I know, I know, you can't have too many, but how many can you have and still work them into a rotation where they all get shot and utilized? I have 4 now and two on the way and I had been doing so well with only 3, which is the number that I had previously said was an acceptable limit. Now I am trying to convince myself that 6 is the new 3. It would probably be easier if they were all similar in nature, but there is a wide variance between them. The bad part is, I know I shoot better when I only shoot one, but life seems awful short and boring to only have one bow.
So, how many do you shoot on a regular basis and feel it doesn't detract too much from your accuracy?
I decided a couple year's ago that I was gonna stick with one bow, so I ordered a silvertip. I've shot this bow exclusively for the whole year. No change in setup, glove, arrows, nothin! I can honestly say it has not been boring. I can pick that bow up and shoot it without thought. It just feel's natural. Kinda nice, I like it that way! :thumbsup: Good luck in whatever you choose! Jason
Guess everyone might be looking for the Holy Grail of Trad. Have 7 LB's & 1 coming that may be that. In which case I'll sell all but 2...or 3...maybe 4.
Crash,I have the same problem. I just got the
Widow I've been looking for,but to help me out
in the numbers game I got 3 Morrison ILF sets,
with different limb configurations,and wood
blends that keeps me busy. And Covey, I wish I
could be more like you! you've heard it before
I'm sure..."beware the man with one bow."
Riiighttt. :saywhat:
Jarrod you did not tell everyone that all of took place in the last 45 days.... :laughing: :laughing:
Between the wife and myself we have over 25 bows, some are retired, some just too uggly or too fussy to shoot and few in the closet being punished. That leaves about 10 that we shoot regularly. We need more bows!
James................................
Jeesh Tom, don't tell everyone. I'm not looking for the Holy Grail, it doesn't exist, trust me, I spent years looking for it already. Tastes change, fickle as the wind, indecisive, what is it that makes us change, want to change, or otherwise occupy ourselves with getting rid of bows for other bows that really aren't any better than the ones we already have?
"In the closet being punished" :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Maybe the question should be "When do you need a bigger closet"?
My srable consists of about 25.8 old B,ears I cherish,3 sweet longbows and the rest selfbows.I usally choose one longbow to hunt with for the season and whatever my latest selfbow is.I have found that I can miss with any of them equally!Glen
I did own about 17 bows at one time. Many went 'unshot',if there is such a word'.
Slowly I have moved my way down to five bows; all of the same manufacturer. Now when I reach for a bow, all the grips are the same, and I feel much more confident with that first shot.
How many are too many? As many as you would like.
I've tried to get the numbers down to a couple of times then I see or read something and before you know it there's another one showing up at the door...I'll send one out and two more move in :dunno:
I can only hold one at a time.If you are getting multiple bows in the same poundage I dont see a point for so many.I'd rather have dozens of arrows to make up and design different ways and only a bow or two to shoot them out of.JMHO
Besides I like to get comfortable with my bow and to many would make that hard,I wouldn't want to neglect the others. :goldtooth:
Wanting to make sure all of your bows are recieving some attention/shooting time is more difficult than just being a collector. I can't shoot all the bows I have now, but I still want more. I like aquiring/collecting beautiful custom bows of all makes. I've always said if money were not an issue (it is) I would have a bow from every bowyer I was aware of. Some collect model trains, some collect vintage muscle cars, guns, fishing lures, dolls, sports cards, the list is endless. I have choosen trad bows.
Well said Burnsie.
My thoughts exactly.
:biglaugh: How many bows are too many!! :laughing: Almost bought a new bow last week-end when my wife asked me the same question.
I'm a one woman man and a one bow man(except for my Wasp bowfishing rig), so I don't have that "problem". Personally, I just never did see the need to have multiple bows just for hunting, except maybe a backup bow. I also could understand having an extra bow for hunting extra large or dangerous game.
Now, if you're a collector or a competitive target shooter, I can understand that better.
