Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

What makes an expensive bow better? Don't get me wrong: I know there are some major differences, but what are they. Ive been shooting a $200 martin for three years and have killed 5 deer.

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

Need? Absolutely not. Do I have one. Yup, my 04 Liberty 80:Dwhy? It's a sweetheart of a bow, enjoyable to shoot, forgiving, smooth, creates the KE I wanted with the arrow I like to shoot....and it fits me perfectly. Why did I spend the 700.00 ...? at the time I could afford it. I wouldnt have bought itif I couldn't have afforded it. AT that time I realized it was a lot to fork out for a bow...still is.....but it just made sense for me to shoot the bow I felt the most comfortable with. Second, I have great confidence inthe bow'sabiltiy to perform as long as I do my part.

Mine will likely last me 10 years, so over that span of time...700.00 really doesn't seem like too much.... I have everything I want in my Bowtech.

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

Quote from LBR:

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

I"m sure there will be many different responses and opinions to this but here is my 2 cents....to be honest my bow package was between $350-$400 (Fred Bear)and I love it...works great for me and I've killed deer no problem with it and I'm comfortable with it! However, their are definitely cheap accessories and bows that I would steer clear from because they are mfg. cheaply and they are not efficeint and will not be efficeint in the field....of course if you know what your doing or you go to a good shop then they can hook you up with a great package within your budget.....Do you need a $700 bow package? No.......there are many variables and one the most important variables is the hunter and his skill! I think many of us get all caught up in the new and improved bows and accessories on the market and we enjoy spending the money to buy them because we love archery hunting! ;)

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

I choose not to spend a ton of money on a bow. Can I afford to? YES, but I just don't. I "went all out" on my last bow and I think it was in the 400-500 range. Accessories are something you can skimp on that will come back to bite you. I still don't go most expensive, but I do go with quality.

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

I actually have about $1100 wrapped up in mine. At the time I could afford it, but now I would be hard pressed. The bow itself was $600 but after shooting all "the best", it was what I really liked. After adding all the accessories, arrows, etc and then changing them again, I now have more in my bow than I did in my first car. But I love it, it's quiet and shoots smooth. The last bow I had lasted 12 years so if I can get the same lifetime it's less than $100 per year and who wouldn't pay that!

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

If you just what to hear a bunch of people say stuff, that's the right question. If you want an answer for yourslef you need to finish the phrase. "DO you need a 700 dollar bo TO hunt, do 3D etc...

Otherwise one guy is going to say he never spent more than 10 bucks on a red oak bow and has the deer to prove it, and another guy will say he gave up 5 years salary to go to the Olympics so the 700 bucks was the least of it.

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

Hi Ryan

Welcome to the forum's
You got a good point in my opinoin you really don't need the top of the line bow,
I have an old Golden Eagal that I only paid$100.00 at a yard sale years ago.
I wouldn't trade for any thing out there.

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

My last two bows were what I though was the best at the time they were purchased:

1) 1992 PSE Carroll Intruder - $299.99, rigged out about $500. I used it until 2004 (12 yrs - $41 per year)

2) 2004 Bowtech Extreme VFT - $525, rigged out $850.

Each time I shot alot of them and they were the best ones for me at the time. I really didn't consider price, although I must admit that if budget were a consideration, I might rethink it.

You don't need it on price, but you do need what you like best and believe you can afford!!

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

You get what you pay for.

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

Rayn its ego my good man ego! Rich

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

I bought a PSE Bow 12 years ago, and have killed at least 1 year every year, with it. But there has been times, that the bow has cost medeer which haven't been recoverable, due to a variety and combination of reasons. Technology usually makes things easier. I just ordered a Switchback XT yesterday. I expect to use that bow for another 12 years if possible. The bow has many more advantages, and I feel it will go further is areas, that my last bow didn't. That's why i'm spending $650 (plus accessories) and making the purchase.

