Better Looking vs Better Shooting

[BWallace10327]

Would the majority of people prefer using a bow that they shoot well and belief is better looking, as opposed to shooting a bow exceptionally well that fails to have the same visual appeal?

[Orion]

Of course, one doesn't need to shoot one or the other.  Most of my bows not only shoot great, they look good as well.

[pinky]

I have had both of these recurves for quit a few years. The Hatfield is the one that i take to the woods with me.  I shoot more accurately and tighter groups with it. Maybe it is the weight difference, maybe the cut of the grip, maybe both.

 

Dale's "Good Medicine" is definitely easier on the eye.      I love the colors and the profile. Maybe it is the idea of the inevitable character marks from going afield that has kept it at home.
 

[damascusdave]

I have enough good looking bows that I shoot well not to even give it any thought

DDave

[dbd870]

Have to hit, most important thing.

[YORNOC]

Definitely one that shoots better.
With custom wood bows, I need to practice a little more than with my ugly ILF set up. Which is very easy to pick up and shoot.
I did not have my usual time to practice this year due to my job, so I opted for the ugly ILF and it once again paid off.
If I can practice, I shoot the pretty bows just as well, so I would use one of those over the ILF.
But I will NEVER sell it, I have shot so much game with it.
A good shooting bow will always win for me.

[David Mitchell]

Looks seemed not to matter as much back in the 60s when I got into it.  Most of the time we would spray paint them in a camo pattern anyway.

[LBR]

When I sold bows, at least 9 times out of 10 the pretty bow sold first regardless.  The "right" brand means a lot to some...saw a guy get downright mad when he found out his expensive bow was made by the same company that made cheaper bows that he snubbed.

To me, the main variable is the nut pulling the string.

[Matty]

I have definately seen the best of both worlds. (Cool subject but the way) there are many amazing bowyers out there. I believe all of them make a bow that performs well. I feel however. The shooters personal style might not match the design of the bow, making for what appears to be an errant bow,Regardless of how pretty the bow may be. Once the shooting style and bow match its awesome! I think that's the pot of gold we strive for. Great looks and great shooter.

[Longtoke]

Function over form every time

[Thumper Dunker]

If I want something pretty for the wall I would get a picture. Bow have to shoot good.

[Doc Nock]

With the myriad of incredible custom bowyers out there with high performance bows, I don't see why anyone would HAVE to settle for a great shooting ugly bow...

Definitely, I'd rather have a great shooting bow, then a great looking, but it today's world, you can have both...

Or so I found out...

[highlow]

Doc Nock X2

[Stumpkiller]

'Tis the archer that makes the bow shoot well.

And good looks are subjective.  I like the clean looks of simple one-piece bows with solid wood risers.  Knobs or bolts on a bow are like warts on a face.  Others are of different opinions.

[mangonboat]

Back in the 70's I spray painted every new bow with green , gray, flat camo paint, and I still love that look.

[Sam McMichael]

Fortunately, we really don't need to make that choice. There are countless bows out there that shoot great and look just as great. I believe everybody can find a beautiful bow that fits his shooting style.

[Hud]

A good bow will shoot better with a well made arrow, than one made carelessly.

[Mo0se]

My wife always says I'm good looking no matter what I shoot.  

[ISP 5353]

It has to shoot well if it is a keeper.

[stagetek]

I've never seen an ugly bow. Some just have a bit more or less character than others.