty by many standards but to me pretty is as pretty does.
I enjoy a beautiful custom job as much as anybody and it's real easy to get caught up with desire to have the newest, the prettiest, the fastest or the coolest bow. But at the end of the day I'm a hunter and a bow is a tool. Give me a grip that fits and an arrow that shoots straight off the shelf to where I'm looking.
Sometimes I have to set all the other stuff aside and remind myself that I don't truly "need" the new whiz-bang custom. I may want it, but it is not necessary. Still, I'm proud there are bowyers constantly improving their designs. Gives me something to consider and occasionally a different design to try.
Hey Spectre, How goes it?
I'm just an old bowaholic that has no money for the nice ones, otherwise I'd own them.
My walls are covered with bows, all but one costing less than 200 bucks. I popped for a 57 Kodiak Special last week for the sum of 275 and feel guilty about breaking my fast.
I've owned some nice bows but have settled into thinking that my old RWH's perform as good as any of them.
If I had not squandered my fortune in my youth then I'd no doubt tinker a bit more with the high end stuff.
Great thread, I'm enjoying it.
Fred
Custom bows. What's custom?
1- woods
2- grip
3- tiller
The only problem with a production bow is most are not tillered correctly. JMHO
I have experienced a significant difference in custom bows. That's why I shoot one bow. But I am always looking to try others. One bowyer shapes his grip this way and another shapes it that way. One bowyer tapers his limbs one way. His tips are different and his string grooves are different. One radius' his shelves more or less than anothers.....on and on it goes. There are some very popular bows out there that I have owned and had to sell because for me they weren't worth owning. What fits you and how you shoot it is what is important. Then I look at the craftsmanship and how beautiful it is. If I can get all of this in a bow I am a happy camper...very happy...but nothing wrong with looking around though!
I don't mind paying for the artisanship to build a bow - or is some cases the tech. in its construction - ie Widow. Some folks buy cheap then end up having to buy again. How does that save money? H
Its a question of what you like and what you can afford. Many off the shelf bows will match strides with the finest custom bows, but don't necessarily have the same eye appeal. To some that makes a difference, but to others is extraneous and needlessly expensive fluff. What makes a bow "worth it" is simply that which a fellow likes and can shoot with confidence. Personally, I like custom bows - I consider some of them to be functional art objects. However, my wallet requires that I must give affordability the strongest consideration.
QuoteOriginally posted by Ground Hunter:
I don't mind paying for the artisanship to build a bow - or is some cases the tech. in its construction - ie Widow. Some folks buy cheap then end up having to buy again. How does that save money? H
Kinda like good boots, huh?
Custom offers choices, length, weight, tiller, grip. A person can get a bow that really works well for them, they might shoot that bow better that a factory bow. To me a bow that shoots better is a better performing bow, faster or not.
A Bear takedown is $1300, 60" only, #50 or #55 only (for a lefty).
Shot a Hoyt Dorado once, or I tried to, at 28.5" I had to quit drawing and start PULLING.
Bear makes 6 different recurves, I want a T/D, low wrist grip, 56" bow...Bear cant do that...but I know who can. AND it dont have to cost a fortune.
And frankly, I'd rather support a bowyer trying to make a living than a big company that could really careless.
Eric
bows are like a woman some have beauty some speed and some are comfortable, and then there is the one that fits. Only thing different between the two is it is all your fault and you can not argue the point
Anything is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. I think every bowyer earns what they charge and probably more. I don't want anyone telling me my job is not worth what I get paid.
I just like purty bows with soul! How can you get one of a kind if it is made in production. Ymmv.
QuoteOriginally posted by HATCHCHASER:
Anything is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. I think every bowyer earns what they charge and probably more. I don't want anyone telling me my job is not worth what I get paid.
I just like purty bows with soul! How can you get one of a kind if it is made in production. Ymmv.
That isn't the jist of the topic.