Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: threeunder on June 07, 2014, 09:18:00 PM

Title: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: threeunder on June 07, 2014, 09:18:00 PM
Those of you that know me, know I do a lot of bow trading (right now I have 23).

Seriously considering committing to one bowyer and shoot those bows from here on out.  I have found a  bowyer that I am completely happy with and am considering getting rid of all my others and have a second riser made identical to the one I have and then have a couple of sets of limbs made.

Would like to hear from anyone who has done it, or is considering doing it.  Pros vs. Cons?  Those that have done it, how did it go?

Just some thinking during the off season.  Thanks for indulging my curiosity.

Ken
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: jcar315 on June 07, 2014, 09:22:00 PM
Thought about it......but like too many different bows to settle on just one. As with most things YMMV and to each his own for sure. Know several guys who shoot only one bow and do it very well.

PS: Keep me in mind when you sell off all those other leftys!
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: threeunder on June 07, 2014, 09:26:00 PM
Gotcha John!!!!  Will do!!!
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: David Mitchell on June 07, 2014, 09:27:00 PM
Now what fun would that be?   :D   I am a bow-a-holic but not a recovering one.  Too much fun and I just couldn't choose just one bow or bowyer.
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: pamike on June 07, 2014, 09:31:00 PM
I have my go to bows that always make the cut when the season rolls around (amazing how you come back to one or two,) BUT this is way more than just hunting and shooting perfection. Just flat out fun to play and see what all the fuss is about certain bows. I am down to 10. Almost 11 last night on st judes.
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: nineworlds9 on June 07, 2014, 09:32:00 PM
23 yikes and i thought the 16 I once had was bad LOL.  I'm down to 5 and have 2 for sale, soon to be 3 for sale and want one more no compromises bow and then thats it for a while.  I have settled on more or less two or three bowyers.  Mainly two.  Can't deny I still like to try new things but this is the year I'm pretty much needing to call it quits for a while, I've now shot pretty much a lot of the top shelf stuff and I know what works for me and what I expect for my money.  There are really only a handful of bowyers out there who I believe are the right mix of near perfection in finish combined with performance.  I've narrowed the list and so now when I browse the classifieds not much jumps out at me anymore that I 'have' to try.
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Paul_R on June 07, 2014, 09:41:00 PM
Yes I am an unrepentant bow-aholic. Currently at 12. I recently confessed to being a Hill head as well. Nothin' wrong with me (no matter what my wife says)....
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on June 07, 2014, 09:43:00 PM
You do not want to hear from me, I fell off the wagon at a garage sale today.   :banghead:
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: limbolt on June 07, 2014, 09:49:00 PM
Ken,you're one of the main reasons why I can't recover,LOL.  :biglaugh:
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: threeunder on June 07, 2014, 09:57:00 PM
I think there's several here Roger that I am to blame for.

It's okay Charlie...right there with ya.  I made the mistake of swapping emails with nineworlds9 yesterday.
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: limbolt on June 07, 2014, 10:03:00 PM
Ken,
We have traded bows on the back of the Lowe's parking lot at Pikeville so many times they are looking at us like drug dealers,LOL.
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: atatarpm on June 07, 2014, 10:04:00 PM
I have 11 and am working on ordering number 12!  You mean therenare some that recover?  Wow I would not have thought that possible.  I don't see it in my future.
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Gator1 on June 07, 2014, 10:05:00 PM
Ken

I'll betcha you'll shoot better have more confidence hunting.


I say go for it...

P.s. What did you land on so I can order one..

   :laughing:    :laughing:
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: ron w on June 07, 2014, 10:13:00 PM
I have 27 or 28, all different kinds. But I do have a favorite bowyer and I have 5 of his bows. 2 Hills,  2 Black Widows, 3 Northern Mist, 3 Zippers, 2 RER, a bunch of old bears, a bunch of ILF limbs a Mohawk and some self bows and 5 bows made by Chad Holm. Variety is the spice of life.....LOL!
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: threeunder on June 07, 2014, 10:18:00 PM
Mitch,
I'm not gonna call out my favorite at this point, but I sent you a PM.
Ken
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: threeunder on June 07, 2014, 10:28:00 PM
Roger,
Yeah, I'm beginning to think you and I ought to go ahead and designate our own parking spaces there.  LOLOL
Ken
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Keith Zimmerman on June 07, 2014, 11:05:00 PM
Why would u want to recover??  LOL!
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Orion on June 07, 2014, 11:15:00 PM
I've done it several times.  Well, not quite.  Have managed to get down to two or three bowyers and a half-dozen bows, but up to 7-8 bowyers and quite a few bows again.  Just too many really good bowyers and bows out there to limit myself to one.    :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: threeunder on June 07, 2014, 11:21:00 PM
Keith,

That's a very good question.  The answer, I guess, is two-fold.

First:  I know if I am only shooting one bow design I will shoot better.

Second:  I feel like I could put the money I spend on bows to use funding hunts.  LOL

Those are my thoughts at this point anyway.  LOL

Ken
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Gator1 on June 07, 2014, 11:26:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by threeunder:
Keith,

That's a very good question.  The answer, I guess, is two-fold.

