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

When I decided to go from recurve to compound I went to sports store and bought used bow with right draw length for $50. Still using same bow.

You have to remember that you are not only payiong the costs of the goods the labor, and fixed costs, but you are also paying for Research and Development (so our bows can be even lighter and faster).

JUST MY 2 CENTS BUT I THINK A LOT OF THE EXPENSE ON NEW BOWS IS THE TECH AN ENGINERRING THAT GO INTO DEVELOPMENT OF THESE BOWS, BUT YES I DO AGREE THEY COST TO MUCH, BUT ALSO THEY SHOULD LAST ALIFE TIME

yep way to much money if you ask me!

yes i think the price of bows have gone thru the roof, but you do get what you pay for. you can still buy $200 bows worth the money and they will do the job. me personally, i buy the $400 to $650 bows. the latest in high tech equipment.

YES , TOO MUCH MONEY!
I do compare it to buying a firearm. You can buy a great firearm for $700 that you could pass down from generation to generation if you take care of it. Could you do that with a compound bow? Not likely.
A top of the line recurve or long bow is a different case. If you take care of it , you could pass it from generation to generation.


"Nocked,cocked & ready to rock"

like navy says if a bow lasted a lifetime i wouldnt mind. If you buy a rifle it lasts a lifetime. But with bows ESPECIALLY the way that they change from year to year they are like computers you cant keep up with them they ought to have a year lease on them so you can get a new one every year I think the price is ridiculous.

Hunting with a bow brings about a different challenge on every hunt!!!