New bow - need help deciding...

[BassBow]

Folks,

I am considering the purchase of a lighter bow or another bow. Currently I shoot a Dalaa 50lbs. I like this bow. I could get another set of limbs but, the limbs are $500 a pop and at $500 I figure I could get another bow...

What would you do? I had thoughts of buying a Don Dow longbow, but it seems like he is finished taking orders.

Just throwing it out there....Thanks!

[Matty]

Ya. Buying an extra set of limbs is a tough call sometimes or riser for that matter. If it were me. I'd get a whole new bow, maybe something you'd been eyeing. Just be wary. Most bows can get near  $900 just for upgrades like veneers or antler tips.

[threeunder]

Keep an eye on the classifieds.  For $500, you can pick up a very, very nice bow.  And the good thing about TG classifieds is there is so much variety in the bows that are available.
Some great lighter weight bows there now.
Ken

[FerretWYO]

If it is a riser you shoot well don't mess with it. Get limbs or a whole bow but stick to what works for you. I say this as a guy who has a pile of bows and shoot one most all the times and some times one other.

[PebblePlacement]

Have you ever made your own bow?
Invest in wood and a rasp.
Just my opinion.  

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

Look for something sexy on the classified section. If ya don't like it, sell it and try again. Sounds like you have a current favorite, now you can try all sorts of good bows looking for the "one"!

[BassBow]

Thanks for the advice. The dalaa is the first nice bow I have ever owned so I don't know if I'd shoot another bow better.

I have made a few board bows. Longbows out of red oak. The one I have kept is nice but doesn't even compare with the smoothness of the dalaa. That being said, I do enjoy shooing the board bow because I made it. I plan on continuing to make them. But, there are so many works of art out there... It would be nice to give them a whirl. Just thinking out loud. The dalaa is a nice shooter in my opinion though.

[Bowhunter4life]

Trying bows through the Classifieds is a great way to find what you like and what you don't like.  I think I've tried most out there.  After a while, you will know what you are looking for just by the design of the bow.  I like a more deflex riser, shorter overall bow, and reflex limbs if not recurve limbs.  Thus, those are the designs I gravitate to when looking for a new bow.  

Just looking at the design of your Dalaa, the riser is deflexed and either way on the limbs (longbow or recurve) they will be reflexed.  So, when you are looking you would probably like bows with the same overall design too...  Since you are looking for another/new bow, why not get a new to you used bow and give it a try.  You can always re-list it, and once sold try another...  All while having your Dalaa to fall back on for hunting/shooting/3d or whatever...  Be careful though, this becomes addicting pretty quick, and you will find yourself with a full bowrack pretty quick!  There are a lot of great bows out there!

[monsterbuck]

Very well said Jeff. That's exactly what I would have said. God bless.

[Shawn Leonard]

Randy is right(FerretWYO) but that said 3under has the right idea, if ya feel you need a different bow the classifieds are a great place to start out. You can buy one and shoot it awhile and if ya like it keep it, if not you can sell it and usually be out the cost of shipping or only lose a few bucks on the deal. You can actually make money on a bow lots of times. Try to get to a shoot or two where there are Trad guys and shoot everything you can get your hands on, that may help you decide! Best part is the fun you can have trying a bunch of different bows! Have Fun! Shawn

[beaunaro]

Can only echo what has already been said. I went to a few shows, shot a ot of different bows...mostly at 6 feet with my eyes closed. That's how I settled on my two RERs.
Then I took shooting lesssons from Rick Welch and had him build me a Dakota. Love that one too.
Half the fun you have in trad archery is trying new, or new to you, stuff.
Nothing like seeing UPS arrive with your latest.
I just bought a new Bear Takedown from Big Jim.
I gotta slow down a little now.
Good Luck!
Irv Eichorst
 www.truesouthadventures.com

[Gator1]

X2 on the RERs

   

[awbowman]

If the grip fits, buy limbs.

[Safari Scott]

Try a new wood bows, I've spoken to Chris there and he's a real nice guy, he also does a recurve style grip on his vanguard. Under 500 and I've yet to hear anything but great reviews on those bows.

[old_goat2]

I'm not familiar with the bow you have now, what kind of fittings does the limbs have? Are they the DAS fittings? If so, man I highly recommend getting a set of Dryad ACS RC limbs, I recently got a set with the DAS fittings and changed them out to ILF and man are they sweet, I dropped 5 lbs in draw weight from my Wapiti and gained 5 to 6fps in speed with the same arrow, the bolt down models are supposed to be even faster, could of dropped a few more lbs and been in the same ball park speed wise. Between the small gain in speed and the drop in weight, I'm shooting better than ever, my scores on a round at my archery club increased about 25% or so almost instantly. I really want to get my wife one of their bolt down bows, but she is so attached to her custom Rampart I don't think she will shoot it, first nice thing anybody ever bought for her and it was built just for her, so not sure it's going to happen, lol.

[Moots]

You can buy a beautiful used bow for $500.  It's a buyer's market right now.  I am also a fan of RER bows -- a lot of bow for the money -- especially if you can pick one of used for 50 - 60 % of original cost!