Lifespan of Bows

MBW · February 04, 2011, 01:49:00 PM

What is the average life span of a bow from a performance stand point? In other words would a 6 year old used bow perform differently than it did when it was first purchased. Thanks

arrowslinger22 · February 04, 2011, 01:51:00 PM

Depends on too many things to answer. If it's glass backed, well made and treated well, shouldn't matter. I have a 1964 Kodiak Magnum that shoots as good as a new one.

Stumpkiller · February 04, 2011, 01:51:00 PM

I have a 1965 and a 1966, both glass laminated recurves, that I have been shooting daily (though not continouosly since then). Holding up so far and still at their marked draw weights.

sweeney3 · February 04, 2011, 04:04:00 PM

Yeup. If it's well made and taken care of, it will last a long, long, long time. Even well tillered and properly cared for wood bows can last a very long time, espically if made from woods such as osage or other tough, durable woods.

Naturally, if the design, workmanship, or care is lacking, then the lifespan will be greatly reduced.

arrowflipper · February 04, 2011, 04:16:00 PM

I have a 1965 Bear Tigercat thats been around with me for 30 plus years.Still shooting the the old gal quite offen.Shes as good as she ever was.

Celtic Dragon · February 04, 2011, 04:29:00 PM

I have a Samkick SMT 7 (target bow) still going after 20ish years. Its still used every week as an advanced trainer at my old club.

cbCrow · February 04, 2011, 04:41:00 PM

My son still shoots a Martin "Mountaineer" that I bought in 1983. When I bought it the guy said it was at least 3 yrs old, that makes it about 30 yrs. old and still scales what it did when bought by me.

Boomerang · February 04, 2011, 04:58:00 PM

If it's well made and taken care of it can out last the shooter.

Hatrick · February 04, 2011, 05:23:00 PM

I have a 1968 Howatt Monterey that I still hunt with. It actually shoots better now since I refinished it, put some phenolic on the limb tips, and shoot a low stretch string.

billy shipp · February 04, 2011, 08:19:00 PM

I have a 1956 Kodiak. I don't shoot it daily, but I could, and it shoots as good as any of the high dollar customs I own.

LoneWolf73 · February 04, 2011, 08:25:00 PM

I shot a 1955-56 Bear Grizzly Static Recurve today. 48# and really zings an arrow. So at least 55 years!

**DONOTDELETE** · February 04, 2011, 08:32:00 PM

1960 Alaskan still shooting good...

Igor · February 04, 2011, 08:50:00 PM

I have a ben pearson mercury hunter that looks and shoots like it was still 1969.

><>
Glenn

cyred4d · February 04, 2011, 08:53:00 PM

My 1983 Black Widow still shoots well.

Rooselk · February 04, 2011, 09:01:00 PM

I have a Wing Falcon built in 1972. Looks like new and still shoots great.

Doug in MN · February 04, 2011, 09:28:00 PM

Have a 1958 Kodiak that shoots great.

I also think that some of the bows being built today will last a very, very long time with just a bit proper care.

rdoggsilva · February 04, 2011, 09:36:00 PM

I have a 1970 Ben Person hunter and a 1973 Astro II That still shoot as good as the days I bought them.

Brently · February 05, 2011, 12:31:00 AM

I have a 56 Bear Kodiak that I shoot pretty often, it is as a old as I am but it moves quicker than I can. So I guess the answer is yes they last a long time.

LONGSTYKES · February 05, 2011, 12:50:00 AM

I have an old Ben Pearson, still shoots very well for about 55 years old. Marked 42# @ 28" and measures 40# on my scale. This could just be the scale. Still looks good also, been cared for and stored properly. Don

bawana bowman · February 05, 2011, 01:43:00 AM

I have a 1955 Bear Kodiak which shoots the same today as when it was bought for me in 1962. Shoots just as well as my Kodiaks from the 70's and 80's. So I would have to say 56 years isn't to much to ask.