Who knows??

[Possum Head]

How long it should take a fella to decide which direction to go as far as a new hunting bow. I've often wondered in the unlikely event I ever had around $1200 to spend on one, would I go recurve or long bow. That's only half the battle then I would have to figure out which of our magnificent sponsors to choose from. Then you have AMO length riser material, checkering, beavertail, leather, stippling, limb laminations, overlays, tips, ect. Surely a man would need therapy after such an ordeal. Many of you have been there how long did you wrestle with a decision and when you closed the deal with the bowyer were there any second thoughts. Buying second hand is easy.

How long depends on the situation!

The bow I just got a couple months ago took about an hour. I did not need a new bow but after 5yrs with my last one, I just wanted a new bow. I got the exact same model , just a way prettier version.

Bisch

[Possum Head]

I wont be in a hurry when the moment arrives. It will be as special to me as a high end scoped hunting rifle is to a gun hunter. So Bisch, did you change limb or riser material or both? You must have seen something since your first one was built and said "man I'm gonna get that on my next one".

[mcgroundstalker]

I like to think that a "hunting bow" can and should be used for 3D, stump shooting and small game... In a draw weight you can shoot all day without fatigue...

All the rest of that stuff is like peanuts in ice cream... Some people like it, some don't... It took me almost no time to try then order a Black Widow TFV twelve years ago... Last new bow I bought! ...Got kinda spoiled checking out Trad Bows from time to time... Lost count of how many have been in and out of my hands the past ten years...        ... As you said... Buying second hand is easy.

Enjoy Your New Custom Bow! What ever it shall be.      

... mike ...

[sheepdogreno]

I wouldn't know what to do if I had 1200 to spend on a bow!!! Its taking me a long time to save up for a new supergrizz! Although with any investment, and I call a bow an investment, a decision should take time and trials! At least that drags it out a little longer and makes it more fun! To me at least! Haha

[ISP 5353]

I went to Compton, Cloverdale, and Kalamazoo and shot every bow that interested me.  I narrowed the field down to two or three.  Then I shot them again and the winner was clear.  I met with the bowyer and worked out all the details.

Now I have a bow that feels like an extension of me.  I love the look and feel of it.  It just feels "RIGHT" in my hand. Took two years.

I hope you find the right one for you.

[drewsbow]

It took me a lot of years to find what works for me . I can now tell what I like and don't like in any bow I try but have  a favorite bow style and bowyer .

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Find out what you Want.

Once you know what you want, go lay your money down. as far as bow specs, I find its best to listen to the bowyer.

[nineworlds9]

Try as many used bows as you can and decide what you like in a bow first, then ordering a new one will be pretty easy.  For starters, decide how you want the bow to look, that's the superficial part, but it matters, especially if you intend on keeping it a while.  In this regard, bows are kinda like women- it has to have the curves and colors you like, then worry about how it shoots and sounds haha.  Each style of bow has benefits, each style has sub-styles:  longbow- hill, mild r/d, hybrid...recurve- working, static, etc.  learn all you can about bow design.  Longbows are inherently quieter, but depending on style you choose give up a little speed.  Recurves can be blazers, but sometimes require a little more effort to silence, but pick the right one and you can often have them dang near as quiet as a longbow.  Consider a hybrid- best of both worlds.  Basically just research as much as you can, do Google image and forum searches to study pictures, go to some shoots, go to a trad show.  Talk to some folks who will give their honest opinion.

[njloco]

You go to the events where the bowyers are attending, or to the 3D shoots and try out the bows,I ended up getting my go to bow off a blanket sale at a 3D shoot, I had the $ to buy new but it was just destiny.