How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

Ok..

This is a survey of sorts about what influences your hunting equipment purchases and how much influence there is.

Disclaimer: And I’m not just talking about my Bow Reports (though certainly that should be included if it’s ever influenced you one way or another), but all kinds of hunting related-equipment.

I know from reading other folks’ posts around here, seeing good or bad results may just sway my decision one way or the other. I do try to test stuff myself before I make any solid conclusions, but I’ve found myself eating crow on a few occasions because QC has improved or I just plain was too dead-set about something w/out having enough info/experience.

For example: There is a new for 2003 arrow rest that was widely hyped here on these boards as well as many others. Eventually the hype influenced me to go take a look at one. After I messed around with it myself, I was totally unimpressed, and felt it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be by a long shot.

However, I’ve also had some items that totally exceeded my expectations in a positive way too. Treestands; Broadheads, even something as simple as fletching glue. Currently I’m finding new confidence in a product I had previously dismissed because the quality has improved greatly since I last tested it/them.

Basically it boils down to these questions

1) How much of an influence do your fellow posters have on your buying habits?

2) Do you find that your fellow posters good experiences are more often correct than not in your case?

3) Are you more inclined to go with word of mouth advertising (like here on HBBS), commercial advertising (from the manufacturer), or pro-shop recommendation?

4) To what degree are you skeptical of people promoting product who work for the company, are staff shooters, or sell the products for a living? A lot? A little?

5) In relation to number 4: Even if that “biased individual” (cause they sell the product or work with/for the company in some manner) is also making constructive criticisms about said product, are you less likely to dismiss the product? e.g. I used to be on the HCA dealer staff back in the mid 1990’s. If you walked into my shop and in discussing the bows I was mostly positive about the line, but I was also straight-forward enough to make some criticisms, would you be more likely to buy the product or less? (I.e. If the criticisms were minor, would you appreciate the honesty and go ahead w/ the purchase, or would you be scared to buy the product because I didn’t make it out to be the Holy Grail?)

6) How influential are your hunting buddies on your buying decisions? Do you tend to gravitate towards the same gear that they have or vice-versa? (I see this all the time @ the shop I help out at)


Type away; be honest, but keep it constructive please…

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

I buy everything I use strictly on what others say about products and not what I find to my real likes and dislikes...No really...:D;) No wait never mind... I don' t own one of everything yet...:D;)

I say everybodies always wrong about their own expressed opinions... Other than me of course...;):D

Would you expect anything less from me Homeskillet?...

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

For too long and before the net, I based purchase decisions on ad copy. I won some, lost some.

Now I RARELY make a purchase without thorough scouring of the net for additional info from actual users or people in the know (like you and the ACCs, best $ I' ve spent in a long long time). If it' s hunting equipment related, I use this board and some of it' s members opinions an awful lot. Since doing so, I' ve made mostly very good purchases, such as the previously mentioned ACCs, the Stealth, Rocket Wolverine 3Ps, No-Peep, Tru-Nock, and some other stuff that escapes me.

I know feel educated enough to sort the bull from the truth using common sense. I also know if it' s a bow, I' m gonna research it in my usual manner, then shoot the sucker and form my own final answer...

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

Jeffb,
I think it is a combination or mix most of the time. I think advertising, word of mouth or looking into a product a friend uses all come into play.
I look, listen and read about the items that I am interested in and then try them out myself to see how they feel to me. I really do enjoy this site and can keep up on almost any product that I have an interest in.:D
Case in point; I am looking into buying a new bow this winter and have been reading alot of posts on the new Bowtech,mathews and Hoyt lineups for 2003-2004. Thanks to you all for your honest opinons.;):D

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

I agree with most that it' s a combination of everything. I do appreciate what others have to say and their experiences but sometimes it' s what feels right or works for you.

Case in point - when I bought my bow. Guys on the message boards were giving their thoughts, my shop said their thoughts but in the end - my Martin bow just felt absolutely great to me. I couldn' t be happier with it even though I didn' t follow everyone else.

