What makes a $800.00 bow better than a $200.00 bow?

[Cliff]

Newbie needs to know.

[camocowboy]

the magic dust they use to christen them with.

[T.J.]

Performance, durability, smoothness, beauty and attention to detail just off the top of my head. If you can shoot one and you'll find out.

[vermonster13]

Depends on the bows.

[robslifts]

some 200.00 bows are built better then some 800.00 bows jmo   it is usually the time each bowyer puts in each bow  and how valuable his time he/she thinks there time is worth

[LBR]

I agree with Vermonster and Rob.  

You'll pay more for exotic woods, certain name brands, extra work (veneer, inlays, hand rubbed finish, etc.), but paying more doesn't always mean you get more, especially when it comes to a smooth draw, durability, performance, etc.

Don't get me wrong here--some cheap bows are just that--cheap bows--but price doesn't always determine quality in this game.

Chad

[MikeW]

Name,ability to choose your own woods, attention to detail,craftsmanship. Same thing as any other custom made to order object. Doesn't really mean it's any better than other bows just yours and one of a kind.

[hormoan]

Dang you are getting bows for under $800      :D  NEW?


                      BRENT

[Crooked Stic]

If its well built the price does not make it better. Like stated above the more frills you want the price goes up. Plenty of $300 bows out there that shoot just as good as $1200 ones.

[pseman]

"better" is the key term here. If you mean will an $800 bow kill a deer any deader than a $200 bow, well no. It most likely will be custom in fit and finish and should have performance advantages(ie. faster, smoother).

Kinda like a Pinto and a Ferrari, both will get you to the party, but which one do you want your friends to see?

Mark

[MrBadExample]

The $800 dollar bow was raised in a better part of town, casts nicer arrows, came from better trees....            

I agree with the previous posts, but also add other factors such as the bowyers location (cost of doing business in certain areas is higher), reputation, and whether it's a one man shop or a higher production shop, will all influence the price.

[Cliff]

Are Paul Schafer Silvertip bows worth the money performance-wise?

[JEFF B]

when it all comes down to the wire they all shoot arrows.     some quicker than others.oh yeah i will tell ya on the 29th of this month when i get my $620 bow.

[redfish]

I have had some pretty bows that come with a price tag, but I am now shooting bows with black, brown, or green glass on them and do not notice any difference in the way they shoot. The last one I had made cost $200, new, with black glass and shoots with the best of them.
I wouldn't feel so bad about getting some scratches on it either.

[Crooked Stic]

Yeah you can drive a Pinto in the mud and not feel bad about it- the Ferrai not so much!

[Matty]

what makes it better it the $600 extra the seller gets!!
Most of the time I.M.H.O. is the name. and how much time and effort is put into the making.  HOWEVER!!  A good shooter can shoot a martin bow just as good as a silver tip.

[wtpops]

Look at one, hold one, shoot one and you will know. Im not saying that there are not any good 300.00 bows, there are some bowyers out there that put there heart and sole in a 300.00 bow. but as a general rule. go shoot a 300.00 off the shelf bow and a 1200.00 black widow or acs/cx and see which one you want to take home.

[LBR]

I have to chime in again--some of the things listed--custom made, pick your woods, etc. are options on some bows that cost $300 and less--and IMO there are some that will hold their own against any as far as fit, finish, performance, smooth draw, etc.  Not many, but there are some.

As far as holding/shooting one and telling the difference, well......like I said earlier, I've shot some very expensive bows that (to me) weren't worth $5 for my use, and some cheap ones that shot as good as anything.

For the most part, it boils down to one thing--is it worth it to YOU.  If you are just getting started, I'd say probably not, because you haven't shot enough to know yet just what you like, what you need, etc.  "THE" bow for you might well be one that costs $800+, or the best shooting bow for you might be one you find at a yard sale for $25.

Chad

[wtpops]

Look at one, hold one, shoot one and you will know. Im not saying that there are not any good 300.00 bows, there are some bowyers out there that put there heart and sole in a 300.00 bow. but as a general rule. go shoot a 300.00 off the shelf bow and a 1200.00 black widow or acs/cx and see which one you want to take home.

[Strutter]

Mostly bragging rights.  I have seen people with those high dollar bows and they look good packin em' around but they can't hit a doggone thing with one.  I have also seen guys walking around with an ugly cheap bow that are just plain dangerous as they could hit whatever they wanted with it.  I think if you can shoot a bow, you will be able to shoot any bow and if you just can't seem to catch on a high dollar bow ain't gonna help.  There are exceptions though and a lot depends on if you are looking for aesthetics or functionality.

Rob