Thought about buying a cheap lightweight (35lb or so) bow just to play with and stump shoot when out with the kids. Something my shoulder won't mind shooting all day.  Been looking online and I see a lot of Ben Pearson bow's and such for around 35-60 bucks. Not sure I trust buying anything off online though.  Has anyone had any luck with used bows on online or should I stay away from that??

I plan to make a couple of lightweight self bows for myself but I am still very much in the learning process of self bow construction.

For about the last 10 years all I have hunted with are used bows I paid $59.99 to $180 for.  They are from the early 60's to early 70's.

I may never buy a new bow again.  These old girls have wood you can't import or find now and 95% of the performance of new bows.

Of 15 bows I've bought from **** or the classifieds I have had one fail on the fourth shot I took with it.  It's true you don't know the history or how the prior owner(s) treated them.  But I bought another just like it that I am still shooting.  Ask a lot of questions, get lots of images, and get a can of fiberglass rubbing compound for boats.  Makes them look new.

My favorite bow is a 1966 Browning Explorer.

     

My current shooter: a 1965+/- 58" Shakespeare Necedah.  $85 and likely what I will be deer hunting with this fall.

     

Pretty, quiet, low mass, accurate and it throws a 600 gr arrow nicely.  What's not to like?

Some classic wood.
 

Thanks for the reply.  It seems to me there are a lot of very nice old bows out there.

Spend a few bucks and become a contributor ... It's worth it. Then just post a want ad in the bow classifieds and I bet you will find plenty from guys who truly love and respect their bows.  A lot of folks here have an extra bow or 30 laying around that they would make you a good deal on.  Just ask and see what happens.  Give it a shot ... The couple $$ you invest will help keep this place running and that's a good cause!!

I bought a red glassed bow from our classifieds that had twisted limbs..  I mentioned it to the sellor and his reply was he didn't know it. He also didn't offer a refund.  
 Sooo ---------.

I got started in archery about 4-5 years ago.  Have been thru 50 bows at least during that time.  I have never bought a new bow until just this week.  At first they came from the auction site.  Until I found this place.  And by then I was looking for better bows anyway.  I think I paid 40$ for my first York Cadet @ 25#.   Until I knew what I wanted and needed I couldn't see paying for a new bow.  And even once I had my search narrowed down to certain bows, I still bought used just for the savings.

Just like cars, the bows I buy are used. On this site I have bought and sold and have had great results. My last purchase was an RER LX w/ 2 sets of limbs, in like new condition. New, would have been close to 1000.00; I got it for $475.00!! heck of a deal. Last year, instead of paying $40,000 for a new suburban, I paid 5100.00 for a new motor, and it runs like a new one. That worked out pretty good too....!!

What SKITCH said.  TG has an outstanding bow selection on the classifieds and if you put up a WTB ad if nothing's listed then I'm sure you'll find what you want.  Bad experiences happen on occasion but this is one of the few places on the net where honor is respected and encouraged.  Get pics of the product you purchase and discuss it with the seller asking any questions prior to sale.  A good seller won't hesitate to talk to you on the phone if necessary.  I have gotten some great deals on bows on the TG classifieds and also have sold quite a few.  Thanks to the classifieds I was able to narrow dowm my list of favorite bowyers prior to buying any new bows and saved a great deal of money and then have bought new and custom exactly what I wanted.  Good luck.

If you don't try to push your luck, you can get some very good deals.  If you specify a return policy up front that can help.  I've not had a bad experience with bows on TG.

I've bought 4 grizzlies and a Kmag off of the auction site.
Paid $40-$250 so far, so good, but always feels risky.
It's the old, role the dice and take your chances.

If I buy off this sites classifieds or off one of the other two or three forums I frequent I always research the person selling. How many posts they have, how long a member etc. A lot of guys use the same handle on multiple forums so you can do a Google search for that too. Get a feel for the seller and the more money risked the more due diligence required. I also try to pay with PayPal whenever I can, it offers some protection.

I've "only" bought 5 (and sold one) on this site, but everyone I've dealt with here has been stand-up and a pleasure to work with.

Great luck buying used, and the money goes twice as far.  Research the seller as mentioned.  Has he posted over a long period of time?  On ****, look at the feedback (you want 99%+) and make sure they say something along the lines of "it's a shooter".  If they say something like "don't know nothing about bows" run the other way. I figure the seller needs to make me feel comfortable about the purchase, and if they present a take it or leave it attitude I will pass.  Also see what they offer as far as returns.  Pearson made great bows-  my first two bows were his.

I've had great luck buying online but I would NOT recommend that anyone else try it. Nope. Can't have anyone driving up those prices.