Right up front, let me apologize for sounding like an accountant (I am). Do I think some bow prices are inflated? Yes, in some cases severely. But to answer the question we need to look at it from the manufacturers point of view also.

First of all, I don't think we can compare the price of bows to the price of firearms. Think of the advancements in bow technology over the past 15yrs - its staggering. While gun manufacturers have made some advancements, there is absolutely no comparison. What has fueled this leap in technology? Money, competition and the demands of the consumer are responsible. Technology costs money. Now add to that the fact that the average customer base is much smaller for a bow manufacturer than for a company like Remington or Ruger and you have much fewer customers to collect those R&D dollars from. The result is higher prices for each product you sell.

Now if it ever gets to a point where Hoyt is selling as many bows per year as Ruger is selling firearms then, maybe, you'll see bow prices comparible to firearms. Not likely in the near future IMHO.

So, if we as archers continue to demand the smaller, the faster, lighter, shock-free bows we're currently enjoying, be prepared to pay for it.

Turc