Buying a bow new or used

[justinbourn]

I'm looking to get a new bow, I've been hunting with a matthews mission from 2009 for the past 10 years so any upgrade will be pretty significant for me. I primarily hunt elk and mule deer in CO, and having shot prime, hoyt, matthews, and bowtech I am leaning towards getting the Realm X. I'm struggling to decide if I want to get a new or used one, having trouble finding a 70lb Realm X for sale that's used.

What are ya'lls thoughts? I really don't need to get a new one until April so I'm hoping there will be more used bows coming up for sale after everyone got new stuff for Christmas.

 

[timberland]

It's like buying anything else used, you give up the warrantee (usually lifetime for original owner), and unless you can set it up an tune it yourself, you'd have to pay a shop to do it for you. I owned a shop for 15 years and did this for free on new bow purchases. Used bows don't hold value very well, so you may find an opportunity. When someone buys a new bow and shoots an animal with it or made memories, all of a sudden it has increased in value, but only to the owner, not the buyer. be smart and pick out exactly what you want and take the time to shop.

 

[archp625]

I would by used or buy a brand new last years models. Archery equipment just doesn't hold its value. With the price of bows now being as much a a gun I just cant justify it. Especially in 5 years you can't even give the dang thing away.

 

[longspeak74]

Used. You can get some really good deals if you search and take your time. I picked up a "last year's model" Prime for a song (easily half of the new price tag). You can upgrade your accessories with the $ you save.

 

[MuleyFever]

I’ll never buy another new bow.

 

[5MilesBack]

For an average draw length and right handed, I'd buy used every time.

 

[xcutter]

I like buying used as you can get some killer deals. Check out the classifieds here on Rokslide or check out the classifieds on Archerytalk.

 

[TK161BOONER]

Many times when you buy a brand new bow you get the warranty, I know Matthews offers a lifetime warranty on their bows… But is it better to buy a used bow and save $200 or spend the extra cash and get the warranty?

 

[stayx015]

Used every time. They lose value so quick. You can put that saved money into your accessories

 

[RaggedHunter]

I'll never buy new again. Last year I upgraded from my 2012 Hoyt.

In July I was able to pick up a PSE Evoke 35 with custom strings and the factory strings for backup shipped to my house for $600. That same bow was still selling for ~$1,000 in the stores at the time. The guy I bought it from couldn't decide between the PSE Evoke 35 and the Mathews Traverse, so he bought both, shot them for a month then sold the one he didn't want. Luckily for me I had went and shot all of that years bows, and I preferred the Evoke 35.

Bows don't hold their value well. I see a lot of 0-2 year old bows going for ~60% of what they cost brand new. Watch the classifieds on here and on archerytalk.

 

[Stalker69]

I would not really take the warranty into account. I always buy new, and the bow manufactures protect there dealer network. So for your” warranty” you have to go through them. They may get you the replacement part ( s) under warranty. But they can charge you what ever “ labor” fee they want. Example. Bought a reezen and cam was damaged when we opened the box. It was covered under warranty, ( mathews refused to send to me) dealer charged 200.00 LABOR to replace. Had a similar incident with a Hoyt years before that. I buy new only because “ they are new” and I don’t want any body’s used stuff. Weird maybe but that’s me. If I was really wanting a bow and didn’t have the money, I would buy used, but search for a great deal.

 

[Loco4dux]

Used bows are definitely the way to go

 

[S.Clancy]

Both bows I've purchased have been used. If you want new, stay tuned to camofire, they have some great deals on year old new bows

 

[Outlaw99]

I’ll never buy new again either. I don’t upgrade often but did last year with one of the top end bows of 2019. As much as I tried, I couldn’t get comfortable with it or make myself love it. A year later going to sell it, I lost close to 70% of what I paid. That doesn’t mean it was a shit bow, it just means that company is one of the few that made some significant changes that drastically reduced the demand for my model. Lesson learned.

 

[Rob5589]

Used, unless you are looking for a super particular set of specs. I don't sweat not having a warranty. Been shooting for 35+ years and have yet to use or need one.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Shoot some Elites. Once you select a bow, buy it used. Archerytalk often has whatever you want.

 

[MeatSeaker]

I’d wait and buy used as you’ll likely find a lightly used Revolt X for 60-80% of retail value, but you may have to wait longer than April.

 

[LostArra]

buy used and be patient
classified ads never have what you want when you want it

give old bow to kid just starting to hunt
It's a lot more rewarding than getting pennies on the dollar for an old bow

 

[Kgentry]

I’ve had very good luck over the years buying used bows. I was able to save quite a bit of money and never got burn on a bad deal. It’s best to be able to handle the bow and shoot it first but I have bought bows online. Good luck to you!

 

[ZDR]

I just brought a new to me 2011 Hoyt CE from our local dealer and the they really took care of me on price, tuning and accessories. My first ‘new’ compound in 21 years.
Buying from the pro shop made a huge difference for me.