I worked in the Archery field for 40 years. In 2006 I had the opportunity to sit down with one of the top designers and engineers from a major bow company. I asked him where they were going to go from here. (They had just come out with an incredible bow) His answer was, “Sideways. We have made our bows the most efficient bows possible. We just can’t make them any more efficient. From here we can only change appearance and accessories.” When buying a used bow, keep that in mind. Also the older bows are harder to find parts for and of course there is no warranty.
Do you buy from pro shops or Ebay of Facebook groups. There are tons of scammers out there. Have to be safe. I am looking for a 2023 vtm 34 but I want a leftover. Thank you
@@TinyTargetsBigAdventures from shops that sell on eBay. Like a bow someone thought they would like but didn’t. A shop will sell that one at a very affordable discount.
Because of the weather we’ve had, I’m just sitting here going through the video library and watching different things. This was a very good video for people especially getting into bow hunting. They don’t need to spend $1000-$2000 to have a good hunting set up. It’s great to have somebody like you. That’s honest trustworthy to make people aware of that. Thanks for taking the time Matt. Hope you and the family are doing good.
Used bows are good if you work on your own equipment or are in good standing with someone who can. You don't get warranty support, except if it has a transferrable warranty, but I have yet to need it. I haven't bought a new bow since 2016, and that was an Evolve 35 that was on an "end of year" closeout. Bows that are a few years old are just as good as anything coming out now because technology has hit a plateau.
I bought my Elite Enkore as new old stock and got a great deal on it. One thing to watch out for is that most companies only warranty a bow for the original buyer. So, if you buy a used bow inspect the limbs and cams for signs of damage from possible dry-firing, either in person or through pictures. Also, don't worry about visible string wear, as strings/cables/d-loops are wear items and will need to be replaced every year or so depending on how much you shoot. You might want to assess string wear to factor in the cost of new strings when assessing the price of the bow if they are visibly worn but other than that it isn't a big thing to worry about. Risers are just a hunk of aluminum so unless they have been damaged in some way, which is easily seen, they don't need to be inspected as closely.
I feel really old. I am still shooting a Martin cougar from 1994. The only thing I have upgraded is the arrows and string. Still accurate put to 70 yards consistently. Paid $700 new. I can't see spending today's prices period. I'll admit the new bows are light as a feather and have smoother draw cycles. It still comes down to a string to fling a arrow.
I have to disagree on only one point of your post…. Remember this is my experience. The new bows of today are not as smooth as the older ones. I could be wrong but when I go into the store and pull one of them back, I smile and think to myself how great it is that I still have my cheetah! Our bows are about the same age. I would not trade it for anything 🙂 May your shots be true and your ethics admirable from now until the last day!
@@TinyTargetsBigAdventures I got it at my local archery shop back in 2012. I have been going there since the owner started the shop so he is willing to cut me a deal every once & a while.
Great advice, used will work just fine! AND, remember to be patient when looking for the best buy. I picked up a Mathews Conquest 4, several years ago for less than $300, while new ones were selling for $1099.
Great advice my friend I have been shoot bows all my life and have bought 2 brand new bow.I’m 64 and have probably own 20/25 bows and now shoot last yrs Mach 34 from EBay for half the price ,the latest and greatest isn’t always the best
Remember when the single cam was all the rage??? Well I tried out a few of these. I ended up with “and still have” the Martin Cheetah. My god compared to today’s bows, I can’t find a more forgiving or easier bow to tune than this one. Being left handed,you usually need to buy it without the ability to try it out. Very few archery shops carry left handed bows 😢. With a 27”draw speed is not even a consideration. Obviously that doesn’t make a difference. When you are talking about 25yrd and less shots. I honestly hate the speed bows that want to jump out of your hand at release,that’s just another reason to effect….Smooth Shooting! Thanks guys for the video! Mike
This is good stuff. I couldn't agree with you more. We all know that if you go to an archery pro shop and buy the latest and greatest , you're going to spend $2,500.00 for a tricked out rig. I recently bought a used PSE EVO EVL 32 for $300. And this bow was in mint, brand new condition. It also had new, custom strings and cables. I kept thinking to myself, " get out of here before this guy changes his mind." Another thing you didn't mention is that compound bows have reached a point where manufacturers have reached a limit to what they can do to make them better. They aren't getting faster. They aren't really shooting any better than bows that are three or four years old. The easy tuning systems have been around for a while now and we've had carbon for a few years. And now we have Mathews integrating their components into the riser. But it seems to me that bows have reached a limit to what can be done to improve them. So, you're right. Just go out and buy something two to four years old that is just as nice. I'll mention one other thing: Over the past few years there have been quite a few bow companies that have gone out of business. Most recently Athens. Parker, Ben Pearson, Winchester. Ross and several smaller players. And now, the Chinese are coming into the market, Sanlida in particular. And they are making good stuff. As a consumer, I can't help but feel we are getting gouged.
