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Bow purchase experience - The good, bad, and the ugly?

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\youngole.kole

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Curious on how your bow purchasing experiences went when purchasing a new or used bow. My experience wasn't the best - I went into a local "big box" sporting goods store which was probably my first mistake looking to purchase a bow and was looking around at new and used bows. Not really having a clue what I was looking at or for.

A young salesman came over and asked if I needed some help to which I stated that I was looking to get into bow hunting. I have been rifle hunting for years but was getting the bug to try bowhunting. He immediately brings me over to the new bow section and tried to sell me a Hoyt that was selling for like 700. Of course, I would need to purchase a sight, arrow rest, quiver, etc... I said what about this Bear Paradox for 300 that has everything I need on it? Dudely kind of scoffed and I told him my reasoning for not wanting to spend 1000+ on bow and accessories to get started. What if I didn't like it and it just sat in the closet?

He asked if I wanted to try it and I said sure - so we moved on to getting me measured for my draw length. He set the draw weight and length on the bow and then brought me into their little shooting range. He showed me how to shoot it and I shot a couple arrows through it. Since I haven't shot a compound bow before, I asked him how he thought it shot and the conversation went something like this.

Salesman: "How does it feel"

Me: "Ok I guess but I don't really know as I haven't shot a compound bow before. How does it feel to you"?

S: "Shoots like a $300 bow".

Me: "well ok, what do you shoot?"

S: "I shoot a $1700 bow".

Me: "Ok, but how does this bow shoot to you? Would this be good for a first bow to get started in this sport?"

S: "I mean, it will kill a deer".

At that point I said OK let's go with this one. He walked me around to get a release, arrows and a case. Really no explanation of what type of arrows he suggested... just "what color"? He had me run to the service shop to get the arrows cut to 29" and while I was doing that he would ensure the bow was set up correctly. In hindsight, I should have questioned why he suggested that spine size and why to get them cut at that length.

Came back in about 10 minutes and he had the bow in case and walked me to the register, I paid and left. I realize that this sport isn't something that you can learn everything about in 20 minutes, but I felt like he was just trying to sell me a new bow to get his sales commission and didn't really listen to what I was going for.

I am happy with my purchase - not the purchasing experience so much. I have put some arrows through it I and think it shoots fine for me at the moment.

How have your bow purchasing experiences been? Anyone have comparable experiences?

Looking forward to hearing your experiences - the good, bad, and the ugly!
 
#2 ·
Go to a real archery shop. Start over.
 
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#3 ·
Man thats really disappointing. You are probably correct on the commission part, but I will tell you even when I worked retail (Ski and Snowboard Shop), I knew people were on a budget and that not everyone could afford a 2k for a full new top of the line set up. We had a huge used inventory and one of my first questions was what is your budget and I will get you everything you need for that or less. I would happily show them more expensive options if they wanted to look but I would always say, especially to people new to the sport you won't really be able to tell the difference between the cheaper used stuff and the new top of the line stuff. But as you grow in your abilities you will see the benefits of the top of the line stuff and I believe thats the truth with archery as well.

There is nothing wrong with your Bear paradox and the guy is right it will definitely kill a deer or whatever else you want to hunt. AT is a great community and you should be able to get all the answers you need to any questions you have to include Arrow spine, weight, ect... PM me if you have any questions and I will be happy to help and I know others on this site will as well.

Welcome to Archery man, its an awesome rabbit hole to fall deep down lol.
 
#5 ·
I've had some bad experiences too... (part of the reason I started my shop and do things the way that I do)

  • owner/employee tell me that "test drives are $5 each arrow, unless you buy a bow on the spot"...
  • shop owner refuse to set a bow to my daughters DL/DW so she could try before we buy....because he would have to sell the bow as USED..
  • I waited patiently for more than an hour for my turn at a shop... I didn't interrupt the sales/tech guy while he was working with the guy ahead of me... but I did get upset when he stopped working with me to take care of someone else 2x during his time with me....These folks weren't even "in line"... they walked in and started asking about the fishing poles on sale... bought some bait, had their reels respooled and were sent out the door... I was told I had "unreasonable expectations" when I pointed out that I waited patiently and without interruption, and they just walked in and made demands...
  • shop owner laughed at me when I asked if I could bring my current bow in to shoot along side the new bows I was interested in for a "side by side" comparison... he said "If you wanna do that, you can buy this one, then take it home and make all the comparisons you want."
  • I bought a bow from a shop... He wouldn't sell me the bow unless he did the initial set up, then charged $10 to tie in MY peep, $10 to tie on a D loop (that I provided), and $85 for the initial set up/tune.

