blue book

[Gray Buffalo]

Is there a "blue book" for bows, both old and new ones  

[Tatersalad]

Yep..all the guys on this site....they got more in their head than will ever be put down on paper!

Michael

[damascusdave]

A really nice 1965 Bear Polar just sold on that auction site for $125. Not long ago that same bow would have brought well over $200. How do you "blue book" a change like that?

DDave

[William F. Adams]

As DDave noted, prices are wildly variable due to limited supply and limited demand, a wide range of conditions, inaccurate listings due to na\\'ive sellers and hence an inability to accumulate data.

I suppose one could try to use the auction site APIs to acquire enough data, but the problem is it would mostly look like:


xxx broken, wall-hanger $10--20
twisted limb / slight delamination $15--150
okay condition $45--200
almost new condition $50--300
perfect condition $75--500

with only slight variations in the top-end numbers for things like '69 Type 1 A Handle Bear Custom Kodiak T/Ds

If you see a given bow go for a certain price, you might see it go for the same price _if_ the winning bidder on the first auction wants a second one (or a new bidder shows up) and the second-highest bidder is still trying (remember, in an auction it's the second-highest bidder who determines the final price).

[d. ward]

It would be tough to do right now bd

[Whip]

I agree BD.  So many different variations in condition, draw weight, length, year, etc, etc.  I don't think there is a big enough market to come up with an "average" value on most bows, especially the older collectible ones.  If a serious collector needs a certain bow to fill out his collection of a particular model he might pay far more than what might be considered normal.

[PAPALAPIN]

In addition to supply and demad, condition, and bow model. we have to take into consideration that the economy sucks right now.  This is a big reason why bows are not bringing higher prices.

For a buyer, it is a good thing.  It is a buyers market.  Now is the time to be buying bows, not selling.

I have seen bows sell lately for about half of what they would bering in abetter economy.

In any market, we always say that old bows are worth what someone will pay...no more, no less.

[d. ward]

I saw or is it seen ? a 1959 Kodiak 60" 40 something pound draw weight I'd have to look up the draw weight because I wrote down that info but 1959 Kodiak maple ibeam broken yes broken and unshootable and unrepairable by me or any other person sell for just over 700 bucks go figure huh a bow you will never shoot never even draw it back for that kind of dough not gonna happen at bd's place then or now bd

[Larry m]

I try to recognize the current economic impact on the market and price accordingly. I follow the online auction site's to get a rough idea. I believe in giveing fair priced good deals to fellow archers. As far as buying goes, I'll be honest and admit I'm constantly looking for the BIG Steal....

[Lucas K]

The Bear bows would be the toughest to get the prices spot on. There are alot of variables that can wildly change the bows value. Some of the other makers would be lots easier.

[C Kerley]

So when would you estimate the market on bows fell cheap?

I started collecting Kodiak/Super K's in mid '07.  I bought a '66 Kodiak for a little over $300 then, and I'm seeing bows like it sell similarly now.  Would that bow have brought alot more in '02 or '04?

[Larry m]

I would add this, that the GOOD QUALITY bows are like good quality firearms. (Winchesters, Colts) When the price is down and you know what you have the really good stuff stays put away. Only in desperation does it come out to the market.