THE Flagship Compound Bow?

[NevadaZielmeister]

I have struggled to understand how any compound bow over $1,000 is worth it. But then, I have a slightly different history than most on here and would still consider myself a "newb". I did a lot of archery until I was in the mid teens and then had to do the college, work, family thing. Fast forward 25 years and you can imagine my amazement at the advances in compound bow technology. I just purchased a bow that back then would be been made out of unobtanium. Then I read this article:

Compound Bow Price vs. Performance - Hunter's Friend Archery

This article really seems to sum up the current state of the archery industry. But, is it correct? Does paying more than $1,000 for a compound bow really make sense? What am I missing? What does the archery hunter stand to gain by getting some "Flagship" compound bow?

 

[Brodie]

I think for the average archer there isn't much of a difference over the last number of years between flagship models.
Archery has become more about marketing than advancing technology.
I fail to see how a person could spend $1000 on the bow according to that article and then be setup at $1300, must be putting the cheapest equipment on their flagship bow.



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[Jeff Martin]

I think people should put more into components regardless of bow price. A man would be better off spending $500 on a bow and $500 on good rest, arrows, sights, etc....than $900 on a bow and plastic components and cheap arrows- that is my opinion anyway...


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[SunShine]

A bow slings an arrow and that's pretty much all you might need.

Marketing people attempt to carve out a niche of people willing to spend a little more and get some extra comforts. Things like cam options, speed, grips, and even less twang and vibrations.

As stated above, u don't buy a Ferrari and put VW rims on it. That's stupid. So an expensive bow only is a starting point. $150 QAD LD rest, $200 Spott Hogg sight, $100 stabilizer, $100 quiver, $85 custom strings, tune and a couple dozen arrow @ $250 or more. How about a new release and broadheads ? Maybe a new target butt too ? Lol

It doesn't take long. Yes components and bows are over priced.


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[PathFinder]

I do think that the flagship bows are worth it, but not brand new. It's like buying vehicles; let the people that can't do math buy them brand new, wait a year, and get one all set up for 2/3-3/4 what a brand new bare bow costs. I bought my CST ZT brand new. After seeing what they sold for 6 months later, I'll never buy one off the shelf again.

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[TheCougar]

I think people should put more into components regardless of bow price. A man would be better off spending $500 on a bow and $500 on good rest, arrows, sights, etc....than $900 on a bow and plastic components and cheap arrows- that is my opinion anyway...


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This is excellent advice. Personally, I can tell you that I have only owned flagship bows, BUT I only buy a bow once a decade or so, which justifies the cost to me. I have a 2010 PSE Evo which will I will shoot for another 3-4 years or until there is a major leap in technology. Also realize you can get a flagship bow that is only a year old at a significant markdown

 

[hodgeman]

Pretty interesting. I agree with the above....a flagship bow is likely worth it for the guy who buys once every 5-10 years. That's where the company is spending its money...on manufacturing, on QA/QC, on material procurement, on R&D. Your chances of getting a dud with that year's flagship bow are slim.

Some guys buy the latest and greatest every year or two...not for me, but hey if it floats their boat, it's their money and I'm sure there's some degree of fun in playing with the newest toy all the time.

I was given what I thought was good advice- buy the best you can out right out of the gate and just go shoot it. I have noticed that a lot of guys buy the lower end and embark on a never ending quest for improvement...and spend 3x in the process of what they could have just bought outright. I bought a flagship bow last year, stuck good components on it...and don't plan on doing anything to it except shoot it and buy arrows when required.

 

[NevadaZielmeister]

I think people should put more into components regardless of bow price. A man would be better off spending $500 on a bow and $500 on good rest, arrows, sights, etc....than $900 on a bow and plastic components and cheap arrows- that is my opinion anyway...

I am happy to hear this advise!! I purchased a Diamond Deploy SB and then added a Trophy Ridge React Pro, QAD HDX Ultra Rest and a Scott Shark release. Then I went with some semi decent arrows the Cabelas Carbon Extreme. But to me, arrows are expendable. Then a target.

My only addition would be to get your bow properly fitted by an archery expert/shop.

Pretty interesting. I agree with the above...

I was given what I thought was good advice- buy the best you can out right out of the gate and just go shoot it. I have noticed that a lot of guys buy the lower end and embark on a never ending quest for improvement...and spend 3x in the process of what they could have just bought outright. I bought a flagship bow last year, stuck good components on it...and don't plan on doing anything to it except shoot it and buy arrows when required.

More good advice. In the long range precision game, I ALWAYS recommend the same thing.

 

[TurkeyBowMaster]

Not unusual for me to buy a great bow and shoot it 8 years. I will upgrade components every 4. I don't skimp on broadheads and arrows.

 

[HookUp]

I think a lot of what guys look for in a new bow could be solved in coaching. The rabbit chase for the next best newest bow isn't logical. I have heard it said before guys buy a $1000 bow and wont pay a cent for a lesson on shooting it. I believe this props up the archery business and their "balance and feel" they sell as the performance of the bows it basically unchanged the last several years.

 

[5MilesBack]

I have three bows.......a 2006, 2007, and 2014. My 2006 Old Glory is within 9fps of my 2014 PSE Freak and is just as accurate at long range, but there's less hand shock and vibration with the Freak. The funny thing is......when I just shot the Old Glory I thought it was vibration free. The only time I notice it is when I go from one to the other. But no........I wouldn't pay $1000 for either bow.

 

[Pramo]

The flagship bows are nice and I always own at least two. But I haven't bought a current year model bow in 10 years. I always buy leftover stock for 30% off or more. Two months ago I picked up a new Nitrum 34 for 699 from a local dealer. All bows now are good with such small changes year to year, try and save as much money as possible on the bow and then get a nice sight, quiver and rest.

 

[Beendare]

Well of course, its not the bow......its the indian behind the bow.

That said, bowhunting is our passion....and most likely our main hobby/sport. Many of us live to fling arrows at the different species.
So what if we want to drop a bunch of dough on our bowhunting gear? As long as its not taking food off the table or clothes from our kids backs....its no foul.

The money we spend is nothing compared to other "HOBBIES" My buddy has a car fetish. I don't want to get into all of the cars he owns...but his 2 primary drivers are a custom Porsche and a Bentley. I will never spend the $$ in my LIFETIME on hunting gear...that he spent on that ONE [nice!] car.