That’s an incredible deal on your bow! I agree with the points you covered as well…hard to beat used compounds. And I’ve recently been introduced to Sanlida, they sent us a kids bow for my son to test. More to come on that!
I bought a strother rush xt from a guy who bought it from another guy. First bow and will keep it forever, just added some goodies to it and works like a charm
I wasn't sure if i would like archery or even be able to shoot a bow. 2 shoulder injuries ajd 1 major shoulder surgery on draw shoulder. Started low poundage and working my way up. Im 52yrs old and only shooting 60# but am hooked on this archery thing lol. Going to hunt this fall for whitetail and then hog hunt in texas several times a year.
60 lbs. is plenty! Heavy arrows and razor sharp broadheads get things done I too have been through both shoulder surgery and bicep reattachment surgery. I’m 57 and still flinging arrows 😀 Remember that it’s not the bow that kills,it’s the ammo So to speak 🤷🏼♂️👍🏻👍🏻
I buy a new bow every 25-30 years. I was given a pse in mid 1980’s, purchased a 1992 Jennings carbon extreme that I shot until the limb pockets wore out. I purchased a new discontinued Mathew’s for 1/2 price in 2017. I know a 7 time world champion that has shot the same bow for 15 years.
Left hand = no used bows. Been shooting 25 years and ended up buying diamonds and Parker’s at bass pro outlet store because I couldn’t afford a new bow. Saved this year and ordered a Darton sequel
My current 2013 bow specs are 340 fps, 35" ATA, 6.25" brace height, & 4.5 pounds. If I replaced it today, the 2024 (same brand) bow specs would be 342 fps, 34" ATA, 6.25" brace height, & 4.5 pounds. I would feel like a fool replacing my 11 year old bow. I prefer my bow over their current model. I wouldn't trade my bow even up for a new one. I have no intention of replacing it in my lifetime. I see no reason to do so. Bows haven't changed much spec-wise in the past 10+ years. My days of buying new bows are done! Buy a brand that's going to be here tomorrow, & enjoy it for years to come.
@@driftlesshunter9200 I already do. All the PSEs I've "inherited" from guys who upgraded from them, left me with their old PSEs after I swapped their accessories over, that I can't do anything with, but frankenbow them with different cams from other mfrs, and then give them away to newbs who can't afford new bows. I've got one PSE left, in a lefty, that I just ordered new Bear Archery cams for, because PSE just sucks with supporting their products. PSE - Parts Stupidly Eliminated. PSE - Parts Scattered Everywhere. PSE - Point, Shoot, Explode.
The used market is fantastic! Bows and most other archery gear depreciate FAST. Imo its better to buy used high end gear than new cheap gear! That being said... There is something to be said about having a good warranty from a good company. But for guys just trying to get started youll be amazed at guys selling fully loaded flagship bows from just a few years ago cheaper than the bow was new!
By all means, buy whatever you like. IMO though, I think you often get a better bow buying a used bow that was upper end when it was new vs a lower price new bow. My PSE evolve is a perfect example…was a $1000 bow in 2018, bought it 4 years later for $430. I think it’s a better bow than a brand new $430 bow.
I think you missed his entire point. A used flagship bow may be superior to a cheaper new bow, & flagship bow prices have really gone up the past few years.
Yeah it’s not like a rifle go around knocking it on stuff. Best thing to do once you realize your going to stick with it buy a new one keep it for a few years then buy another
My younger brother is 58 years old and started bowhunting at age 12. He first compound was a Browning (wood rise snapped in half eventually). His next compound bows was an Xi that was stolen from his car 20+ years ago. He used the insurance money to buy his current Hoyt. He has owned 3 compound bows in his lifetime. He harvests deer like everyone else, and he pays cash for his full size pickup trucks (could afford anything). A quality bow is an awesome investment. It's only a bad investment for those who fall prey to the marketing hype & keep buying new bows year after year.
