Prices of bows
 

Bowhunters,
I would like to start in this world of bowhunting, I received my Bass Pro Archery catalog the other day and was real excited until I saw the prices of "Bare" bows. I'm not the cheapest guy in the world but good grief.
Then they will try and get you to buy the next year's model saying it is better then last year with a price increase.
Am I wrong to make a negative statement about the super high price of mass produced bows and the equipment?
I hope I do not offend anyone, but is there anyone else out there who feels the same way?

Take care and happy hunting

RE: Prices of bows
 

BGM:

I found out REAL QUICKLY that this sport isn't for the faint of wallet. I've got the better part of 2 season under my belt.....and each of my deer have cost me THOUSANDS...lol.

Bows? I believe the route to go (if $$ are an issue) is three-fold. A good, quality, name-brand bow can be had, used, for a LARGE discount from new, retail. The big box stores also carry lines that are affordable. The third line is the name brand mfg's second-tier lines (i.e. Diamond and Reflex....just to name 2 of the MANY).

I honestly believe a man can buy a QUALITY bow....outfitted with gear that is ABSOLUTELY capable of taking ANY NA big game animal......for about $350-$500.

Good luck.

RE: Prices of bows
 

GMMAT is absolutely correct. You don't have to buy the latest and greatest to harvest animals. I made my first archery harvest using a Golden Eagle Sparrowhawk, this thing cost me 250$ out the door.
If you are not looking to spend an arm and a leg the previously mentioned Diamond and Reflex lines are the way to go. I shot the Reflex Growler yesterday and was impressed with how quiet/vibe free it was. I think the package deal was right around 400$.

Good Luck

RE: Prices of bows
 

I don't think you are offending anybody here. The cost of hunting whether it be archery or rifle, has increased considerably.

I too was in sticker shock whenI started. However, once i started shooting some of these bows I changed my mind.

The first bow I bought myself in 1991 cost me $150 with a rest, sight, and quiver. Next bow in 2000 cost me $300 with accessories. The latest cost me $685 before accessories. I'm over $1000 right now just for bow, accessories and arrows.

There are quality rigs out there that can be bought for a reasonable price from PSE, Bear, Bowtech, Reflex, etc.

Here's a hint too. The Bass Pro Redhead bows are made by name brand manufacturers.
Reflex makes the XP series
Parker makes the XSC
Not sure who makes the Krypite

RE: Prices of bows
 

I bought my first bow fully equipped, ready to hunt (save arrows, a realease and a stabilizer) at a Pawn Shop for $60. I killed a couple of truck loads of deer and pigs with that bow.

Just about any bow will take game, most of it is still up to you. Just don't expect the performance of a top end bow out of a pawn shop $60 PSE.

The most important part of your equipment is that IT FITS YOU!!!! Make sure than any bow you buy, no matter what the price, matches your draw length, your comfortable peak weight, or can be put into spec to match you. After that, its lots of practice.

RE: Prices of bows
 

well, it's the same over here, in Belgium as well, it's expensive.
And if tell the guy behind the counter that the dollar rate's low, he tries to teach me a lesson about shipping and handling and the cost for getting a bow from the US to Europe......


grtz,

Frank

RE: Prices of bows
 

yea who doe s make the kryptic???

RE: Prices of bows
 

Just between us friends, I think it's absolutely absurd that a bare bow can cost more than a nice hunting rifle with all the accessories. That's especially so, considering the bow is going to be practically worthless in 5-10 years while the rifle will still retain a healthy portion of it's value.On the other hand...

Whenever this topic comes up, I feel compelled to point out one basic fact. Our ancestors invented archery thousands upon thousands of years before they ever dreamed up the concept of money. If you want a bow you've got choices at two extremes. Buy what they offer and pay their price OR make it yourself for free. There are all kinds of options in between.

I can think of few things that are more rewarding thanfashioning a collection of wood, feathers,metal and string into a bow and some arrows, thengoing out and taking game with it.

RE: Prices of bows
 

BowTech..... Not Diamond....but yes.... BOWTECH

RE: Prices of bows
 

When I looked at the picture I thought it was made by Bowtech. The bottom cam looks like one of theirs.

However, it's a little surprising that it's not made by diamond due to the fact that it has a single cam.

Arthur's comment is exactly what stunned me about the price of a new bow.I have a 1973 Model 788 .308 that sold for $125 or so back then with a scope.I bought it for $330 6 yrs ago. People are paying over $500 for that model now depending on condition. In 20 yrs my bow will be worth about $.25. I'd make more off of recycling the riser.

I would think that the turn over for a new bow is much higher than for a rifle. Most people that buy a new rifle still have the old one and use it. While most people that buy a new bow try to give their old one away or it just collects dust.