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

Martin, that' s exactly what I mean. When it comes down to feel, the ONLY way is to judge for yourself. As long as the quality checks out and the specs are where you want them, go with what feels best to YOU.

Otherwise, you' d all be shooting Diamond Hornets... :)

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

Word of mouth is a big influence on getting my interest up. However, since I don' t work part time in a pro-shop anymore I use this website as a reference. I have been around here for a couple of years and I have learned there are certain individuals that have similar taste and opinions to mine. I normally wait and let the " techies" on this board buy something and put it through the trials before making a purchasing decision. That being said the only thing that I have added to my setup that I hadn' t put through the paces myself was the SME Hybrid Bighorn Sight which came highly recommended by Len. I have been more than happy with that purchase. I haven' t switched anything else other than switching to the BT Patriot last year, which I bought sight unseen. I knew the day my brochure came in the mail that the Patriot was right up my alley.;)

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

I' d say quite a bit lately. Bow, rest, sight, and broadheads are all recent purchases I' ve decided on from info found on this site.
Yes, but I do take my time in waiting for all those whos opinions I value to chime in.
If I need an opinion on a product, other than my own, I get it here at Huntingnet. I do visit a few other boards, but there are a few here, whos opinion I value more so than anywhere else.
I' d say a lot. I' ve wasted too much time and money in 35 years of archery to take a salesman on their word. I always confirm with a visit here.
I' d have to weigh each criticisim and base my decision on how it applies to me and whether I can live with or overcome it. I can love a product and still find things to critic on.
I' d have to say they have an eye on me, more than I have an eye on them. I' m geared a bit different than the friends or club members I know. I gear up for moose, they gear up for deer. I gear up for broadhead leagues, they gear up for spots. Guess I don' t pay a lot of attention to whos watching me.

I' ve learned a lot from this site and have my own opinion of those who visit here. I know those I can trust and those who I feel are full of it. On the web, you just can' t take a person for what they type. It takes time to learn to read a poster. His or hers sense of humor, temper, honesty, or personality doesn' t always come out the way they ment to post it. If it did, I' d probably come across as a major prick at times![:o] Of all the sites I visit, I like this one the best.

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

1) Since I buy very little, I can' t say my fellow posters have much effect on what I do buy. But they do get my interest up enough to look at some products.

2) Hearing about good experiences is a plus.

3) Word of mouth is tops for me. Advertising copy is a distant second. Pro shop recommendation is way down the list. If I see something that interests me in a magazine ad, I' ll scan the forums to see what the story is from people that have tried it. When I get to the pro shop, I usually know exactly what I want and I resent anyone trying to steer me towards a different product. Unless I specifically ask for a recommendation, then sell me what I ask for.

4) VERY skeptical, clean across the line into all out cynicism. I' ve seen too much junk over the years that has been promised to be THE product that will put meat in my freezer and horns on the wall.

5) When someone is honest about their product, talks plain English and gives me a dose of vinegar with the honey, then I do retreat somewhat from my cynical side.

6) My hunting buddies?? If you think I' m going to shoot the same thing those idiots do, you' re crazier than I am!:D

My answers are colored by the fact that I' ve been shooting bows-n-arrows for a couple of winters shy of 50 years. I know what I like and dislike, what I' ve been successful with in the past, what' s proven itself to be accurate and reliable. Above all, I go for simplicity in my shooting gear. Very little of what' s on the market these days meets my standards.

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

I ignore ads, except to enjoy the entertainment value of them.

I pay little attention to most poster' s recommendations, since I know that so many are affiliated with a manufacturer, sell the product in their shop, or are so company loyal that they are blind to every other competing product. That said, there are a couple posters that I' ve come to respect their opinions and I pay more attention when they say a particular product is worth looking at.