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

I wish I could get my bow for $700 ;)

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

Well Ryan, you've spent lessand killed more with your bow than I have with mine,so I would definitely have to say you do not need a $700 bow. The benefits you'll find with an expensive bow are few and I guess it's up to you whether you want to spend the extra $100 - $200 for a bow that shoots a LITTLE smoother, faster, whatever. You're probably paying for the name then too. There are hundreds ofexcellent bows out there that don't have Hoyt, Mathews, or Bowtech stamped on them and don't cost as much either. That said I do have to say that I love my Bowtech!

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

Don't need..nice to have though..Don't need a pretty wife or a Harley Davidson either...but the curves, nice lines,and the way they handle and look is why you do it:D

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

Unless you spend at least $900.00 for your bow the deer will just snicker at you and look down thier noses at you in disgust and I won't even mention elk and moose, shhheeeesh!!!!!! Spend your damn money if ya don't your wife will buy curtains with it or new furniture or go to the spa. Haven't you figured out that the one with the best toys wins when we die:D And those proshop owners have kids to feed too you know.

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

I agree, absolutely not! There are so many different makes and models of compaound bows today that I see no rerason to spend more than $300 to $400 for a bow. I'm not being hypicritical when I say $400 because let's face it, everything is going up and through the roof. $700 is way too much for a compound bow, especially after you add your quiver, sights, rest and whatever else.

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

Do you NEED a $700 bow? No, absolutely not. But then again, you don't really NEED a bow, do you? I mean, why not just spear 'em! LOL.....just foolin w/ that one, a spear isn't even legal,...is it??

I hear that question a lot from guys at the shop, but then I look out the window and take a peek at what they're driving........They don't need that Ford Excursion either, but hey......There really are some differences in high dollar bows and less expensive bows, notice I didn't say "cheap" because first of all they aren't, and second of all, cheap indicates poor quality, and that's not true in this case either.

If you really want to know, head to the shop. Shoot the least expensive one, then the MOST expensive one, and come on back and let us know. ;)

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

The recurve bow I have was $250 , I added a few things like a case , arrows , quiver , rest , and string whiskers . All totalled I have about $500 in it , and other than string replacements I don't plan any more changes . I figure to get up to 20 years out of it , and probably will . Need an expensive bow ? No . Want one ? No, but to each their own . I know guys who have $1,200+ bows , and they're already dreaming of their next one which means that they take a huge loss when they sell off their current one and go into hock for their new toy . Some of them do this every year , which is completely nuts in my book . If you have a bow that works for you stick with it , upgrades and repair will only make it that much more special and cost a lot less than the latest whizbanger on the market .

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

Short answer..... No!

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

NO,I dont "need" a $700 bow,sorry $900 Canadian,BUT my wife is convinced I do:D

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

Love LBR but I have to disagree with that. I'm impressed with the shooter, never the bow. The same shooter can do it regardless of the bow but I get the point.

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

like everyone says no you don't need tobut if you can its nice to have.tosome that is not much money to others it is a huge mountain to
climb

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

My wife got me a new bow for Christmas. I had my choice of any bow I wanted. Iopted fora Reflex Super Slam. I think I found it on the internet for around $400.00. I love it and I am sure it will perform flawlessly for me. It has at the range and in the back yard so far. I think that all you need is a good quality product and a whole lot of confidence.
I wouldn't skimp on any accessories though.

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

Personally I will never pay that much for a bow, never did never will. Got a Matthews yes, but paid under 500.00 for it brand new...... so my personal feeling is that $700.00 is way, way too much........ even $500.00 about makes me cringe......... just cant imagine that a 250.00 to 300.00 bow cant be as quiet or shoot as straight and take as many deer as a 700.00 one?

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

need no never want yea alot want them but i will spend a little less on a dependable martin and get top of the line sights and rest and other acessories but i would love to have the new martin slayer xtreme sweet lookin bow but 700 dolla bare bow

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

I am amazed at how many guys at the range seem to think a rig 700$ or more will improve their FORM. Yea there is a bit off difference but if you dont shoot it right...and I bet 2/3s dont even if you will not find any admiting it on here...I can still beat you with my cheepest 200$ setup:D.