@@kevinclark8782 I'd rather have the lifetime warranty & free lifetime cables/strings (eligible every 2 years). I paid $899 for my my flagship bow in 2013, & I have no plans to replace it in my lifetime. The free cables & strings will exceed what I paid for the bow eventually.
I worked in the Archery field for 40 years. In 2006 I had the opportunity to sit down with one of the top designers and engineers from a major bow company. I asked him where they were going to go from here. (They had just come out with an incredible bow) His answer was, “Sideways. We have made our bows the most efficient bows possible. We just can’t make them any more efficient. From here we can only change appearance and accessories.”
When buying a used bow, keep that in mind. Also the older bows are harder to find parts for and of course there is no warranty.
Very good points here, KB. That’s for sharing!
Spot on. I have never bought a new bow. I always buy last year’s flagship bow for half the price or a little less. I haven’t been disappointed yet.
👍👍 that’s the way to do it!
Do you buy from pro shops or Ebay of Facebook groups. There are tons of scammers out there. Have to be safe. I am looking for a 2023 vtm 34 but I want a leftover. Thank you
@@wcwcgarner2717 pro shops do their put used equipment on EBay. Podium Archer and many other shops do it all the time. Used or returns.
@draggindeeroutdoors where do you buy them from
@@TinyTargetsBigAdventures from shops that sell on eBay. Like a bow someone thought they would like but didn’t. A shop will sell that one at a very affordable discount.
Because of the weather we’ve had, I’m just sitting here going through the video library and watching different things. This was a very good video for people especially getting into bow hunting. They don’t need to spend $1000-$2000 to have a good hunting set up. It’s great to have somebody like you. That’s honest trustworthy to make people aware of that. Thanks for taking the time Matt. Hope you and the family are doing good.
Thank you, Greg! Used compounds are a STEAL! Not sure I'll ever buy a brand new one again. Hope you're doing well too! Merry Christmas!
@ I agree with you on that! Merry Christmas to you and yours as well! It’s wonderful that we have such a reason to celebrate!!!!
Used bows are good if you work on your own equipment or are in good standing with someone who can. You don't get warranty support, except if it has a transferrable warranty, but I have yet to need it.
I haven't bought a new bow since 2016, and that was an Evolve 35 that was on an "end of year" closeout.
Bows that are a few years old are just as good as anything coming out now because technology has hit a plateau.
Good point! Thanks for watching 👍
I bought my Elite Enkore as new old stock and got a great deal on it.
One thing to watch out for is that most companies only warranty a bow for the original buyer. So, if you buy a used bow inspect the limbs and cams for signs of damage from possible dry-firing, either in person or through pictures.
Also, don't worry about visible string wear, as strings/cables/d-loops are wear items and will need to be replaced every year or so depending on how much you shoot. You might want to assess string wear to factor in the cost of new strings when assessing the price of the bow if they are visibly worn but other than that it isn't a big thing to worry about.
Risers are just a hunk of aluminum so unless they have been damaged in some way, which is easily seen, they don't need to be inspected as closely.
Great tips, thank you!
I feel really old. I am still shooting a Martin cougar from 1994. The only thing I have upgraded is the arrows and string. Still accurate put to 70 yards consistently. Paid $700 new. I can't see spending today's prices period. I'll admit the new bows are light as a feather and have smoother draw cycles. It still comes down to a string to fling a arrow.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Many of my friends have bought brand new bows only to go back to their old, tried and true bow.
Yeah I agree but at the same time it depends some bows today also come with lifetime warranty and for the right price that is worth it.
I have to disagree on only one point of your post…. Remember this is my experience. The new bows of today are not as smooth as the older ones. I could be wrong but when I go into the store and pull one of them back, I smile and think to myself how great it is that I still have my cheetah!
Our bows are about the same age. I would not trade it for anything 🙂
May your shots be true and your ethics admirable from now until the last day!
I bought a used Hoyt rampage that was 2 years old when I got it. It was $450 all set up already. It is the bow I’m still using.
That’s awesome! Exactly what I’m talking about 👍
Where did u buy it? I need one
@@TinyTargetsBigAdventures I got it at my local archery shop back in 2012. I have been going there since the owner started the shop so he is willing to cut me a deal every once & a while.
