... As a follow up to my first post... I own more than a few Custom Bows that I purchased from this site. They are what ya would call "new to me" bows and cost 30%-50% off the retail (new) price!  :D

That makes me happy.    My wife too......

... mike ...

mcgroundstalker and I have the same desire to hunt and shoot from when we have talked in the past. All but one of my custom bows have bought or traded on the classifieds here. In some cases more than 50% of the retail price. One of my favorite longbows was purchased for $ 160 and was custom made for someone else, his name is still on it!

The prices are about the same for what you get.......a top of the line Bear TD with wood veneers in the limbs is more than an equivalent custom-over 1000. Entry level customs can be had from many bowyers for 400 dollars.
Resale is important too.......second hand that Chinese off the shelf bow is not going to hold its value.
And it really is an individual taste thing anyway, a 'want' thing. We are fortunate to have so many choices today.