Avid archers and bowhunters rarely need much in the way of motivation to make the purchase of a new bow. But if you’ve been on the fence for a number of years, and still can’t seem to pull the trigger on a bow purchase, we’re here to help.Â
Sure, your old bow is like a trusted friend. You know what it’s capable of, and you have confidence of its abilities while in your hand. But keep in mind, a lot has changed in bow technology in the last several decades. If it’s been a while since your last bow purchase, you honestly won’t believe what you’ve been missing.Â
So for those struggling to decide on shelling out the big bucks for a new bow this year, here’s a look at 7 signs that it’s time to buy a new bow.Â
1. If You're Still Shooting a Kids Bow and You're 30 Years Old
Letting go can often be the hardest part. And for some, letting go of their first bow can be particularly tough. But there is a point when it has to happen. If you’re still shooting a kids bow, but now you’re out of college, married, and have kids of your own, it just might be time to get a new bow.
No, you don’t have to get rid of your first bow! Hang it up in the man cave as a piece of your personal hunting nostalgia. But it’s certainly time to find a better, more fitting, bow option for the fall season.Â
2. If Your Tax Return is More Than $1299
A little extra cash goes a long way, especially when you’re itching to buy a new bow. I bought my first Mathews 20+ years ago with my tax return money. At the time, the flagship was $550. These days, the average flagship hunting bow will run you about $1299.
So when the tax return comes back with more than enough funds to buy a new bow, you might take that as a sign from the Lord to buy a new bow. This also applies to Christmas, birthday money, or kids’ college fund. Most any extra money is a good sign/excuse to buy a new bow.Â
3. If George Bush Was President When You Last Bought a Bow
I recently heard an older bowhunter make the comment, “The last time I bought a new bow was back when George W. Bush was president.” I quickly responded with, “Sounds like it’s time to buy a new one!”
If it’s been 15 years since your last bow purchase, you’ll be amazed at what’s on the market these days. The technology has come a long way in the last 15-20 years. Bows built in the last 10 years are incredibly impressive machines. Now is a great time for an upgrade.Â
4. If Your Bow Makes a Sketchy Noise Every Time You Draw It
I had a bow years ago that had an obnoxious creak in it most every time I’d draw it back. In my mind, it was loud enough to spook a deer in bow range. From limbs, to string, cables, and cam, I replaced every moving part on that bow trying to figure out the source of the noise.
In hindsight, I should have just bought a new bow. If your bow makes a sketchy or suspicious noise every time you draw it back, it just might be time to buy a new bow. Sure, you could replace the limbs, string, and cables, but that’s not near as exciting. Eliminate the noise – buy a new bow.Â
5. If Your Spouse Just Made a Large Purchase
Some say marriage is a 50/50 relationship. I say that’s a bunch of bull. You both better be giving 100 percent of yourselves to make it work. And much to my wife’s chagrin, I try to maintain the same philosophy when it comes to buying stuff.
If your spouse makes a large purchase, it’s only fair that you do the same, right? And while your spouse isn’t likely to spend money on the level you do for hunting gear, it does help ease your conscience when you make your purchase immediately following their purchase. All of those Target runs sure do add up!Â
Disclaimer: The author is not a licensed marriage counselor. Buy hunting gear at your own risk!Â
6. If Your Bow Is Still Wearing the Original Whisker Biscuit
I’ve got an old friend that can often be heard boasting, “My old bow still has the original Whisker Biscuit on it.” Now listen, there’s nothing wrong with shooting a Whisker Biscuit. They’re the best selling arrow rest of all time. I’ll never forget talking with the creator of the original biscuit as he made the push to launch the brand. That was about the time my first child was born. And she’s now in her freshmen year of college.
The point is, the biscuit is about 20 years old now, and if your bow is still wearing one as a prized accessory from several decades ago, it just might be time to buy a new bow. Seriously, that’s close enough to antiquity. Take it as a sign that it’s time to pull the trigger on a new bow.Â
7. If Your Hunting Bow Is 40" Axle to Axle
In my office, you’ll find one of the first compound bows I found consistent success with as a bowhunter. It’s a PSE Fire-Flite. I pulled it from the rack the other day, knocked the dust of off it, and measured the axle to axle length. It’s 40 1/2″ axle to axle.
I hunted with it all through the 90s before selling it to my good buddy, Doug Temple. I had discovered Mathews bows and opted for a much shorter bow design in the Mathews Q2 with a 34″ axle to axle length. I would eventually buy the PSE back from Doug, just for the sake of nostalgia, but its playing days are long over.
Bows got shorter. Much shorter. Even that Mathews Q2, with it’s 34″ axle to axle length, is considered a giant of a compound bow by today’s standards. So if you’re shooting a bow that’s 40 inches axle to axle, or maybe even 34 inches, take that as a sign that it’s time to buy a new bow.Â
At the end of the day, shoot the bow that makes you happy. I hit the woods a few years ago with that old Mathews bow for a 20-year reunion hunt. I killed a big doe and floated it out in my kayak. It was one of my favorite hunts of the year.
But if you’re needing a little encouragement on when the time is right to make a new bow purchase, just consider the signs above as you make your choice.Â