I reckon if you can afford it, then more could be better! :rolleyes: :dunno:
I only have 26 bows that I actively shoot and hunt with. I almost have enough but need to add a Great Northern Critter Getter to go with my GN CG special, a Big Jim or two, must have one of the new Bear Kodiak magnums to go with the one Fred sent me when I was younger, My Raptor self bows are both designed for Elk and Moose so I will need a Whitetail Raptor Osage with sinew and snake skin, and maybe a take down Raptor for a trip to Alaska that I have been thinking about recently (past 40 years). Then I am done. Oh, Wait, Africa, what will I take to Africa? I guess I need a couple of Howard Hills as well.
I'm a relative newbie and only have 5 with another on the way (that's not counting the youth bows I've got for the Grandkids). I'm not sure how many I'll end up with but I've probably got at least three on my short list. I agree with the earlier post that 3 bows are easy to rotate. I shoot relatively heavy and usually start with a lighter bow to warm up and then move to the heavier bows.
When you can no longer afford the arramony.
I figure you have to many when you no longer have space to put them. :) :)
Main hunting bow, identical back up hunting bow. Lighter weight form practice and target bow with identical back up. And a self bow. Light and heavy bows are the same bow from the same manufacturer. Essentially shooting the same bow all the time. I even have the arrow weight set up so they impact at the same point at 20 yards.
For me it is 5 bows. If you can't shoot them all in a months time for me it is to many. But then again I am a less is more guy.
1 bow for general hunting.
1 backup hunting bow set up just like the first. That's just in case something "happens" to the first.
1 bow for bowfishing.
1 backup bowfishing bow, in case something "happens" to the first. Set up exactly the same.
annnndddd....1 or two oldies that are no good for shooting anymore to put up on the man room wall.
I still haven't talked my wife into letting me having even those few. :readit:
I am a one bow kinda guy for the most part. So to answer your original question. I think 4 is within reason to me for actual shooting.
QuoteOriginally posted by wheelie:
I figure you have to many when you no longer have space to put them. :) :)
That is my philosophy, and I seem to be just about at that point.
Allan
i have 2 bows right now. both get shot eqauly. now i have a 3d one coming in. idk which bows going to be shot less when the new one comes but ill try to give them all a turn here and there.
There is NO such thing. (to many bow) give me a break :mad:
I'm hovering around a dozen. I just shot these already this morning:
-Bear A Mag
-Bear B Mag
-Silvertip
Last night I shot those plus a Super Wildcat, Widow PSAIII and The Stick.
Recurves all. :40-49#, 56-60".
I think more about how I'm shooting than what I'm shooting. I start with the 40# and end with the 59# -- beats the treadmill.
In fact, my one and only Longbow goes to USPS tomorrow morning.
Whoops, also shot a 56" ChekMate last night 48# @ 26". This bow by the way was marked 49@28" and it is really 54# at 28"!
"I'd rather have dozens of arrows to make up and design different ways and only a bow or two to shoot them out of.JMHO"
Got to agree with lpjon2. I get a new bow then if I keep the old one I tend to shoot them all. The problem for me is that I have a hard enough time with one. seems like the bow is only the piece of equipment in which to launch the arrow. IMO only.
Although I can see where "collecting" makes since. But as far as shooting I personly only want one.
one main and one backup is enough I am trying to simplify my life.
I have a Super Kodiak TD that I've had forever and only used a few years I am going to sell it and pay my vet bill. Someone should have it that shoots it and enjoys it instead of sitting on my bow rack.
Personally I think guns bows ect should be used not hoarded. Note thats how I feel you all are welcome to fill you homes with them if thats what you enjoy. I have no problem with others hobbies.
I got back to trad about a year ago and have bought 12 or so bows since then. Cant stop looking for the perfect bow. My most recent is a Schafer Silvertip and it may slow me down for a while. Best one I have bought yet. I really think it is best to shoot one bow and know it like the back of your hand.
Too many bows? What's that mean?
No such thing. I have bows I shoot regularly. I have bows I shoot on special occasions. I have bows that I used to shoot but have now "put out to pasture" and enjoy just looking at.
