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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: longbow fanatic 1 on February 14, 2014, 09:53:00 AM

Title: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: longbow fanatic 1 on February 14, 2014, 09:53:00 AM
Currently, I have two. My third is being built and due to be delivered by May. Now, I'm considering ordering a Robertson Primal Stykbow. I think I need some therapy     :banghead:
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Butchie on February 14, 2014, 09:55:00 AM
Just one more...  :pray:
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Paul Shirek on February 14, 2014, 09:56:00 AM
I know it's a rhetorical question but I like to have at least two. I would hate to have a problem with one and not have a back up. That being said, it's a lot of fun to have more bows. For me though, it is also a shooting distraction. I can seem to shoot only one bow really well and I am always wanting to shoot the other one. I know some people can shoot multiple bows but I can only be really good with one bow and I don't like to shoot a bow poorly... Have fun!
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: pukwana on February 14, 2014, 09:58:00 AM
I believe thats a question only the wife can answer.  She'll let you know when you hit the limit!
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Gator1 on February 14, 2014, 10:05:00 AM
Great question, which I'm struggling with right now.

I've come across my ideal hunting bow, a 58" STatic Tip take down recurve.  My bowyer is going to be limiting availability, and I'm considering ordereing two.  I too struggle to switch bows/styles constantly.  And am going to focus on (1) bow...

It is tough though  :knothead:
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: jmahma on February 14, 2014, 10:06:00 AM
1 but I have over 40 on the rack!
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Tom on February 14, 2014, 10:07:00 AM
Want or need ??????
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: limbolt on February 14, 2014, 10:10:00 AM
Thats the same question my wife ask's every time a long tube comes in the mail.  :dunno:    :nono:
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: longbow fanatic 1 on February 14, 2014, 10:10:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by jmahma:
1 but I have over 40 on the rack!
It's like collecting fine art!
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Flatshooter on February 14, 2014, 10:17:00 AM
I've had several over the years and as many as five at one time. Now I only feel the need to have two, a take-down for travel and my favorite single piece, a Hornes Traditionalist 64".
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Alexander Traditional on February 14, 2014, 10:19:00 AM
Like Clint Eastwood said in one of his movies "need ain't got nothing to do with it"
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: longbow fanatic 1 on February 14, 2014, 10:24:00 AM
Here are my justifications:

(1) #45 longbow for 3-D's and bowhunting during really cold weather when I may need less poundage.

(1) take-down bow for travel and ground blind turkey/deer bow.

(2) #50 bows, one being a back-up, for hunting game where the minimum draw weight is 50 pounds.

I'm sure in the future I'll come up with more justifications, err I mean excuses!
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: mike g on February 14, 2014, 10:25:00 AM
I have a Big Five now and I would like a no Shelf Tembo....
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: on February 14, 2014, 11:00:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Butchie:
Just one more...   :pray:  
I think this is the perfect answer to your question!

Bisch
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: akbowbender on February 14, 2014, 11:03:00 AM
All you can get, plus 1!
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Paul WA on February 14, 2014, 11:03:00 AM
one good one.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: rraming on February 14, 2014, 11:20:00 AM
Need one - good to have a backup but I have 4 - four seems to work for me, any more and I sell one. Soon the kids will be bigger and that will hopefully spread them out.
I have been down to two before and couldn't handle it!
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Rufus on February 14, 2014, 11:21:00 AM
Too many's not enough?    ;)  
I have quite a few that I've gathered over the years, bought on whims, acquired for gifts, traded for or to give away now and then, but I only  shoot two of the longbows and one of the recurves.  
Some I have outgrew me in the last 10 years. I have no desire or need to shoot 55# and higher poundage bows anymore. 45#-50# plenty for this old man. Probably was all along if I'd been a bit smarter about the whole deal.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Orion on February 14, 2014, 12:02:00 PM
I find I can get along quite well with about 20 bows.  Less than that is somewhat of a hardship.   :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Jack Shanks on February 14, 2014, 12:04:00 PM
I'd want to have a spare even if one never gets used so for most two would be enough. I guess I would fall in line as a Doomsday Prepper though as I have a couple hundred spares.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: THEFOREVERMAN on February 14, 2014, 12:20:00 PM
Well, have one of every type. So they all have different weaknesses and strengths. Just my thought,
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: SCATTERSHOT on February 14, 2014, 12:34:00 PM
Just one more....
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: BrownA5 on February 14, 2014, 12:49:00 PM
Hmmm...?  I never even considered the idea of need... Hmmm.....
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Pat B on February 14, 2014, 12:50:00 PM
Its not a question of need. d;^)
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: LongStick64 on February 14, 2014, 12:58:00 PM
If I could do this all over, I would build one self bow and only build another one when I needed to replace the first one. This way I feel I could enjoy the chase more than the toys.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: the elf on February 14, 2014, 01:07:00 PM
HE HE HE---one for every day of week with---
One for A.M.
One for P.M.
Couple of backups or extra limb sets.