Great advice, used will work just fine! AND, remember to be patient when looking for the best buy. I picked up a Mathews Conquest 4, several years ago for less than $300, while new ones were selling for $1099.
That's awesome!!
my 1st compound bow was a 1999 PSE Thunderbolt single lightening cam 60# . I miss that bow , it was steady in your hand , and accurate
LOVE that PSE Evolve 35
Great advice my friend I have been shoot bows all my life and have bought 2 brand new bow.I’m 64 and have probably own 20/25 bows and now shoot last yrs Mach 34 from EBay for half the price ,the latest and greatest isn’t always the best
Excellent! Thanks for watching!
I bougjt a archery shop demo of a 2021 bowtech solution for $400. Shoots great
Remember when the single cam was all the rage???
Well I tried out a few of these. I ended up with “and still have” the Martin Cheetah. My god compared to today’s bows, I can’t find a more forgiving or easier bow to tune than this one.
Being left handed,you usually need to buy it without the ability to try it out. Very few archery shops carry left handed bows 😢. With a 27”draw speed is not even a consideration. Obviously that doesn’t make a difference. When you are talking about 25yrd and less shots. I honestly hate the speed bows that want to jump out of your hand at release,that’s just another reason to effect….Smooth Shooting! Thanks guys for the video! Mike
Good stuff, Mike 👍
This is good stuff. I couldn't agree with you more. We all know that if you go to an archery pro shop and buy the latest and greatest , you're going to spend $2,500.00 for a tricked out rig. I recently bought a used PSE EVO EVL 32 for $300. And this bow was in mint, brand new condition. It also had new, custom strings and cables. I kept thinking to myself, " get out of here before this guy changes his mind." Another thing you didn't mention is that compound bows have reached a point where manufacturers have reached a limit to what they can do to make them better. They aren't getting faster. They aren't really shooting any better than bows that are three or four years old. The easy tuning systems have been around for a while now and we've had carbon for a few years. And now we have Mathews integrating their components into the riser. But it seems to me that bows have reached a limit to what can be done to improve them. So, you're right. Just go out and buy something two to four years old that is just as nice.
I'll mention one other thing: Over the past few years there have been quite a few bow companies that have gone out of business. Most recently Athens. Parker, Ben Pearson, Winchester. Ross and several smaller players. And now, the Chinese are coming into the market, Sanlida in particular. And they are making good stuff. As a consumer, I can't help but feel we are getting gouged.
That’s an incredible deal on your bow! I agree with the points you covered as well…hard to beat used compounds. And I’ve recently been introduced to Sanlida, they sent us a kids bow for my son to test. More to come on that!
I really appreciate this video alot, Thank you so much. I am looking to get into archery and hopefully bow hunting. I will definitely take this advice
Glad this helped you! Thanks for watching!
I bought a strother rush xt from a guy who bought it from another guy. First bow and will keep it forever, just added some goodies to it and works like a charm
Excellent 👍👍
I wasn't sure if i would like archery or even be able to shoot a bow. 2 shoulder injuries ajd 1 major shoulder surgery on draw shoulder. Started low poundage and working my way up. Im 52yrs old and only shooting 60# but am hooked on this archery thing lol. Going to hunt this fall for whitetail and then hog hunt in texas several times a year.
That’s awesome! Good luck in the woods this fall 👍
60 lbs. is plenty! Heavy arrows and razor sharp broadheads get things done
I too have been through both shoulder surgery and bicep reattachment surgery. I’m 57 and still flinging arrows 😀
Remember that it’s not the bow that kills,it’s the ammo
So to speak 🤷🏼♂️👍🏻👍🏻
@@MichaelLakota-vc4tk my total arrow weight with broadhead is gonna be 367gr going at 280fps.
@@MichaelLakota-vc4tk thanks for the information
@@c.r.rg9529 damn that is crazy light- Please don’t tell me that you use a mechanical broad head
That’s just for target shooting I hope 🤞🏻
I buy a new bow every 25-30 years. I was given a pse in mid 1980’s, purchased a 1992 Jennings carbon extreme that I shot until the limb pockets wore out. I purchased a new discontinued Mathew’s for 1/2 price in 2017. I know a 7 time world champion that has shot the same bow for 15 years.