My biggest source is the local shop that I shoot at, and my shooting buddies. We compare equipment with some hands-on testing. That is really the only way for me to know if I will like a product. Even then, I sometimes find that after I' ve owned it a few weeks, the performance isn' t quite what I initially thought it was. Still, nothing beats trying the product for yourself.

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

Jeff,

Do I let what others buy influence me ?
Well, since no one shoots equipment as good as mine, I would say the answer is obvious. ;)
And remember this...
I' ve said it before and it looks like I have to say it again.
" If you' re not shooting the equipment Ol' Sag is shooting, you' re not shooting the best" ! ;)
Don' t forget it either, fellas. :D


Sag.

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

I' d have to say that honestly the only influence fellow posters have on my buying habits come in the form of products that I would not normally try because I am set in a certain ' Comfort Zone' of gear. If I hear enough of a good thing that I think might fit my style of shooting or hunting it might (and has) persuade me to at least get my hands on the product in question. I tend to make my own decisions from there and VERY VERY rarely do I buy things blind.

I take many " endorsements with a grain of salt........no offense to this type of guy , but its very easy to see the member who has limited knowledge of a wide variety of a certain product , be it bows, arrows etc. Its hard to get excited about a memebr who is gushing about how quiet, shock free and fast etc. his new bow is when their last one was a PSE G-Force in 1996.:D Not saying the person doesn' t have a right to tell the world how proud he/she is of their new purchase........its just that this type of post doesn' t get me too god awful fired up.
The posts that carry more weight for me are the ones that include gear I' ve tried against a new product in a head to head type honest comparison........my opinion might not ultimately be the same, but its gonna get my interest. And when a person can evaluate the good AND bad of a product it shows a deeper vein of thought above and beyond the " New Toy Syndrome"

I' ll go word of mouth entirely from people I trust.......the only good I find in Magazine ads are the initial pictures many times in advance of the " whatever" hitting shop shelves.

Oh I' d say about 95%.:D Seriously......Unless its someone I know personally its tough to listen. I' m not gullible that' s for sure.

I can usually tell when someone is " Out There" ........it pays to have some well rounded knowledge, and ask plenty of questions. If the guy is full of it you' ll be able to tell.
I would be more inclined to listen to a staff member who gives a " well rounded" view of the product, what it can AND can' t do and who should be using it.
If its being touted as the absolute BEST in any situation, for EVERY person you' ve probably already lost me.
If it' s an buddy I trust who has knowledge of many products within that category saying that........Oh yeah I' m listening!

Not much at all........I' m kind of a loner in this regard. I usually tend to research a product on my own and if it works or I think it will work I' ll give it a whirl. Not too concerned about what the next guy is shooting.
I See much more of this in the loyal " Shop" guys, who take for gospel whatever the particular shop owner recommends........usually it doesn' t vary much. I see much more variety in gear from the guys who tend to work on their own bows.


Hmmmmmmmmm...... I wonder what product you are referring to when you say:
:)

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

This message board is responsible for single handedly making me about bankrupt at times. :D Seriously though, I take a look at all opinions on something I' m interested in on here first before I make a final decision.

Most of my purchases are made on past experience of what worked, didn' t work and so forth. If I remember a certain sight design that gave me problems (didn' t hold up to hunting conditions ect.) I' ll keep that in mind whenever I buy another and carefully look it over, scour all available post on here, then make a decision.

This place is an awesome site to get this kind of info.

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

Good stuff guys..keep it coming.


Matt...You know that I know that you know what I' m talking about :D

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

Opinions greatly affect what I buy. I also filter those opinions. It doesn' t take long to figure out who is knowledgeable and who isn' t. 5-shot' s broadhead tests are the best info on the subject I can find. And your bow reports, JeffB, rank up there with the best reviews available...as opposed to 4 1/2 stars from Petersons. :) But I' m going to keep shooting Martins anyway. lol

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

1) How much of an influence do your fellow posters have on your buying habits?

