I'm sorry if this is the wrong place to post this. I was wondering what would be a fair price for a Howard Hill Big Five 53@28.5 in what appears to be very good condition.
I have seen them go for anywhere from $250 to $350.The used bow market is up and down.I have seen shorter Hill's hard to sell.How long is it and does it have a serial number on it?
I would expect to pay anywhere from approximately $300-$425 (USD) depending on the age and actual condition. Bows that are very close to new and/or have other upgrades like ebony, tip overlays of horn/antler etc will of course be higher on that spectrum. Bows that are well used and older will be on the lower end. Craig Ekin at Howard Hill Archery can check the serial number for you if the owner doesn't know the age of the bow. He did the same for me via email on a RedmanI recently acquired. The numbers I mentioned are just what I have observed in general, not some hard and fast rule. It's case by case. If its a very fancy Big5 that's only a few months or a year old seller may want more and get it. The draw weight is desirable.
It seems that lately there is a push to make everything more expensive. Bid low.
On a HH bow, I would pay no more than half its price when new...but condition, length, weight and type grip affects my offer.
With the rash of new cheap imported bows from China/Korea, quality used domestic bows (like Hills) are getting harder to sell at fair prices.
A new Big Five (and other 4-lam Hills) with no 'frills' sell for about $625 shipped. A 'very good condition' used bow of this type would suggest that it is in like-new working condition with only minor cosmetic marks/wear (including the string) and no deep surface or finish dents or scratches, and with the original or equivalent leather rest/sideplate. IMO, a reasonable price range for such a bow would be $375-$450 which includes insured shipping in CUSA.
Sure they cost more than a Chinese import, but you generally get what you pay for.
If you end up getting it, I think you'll really like it. I have a Wesley, my first Hill bow, and I'm hooked on them already. If it were my only bow, it would still be fine with me.