First:  I know if I am only shooting one bow design I will shoot better.

Second:  I feel like I could put the money I spend on bows to use funding hunts.  LOL

Those are my thoughts at this point anyway.  LOL


Ken
I agree either a person is a collector or a hunter...
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Scott E on June 08, 2014, 12:18:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Keith Zimmerman:
Why would u want to recover??  LOL!
I'm not ready to recover just yet. Too many good bowyers out there not to try them all!
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Matty on June 08, 2014, 01:10:00 AM
Lots of good responses here.
I've bought and sold lots of bows looking for "the one"
I would like to imagine that one day I will make "the one" for me. My goal is to make and use my own creation. Even though I know there are MANY MANY great bowyers out there. I can't say that I won't buy a bow made by other bowyers but I've found my definite "go to" bowyer.  He however does not make a 1 PC bow. Which happens to be what I VISIUALLY prefer.
Good luck on you're recovery!
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: kat on June 08, 2014, 06:53:00 AM
Well Ken, it is funny that you should start this thread, as I have done that exact thing.
I was up to about 17 at one time.
I switched from right to left, as you know from our past dealings.
I decided when I made the switch that I would stay with pretty much one bowyer. I had two bows made at one time so I would have two different lengths and still have the limbs interchange. It worked out well. I now am down to just four Schafers, and one Widow.
I did it, and am happy about it.
BTW- The grip on the silvertips and standard grip on the widow are very close.
I still have to restrain myself from time to time when I look at the classifieds, but again, I am happy with the decision.
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: stabow on June 08, 2014, 07:30:00 AM
I'm recovered but now and then I fall off the wagon when you and some others put one up for sale....... :)
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: dbd870 on June 08, 2014, 04:39:00 PM
Only 3 right now but I shot a black widow today that I may be able to pick up very reasonably - I really shot it well; may not to be able to pass it up if he decides to part with it.
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: TxAg on June 08, 2014, 04:47:00 PM
I'm down to one.  I've never owned more than 4 at once and usually one hits the road when another comes in.  Since I'm at only 1 now, I've talked to a couple bowyers and peruse the classifieds looking for a "back up"
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Danny Rowan on June 08, 2014, 05:42:00 PM
I don't want to recover, LOL. nuff said
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: DJTJR on June 08, 2014, 09:04:00 PM
My name is don and I'm a bowaholic probably about 40. It's a sickness but I like it.
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: riverrat 2 on June 08, 2014, 09:21:00 PM
I've owned all the bows that ever intrigued me...Except for one.     :saywhat:    I would like to
get my hands on a Caribow Featherhorn. Then I can rest my weary head.   rat'
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: mike g on June 09, 2014, 10:41:00 AM
How many Bows you got Danny....

I only have one Bow, A Hill Big Five....But I'm thinking of getting another Hill our a JD Berry.
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Sam McMichael on June 09, 2014, 11:36:00 AM
No, I'm definitely not in recovery.
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Sixby on June 09, 2014, 01:07:00 PM
I have 24 and they are not all bows I made. About half and half. Of the bows I have that are not EagleWings five are old Bears and balance are Howatts and Chad Holmes and Sasqatches and Sentmans. Meeting the qualifications of performance and fit and finish combinations in one bowyer are extremely rare. Some fit one portion of the equasion and lack in others.  
My goal in the designs of my bows are to accomplish this as that is what composes the complete bow IMHO. However I always seem to find a place for improvement.

There are bows that are exceptional in this department but I will not name them as I probably would inadvertently leave out some and even leaving out one would be a crying shame.
One thing though as to this thread.

I would not stick with just one bowyer unless I had tried every bowyer building bows in the class of bow I liked. I would always feel like I was missing out on something really special.

BTW I build bows simply because I could not find what I wanted. LOL. Sooooooooooooooo I'm an addict that will probably be designing new bows til the day I go to my Lord Jesus.

God bless, Steve
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: on June 09, 2014, 02:02:00 PM
Years ago I was out with a researcher looking for signs of native buffalo hunters.  We found a broken flint arrow head by a lime stone ledge and a complete one.  The prof stated that there was a bow hunter here and he was obviously a serious bow hunter.  Thousands of years from now a researcher will dig up my house and find my stuff. He will say there was a bow hunter here, but he was not a serious bow hunter, only five longbows.
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: LoneWolf73 on June 09, 2014, 06:41:00 PM
I was down to 14 but coming back from the Howard Hill shoot I have 19 now. I shoot primarily my LH Cari-bow Silver Fox and my Voodoo Elk Riser. I started shooting right hand two years ago and am close to hunting right hand. I did it to shoot more bows.  I have 9 lefties and 8 righties, one dual shelf and a bowfishing setup. I was up in the 30's at one time but now in the shedding mode after I shoot these some more. Then buying mode, then selling mode, then buying mode, then..............bow-a-holic for sure. I like trying different batches of Moonshine too so guess I am alcoholic too.
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: awbowman on June 10, 2014, 06:21:00 PM
In the first two years of trad I must have bought a bow every two months.  That was until I got my Super D.  No need for another bow.  I sold all of them except for a Bighorn that I have a sentimental attachment too.  Just wish it was a little heavier.

