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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: bayhunter on December 02, 2011, 08:05:00 PM

Title: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: bayhunter on December 02, 2011, 08:05:00 PM
what traits do you look for when buying a bow? what separates and ok bow from a good bow, and a good bow from a great bow?
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: BowHuntingFool on December 02, 2011, 08:13:00 PM
I look for it to say Big River on the Limb!    :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: ChrisM on December 02, 2011, 08:15:00 PM
Grip fit in the hand, Smoothness of draw, Sound, Stability.  Speed is not a big issue as a fast miss is still a miss.
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on December 02, 2011, 08:21:00 PM
quote:
Originally posted by BowHuntingFool:
I look for it to say Big River on the Limb!     :readit:  Joe may be on to something here   ;)

I check the fade outs for separation of lams.
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: flippnsticks on December 02, 2011, 08:24:00 PM
Grip fit and how smooth it draws  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: Koko Bow on December 02, 2011, 08:34:00 PM
Seems like a common thing - grip is key and a smooth draw, then looks  :)
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: LongStick64 on December 02, 2011, 08:36:00 PM
When I shoot the bow, does it feel natural when I'm at anchor or is it fighting me.
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: moleman on December 02, 2011, 08:44:00 PM
I look for something that looks and feels good to me,Poundage ,grip,and how it feels when you draw it and shoot it.Tty as many as you can before buying and dont base your choice on just the name on the bow.Some of the lesser known bowyers build as fine a product as the more prominent names.Bottom line,be it recurve or longbow choose one that fits and feels good to you.
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: The Whittler on December 02, 2011, 08:57:00 PM
My main concern is how it feels after the shot (hand shock) or lack of, and just general feel.

It's hard to explain but when you have been shooting trad for about 25 years or more you get to know what you like in a bow.
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: ESP on December 02, 2011, 09:11:00 PM
For my draw length, does it stack?
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: Gray Buffalo on December 02, 2011, 09:16:00 PM
Is it left handed? Is it a longbow. Thats it
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: Ragnarok Forge on December 02, 2011, 09:48:00 PM
Does it say Wes Wallace royal on the limbs.   Yep, bought another one.
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: Yellow Dog on December 02, 2011, 09:59:00 PM
One made by John McCullough, Dan Toelke or Jim Neaves   :goldtooth:    :goldtooth:
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: owlbait on December 02, 2011, 10:03:00 PM
I look for a knowledgeable bowyer that will make his best, my best. Grip is big, workmanship is big. Quiet Performance is huge as is personality.
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: Over&Under on December 02, 2011, 10:09:00 PM
Grip...That is a big one for me.

Also smoothness of draw and overall feel, looks.

If a bow feels or looks bulky to me, my mind says I can't shoot it.
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: GRINCH on December 02, 2011, 10:16:00 PM
If the grip isn't right no matter how well I shoot it,I won't like it.
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: Red Tailed Hawk on December 02, 2011, 10:19:00 PM
If it puts arrows where im looking.
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: Stump_pounder on December 02, 2011, 10:27:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Ragnarok Forge:
Does it say Wes Wallace royal on the limbs.   Yep, bought another one.
Man I gotta agree My son just bought one and I have a WW recurve on order. I may get a royal as well Nothing better In my mind. My sons is a take down bambo core rosewood vaneer  antler tips with a beaver havd grip. Oh did I mention fast and quiet  :D
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: YORNOC on December 02, 2011, 10:44:00 PM
If its for me, 64" recurve or better is preferrable but 62" will do in a pinch. I like bigger risers, having a target bow background i'm used to the stability of a heavy mass riser. One piece or takedown is fine, I LOVE exotic wood, but sometimes a plain Jane catches my eye and I'll throw some snakeskins on it. I like a higher grip than most, I do not like a flat shelf.  Beat up is okay, cuz its usually cheaper and me and my boys can fix 'em up. ( they are just starting the refinishing thing, 14 yrs and 8 yrs old).
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: Night Wing on December 02, 2011, 11:34:00 PM
A not too bulky grip since I have small hands.

After that, a recurve with a 66" length and a 19" riser.

The last thing, if the bow is cut 3/16" past center so I can shoot a variety of differently spined aluminum arrows.
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: LBR on December 02, 2011, 11:39:00 PM
Quote
what traits do you look for when buying a bow?  
#1 priority is an honest company or bowyer who stands behind their work.

After that the usual--comfortable grip, lack of shock, quiet shot, smooth draw, good warranty.

Chad
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: MercilessMing on December 03, 2011, 05:42:00 AM
Quote
#1 priority is an honest company or bowyer who stands behind their work.
 