Some. There have been a few bows I purchased based solely on the recommendation of folks from the various forums. Most of it has to do with availability though. If I cannot at least find one shop in the area that carries that particular piece of equipment then I usually won' t buy it....bows excluded ofcourse.

2) Do you find that your fellow posters good experiences are more often correct than not in your case?

Yes, but it really depends on personal preference in my case. For example, many folks on these forums are very happy with their Muzzy Zero Effect rests. I tried one once and found them to be durable, easy to use and reliable. However, they did not fall into what I like to have in terms of a " compact" hunting setup so I sold mine. A good design, yes, but not to my tastes.

3) Are you more inclined to go with word of mouth advertising (like here on HBBS), commercial advertising (from the manufacturer), or pro-shop recommendation?

I have to make a differentiation here as well. When it comes to bows I can and do buy sight unseen based solely on specs. Accessories are another matter entirely. Usually I find something that works well with my setup and continue to use it from bow to bow. It normally takes quite a bit of persuasion from you folks on these forums to get me to try a new accessory...and only if someone can convince me that it is more beneficial than what I am currently using. Magazine ads only let me know that the product is out there...not necessarily how good it is.

4) To what degree are you skeptical of people promoting product who work for the company, are staff shooters, or sell the products for a living? A lot? A little?

Somewhat skeptical but not entirely. I judge people just like everyone else. What I use to separate fact from hype is the person' s personality and intelligence. Are they open minded? Are they willing to accept criticism and suggestions for overall improvement? Do they understand other designs on the market and how their product compares to them?, etc.....

Heck Jeff, I know never to trust your first impressions as you are always excited about whichever new bow you get....:D. I usually give it a week or two and if you are still excited then I know it must be a good product...:)


5) In relation to number 4: Even if that “biased individual” (cause they sell the product or work with/for the company in some manner) is also making constructive criticisms about said product, are you less likely to dismiss the product?

See number 4.

6) How influential are your hunting buddies on your buying decisions? Do you tend to gravitate towards the same gear that they have or vice-versa? (I see this all the time @ the shop I help out at)


Not at all. I tend to be the guinea pig on just about every piece of hunting gear we use...whether it be bows and accessories, camo clothing, ground blinds, treestands or whatever. I normally end up being the litmus test in terms of what they end up using. Heck, most of the bows they are shooting are actually ones that I owned at some time or other. :)

One further comment about the survey in general. The internet has become a very powerful tool both in terms of advertising and communicating experiences with equipment. 5 years ago there was not any active representatives from any bow companies let alone accessory and other hunting related companies. But in those last 5 years I have seen someone from just about every major bow company and quite a few of the other archery related manufacturers chime in from time to time.

Think that your opinion does not carry weight? Think again.

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

Jeff,

On a more serious note...
I admit, I was inspired to order my first Merlin by the posts of Pinwheel 12, Field 14, Black Frog, RobVos and MauiWes.
I had seen Merlin at the 99' Indy Shoot here in Louisville.
I thought they were beautiful bows but was afraid to buy one because they were made in England and I wasn' t familiar enough with them at the time.
Afraid I might not be able to get parts or service at the time.
I learned otherwise later and love my two Merlin bows.
Saw the Bowman at the same shoot and the rest is history, as they say. ;)
I discovered AEP Stabilizers, HTM sights and Bodoodle Pro-500 arrow rests on my own and they were my favorites and are still among my favorites today.
But I' m not as closed minded as I might seem to some.
I like the new Barnsdale Bows and CBE sights real well and might get one in the future.
Talked to Pat (Bowtech Shooter) at Bedford last May.
I looked at Pat' s Bowtechs and was impressed with them.
Mathews finish used to be much superior to Bowtech, imo.
But the Bowtech bows at Bedford had surpassed Mathews and looked pretty good.
If I didn' t shoot Merlin and Bowman bows, I would definitely consider one of the new Bowtechs.
It was great meeting and talking to you at Bedford, Pat.
Haven' t seen you post much lately; hope you' re doing well.
Glad to see you too, Frank.
Guess your little guy is still keeping you busy.


