Confession of a Failure at Bow Collecting

[mangonboat]

I noticed that I started this thread almost 2 years ago. I am still a lousy collector. I've somehow managed to collect an unlikely assortment of 1959-1962 bows and let go some of those I purchased for one reason or the other, along with some other bows that had unique stories. I picked up a couple different 1962 Kodiak Specials, kept one that was abused and I am nursing it back to its original glory. I found, got along well with but ultimately let go a 1965 Ben Pearson / Golden Sovereign Mercury Hunter prototype, an unmarked 55# lefty that was the beginning of the mystique. My latest find is a 1962-63 Browning Diana, one of only four that I have located in years of searching, and the first that was for sale. But now I've become obsessed with a Dan Quillen Longwood Hunter, made by Owen and Tom Jeffery. Who knows what the next must-have bow will be, but its a lot cheaper and easier on the knees than the North American Super Slam.    :D

[Captain*Kirk]

Originally posted by mangonboat:
Who knows what the next must-have bow will be, but its a lot cheaper and easier on the knees than the North American Super Slam.     :D  

I never thought of it from that perspective.

[crazynate]

Good point lol.

[mullet]

I buy everyone I see unless the price is outrageous and shoot all of them.What makes my shooting worse is switching to a Thumb ring and shooting my horn bow made by James Parker and I make self bows and laminated bows also. I shoot each one till someone talks me out of it.if I buy a bow I won't be keeping it usually goes to Big Jim sooner or later.

[Captain*Kirk]

Bows do take up a bit of space...I find the easiest place to store them safely is under a sofa where there is no damage from standing them on end, no wall space taken up and you are filling and empty void. Plus, they are out of sight. That being said, my measly collection has taken that available space so no more bows for me (at this precise moment...can't speak for tomorrow).

[Clinglish]

I collect Bows built by Ron Fox former owner of Fox archery. Of the bows I have collected I still find the TD longbow to be my favourite, which was the first one I found and the reason I started collecting them. I currently have one of each model that Ron made and one from Ron King which in my head leaves me 2 to find
Triple Crown and the "Snake" bow which Ron King built for the PBS auction a few years ago.
I've bought and sold bows as I have gone and there are a few I would love to get back but the ones I have now will be here till I'm gone.

[2ndTimeShooter]

Mark, this thread has about as long a life as the addiction itself!

It took me about a year to figure out what kind of vintage - or modern - bows I like. Narrow limbs and especially narrow tips. Big curves at the limb ends. One piece, relatively small riser. Beautiful. Not too heavy for me. There are many bows I'm attracted to or think of trying, but if they don't fit those criteria I (usually) don't get them. If I find an "upgrade" to a bow I have, I will try to get it and sell the bow it's replacing. I've made a few exceptions and regretted it and sold them... or am still trying to sell them. I now have most of the bows I want and a few I will choose between and let go. I couldn't ask for better looking or better shooting bows than what I have. I know that if I'm not shooting well, it's not because of the bow, the string, the arrows or the glove! Although in the beginning it was all those things, too. No, it's just me and whether I'm shooting correctly or not.

However, I keep looking like most of us addicts. The more bows I get, the fewer there are that I even think of getting. If I do find one, it's that much sweeter b/c it happens less often, and I know it's a bow I will love. I'm still new to this but I think the natural course of this illness is to get fewer, better bows less often. The rewards are fewer but greater. The disappointments are also fewer and smaller.

I've only made two exceptions to the type of bow I like. I've gotten two take-down Whippenstick Phoenix bows. They are bigger than I thought I like but they are such amazing shooting bows I don't care about the size. However if I ever find a one-piece in the right weight I would buy it and consider which other bow to sell!

Maybe I shouldn't have said that. I think I'll amend it. From what I've heard, the one piece Whippensticks are not nearly as good as the take down versions. If anyone sees one, I recommend that you pass on it and leave the heartbreak of buying one to me.
Shandor