SA-

I do not doubt what you are saying in your case is true, and there are probably many other areas in the USA that have the same problem. The question we need to ask is, WHY are there so many areas in the USA that are lacking for Pro-shops and knowledgeable techs/instructors? Simply due to the fact that everyone THINKS that they can learn everything on their own by reading or speaking on the boards, that's why. There are significantly less Pro-Shops today than there were even 5 years ago and even less techs who will spend both the the time and money to attend seminars and schools to learn in-depth tuning techniques, as well as attending schools learning how to teach these techniques to others.

I am not critizing everyone or even anyone here, rather merely trying to point out that if everyone continues with this type of approach rather than supporting their Pro-shops and those who can teach them correctly, (and to point out also that if more people are taught correctly it will eliminate these "bad" shops who are BS-ing you and you hate because they will be instantly recognizable) it won't be long before there will be none of these good shops left anywhere. The larger Pro-shops are in fact dwindling almost daily, simply because it is getting increasingly harder for them to compete with smaller shops or internet dealers with lesser or no overhead. Those that remain have to rely on their knowledge base and customer service alone, the rest disappear---that in a nutshell is why you have none in your area. I don't know about other reputable shops but we are always busy, and it's not because we can compete with Wal-Mart or Cabelas or are making a fortune. Retail Archery sales is a tough business to be in, especially nowadays. But it gets tougher and tougher for Pro-shops without your support.

Books and messageboards can help, no question, but I must say again that nothing beats hands-on help and instruction from a certified instructor when first starting out. I don't mind at all helping people on the boards when I can to a point, but when it gets too technically detailed it is not in my best interest to simply give you all of the answers just so you all can have them---to do so effectively cuts my own throat along with those others who do this for a living. I do think I have more than done my share to contribute to this messageboard system and others over the years, but I also see what those contributions from myself and others are doing to the industry throughout the USA--- and even tho it may be for a good cause I now feel that such knowledge would be better shared when someone supports a shop or instructional school. Otherwise as stated the TRUE Pro-shops will soon be gone, and I feel they play a very important part in the Archery industry and need to be there for the sport to remain strong for future generations. Good shooting, Pinwheel 12