Now---this is for either Longbow or Recurve.
Adjust numbers accordingly for combinations.

Cabin fever is here !!!.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: dnovo on February 14, 2014, 01:23:00 PM
As many as you can sneak in. Actually I've been cutting back. I'm down to about 12 longbows and 20 recurves. And I only shoot longbows.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Thumper Dunker on February 14, 2014, 01:45:00 PM
You can't have just one bow that's like having only one fishing rod or one rifle or shot gun.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: MnFn on February 14, 2014, 01:58:00 PM
I think I need two, one as a backup just in case.
But really, even though I usually take two bows when traveling any distance, I have never needed the backup bow.

I currently have six. Two I plan to use a lot, and one was my Dad's that I may hunt with this year. One was my first serious bow, and the last two could be moved along if need be.

I have pretty much decided that I am at my limit; if I need a new bow one of my current bows has to be moved.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: one more bow on February 14, 2014, 02:13:00 PM
See my name!
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: one more bow on February 14, 2014, 02:14:00 PM
See my name!
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: longbow fanatic 1 on February 14, 2014, 02:50:00 PM
I'm so happy I'm not alone in my affliction!
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: LittleBen on February 14, 2014, 03:20:00 PM
I NEED one glass bow for when it's really nasty out. I have 2.

I WANT one nice wood bow for when it's not. I have 20 finished and half a dozen or so in progress.

How many is too many .... no one knows yet ... guess it depends if you still have wall space for bow racks.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: SELFBOW19953 on February 14, 2014, 03:37:00 PM
How much wall space is there??  I use bows as wall paper or as decorations.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Randy Koleno on February 14, 2014, 03:44:00 PM
The bows I've rationalized keeping at this point are:

1 Hill Longbow (Tembo)

1 Bear Recurve (Super Kodiak)

1 take-down Longbow (Big Jim's Buffalo)

1 take-down Recurve (Samick Sage)

I have a few other bows hanging around that I will get rid of at some point.

I have the Hill and Bear bows because that's who I think of as far as Archery History is concerned. (I know there are many others). The take-downs are for more practical reasons, and maybe a little vanity as to the looks of the Big Jim's.

The only other "need" I can think of is a lower weight, longer longbow for indoor winter shooting.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: taxyman on February 14, 2014, 03:54:00 PM
You can't have too many!    :biglaugh:
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Sean B on February 14, 2014, 04:02:00 PM
I was doing fine for the 14 years before I found tradgang.  I had just 1.....I didn't know any other trad guys, so I never really saw any other bows.....Then I met up with a bunch of tradgangers at a big rabbit hunt....that did it!
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: on February 14, 2014, 04:08:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Thumper Dunker:
You can't have just one bow that's like having only one fishing rod or one rifle or shot gun.
Well, I don't know about that. I only have one rifle and one shotgun, and I can live fine with that.

But if I had to live with only one bow I would be seriously upset!   :scared:    :scared:    :scared:

Bisch
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: tomcat8910 on February 14, 2014, 04:16:00 PM
You can never have enough!!!!
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: riverrat 2 on February 14, 2014, 04:24:00 PM
Like a lot of the other archers here...I've had a bunch. The bow rack does hold 4!    :archer2:
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: larry on February 14, 2014, 04:42:00 PM
As of right now a person needs three.   :D
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: creekwood on February 14, 2014, 04:44:00 PM
Topic: How many bows does one person need?