NONE of this bullstuff that I posted above happens at my shop!!!
  • I will make every effort to set the demo bow to your preferred DL/DW (I can't always get to 50# or 80# with what I have in stock...)
  • I encourage customers to bring their current bow to make a side by side comparison
  • distractions are kept to a minimum... I do things by appointment only and only have one customer in the shop at a time.
  • I don't have an issue with a shop charging for the services they provide but... a set up fee should include installing all of the accessories and include a basic peep. If someone buys a bow from me (at full retail) they get either Set Up or Shipping included in the price... to me Set Up includes - Installing accessories, everything set to customers spec (peep height/DL/DW), loop and peep... The customer when they leave could screw on a mechanical broadhead and go hunt to 20yds ... Further tuning is more $$$
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
RickElite88 said:
Man thats really disappointing. You are probably correct on the commission part, but I will tell you even when I worked retail (Ski and Snowboard Shop), I knew people were on a budget and that not everyone could afford a 2k for a full new top of the line set up. We had a huge used inventory and one of my first questions was what is your budget and I will get you everything you need for that or less. I would happily show them more expensive options if they wanted to look but I would always say, especially to people new to the sport you won't really be able to tell the difference between the cheaper used stuff and the new top of the line stuff. But as you grow in your abilities you will see the benefits of the top of the line stuff and I believe thats the truth with archery as well.

There is nothing wrong with your Bear paradox and the guy is right it will definitely kill a deer or whatever else you want to hunt. AT is a great community and you should be able to get all the answers you need to any questions you have to include Arrow spine, weight, ect... PM me if you have any questions and I will be happy to help and I know others on this site will as well.

Welcome to Archery man, its an awesome rabbit hole to fall deep down lol.
Click to expand...
Hell yeah...thank you! That is the type of service I would expect from a salesmen...listen to the customer, right? I bet people came back to you when they needed something after that initial sale as well!
 
#7 ·
Sounds like my first experience. Except salesman was a little nicer. Read on here filter the BS as best you can and enjoy. Like you I wanted a starter bow and was a rifle hunter. Now I barely touch a rifle. The excitement over bow hunting and a good clean kill with a bow is amazing. Plus it allows and mandates more time in the woods.
 
#8 ·
aeds151 said:
Never BUY NEW!!!

Buy Used on classifieds here by someone with a lot of posts and reviews.
Click to expand...

What didn't help. He didn't know anything about Archery. So just jumping into the classifieds here can be a mistake also 🤔.

It is sad the OP had a bad experience. Hopefully he will find a Pro Shop that will take better care of him.
 
#9 ·
ShootingABN! said:
What didn't help. He didn't know anything about Archery. So just jumping into the classifieds here can be a mistake also 🤔.

It is sad the OP had a bad experience. Hopefully he will find a Pro Shop that will take better care of him.
Click to expand...
Not to mention he doesn't have enough post yet so about 50 people would jump on the OP about not reading the rules. OP buy what you like and can afford. I've had people tell me my stuff is junk but couldn't say why. Typical internet tuff guys are on here also. Thanks for sharing.
 
#10 ·
Typical internet tuff guy here

Buy Used on classifieds. You can ask quality questions to build the post count requirement and gain a lot of knowledge by guys with same if not more experience than the local "pro shop" yahoo. Hell, some these guys run a pro shop so just let them offer free advice on this forum (kinda the point). You will invest in knowledge and better quality gear that fits your needs than the 3x price of a "pro shop" just setting it up for you and handing it to you.
 