:thumbsup:
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: Friend on December 03, 2011, 08:18:00 AM
Personal Evaluation Criteria:

1....Grip:
   
2....Shootability:

3....Bow Length:

4....Hand Shock:

5....Sound:

6....Limbs:

7....Deflex riser:

8....Performance:

9....Draw:

10...Brace Ht:

11...Physical Wt:

12...Service:

13...Durability:
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: KentuckyTJ on December 03, 2011, 08:36:00 AM
Although I enjoy target shooting/stumping, bows are hunting tools for me. On the target range you can most always have a perfect stance and are able to shoot with perfect form. In a hunting situation there is no telling how you are going to have to bend, cant the bow or dis-configure your shooting form. Most bows I have shot will shoot good with perfect form but I have kept 5 of the bows I have tried as they can shoot a perfect arrow from any angle or with the pressure of your draw anywhere in your grip.

A perfect flying shaft can mean the difference on recovering or not recovering your game.
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: on December 03, 2011, 10:47:00 AM
Years back I bought a Super Kodiak. With that bow I made some of the best trick shots and hunting shots, I am predominately a Hill style longbow shooter. When I decided I was going to get a new Super K, I tried out a bunch of them all between 50 and 60 pounds. Most of them were identical in quality as far as craftsmanship and shooting abilities. One, a 6o pounder, was built a little finer and shot heads up above the rest, so I bought it.  Not all bows of the same make and model are created equal, find what works just right for you and stick with it.
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: ChuckC on December 03, 2011, 11:00:00 AM
In my opinion

First is grip.  If it doesn't feel right, nothing else matters.  

Next is how it feels when I draw.    Again, if it doesn't feel right, put it down.  

Next is how it shoots, meaning, does it jar me to pain or is it a nice smooth shot.

How fast it goes, how straight it shoots and noise are all down there on the list.  (How straight it shoots is a function of the shooter and the arrows, not the bow.  Noise can usually be tweaked out).  All the above are prefaced with a bow in good shape overall.

ChuckC
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: Sacred mt on December 03, 2011, 11:11:00 AM
Feedbacks from customers...likes and dislikes.
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: michaelschwister on December 03, 2011, 12:31:00 PM
First it has to "strike my fancy".  This is more do I think it has all the features that I know fit me well. Second I have to shoot it and it has to "fit" my body, mind, and shotting style. Kind of like picking a women.  Although I I have much better success with bows than women....
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: bayhunter on December 03, 2011, 04:42:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Friend:
Personal Evaluation Criteria:

1....Grip:
   
2....Shootability:

3....Bow Length:

4....Hand Shock:

5....Sound:

6....Limbs:

7....Deflex riser:

8....Performance:

9....Draw:

10...Brace Ht:

11...Physical Wt:

12...Service:

13...Durability:
Friend just wondering is that order of importance? thanks for your reply by the way
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: thunder1 on December 03, 2011, 07:20:00 PM
Grip, sound, looks, hand shock, efficacy draw weight, draw length
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: Sixby on December 03, 2011, 08:18:00 PM
I would go with the customer assessments , Especially those customers that own a fairly large variety of quality , known bows. Then I would apply Scot's list. That is a great list.
You could also make great use of the Trad Gang section on product reviews. Search it for the bow and bowyer you are considering and then you might even contact some of the customers and talk to them. I especially reccomend that to my prospective customers.

God bless you, Steve
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: Red Beastmaster on December 03, 2011, 08:41:00 PM
Some bows shapes are more appealing to me than others. I never liked the looks of some risers with sharp angles, squared takedown limb edges, or "horns" sticking out everywhere. I really don't care for light/dark contrasting colors either. Laminating a dozen different woods into a riser might look good to some but I like simple dark bows, maybe a stripe but not much more. Not a fan of antler knobs or tips. But that's just me.

After the initial attraction it's all about the grip, draw, physical wt, and shooting abilities, in that order. A new bow has to have it all before I will buy it.
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: ron w on December 03, 2011, 08:57:00 PM
Do I already have one of that kind, have I wanted to try one of that kind. Is the price fair and if I don't like it will I get most of my investment back. Do have enough money in my pocket. And can I explain to my wife why I just had to bring this bow home..........   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: Shawn Leonard on December 03, 2011, 09:12:00 PM
Grip and than a quiet bow or one that can be made quiet. I am a big fan of static limbs and have been for quite a while, most static limbed bows are very smooth and pretty quick too! Shawn
Title: Re: what do you look for when buying a bow?
Post by: L. E. Carroll on December 04, 2011, 05:16:00 AM
A dark color bow with "JACK KEMPF , KWYK STYK" hand written on it, about 55#@28" and 56" in lenght, with Jack's Static Tips     :knothead:       I have one meeting those exact specs..      :goldtooth: