So I have been out of the bow hunting scene since they came out with single cam bows, and that was a long time ago. I am wanting to get back into it and would rather buy a really good used bow rather than a new one. But need some advice from you all. As far as what is a fair price and a good deal for the money? Been looking on craigslist a lot and have seen what appears to be some decent prices and values for what is being sold as used. Examples: 2014 PSE DNA-$300 2013 Quest Rev-$300 2014 Hoyt Nitrium- $400 2014 Hoy Charger-$300 2013 Martin Onza3-$350 2013 Darton DS3800-$325 I would appreciate any advice on what you guys think about these bows and prices. What bow would you buy and why? I am not looking at getting into a who's the best, who isn't, just what you think is great deal and good value. I realize that these bows also has there own issues and nothing is perfect. I am looking for just a straight "meat bow" to hunt with. If there are any other bows that you think would be good, please let me know. Thanks, Scott
if you want simple. single cam bows are easy to keep tuned. i would not get one on craigslist.at least on ebay you can get your money back most of the time if you get a defective bow.
why not buy a new bow and get a warranty for under 300 bucks and is a alright bow.http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Bear-Ar...641556&hash=item489f356f0c:g:5sIAAOSwjRpZWdIh
I would try to shoot a few different bows to get a feel for what you like and don't like. I bought my first bow off Craigslist for a good price. It was decent but it wasnt exactly what I wanted and upgraded it within a few years. It pays to get something that fits you well and is fun to shoot Sent from my Z831 using Bowhunting.com Forums mobile app
My only concern with Ebay was that I wouldn't actually get to handle the bow. At least off craigslist I could go see the bow, touch it and look at it prior to buying something!
Like djandy said, you can get a pretty decent new bow in your price range and actually shoot it first. Check the bow shops and box stores first.
For your price range - - - I would buy a new Mission with full lifetime warranty. A bow you can shoot before you buy it. And unless you are a bow tech/tuner, you would have someone to set it up to FIT YOU. And no issues of what a previous owner done. Buying sight unseen - something I never shot before - make no sense to me. What if after the first shot you think.....why did I buy this?
I like the Hoyt Nitrum (Ntrum 30?) which is a 2015 model and similar to my 2014 Hoyt Faktor 30, which is easy to tune and shoots great.
Flatwoodshunter: Your not the first person to mention Hoyts Nitrum or the Faktor. I hear there great bows. After looking at all the bows and reading about the latest gadgets and technology, IM LIKE WOW. Feel like I've been living under a rock or something. This stuff they got out now is light years ahead of the first single cam bow that came out, which was about the time I stopped bow hunting.
Scott, I agree with the your thought process. I have not bought a "new" bow in probably 12 years. There are a few really good archery sites that have classified sections where you can call and talk to previous owners and strike up a deal that will save you a lot of money. There are a huge number of folks that have to have the latest and greatest and will sell there lightly used equipment for a song. If you learn to work/tune your own equipment you can save even more and gain more self assurance along with some personal pride of a job well done. I always stop to shoot newer bows to get an idea what fits my needs then just wait till I find one used for a good price. Good things come to those who wait..............
What's your guys take on Hoyt's Maxxis 31 bow, of course it's used? But I have a chance to pick one up for $200
You want to find out how much shooting/hunting the former owner does. That being said try to get as much intel on the bow as possible. Last time the string/cables were replaced? are there any marks indicating damage( dropped from a tree stand comes to mind here) if you can look the bow over in person so much the better. Take a cotton ball and lightly cover both limbs slowly to see if there are any stress cracks or small splits in the limbs. The cotton fiber will grab any snag that your eye missed ( a general question here would be the typical weight arrow the owner has used) light arrow weight will put more stress on the limbs, cams and axels and produce more wear in these areas. Finally if the bow fits your budget what do you have to loose? Try it out for a while, if it isn't your cup of tea put it up for sale and move on to the next.