#11 ·
Well just my experience at a bow shop. I went to the local one, parking lot filled with cars, lots of people shooting bows. I had previously bought a crossbow for the kid and myself, so I knew of the people behind the counter. They were very helpful with that bow. So, after doing some research I went back armed with lots of information, that I really had no clue what to do with. The first guy gave me some 700-900 price range and said unless I really was sure I would get into hunting with a bow, at least I would be able to get most of my money back. I looked around and watched people for several trips and then finally decided to go new. I took a class with an instructor and got to shoot different bows and that helped the most. I learned more about bows, what my draw length and weight was, so I thought. Week later I decided on the Hoyt RX7. Went in and purchased and another gun was very helpful in giving me his opinion on what would work. They set me up with the bow and all the extras. I leaned that my draw length was about 1.5 inch longer than I thought after the class. I learned to shoot in my yard range. I have tree stand and 3D target and other targets, so thought I would be good to go. I had more arrows made by the shop, same as I left the shop with the first time. I shot for a while with the kid, more focused on her bow then mine, but still shooting. Then one day it hit me, these damn arrows are not flying straight. I can hit a bullseye at 40 yards, but things just don't seem right. Well, I went searching for the answer and just my luck, the arrows have the wrong spine, the rest isn't straight, and there are way better options for accessories then I got. My bow was set up with a left twist, but the arrows are fletched right. To make matters worse my bow is way too easy to pull back. Thought it was set at 65lbs. I went back to the bow shop to inquire and found that it was at 48lbs. I asked the guy behind the counter about it and was told that they set up all new guys with less draw weight until they get some practice. Right or wrong I'm not sure, but now I have to start over and have decided to do it all myself. The more I search the more I learn that was set-up not the best. I won't say wrong, because I should have known all this stuff beforehand, but didn't so live and learn. What I was always told as a kid, was if you want something done right, do it yourself. That still works today, just most are not willing to learn and put in the effort to make it happen. I do not believe the bow shop did a bad job, just not the best job for me. I think each bow and shooter are different and set up requires different things for different shooters. I wish the salesman would have told me that in the beginning, but I do understand everyone has to eat and sales have an impact on their pay. So, do your homework and shoot other bows if possible. If not expect to spend money.
 
#12 ·
\youngole.kole said:
Curious on how your bow purchasing experiences went when purchasing a new or used bow. My experience wasn't the best - I went into a local "big box" sporting goods store which was probably my first mistake looking to purchase a bow and was looking around at new and used bows. Not really having a clue what I was looking at or for.

A young salesman came over and asked if I needed some help to which I stated that I was looking to get into bow hunting. I have been rifle hunting for years but was getting the bug to try bowhunting. He immediately brings me over to the new bow section and tried to sell me a Hoyt that was selling for like 700. Of course, I would need to purchase a sight, arrow rest, quiver, etc... I said what about this Bear Paradox for 300 that has everything I need on it? Dudely kind of scoffed and I told him my reasoning for not wanting to spend 1000+ on bow and accessories to get started. What if I didn't like it and it just sat in the closet?

He asked if I wanted to try it and I said sure - so we moved on to getting me measured for my draw length. He set the draw weight and length on the bow and then brought me into their little shooting range. He showed me how to shoot it and I shot a couple arrows through it. Since I haven't shot a compound bow before, I asked him how he thought it shot and the conversation went something like this.

Salesman: "How does it feel"

Me: "Ok I guess but I don't really know as I haven't shot a compound bow before. How does it feel to you"?

S: "Shoots like a $300 bow".

Me: "well ok, what do you shoot?"

S: "I shoot a $1700 bow".

Me: "Ok, but how does this bow shoot to you? Would this be good for a first bow to get started in this sport?"

S: "I mean, it will kill a deer".

At that point I said OK let's go with this one. He walked me around to get a release, arrows and a case. Really no explanation of what type of arrows he suggested... just "what color"? He had me run to the service shop to get the arrows cut to 29" and while I was doing that he would ensure the bow was set up correctly. In hindsight, I should have questioned why he suggested that spine size and why to get them cut at that length.

Came back in about 10 minutes and he had the bow in case and walked me to the register, I paid and left. I realize that this sport isn't something that you can learn everything about in 20 minutes, but I felt like he was just trying to sell me a new bow to get his sales commission and didn't really listen to what I was going for.

I am happy with my purchase - not the purchasing experience so much. I have put some arrows through it I and think it shoots fine for me at the moment.

How have your bow purchasing experiences been? Anyone have comparable experiences?

Looking forward to hearing your experiences - the good, bad, and the ugly!
Click to expand...
Never had a bad experience with buying or selling a bow.
Bought a few from Ebay over the years and deals went well
Bought my current bow from AT and it was a sweet deal on a great bow.
Deal went well.
 