If you were to ask me how long I can hold my breath, I would answer, "for an undetermined length of time, but I would eventually NEED a  breath".  It seems to be the same with bows.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: damascusdave on February 14, 2014, 04:56:00 PM
I only need one but tend to keep about 15 more around that I merely want

DDave
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: sj_lutz on February 14, 2014, 04:57:00 PM
I outgrew my bowholder this week.  Get rid of a bow or two?  Nope.  Find a bigger rack.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Sean B on February 14, 2014, 06:07:00 PM
The one who dies with the most toys wins!!!!  I love'em all, I never met a bow I didn't like!!!
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Hamishhog on February 14, 2014, 06:53:00 PM
It's simple. A blind bow (for me 58"), an all-around hunting/3D bow (for me 62"), and a target bow (for me 68"). One each in recurve and longbow. Then one each in takedown and one-piece. Then the in-between lengths. Then some in different woods. Then some metal ones...
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: rick7 on February 14, 2014, 07:04:00 PM
all that you want
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Stumpkiller on February 14, 2014, 08:35:00 PM
Don't  need  any.  Though if you want to bow hunt one would be very helpful.

Would like to have one or two of each production model ever made . . . so that's like 200,000 bows.

The balance of what you can own is somewhere in between.

I shot nothing but my Dream Catcher for 10 years; so obviously one bow can do it all.  Or at least all that you can do with one bow.       :saywhat:    

It's nice to have some variety and to try several to see what you do like.  Bow tastes vary considerably.  During deer season and for three months before I shoot just one bow so it is familiar to me and the first shot counts.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: ron w on February 14, 2014, 08:41:00 PM
Golfers need more than one club......right! I don't golf so I have a bunch of bows......I'm happy, are you!
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Bowwild on February 14, 2014, 09:45:00 PM
Currently it is 10 more than the one I need. Looks like it will be 12 more than the one I need by May.

I'm doing "better" though. A year ago it was about 15-17 more than the 1 I need.

Steve Martin got it sort of right when he was moving out of the house in the movie "The Jerk". " I need this and nothing else, except this, oh and this, and that...." I know how he felt.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: longbow fanatic 1 on February 14, 2014, 10:33:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Sean B:
The one who dies with the most toys wins!!!!  I love'em all, I never met a bow I didn't like!!!
:biglaugh:
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: pamike on February 14, 2014, 10:44:00 PM
well i said it was 5, then 8, then 10, now at 11 and i keep justifying why i need another.......so bottom line is i have no idea but i do know it seems to be more every year...
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: YORNOC on February 15, 2014, 10:33:00 AM
Just enough that you are satisfied,. In my sorry case....never.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Son of Rooster on February 15, 2014, 11:14:00 AM
IMHO, much like firearms....more than you can carry.  ;)
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Sam McMichael on February 15, 2014, 05:28:00 PM
It is all a matter of space. How big is your house? Can you afford a storage unit? How about a warehouse?
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: britt on February 15, 2014, 07:54:00 PM
One is to many and thousands never enough. Keeping coming back, works if you work it.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: GreyGoose on February 15, 2014, 08:24:00 PM
I have been keeping it at three; I like to have a range of draw weights depending on my conditioning, intended quarry, and weather.  Right now I have bows of 45, 50 and 55 pounds (all @ 28"); sold a nice 40 # Super D to buy a Holm LB at 55. Now I'd like to add one at 60#, but I can afford to be patient (more accurately, I can't afford NOT to be patient).  Can't imagine not having a back-up.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Bear Heart on February 15, 2014, 08:28:00 PM
I like having 3. Primary,  backup,  and should rehab.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Hermon on February 16, 2014, 07:43:00 AM
Need?  To be an archer, just one.  I have 10 bows in the rack right now.  Three of them get shot on a regular basis.  One is my first custom that I bought back for sentimental reasons, one was purchased for my appreciation of the unique construction of it.  One was gifted to my by my old boss as he is unable to shoot anymore.  One is older than me and was made by a company owned by a man from Michigan whom I admire.  It has a shelf on both sides and is used for guests that want to try archery.  One is a kids bow, also for guests (or when grand kids come along). One is my Wife's and another is a take-down in case I ever need (want) to travel with a bow.  The last is my feeble attempt at making a self bow.  

Need 1, want all 10 of them.

You said "I think I need some therapy"
Archery IS my therapy.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: PICKNGRIN on February 16, 2014, 07:47:00 AM
Was weaned back to 3 at one time, back up to 21.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: flinthead on February 16, 2014, 08:58:00 AM
Evidently need 10 Trad bows and 2 Compound bows. Wait.. must need a couple more, always looking at the classifieds.
Am definetly not buying another till I sell a couple hanging on the rack now.
Going back and forth about which ones to sell now. Roy
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on February 16, 2014, 09:25:00 AM
Yes, Probably!  There isn't a  real answer to your question, therefore, I think Charlie had it right.