I suppose if your robbing the neighbors or jacking liquer stores to pay for bows, you might be on the edge. But I think that may be more an issue with impulse control than having too many bows.
I love looking at my walls full of bows. I love shooting them all. I only have to be really "on" with the one I choose to hunt with for the year. The rest of them I can just have fun with at 3Ds, fun shoots or with buddies in the field.
OkKeith
You can seek that one "awesome" bow that suits your quirks and form issues OR you can get to know the quirks and issues that one bow has and master it.
I have a bow with flaws but I know it well and shoot it well. We will hunt together until such time as one of us expires.
Man.. I have 2.. and they are the same except for poundage... One for lite wt one heavier...
I haven't bought a bow in three years... I hope there is nothing wrong with me?
This is a great topic, you guys have too many bows. Now, who wants to sell me a short shrew or thunderchild hah lol
The most I have had at one time was eight. I now have two Mohawks, with another on the way, and my first stickbow a Pearson recurve. That will bring me up to four but I'm thinking I would like to have a Hill to mess around with and maybe a '50s style recurve...I'll back to eight before I know it ;)
That's kind of my problem Eric. Got it down to three and thought, I've got it covered and under control. Then a Shrew Classic Hunter showed up and a 50's style Thunderstick is on the way and then a David Miller Hill style wanted to join in and bang, back to 6.
I have been thru a ton of bows and I can honestly say that I can shoot just about any bow decent, so why do I need 6? Heck if I know. I build up, get to feeling bad because they hang on the wall, sell some, buy some, sell some, buy some, it's a vicious cycle.
Ughhh =( Just ordered a new bow for no reason I just saw a pic of a tradganger's and HAD to order one. I have a feeling this might happen every year!
When you have so many bows that you can not find or remember which one is your favorite, you have to many bows. Oh no, I have too many bows.
When you have to buy a bigger house!
I "Peaked" at 32 customs on the rack... My better half thought our bedroom was becomming a sporting goods store [ You have to use every available wall when you live in a "Small Log home" ]
I'm keeping it simple, at least for today :wavey: :coffee:
I'm not kidding here, in less than 12 months I thought I bought my last recureve 2 or 3 times. The only thing I can say for sure at this point is I know I won't be saying that for a while.
The sponsors have terrific ads, the magazines publish great stories, but no one can sell a bow like the regular bowhunters on this site!
Best that I not comment. I have way to many bows. ha ha... :knothead:
I just tell myself that everyone collects something even if it's just dust. L.O.L.
Bob
I have never been able to understand collectors of any sort. I guess I am a pragmatist and believe in practical uses for most things. As a hunter I want to be the most accurate that I can be. Therefore, if a bow has a purpose for a certain game animal then it will go in the collection. Right now I have one bow (thanks to a trade) and don't see myself buying another bow unless I want to go lighter or heavier. The game animal I go after will dictate that. Cheers :)
i know a man that owns two 52 pound Schulz longbows, his new one is 30 years old and he thinks that is excessive. I think some of us have OCD, my wife is convinced that I do. She has her new NAT and wants to get rid of her other bows.
Don't know,haven't reached that number yet.Have another one coming tomorrow,maybe that's it. :dunno:
"Too many bows" is an oxymoron.
I have owned many bows and still own 4. I beleive in shooting one bow for everything. I don't know about anyone else but i can't get good with a bow if i'm switching bows all the time. I do enjoy collecting old bows though.
I guess that it would depend on each individual. From a strictly pragmatict standpoint it would be anything over 1. Shoot the heaviest bow that you could accuratly and be done. You would learn that bow inside and out and be totally familier with it. However with the nature of recurves and longbows you will need to have access to several to determine what that weight was since they are not adjustable for poundage. How do I know that I cannot shoot a 70# bow unless I have/try one. For myself and many others, I look at traditional bows not only as a tool to take game, but also as a work of art if you will. I appreciate the different designs, woods etc of different bows. As long as my family is not negatively affected by the number of bows I have I do not feel that I have "too many". I fully understand that I would probably be a better shot if I were to stick to just one bow, but I enjoy having several to choose from when I go hunting/shooting. If you are happy having only one bow and are effective with it that is great. If someone likes to own/shoot several different bows then that is great too. If you are happy with the number of bows that you own, then that is the number that is the "right number"
How much money is to much?