#13 ·
RGuill96971 said:
Well just my experience at a bow shop. I went to the local one, parking lot filled with cars, lots of people shooting bows. I had previously bought a crossbow for the kid and myself, so I knew of the people behind the counter. They were very helpful with that bow. So, after doing some research I went back armed with lots of information, that I really had no clue what to do with. The first guy gave me some 700-900 price range and said unless I really was sure I would get into hunting with a bow, at least I would be able to get most of my money back. I looked around and watched people for several trips and then finally decided to go new. I took a class with an instructor and got to shoot different bows and that helped the most. I learned more about bows, what my draw length and weight was, so I thought. Week later I decided on the Hoyt RX7. Went in and purchased and another gun was very helpful in giving me his opinion on what would work. They set me up with the bow and all the extras. I leaned that my draw length was about 1.5 inch longer than I thought after the class. I learned to shoot in my yard range. I have tree stand and 3D target and other targets, so thought I would be good to go. I had more arrows made by the shop, same as I left the shop with the first time. I shot for a while with the kid, more focused on her bow then mine, but still shooting. Then one day it hit me, these damn arrows are not flying straight. I can hit a bullseye at 40 yards, but things just don't seem right. Well, I went searching for the answer and just my luck, the arrows have the wrong spine, the rest isn't straight, and there are way better options for accessories then I got. My bow was set up with a left twist, but the arrows are fletched right. To make matters worse my bow is way too easy to pull back. Thought it was set at 65lbs. I went back to the bow shop to inquire and found that it was at 48lbs. I asked the guy behind the counter about it and was told that they set up all new guys with less draw weight until they get some practice. Right or wrong I'm not sure, but now I have to start over and have decided to do it all myself. The more I search the more I learn that was set-up not the best. I won't say wrong, because I should have known all this stuff beforehand, but didn't so live and learn. What I was always told as a kid, was if you want something done right, do it yourself. That still works today, just most are not willing to learn and put in the effort to make it happen. I do not believe the bow shop did a bad job, just not the best job for me. I think each bow and shooter are different and set up requires different things for different shooters. I wish the salesman would have told me that in the beginning, but I do understand everyone has to eat and sales have an impact on their pay. So, do your homework and shoot other bows if possible. If not expect to spend money.
Click to expand...
I hope he sticks arounds, asks questions, learns for a few weeks prior to purchase then swoops in on some suckers 2023 poor investment choice of $1300 for around $600-700.
 
#14 ·
My first bow-buying experience was honestly pretty similar to yours, except my sales rep at a pro shop 3 hours away had me convinced the little RTH Bear bow I was buying was the coolest, toughest bow out there and perfect for a beginner 😂. My answer to how the bow "felt" was similar to yours and I also had no idea about arrow spine or length, I just deferred to them to get me set up.

In retrospect, that bow has lasted me 4 years and I shot two nice bucks with it this year. I have experimented with accessories, arrow setups, and had growing pains with that bow as I started hanging out at a local shop and trying to learn. I just recently ordered a Mathews Lift as an upgrade for next year after trying most of the other brands, but my Bear Divergent EKO does the job just fine. Even though you didn't have the best purchase experience, I think you likely ended up with a perfectly fine bow that is more than capable of outperforming your shooting ability. I don't think there is any need to completely start over as some have suggested, but I would go to a legit pro shop and have them redo your bow setup for a fee. I would also ask them about your arrows and maybe order some more from them if they are helpful. The ones you got at the box store may work just fine - but I can promise you that if you shoot enough you will eventually need more arrows.
 
#15 ·
I have never had a bad experience, ever. I believe in part because I researched shops, researched and read about whatever I was planning to purchase, whether bow or accessories. I asked every question that came to mind. This is a habit when it comes to purchasing most things, I may think or research about something for months before I pull the trigger, hence a good experience.
 
#16 ·
1/2 Bubble Off said:
I've had some bad experiences too... (part of the reason I started my shop and do things the way that I do)

  • owner/employee tell me that "test drives are $5 each arrow, unless you buy a bow on the spot"...
  • shop owner refuse to set a bow to my daughters DL/DW so she could try before we buy....because he would have to sell the bow as USED..
  • I waited patiently for more than an hour for my turn at a shop... I didn't interrupt the sales/tech guy while he was working with the guy ahead of me... but I did get upset when he stopped working with me to take care of someone else 2x during his time with me....These folks weren't even "in line"... they walked in and started asking about the fishing poles on sale... bought some bait, had their reels respooled and were sent out the door... I was told I had "unreasonable expectations" when I pointed out that I waited patiently and without interruption, and they just walked in and made demands...
  • shop owner laughed at me when I asked if I could bring my current bow in to shoot along side the new bows I was interested in for a "side by side" comparison... he said "If you wanna do that, you can buy this one, then take it home and make all the comparisons you want."
  • I bought a bow from a shop... He wouldn't sell me the bow unless he did the initial set up, then charged $10 to tie in MY peep, $10 to tie on a D loop (that I provided), and $85 for the initial set up/tune.