You do not need a bow.

If you Want to bow hunt, then you will want one.

also i think it was drew who said Its not need, its a question of want   ;)
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: no on February 16, 2014, 09:41:00 AM
just one
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: mike g on February 16, 2014, 10:28:00 AM
Your allowed as many bows as the lady has shoes.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Fattony77 on February 17, 2014, 03:24:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by mike g:
Your allowed as many bows as the lady has shoes.
That's a fantastic answer!!!!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: buckeye_hunter on February 17, 2014, 07:29:00 AM
Let's see.... Your hunting bow, backup hunting bow, several kids bows and a few 40 pounders for adults that want to "try" it. So that makes about 8!
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: MnFn on February 17, 2014, 08:47:00 AM
This thread got more interesting as it progressed.  Just my thoughts but as  I have moved on through life my views have changed.

In response to one comment that I know was made tongue in cheek- "the guy who dies with the most bows wins"... Wins what?

My view now is that I would rather spend the discretionary money on hunting trips with my son, and hopefully Grandkids, than collect more bows.  YMMV.

More power to you if you want to collect bows.  You could spend money in a lot of worse ways.  But  someday you have to decide what to do with all those bows and if you don't,  it just leaves more stuff for the people left behind to deal with. And probably sold for pennies on the dollar.  

There are certainly a lot of really nice bows being made these days.  I will probably buy one or two more just to try them, but something I have will get sold in order to accomplish that.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: longbow fanatic 1 on February 17, 2014, 08:55:00 AM
Need= food, water, shelter and bows...a lot of them!
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Mr. fingers on February 17, 2014, 09:30:00 AM
You only need one.
You may have to buy more than one til you find  "THE ONE".
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Danny Rowan on February 17, 2014, 12:52:00 PM
Well, just one more, LOL. Seriously, in my will I have specified that two of my bows will be buried with me along with a quiver of arrows. The others are specified as to how much they should be sold for, unless I sell them before the Good Lord calls me home. I only have one vice, archery so if I can afford to buy, I buy but am pretty much stuck on Schafer Silvertips as my bow of choice. After 45+ years of doing this I have gone through more bows than most will ever own but, like I said it is my only vice and there are far worse vices. My family always comes first and archery and hunting second. Life is ment to be fun.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: ghoster808 on February 17, 2014, 01:03:00 PM
Love alla yous for makin' me feel normal;)
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: Bowwild on February 17, 2014, 02:00:00 PM
I hate to reveal a morbid tendency but I'm leaving my grown son and my wife electronic files of LH archers. These are fellows I've either bought or traded bows with. Some of you don't know about the list but you now know you are on it!
I like your idea Danny to leave some price information. This will prevent some of the great lefties out there from paying double!

They know to refer to that file and send a note to each of the folks there that she has some lefties to liquify. Of course if one of my grand children end up with left-eye dominance.... that solves the problem.

I have two vices. One is bowhunting and the other is incessantly talking about bowhunting. Talk's cheap but the other ain't!

I have never sacrificed responsibilities to purchase bows. I've also not missed a hunt due to same. In fact, I've sold a few bows recently to pay for two upcoming hunts.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: moththerlode on February 17, 2014, 02:14:00 PM
I lean towards one , but that one may change by trying others which has gotten me to my favorite.
In my house more than a couple is a waste. But that is just me.
Of course I write this with a rack of 4 longbows and a couple of recurve's and contemplating a call to Dan Toelke for a super D.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: David Mitchell on February 17, 2014, 02:46:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by mike g:
Your allowed as many bows as the lady has shoes.
Good one, Mike, except for the fact that my lady doesn't wear $600-800 shoes.     :biglaugh:
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: bendotwood on February 17, 2014, 02:57:00 PM
I'm a one bow kinda guy.  With that said, it would be nice to have a 100# bow to fullfill my fantasy of hunting africa, a 70# for north armerica, a 50# for bowfishing, and a 25# to lend to people who haven't shot before.
Title: Re: How many bows does one person need?
Post by: grouseshooter002 on February 17, 2014, 04:48:00 PM
I guess it would depend on who you asked first my wife or me.

Grouse