I don't think there is such a thing is there :readit:
A trad friend of mine told me many years when I asked how many bows he had, " IF you know how many bows you have, than you haven't got enough." As long as you can afford it I guess.
15 longbows and 15 recurves. The recurves are mostly light weight ones for the nephews and other kids to shoot. Couple of bowfishing bows in there for me.
The longbows are all custom bows, collected over 25+ years. I would buy a new one but never got rid of any. At this point I am starting to thin the herd a little. Now when i want to buy one I sell 2 to pay for it. As for as room for them, I just build a new rack if I need room.
I have 5 recurves and 2 longbows and I shoot them all. I have tried to be a 1 bow guy, but I like variety and having choices. It's obvious to me that there isn't such a thing as too many bows. Lippe
I don't know the answer but I know it is somewhere north of seven. Seven is a perfectly acceptable number and probably a necessity.
To many bows :saywhat: If you have a place to store them....If you can afford to get them. If you like to buy ,sell trade and wheel and deal them, The I would say 411 may be to many. I'm down to 23 or 24 :dunno: Just sold one and will order a new one next week. Hey I like bows.......long ones, short ones, new ones, old ones, self made ones, I like bows!
The only reason I have several is that I'm still looking for 'the one.' That being said, if this Eagle Wing keeps impressing me like it has been, I won't be trying any more of the others. Sixby really nailed what works for me with this one! I think it is probably 'the one'!!! Of course, it'll need a set of limbs lighter than 69#'s!!
Doesn't Caciatorri have someting like 80 or 90? And very nice ones at that.
QuoteOriginally posted by DTD:
"Too many bows" is an oxymoron.
Well said, Doug !!! My feelings persactly.
Winterhawk1960
WHAT??? No such number exists! You can own and enjoy and dare I say, shoot well multiple bows for multiple purposes. Or just look at them.
Im a bowyer and only have one bow of my own.I sometimes haul a shop bow with me on hunts incase the worst was to happen to my bow.Although i have a customer that owns a archery shop and he has 11 of my bows of his own.Diffrent styles, wood combo's and weights.
Yes 80-90 give or take.I need to try them all not for the Holy Grail but for finding the one that doesn't shoot good!
Felix, I would like to see a photo of your bow rack, mate!
I only have one bow.
Whoops-a-daisy! My nose just broke the computer screen!
Ben,I know your bows by heart.I'll promise you to post some pics.
For beginning this is the rack of part of the Bear TDs collection.
(http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx293/dazzafelix/DSCN0390.jpg)
Nice, mate!
in the late 80's and up to 04..I had about 250 custom bows...why? as a kid I poured thru magazines and brochures and ordered custom bows from just about every body..looking for the holy grail in bows...never did find it..then I got smart and started shooting about 4 regularly and noticed I enjoyed shooting them more because I wasnt always changing a different bow every day...so I sold 95% of the bows and put a serious chunk on my first home..I still traded or bought a new bow regularly but I kept it to a 4 bow maximum..then life changed and things happen..sold just about every piece of archery related gear I had and now Im bowless and working to get another one one day...I found I shot better when I didnt have a huge arsenal and had more fun..its fun to be a collector but unless your gonna do something with it, its not for me..JMO I worked my butt off for all those bows and accessories...I lost track of what I spent over the years for archery alone and I dont even want to think about it
I had a friend ask me why I had so many bows but before I could respond my wife jumped in with this reply.
She said "Do you see all those flower beds outside? I mean there's a couple up front and several in the back and each bed has lots of different kinds of flowers because I love them and I don't think you can ever have too many flowers. I think that might be how it is with his bows."
How cool is that? Way!!!! I'm saying!!!
God bless,Mudd
PS: I will hopefully soon have some word about an oldie(not really) but goodie(for real) longbow returning home.
one bow.
just one very good bow.
the rest, if there are more, are just part of an obsession.
