Buying Traditional bows on line

[Schultzy]

I'm In the process of getting myself another T/D Recurve and I've checked out a pile of different bowyer sites with a bunch of them being excellent looking bows. Problem Is that what you see may not be what feels good once In your hand. How do you all take that chance and order something when not knowing for sure It's going to fit right In your hand? If I knew this answer for sure my new T/D would be ordered already. This is my hang up. How do you all go about ordering these on line? Do any of the bowyers send a person a riser with the preferred grip to see If that's what they want? You think by doing that It would be too risky, I wouldn't blame the bowyers If they didn't do this with the people of these days.  

Thanks everyone In advance, I hope a few of you got some good Info on this.

[SpankyNeal]

If you already have a riser with a grip that you like, just have the bowyer copy it. You can also go with a bowyer who offers a try before you buy option. If you can't shoot one of thier bows before hand, and don't have a riser to copy it can be hit or miss. That's why you see new bows in the classifieds - the bow doesn't fit! Good luck with your purchase!

Regards...Ken

[mooseman76]

Schultzy, most bowyers will send you a bow to try out.  If they don't advertise it, just call them up and ask.  The bows I've demoed, the bowyer usually asks for a credit card number to cover himself in the case that you don't return the bow and they only charge you shipping of the bow.  Best thing to do is try before you buy.  Another good option is to get to a trad shoot where you can try out a bunch of bows side by side.  You are correct, what looks good in pics doesn't always feel the same...Mike

[Henry Hammer]

Hey Steve I don't know how long you want to wait but the traditional shoot in Coon Rapids is fathers day weekend. There are alot of vendors there and alot of guy's willing to let you try there bow before you commit to one.
Good Luck..Henry

[Schultzy]

Yeah Henry I don't know If I want to wait that long, that thought has crossed my mind also. Every year It seems there's less and less bow venders there at this traditional shoot. If I'm still without a bow I'd bet money I won't be after I leave.  My brother bought a Prairie Fire Longbow from Tim (Kota bows). Tim let him use It during one of the rounds to see If he liked It which I thought was pretty damn nice of him. We'll see how good my patience Is If I can last that long.

[BowHuntingFool]

Steve just ought right ask the bowyer that your interested in if they have a bow you can send ya a bow shoot. Most cases your looking at $15/$20 each way for shipping! I shipped a bow from here to Michigan for $11.05, with delivery confirmation and insured up to $400 dollars! It can't hurt to ask. I would think it would be in the bowyers best interest to have a shooter bow for folks to shoot!

[Schultzy]

Originally posted by BowHuntingFool:
Steve just ought right ask the bowyer that your interested in if they have a bow you can send ya a bow shoot. Most cases your looking at $15/$20 each way for shipping! I shipped a bow from here to Michigan for $11.05, with delivery confirmation and insured up to $400 dollars! It can't hurt to ask. I would think it would be in the bowyers best interest to have a shooter bow for folks to shoot!

I know I've talked with you about this before Joe but I thought I'd ask around and see what others had to say also. I feel kinda bad asking a bowyer to do this but heck It's about the only option for some people such as myself. Thanks Joe!!  

[James Wrenn]

I just buy a bow that I have shot simular ones before.I shoot lots of bows at shoots so always have an idea of the bows that will work for me and know ones to stree clear of.I had much rather buy used off a table somewhere after I finish shooting the bow whenever possible instead of buying new.Don't like waiting for a bow more than a few days.