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

No, I don't need a $700.00 nor do I think it's necessary. Now I don't think you should run out and buy a cheap bow either. I believe as long as you get a bow from a reputable manufacturer I don't think you can go wrong. There are lots of good quality bows on the market that will perform just as good as the highline bows for a fraction of the cost.

Most important though is you get what YOU want.

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

Intresting question. Iam sure and can prove that a $100.00 bow can kill just as good as a $700.00 bow, butdo youalways want to drive a volkswagon or cheque out a nice lexas. Test drive the difference.

Bobby

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

I am sure I can kill just as many bear, deer and elk with a cheaper bow. I never have and never will though agree with the statement about what the bow is used for, 3-d or hunting. And I certainly don't like the term, good enough for hunting. What is used for tack driving accuracy on the range should be incorporated in any hunting set up. I want the tack driving accuracy in my hunting bow also. There are some mid range bows that will proform rather well, probably to the point at which some archers can not shoot. Some can tell the difference though, and with tighter pocket tolerances and such needed thingsfor tack driving accuracy, usually comes a higher price tag. I therefore opt for the best that my money can buy at the time, even if it means a loss next year. Heck I know some guys that can blow 700.00 in a night on a craps table or on beer in one weekend with no return of their money. How many of you spent 700.00 in a weekend on a short get away. What will that bring you in one year. Look how many weekend getaways 700.00 will bring you during hunting season. It all depends on where your priorities and needs are. Must be why I am not ever getting married again!!!!!!!!!! Cheaper bows will make some happy, but I have noticed that a vast majority, will want to upgrade within a couple of years anyway. Just make sure that your purchase is one that will keep you happy for a few years if needed!!!! Whatever you may choose to spend.

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

"do you need a $700 bow?"

Deal with what's eating you and you'll have the answer, to that and a lot more.

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

yep and I have several.. and a couple that were more than 700

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

I think that is a very general statement that may not necessarily true in all circumstances.

A person may have the capabilities tobuild the perfect bow to suit his/her needs/style/physical structure. Or could buy a $1000 bow thatmay not fit their style or needs of shooting at all. Of course this is looking at both sides of the spectrum without taking into consideration of anything in-between.But, areyou saying that an archer (the "same archer") can accurately shoot every style of bow out there reguardless of their individuality? Your statement quoted just above kind of sounds like it to me.

I think what Chad is saying is that the best suited bow for an individual may not be the most expensive out there. And don't be too persuaded in thinking that the most expensive bow out there will make you the most accurate. Find the one that meets your individual needs and style, and don't be too concerned if it is not the most expensive one.

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

It depends upon what your needs are. With the advances in materials and manufacturing processes, the lesser expensive bows of today are already vastly superior to even the top of the line bows of even 5 or six years ago. But even still, "vastly superior" is a VERY relative term. but then again, so is the term "need."

All you need to do is to have a bow that you can fire an arrow from with relative accuracy.

That said, some of the qualities from a "top of the line" bow include:

1. Vibration free
2. Hand shock free
3. Noise free
4. Build quality / materials
5. Smoothness of draw
6. Speed

Generally, the more you spend, the more of the above you get.

If these things are not important to you, then no, you will get nothing more from a more expensive bow.

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

You can't buy accuracy, you simply must work for it!

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

Greg had the right answer.Needs have nothing to do with wants though,and who is any body to tell someone what they should or shouldn't buy,provided they are not harming their family?

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

tsoc, just wondering what you are refering to.....

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

No I dont really need a $700 bow, but its too much fun trying to convince the wife every other year that I do :)

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

So, what's REALLY the point here??

RE: Do you really need a $700 bow?
 

No different than golf clubs, fly rods, tennis raquets, camping gear, running shoes, shotguns, paint ball guns etc...You get the picture. Each of these product groups has offerings among all the price points. The bottom of the scale running shoe will allow you to run a race. The top of the line running shoe will allow you to run a race more comfortably. No one can contest that the interior of a lexus is not a little more cozy than the interior of a plymouth neon. Just as no one can contest that the neon will get you from pt A to pt B, just as the lexus will.