I am a bowhunting novice so I could use some ideas. I have this problem. In 2007 I bought a Mission X3 for my first bow. Now after shooting it for 3 years and killing a deer I am concidering an upgrade. After seeing the new Mission Voyager I really liked what I saw. It has many of the characteristics of a Switchback XT and some that are better. So I go to the Mission web page and do a retailer search. I then proceed to contact every dealer within 200 miles. Not one of them have the bow in stock. I got these responses, "We can order you one but I won't stock it" or "We don't stock it because for a few dollars more you can have a Mathews" or "I don't stock it but for $70 you can get a Mathews DR2" (yeah, like I want a stripped down Drenlin ). It just baffles me why a company would make a bow that no dealer will offer. I sent an email to Mission but I have not heard back from them. I really don't want to order a bow that I have never held or shot. So here is my question, or should I say questions. How many of you have ever ordered a bow that you have never seen? Would you order a bow that you have never seen? What do you suggest that I do? I would really like to try the Voyager. The Switchback was an all time great bow and if I can get one that is similar with the warantee that would be the cats pj's. (Please give helpful advise. Don't tell me to go buy a Hoyt or something else)
I play no favorites when it comes to a bow brands, however I would never own a Mathews(which is made in my state) because of how they work as a business. I like Bowtech, Hoyt, Pse, and numerous other brands, but I will never touch a Mathews! Friends don't let friends shoot Mathews! I have seen how they work first hand and it can be described as SHADY AND GREEDY!!! To each his own, however I'm sure your seeing the light.
I wouldn't order it without first-hand experience. Just like shoes, everyone needs a different fit. Based on Mathews reputation i'm sure the bow will be extrmely pleasant to shoot, fast, and accurate. Good luck with your decision
Have them order it in, if you don't like it, tell them to keep it. Personally, I think you should go shoot every bow you can get your hands on and make an "informed" decision, but that's just my thoughts on it. If you like a single cam bow, I think the nicest feeling single cam bow I shot wasn't a Mathews, but a Diamond Black Ice. Though I generally shoot Hoyts, a Black Ice is on that list of bows that I'd consider buying in a second if I got a really good deal on it!!!
If it's anything like the XT, I'd say go for it. The Switchback was and maybe is the best thing that Mathews ever did.
If the way Mathews works was truly along the lines of "shady and greedy" how come they give so much back to the community, donate to breast cancer research, encourage youth to get into archery with NASP, and promote honesty, trustworthiness, respect, loyalty, and accountability. If they strayed from any of these attributes, I believe the company would not be the successful, and one of the most innovative bow companies in the industry. If I ever find any shadiness or greediness on their part, I will switch bow brands immediately, and will also look into this matter deeper.
Never order a bow without shooting it or holding it bows can be a lot of money and you don't want to regret buys a bow that you hate shooting. i suggest that you go to a local shop and shoot different bows and get a feel for different brands. third don't hate on companies like Hoyt or Mathews unless you have shot them and truly don't like them but having different companies makes it so each bow can fit a bow hunters preference.
I'm sure its a nice bow, but most guys would drop the extra $70 and buy the Mathews. Thats probably why no dealers have one in stock. Maybe ask around at a 3d shoot and see if anyone has one you can try before you buy,