I have eight some old some new all I shoot,keep some around for friends to shoot,I'm sure there will be more come and go.
I have thirteen. I need to sell a few, but just haven't done it!
I like them all, but have settled on Morrison Longbows as my favorite.( like my two Centaurs pretty well too!)
QuoteOriginally posted by Rob DiStefano:
one bow.
just one very good bow.
the rest, if there are more, are just part of an obsession.
:thumbsup:
Mudd,
You've (your wife) done it again! My bows are flowers!
Well This is my first post and this topic suits me just fine. As everyone in traditional archery should know the # of bows a person should have is just one more very likely between the bows I've made and bought I am currently around sitting around fourty. "I know" I have a problem but my friends say thats the first step to recovery I'm just not sure I want to recover. everyone have a good day
Well for a first post (at least I think this the first post the last try did not work) this is the topic for me. Between bows I have made and bows I have bought I am running about fourty at home right now. I know, I know, but I am not sure there is a bowyers anonymous local to me. the real answer to how many bows are enough Crash is simply. Just one more. Good Luck :archer2:
Two is going to work for me. One light weight and one hunting weight,both longbows made by Leon Stewart.
Good Shooting,
Craig
QuoteOriginally posted by MikeK:
Well This is my first post and this topic suits me just fine. As everyone in traditional archery should know the # of bows a person should have is just one more very likely between the bows I've made and bought I am currently around sitting around fourty. "I know" I have a problem but my friends say thats the first step to recovery I'm just not sure I want to recover. everyone have a good day
Welcome to AA (Archers [not]Anonymous), where bow addiction is considered healthy and is encouraged. Hi, my name is Andy, and I'm glad to be here! :D
QuoteOriginally posted by Rob DiStefano:
one bow.
just one very good bow.
the rest, if there are more, are just part of an obsession.
Whew... I was trying to find another bow to buy... but was thinking I just needed to get one like my goto cept with a bow bolt... guess I'll just plan another hunt... :knothead:
My New Years Resolution was to keep only those bows, regardless of how they look, that I shoot very well from. Had to drop 3 longbows that even though they were special to me, just didn't do it for me on the range or hunt. So if a bow doesn't perform for me, off the rack she goes.
Best thing I ever did, now the bows I have mean more to me. They're all shooters.
I guess you shoud really start to 'worry' when the wall they are hanging on starts sagging or bowing out of line with the rest of the house. :laughing:
Gene ;)
QuoteOriginally posted by LongStick64:
...if a bow doesn't perform for me, off the rack she goes.
:thumbsup:
Good one Gene, I still have a ways to go then. I hunted with three different bows this past season, each for one month. I noticed at the end of each month that I was shooting that bow as well as I can shoot, due to the fact that I was only shooting that bow for the entire month. Just don't think I could only have 1 bow.
I have sold all but 3.
I beleive that 2 identical weight and length should be my limit,so I can shoot one or the other and they should shoot the same.It makes it more cost effective to reduce the number of different size strings etc.I'm considering selling my 66" Mohawk and keeping the 2 62"
I agree well said Burnie, a man can't have to many trad bows
Fear the man who only owns 1 bow.
My wife indulges my bow buying and selling because she knows I could have a lot worse hobbies or interests. So that gives me somewhat of a green light on the "how many is too many" question. She knows virtually nothing about my trad gear, but she tells me all the time she loves watching me fiddle and tinker with them. She says I look the most at peace and happy when I'm messing with my bows. If I have a particularly good session shooting in the back yard she says she can always tell it when I come back in, got a smile on my face and a twinkle in my eye an I'll yap about it for the next 20 minutes.
I have 2 right now and waiting on a Jerry Hill to make 3 bows.
1> PSE Kingfisher 60" 50#@28" ( Soon to be set-up for bowfishing when the Jerry Hill gets here )
2> Bear Alaskan 60" 41#@28" ( Used for form work and soon to be the Wifes bow )
3> Jerry Hill ( Waiting on this one for now )