Skunkworks
FNG
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2026
- Messages
- 13
Any tips for buying used archery gear online? Things to watch out for or specific questions to ask?
Tips for buying used archery gear
- Thread starter Skunkworks
- Start date
I’ve not had bad luck here on this rokslide. I usually look at the reviews, and ask for any extra pictures, sometimes I will get on the phone call, and then if I’m the seller, I always provide tracking and verification, etc.
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MtnTamer14
FNG
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2025
- Messages
- 10
I'm by no means an expert, but I would consider what your goal is in buying used and your progression in the sport. For instance, are you buying used gear to see what you like/dislike? Or to try out a new brand? Or trying to save a few bucks? I bought my first bow (Matthews No Cam) which was several years old at the time over buying a used newer Diamond Edge on the idea that the older model was a flagship bow vs a beginner bow. I inspected the limbs carefully and overall checked for rattles or marks of abuse. I also made sure the guy didn't seem sketchy and he seemed to take care of all the stuff he had.
blackveltbowhunter
Lil-Rokslider
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2012
- Messages
- 138
Its pretty item specific.
Releases, sights, stabilizers, and quivers etc.. are pretty safe, just use common sense.
Arrows. A lot depends on your refurbish ability, can you build your own? If so then they can be a deal. I know when I sell arrows I try to include them in a bow sale, or intentionally sell them stupid cheap, because they can be so personalized and condition can be tough to determine from a visual inspection.
For bows..... Do your own research to confirm the bow will work for you before even contacting the seller. Lots of horror stories of the "great deal" that turned out to be money wasted on a bow that couldn't be fit to the shooter correctly. Once you know the bow is something you want and will work for you. Ask if its ever been dry fired, if they say no proceed, your relying on their honesty regardless. If they say yes, +1 for honesty. Get the details and proceed with caution, dry fires are not the kiss of death, think of it like a rebuilt title on a car. If they say "what's that?" walk away.
Broadheads. If wanting to try some new ones they can be a cheaper way to go especially if you can find some used to test drive before a new purchase.
Rests. Buy new.
Releases, sights, stabilizers, and quivers etc.. are pretty safe, just use common sense.
Arrows. A lot depends on your refurbish ability, can you build your own? If so then they can be a deal. I know when I sell arrows I try to include them in a bow sale, or intentionally sell them stupid cheap, because they can be so personalized and condition can be tough to determine from a visual inspection.
For bows..... Do your own research to confirm the bow will work for you before even contacting the seller. Lots of horror stories of the "great deal" that turned out to be money wasted on a bow that couldn't be fit to the shooter correctly. Once you know the bow is something you want and will work for you. Ask if its ever been dry fired, if they say no proceed, your relying on their honesty regardless. If they say yes, +1 for honesty. Get the details and proceed with caution, dry fires are not the kiss of death, think of it like a rebuilt title on a car. If they say "what's that?" walk away.
Broadheads. If wanting to try some new ones they can be a cheaper way to go especially if you can find some used to test drive before a new purchase.
Rests. Buy new.
