What do you consider the best used bow deal? Most bang for the buck. After the sticker depreciation, etc.
I am the new guy here and by no means any kind of expert. I can tell you however that after countless hours of research on bows and bowyers,both new and used it seems to me that Black Widow, Morrison and Schaefer bows all retain value. There are many more I am sure and this is not meant as a positive or negative to any particular bow. Just an observation
A Bear Grizzly, Kodiak, etc., for less than $125.00, 45# and up, that doesn't blow up on you is a pretty good deal.
Even though Cooter Boy lists three very good choices (I would add O.L. Adcock too), I believe there is one that stands out from the rest...Bear bows from the Grayling era. These bows are out there by the thousands (maybe millions) and most of these Bear bows are excellent shooters, look very good, and can be picked up at very reasonable prices.
Where else can you find a bow with such a reputation that retains it's cost or even increases in value over the years?
I guess it depends which side of the fence you are on. If you are buying a new bow with the idea you might want to sell it later, buy one of the ones already mentioned. If you are looking for a great deal on a used bow, there are a bunch of them that are excellent bows, but seem to lose more of their initial value quicker. So if you are looking for a used bow at less than half of original price, you will find better value by looking for one of the less "popular" custom bows.
Yeah Whip you hit it on the head, what are the less "popular" ones.
Some of the older Ben Pearson bows are fine shooters, and most can be had for under $100.00. Shakespeare, too.
I know the name/brand of the bow is very important but I tell people who ask me routinely "whats this used bow worth" my reply usually is "how is it holding up". My first inspection is tip or limb twist. Inspect the bow by sighting down the back of each limb out to the tip. Is the limb straight? if not 30% reduction of retail IMO, 2nd thing is checking for positive tiller. Big time important here. This will great affect on arrow flight and noise. If not 20% reduction. Both of these things can be fixed by a knowledgable bowyer in most cases but they also have to be refinished. So your holding the Royal Royce in your hand with a snazy checkered grip and ivory inlay from a saber tooth tiger, yew limbs from Chet Stevensons porch swing and a gloss dipped finish that would make Jerry Pierce blush and then you notice tips that fade to right and other to the left, string doesn't track well, and bow tiller is 1/4" strong for the top limb.....man ole man..step back. name brand doesn't matter now. So in short IMO it's not Name but condition of the bow... But it seems to me over the years the Bear one piece recurves and red wing are the best bargain out there in good shape for the money and only 10fps slower than todays super spaced aged customs. 2nd choice....my favorite..Dick Robertson t/d recurves...his style influenced what little bows I build from time to time..they are built right. good luck
Wing ( no longer made) and Martin bows would be at the top my used bow list. Good bang for the buck, and very well made, dependable bows. My favorite is the Wing Thunderbird, but they aren't real easy to find. They shoot right up there with most of the custom bows made today.
seems like the bob lee's for sale used are offered at very good deals. Not sure why they'd drop in price as much as they do, but there've been some elites and bicentennials for significantly lower than I'd expect. I love my bob lee-absolutely bulletproof bow.
I also bought a used bear kodiak mag which shoots great.
The best deal, "most bang for the buck" new or used IMHO is Quinn archery. 3 piece takedown, wood or metal riser and will out perform most top bows out there. The bows are excellent performer, and nice loooking, the Quinn's are great folks and word on the street is longbow limbs may be cming out in near furture!
About a year and a half ago I got a 55# 1969 bear grizzly in almost new shape for 50 bucks. Then I sold it. I'm such an idiot!!
I know the Howatt Hunter is a very good bow for the price. And they were't likely much more new than they are today.
I have to agree with the Bear bows (Grayling era). Usually for under $150 you can get a great bow that will last a lifetime and shoot right with today's high dollar bows. Grizzlies are easy to find and are excellent bows. I'm partial to Black Bears because I like a longer bow and a slimmer grip, but I wouldn't pass on a nice Grizzly if I were looking for a good hunting bow.
Well I got and Indian Archery 40# bow with an orginal Bear Archery bow fishing reel taped on it for $3 at a neighbors garage sale. I was going to talk him down a buck or two but didn't have the heart to do so. It's a good shooter, I keep it around for friends and such to shoot. Haven't used the fishing reel, I wonder what its worth? I best deal is the one your happy with!
Martin Vision...Martin Bushmaster...Martin Saber...Martin Hunter...Martin Hatfield...
Oh, any Bw because they hold value...
Quinn's...
In the old days, Warf...hands down...not anymore...too many people know how much ILF limbs are worth...
Worst used deal...DAS/Dalaa...hands down...
I agree with the Quinn bows and several others. It does make a difference on the length of bow you shoot well and the poundage you can shoot well. I have a long draw and not much strength anymore. I tend to like bows 62 inches long and longer. I like takedowns for convience of transporting. The Martin Hatfield is another excellent bow. Whatever you shoot well is what you should get.
IMO, the 60-70's vintage pre Martin Damon Howatt's.
Very well made, smooth on the draw & release, & can still hold their own in the speed dept.
The Super Diablo's always draw the most attention ($), but the Hi Speeds & Hunters are excellent performers in their own right.
Larry
I shot a late 60's Damon Howatt recurve that was a dandy shooter. I could have bought it for $75.00. The deals that get away are the worst ;-)
Dan