Now I must confess to getting a 58" TS Mag a week ago.  Just in case I want to use a shorter or heavier bow.  But nothing I know will equal the quietness and confidence I have with my Toelke.

I also became a little nervous with no backup
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: jackdaw on June 10, 2014, 06:35:00 PM
Yeah....that's a big lie you are telling yourself right there......it will work for a short while, then you will slowly start reaquiring......it's a sickness....
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: awbowman on June 10, 2014, 06:37:00 PM
Delete
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: elk nailer on June 10, 2014, 06:47:00 PM
my name is Dan and I'm a bow-a-holic. 39 and counting.
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: britt on June 10, 2014, 06:54:00 PM
Iam powerless over bows and my life is unmanageable.
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Steven E Milbocker on June 12, 2014, 06:57:00 AM
Over the years ,I've owned 64, that I can remember. Just finished my list,I was curious:)Anyway I have been selling bows and I'm down to 4. Plan to make that 3 ASAP!I hope I don't fall off the wagon,but if I do I guess worse things could happen:)For what its worth, My "chosen" are a Black Widow PSAX,JK Chastain,Great Northern Ghost...So far:)
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Tater on June 12, 2014, 07:16:00 AM
Nope.......not recovered..

   Last count 24 or 25 can't remember....I will go for 5-6 months and think I am in good shape, then it happens, bought two this week.....oh well there are worse vices.....   :help:
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: dragonheart on June 12, 2014, 07:36:00 AM
For me no money.  It really put a damper on my obsession with changing bows and gave me real perspective on how much I was spending on trading and selling bows.  I was spending money I did not need to be.  I am still struggling today because of the indulgence.  No more for me.  I still look at times and maybe have a thought, but staying with and really shooting one bow has helped with my accuracy and confidence.  After shooting this same bow now for about 7 months, I am really getting dialed in.  I know many of you are collectors and enjoy having lots of bows.  That is cool, just not possible in my situation.  For me actually not being able to afford buying bows has been a blessing.  I try to put any extra I have now, into a hunting trip fund.      :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Gene R on June 12, 2014, 08:05:00 AM
I currently have 17. I just can't imagine selling any of them. Sometimes it's  fun to just sit in the man cave and just look at them. Such beautiful woods, shapes and designs. Not to mention the memories each have. Several are old and of little value so as I see it why sell it. I am going to start giving some of the them away to kids here I can get interested in trad shooting, but just not yet. I I will keep about ten though of my high end bows for my grandsons. They are young still but can't wait to teach them. I know it sounds odd but life would be empty without my friends in there! I guess I have the disease about as bad as It gets!
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Mudd on June 12, 2014, 10:03:00 AM
I hate to jinx myself but I think I might be in remission.

I'm not going to say more for fear of upsetting my "apple cart"...lol

God bless,Mudd
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Chops on June 12, 2014, 11:50:00 AM
Wow.... reading through this thread gives me inspiration. I am an aspiring bow-a-holic! I want to try out all of the aforementioned bows.
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Longbow58 on June 12, 2014, 12:21:00 PM
My wife thinks I have a problem...I don't.   :dunno:
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Danny Rowan on June 12, 2014, 12:55:00 PM
I do not have a problem, nope I don't. Just ordered a new Cari-bow Silver Fox from Abe. Gotta always have a bow on order, right.   :banghead:    :jumper:    :jumper:    :laughing:
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: joe skipp on June 12, 2014, 07:04:00 PM
Larry Marshall doesn't have any problems stock piling bows...Stoneknife and I know this for a fact!     :clapper:    :laughing:
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: JMartin on June 13, 2014, 10:38:00 PM
I am currently down to 68. I've been up to 84. I know at least two guys that have WAY more bows than me! I love 'em.
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Bill Turner on June 14, 2014, 12:21:00 PM
I only have 11 at this time but they are all keepers. 7 Howard Hills, 3 Jeff Massie made "Longhorns", and a Jim Belcher made "Union Jack". Decided last year to reduce draw weight and to stick with these bowyers. My Belcher "Union Jack" is a 66" string follow English style LB, 57@28. Its the heaviest bow I own and could be going back to Jim for a weight reduction in the near future. I'm committed to my HH Archery long bows but, as all bow addicts know, I can fall off the wagon at any time    :campfire:    .
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: Shifting Shadow on June 14, 2014, 08:53:00 PM
3 bows now with one on order. My bows are purchased for $350 or under; the last one for $180 new. I am not into bow perfection. I am many looking for ones that shoot well.
Title: Re: Any recovering bow-a-holics?
Post by: damascusdave on June 14, 2014, 09:10:00 PM
The thing that messes me up the most is having too much money in my bank account...I just made a deal on a 1400 dollar bow I really do not need...the good thing is I am firmly resolved to sell a couple of bows once I get it...whether that resolve plays out will be the test

DDave