Never trust nobody

So far in the Trad world there is only one guy whose advice I will always take to the bank, that being Tim Finley, who builds Kota Bows.  

That being said, by & large I don't give a lot of weight to anyone who is a spokeman for or involved with the sales or marketing of a specific bow or accessory.  There are a few exceptions to this, but most of the time they are going to be pushing their product as the best there is.

I was involved for quite a few years with a well known sportmen's organization, as a state director.  The founder, a celebrity and true good guy had/still has a new bow sponsorship every couple years, so being touted that as the best available.  On principle I have no problem with this, the guy was making a living, but it was unrealistic to believe that last year's sponsor no longer made good bows.

Our local "pro" with the archery shop does the same thing.  Whatever he is shooting this year is the best and is what he pushes.  I called him on this once; he loftily advised as a pro he had an obligation to do this.  BTW, this guy would short or long string a compound to sell a bow to an inexperienced buyer, and still does for all I know.

Here on Tradgang I listen to as many opinions as possible, then add in my own research to arrive at a conclusion or decision as to bow, tackle, or method...

Ken Beck and the guys at Black Widow are at the top.

Personally i would have to say G. Fred Asbell, i like his writing style and i dont think he is trying to sell me something. Most of his articles in Traditional Bowhunter are centered around "Tried and True Methods". ( i personally loved the one about wool!)

Secondly i would also say Dr Ashby, i dont believe he is trying to sell something. My degree is in Wildlife Biology and i have personally read all of his work in detail and find all his methods to be sound and accurate, plus again i like his writing style.

BUT BUT BUT this is just me, i feel comfortable going out on a limb and actually naming people whose opinion i trust. This is just my $0.02

Rick D

my fathers favorite saying was don't trust anything you hear and half of what you see.

Myself!!!!

I always trust anyone who says "I'll give you a good deal on..."

I trust almost everyone "once" My trust is theirs to loose..
Free advise or opinions on the web?? Always skeptical but willing to experiment.

Chad is bang on about everything he said could not say it any better Go with experence it is allways going to give you the best answer If 1 person has built thousands of bows listen to there advice as with someone has taken several trophy animals why would you listen to someone that has taken none!

Just my opinion, but it would be a miserable life, going thru it, trusting no one....there are plenty of straight up guys and gals out there, you just have to sort thru them....Don

Why would you listen to some one who has had little success? Maybe what he is doing is correct but some part of the puzzle hasn't worked for him just yet,, such as he may be getting opportunities but choking at the moment of truth..
I don't believe listening to advise means you need to emulate what he is doing, but it should promote your own thoughts as to how it will or won't work for you.
One thing I have learned in life is some of the best suggestions come from the least likely places.. Three engineers working their butts off on a problem with little success and the janitor walks by and says,, "Why don't you??" All of a sudden the lights come on and the engineers know instantly they have been having tunnel vision and not considering the obvious solution. I've seen this happen from both sides of the fence and in all situations.. Advise should trigger thought, not give instructions

I trust me. So should you.  

I love the guy who says, "well, I'll tell you one thing", and then goes on to tell you a dozen things.   NNNNHHHH!  Control...Alt...Delete 8^).

Well on these sites I have been around long enough to have an idea about a lot of people.I have read enough post that I can tell who is talking common sense and who is talking above there head.    I trust a lot of people but I have always been one to do it myself and then see how advice lines up with my own experiances when possible. jmo

I trust the one whose advice has proven itself  ....otherwise... I listen, I try, I learn.

I trust Rod Jenkins' opinion.