NONE of this bullstuff that I posted above happens at my shop!!!
  • I will make every effort to set the demo bow to your preferred DL/DW (I can't always get to 50# or 80# with what I have in stock...)
  • I encourage customers to bring their current bow to make a side by side comparison
  • distractions are kept to a minimum... I do things by appointment only and only have one customer in the shop at a time.
  • I don't have an issue with a shop charging for the services they provide but... a set up fee should include installing all of the accessories and include a basic peep. If someone buys a bow from me (at full retail) they get either Set Up or Shipping included in the price... to me Set Up includes - Installing accessories, everything set to customers spec (peep height/DL/DW), loop and peep... The customer when they leave could screw on a mechanical broadhead and go hunt to 20yds ... Further tuning is more $$$
Click to expand...
Why I bought from you! And will again soon
 
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Discussion starter · #17 · (Edited)
Love the responses... although I don't see any experiences where someone didn't know sh*t about bows and had a good experience. Unless you knew what you were going in for as solohunter mentioned. Sounded like SoloHunter basically already had his mind made up and wanted to physically see the merch. Sure that would be a great experience if you pretty much had your mind made up.

@CarterHunt sounds like you will have a great upgrade with your new Mathews! As I stated in my original post, I am fine with the bow I bought just not with the process that got me there. I would have expected someone that works in the archery department of a big box store to be a bit better on customer service rather than just trying to get me to spend 1000+ with starting out. Granted I will more than likely get there eventually but wanted to start slow.

When learning to drive a stick shift vehicle, you start small on a 4-5 speed... not a big rig with an 18 speed transmission! 😆
 
#18 ·
\youngole.kole said:
Love the responses... although I don't see any experiences where someone didn't know sh*t about bows and had a good experience.
Click to expand...
Well I've got one for ya.

Brand new, never touched a bow before walking into my local pro shop. I had done a little research prior to walking in and was pretty set on getting a Diamond 320, seemed like a good little entry level compound. Dude walks up, "Hey man, you need any help, or are you just browsing?"
"Well I was looking at this 320, I'm green so any advice you could offer would be appreciated."
"You got an hour or two?"
Had all the time I wanted, said yea. Guy starts talking about pros and cons for every entry level bow they've got hanging up. Gets to the Mission Switch, "It is a little pricier, no denying that, but these are made by Matthews, same guys and factory that makes that $1500 bow there. We order parts for this bow and that bow from the same place." Well ****, that sounds pretty damn good, but am I just getting dealer-shipped?. Before I can get another question out dude goes, "But the only way to really tell the difference and what you like, is to shoot them." Grabs the Diamond 320, a Bear Vast, the Mission Switch, and a Phase 4, then takes me to their in house tuning range.

Dude measured my DL, set the peep for me on all 4, brought them all down to about 50lbs, walked me through the basics of form, cracked a box on his favorite release, and honestly just let me go to town. This man watched and adjusted me as needed so that I got an honest insight into each of these bows, save the Phase 4. He saved that for last, but also already knew I was never buying that thing. Dude never pressured me, on the sale nor my obvious noobishness, nothing but kind words and helpful facts. Needless to say I bought a bow that day, ended up taking the Switch.

That shop earned my undying loyalty that day, every one of them has been nothing below a pleasure to talk to, be it advice or an accessory purchase. They all have years on years of experience in this craft and it really shows.
 
#19 ·
Always buy from a pro shop. Good ones want you to be happy. If ya need help in the future they will be happy to help move draw weight, peep sight. Help ya get sighted in. Also give ya some free range time.

There is no accountability at big box stores. Just a bunch of pawns running a store for money. Managers have absolutely zero power. No nuance. Policy is policy.

I had a drop away rest fail the other day. Went into the shop where I bought it. No questions asked, no receipts to be shown. Put a new one on free and I was back shoooting in 10 minutes.
 
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