Sag.

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

Sag,

It was nice to meet you too. Finally...

I' m not on the boards as much as I used to be since I got a full time job with BowTech back in March... I' m on the road quite a bit now and I was even in your neck of the woods not too long ago... Louisville, KY., during rush hour traffic, pulling a 33 ft. 5th wheel trailer, through a construction zone= Headache....

Hope you stop by the booth next year at Bedford again so we can shoot the bull some more... I really enjoyed it...

FWIW, I' ve met a good number of people from this and other boards in my travels... So far all have been great/neat people to talk to in many different ways and I hope to meet more as time goes on...

If anyone from the boards is ever at a show, shoot or PBR that I' m at, stop by and introduce yourselves...

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

Perhaps some. It depends on who is saying what. I play with a lot of different products on my own anyway, but if someone I feel is knowledgeable makes a recommendation that I haven' t looked at yet I will certainly take a look at the product when possible.

Not always. Again it depends on who that person is. In an environment like this, everyone is an " expert" .


I think a lot depends on the product. For example with a bow I can look at the specs and know if I am interested or not. I usually wouldn' t buy one unless I shot it however. Accessories are a little different. Word of mouth, especially from someone I feel knows what they are talking about is very powerful.

Skeptical? Me?!! Are you kidding? ;) When it comes to making a subjective call I am always skeptical, especially when there is money involved. Whenever I see or hear someone making a claim based on emotion for brand x versus what the facts show, my " skepto-meter" goes off the charts.

I would be more inclined to at least listen to the person if I felt he or she was presenting both the positives and the negatives of the product.

What my buddy likes I might not care for. It is a good thing too, because if I had to have everything they did I would have to many girl friends. :D Certainly if one of my friends asks me to try something I normally would. But I still use products that I feel best suit my style. It seems like there is always one person who feels like you should be using everything he is, because of course what he uses is " the best" . How irritating.

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

being on the verge of retirement,i am not likely to make many purchases on new and exciting things.i have about every thing i need to hunt deer or turkey with exception of camo,boots,gloves,calls etc.i never get to old to pick up fresh ideas or to take advantage of a good tip.:)

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

I am definitely a reluctant equipment buyer. I still think that any of the bows I have had since 1991 could shoot better than I can, as long as they fit properly and were well tuned.;)

The ads for new stuff gets my attention, but I pay much more attention to the experiences of fellow posters on this board. Actual experiences, not ads.

I generally try to get enough info to decide if any new gear will really be a true upgrade or not before I shell out the bucks.:D

Some guys on this forum seem to have a good combination of experience, common sense, and the ability to analyze and evaluate things, while others seem pretty biased for or against things. I value the opinion of the objective, and place less importance on the biased opinions.;)

As far as bows, I always ask myself, " Can I get more speed? Less noise? Less recoil?" Can I get those things and still shoot the bow accurately?"
Only a few bows I have gotten in the past few years have been truely dissappointing, but many have been underwhelming, especially compared to the ads and hype. I am very happy with my Bowtech though, thanks Jeff B. and Matt!

I know it' s been said many times through the years, but arrows are the most important part of the equipment in terms of consistent shooting. A lot of people would probably say I am crazy to shoot ACCs through a Whisker Biscuit, but the combination is shooting better and more consistently for me than another carbon arrow shot off a very popular drop away rest that was mounted on a bow that many have called the greatest compound bow of all time!;)

I guess I really still look at a product and ask..." Can it really do anything for me that I can' t do already?"

I don' t really have a good pro shop to go to unless I find time to go to the place where PABowntr works. I have to get there a time or two before summer is over.:D

RE: How does X influence your Purchasing? (survey)
 

Thank you for the compliment Jeff. I am sorry that I did not get to see it until now but am glad that I did. I hope to see you up at the shop sometime soon.

We don' t have any ACCs in stock though...:D