Thanks for sharing! Glad I’m not the only one who loves the used archery market!
I bought a used Mathew’s shot it for awhile then I realized I loved archery then I bought a new vtm
Good advice. Thanks.
Left hand = no used bows. Been shooting 25 years and ended up buying diamonds and Parker’s at bass pro outlet store because I couldn’t afford a new bow. Saved this year and ordered a Darton sequel
You’re right…this may be a little harder for lefties.
From one lefty to another, I feel your pain
My current 2013 bow specs are 340 fps, 35" ATA, 6.25" brace height, & 4.5 pounds. If I replaced it today, the 2024 (same brand) bow specs would be 342 fps, 34" ATA, 6.25" brace height, & 4.5 pounds. I would feel like a fool replacing my 11 year old bow. I prefer my bow over their current model. I wouldn't trade my bow even up for a new one. I have no intention of replacing it in my lifetime. I see no reason to do so. Bows haven't changed much spec-wise in the past 10+ years. My days of buying new bows are done! Buy a brand that's going to be here tomorrow, & enjoy it for years to come.
Sounds like you’ve got yourself a good setup! Good luck this fall.
You can wait just 6 months after the new bows come out....and sometimes get them for half price.
Yessir! Don’t have to wait long before the prices start coming down!
Bear makes a few bows in the $400 to $500 range that shoot and perform li,e 1k bows
Bear does make some decent stuff
The last 4 bows I bought were off eBay. 2 o em were brand new leftover stock with full warranty. Ridiculous. I make a killing because I’m a lefty.
Awesome 👍 thanks for watching!
PSE doesn't stock parts for any bow more than 3 years old.
Good thing there’s EBay!
Then I would buy a different brand.
@@driftlesshunter9200 I already do. All the PSEs I've "inherited" from guys who upgraded from them, left me with their old PSEs after I swapped their accessories over, that I can't do anything with, but frankenbow them with different cams from other mfrs, and then give them away to newbs who can't afford new bows. I've got one PSE left, in a lefty, that I just ordered new Bear Archery cams for, because PSE just sucks with supporting their products. PSE - Parts Stupidly Eliminated.
PSE - Parts Scattered Everywhere.
PSE - Point, Shoot, Explode.
The used market is fantastic! Bows and most other archery gear depreciate FAST. Imo its better to buy used high end gear than new cheap gear! That being said... There is something to be said about having a good warranty from a good company. But for guys just trying to get started youll be amazed at guys selling fully loaded flagship bows from just a few years ago cheaper than the bow was new!
100% agree 👍
Yup I agree for a new archer it’s great to start with used even as is the hobby will still get expensive hahahaha .
So keep it as cheap as possible.
Lots of good deals out there on the used stuff 👍
Good👍
Thanks!
Why buy a used one when there is companies out there that have new bows for the price of used ones
By all means, buy whatever you like. IMO though, I think you often get a better bow buying a used bow that was upper end when it was new vs a lower price new bow. My PSE evolve is a perfect example…was a $1000 bow in 2018, bought it 4 years later for $430. I think it’s a better bow than a brand new $430 bow.
I think you missed his entire point. A used flagship bow may be superior to a cheaper new bow, & flagship bow prices have really gone up the past few years.
Yeah it’s not like a rifle go around knocking it on stuff. Best thing to do once you realize your going to stick with it buy a new one keep it for a few years then buy another
New bows are an atrocious investment.
My younger brother is 58 years old and started bowhunting at age 12. He first compound was a Browning (wood rise snapped in half eventually). His next compound bows was an Xi that was stolen from his car 20+ years ago. He used the insurance money to buy his current Hoyt. He has owned 3 compound bows in his lifetime. He harvests deer like everyone else, and he pays cash for his full size pickup trucks (could afford anything). A quality bow is an awesome investment. It's only a bad investment for those who fall prey to the marketing hype & keep buying new bows year after year.
@@driftlesshunter9200 A quality bow is a good investment especially if you buy it a year old. Usually they can be had for 1/2 of the new price.
@@kevinclark8782 I'd rather have the lifetime warranty & free lifetime cables/strings (eligible every 2 years). I paid $899 for my my flagship bow in 2013, & I have no plans to replace it in my lifetime. The free cables & strings will exceed what I paid for the bow eventually.