iDoHunting.com: How to Buy a Bow

The Wall of Fame and Shooting Range

It’s been penned that there’s no such thing as the perfect bow, only the bow that’s perfect for you. To that end, purchasing a compound bow is an experience unto its own that requires some research, a bit of patience, and most importantly, a proper education. There’s much misinformation out there in the form of marketing hype, propaganda, and promotional push, so wading through what’s true, and what’s purely advertising isn’t a trivial venture. All the more reason, in my opinion, to work with someone that not only knows bows as second-nature, but someone that you’re confident in and trust. Through diligent research, and a good number of personal recommendations, I discovered that WHERE you buy your bow is as or more important than WHAT bow you buy.

Changing a Cam So a Customer With Different Draw Length Can Shoot

My last experience purchasing a bow was 6 years ago, from a big-box store that was low on prices, but also low on customer service and help. I was steered into a bow that fit my needs at the time, and was at a bargain price, but was more of a “deal” for the retailer who I’m convinced was simply trying to clear out excess inventory (there were scores of the same brand/model there). I’ve bowhunted since age 14, so I came into the process somewhat informed, but can honestly say I learned little/nothing from the entire experience.

Compare that incident years ago to my recent bow-buying experience at Schaffer Perfomance Archery in Burnsville, MN a few days ago. Several friends and family members have purchased bows there in the past, and I actually had them put a new cable on my old bow a few year’s previous. The process started months ago, and I’m a sales-person’s worst nightmare. I’ll ask questions, kick the tires, only to completely reverse my train of thought and go onto another bow/line/model question. With each of the associates I worked with, and each bow I shot (I shot about 6 models in 3 months), the employees were patient with me even when it meant setting up a new bow or switching cams to do it.

Jason - Selecting Arrows For Me While Answering the Phones

On the day I was ready to purchase, I had the pleasure of observing Schaffer’s help two brand new archers to the sport that were buying their first bows. They setup 6 bows, had them shoot each one, paying attention to smoothness, feel, draw, point, and a whole bunch of other variables, while paying absolutely no attention to PRICE! In fact, through process of elimination they removed whatever bow didn’t feel as good and say – “You just kicked out a $900 bow!” Proof to me, that they were more interested in fitting the customer with what felt good to them, not what bow was going to earn them the most profit or help them reach sales goals. They were also careful not to let their own personal bias taint the experience for others. After all, the customers are the ones that get the own the bow and shoot it.

However, what impressed me the most about buying here, was that once we chose a bow, the learning process and help was far from over. They had the sale in the bag, and full permission to put it in auto-pilot the rest of the way out. However, we were now into double checking draw length, rest/sight/stabilizer/quiver selection, proper arrow spine, draw weight, paper and high speed camera tuning, sight-in, and general practice/target shooting. Through which, typically at least one, and sometimes two sales associates were with me the entire way. Then, after I had asked every question I could, and was literally worn-out, I paid; if, and only if, I was satisfied with the experience.

A Schaffer Employee Helping Out Another Happy Customer

It’s understandable that not everyone would ask as many questions as I did, or go to as many lengths to ensure they had the proper bow. We watched them sell a bow to that very customer as well, so the staff won’t keep you there indefinitely just to talk and sound smart either. Schaffers not only had everything in stock, they had the knowledge, means, and other necessary requirements to complete the entire process from start to finish. John Schaffer personally did much of the work on my bow, and other people’s bows who were in the shop at the same time.

Two of the leading manufacturers of hunting bows in the nation will only sell their bows in a pro-shop like Schaffers, and for very good reason I found out. Their products get the true attention and correct advice they deserve in such a situation. Schaffers carried other models as well, Hoyt, PSE, etc., so selection was virtually unlimited, as were the opinions regarding each setup and/or product. The beauty of these opinions, were that they were honed in the Midwest woods while chasing whitetails, or the mountains of Alaska while after goats or sheep. All of their staff are avid hunters, and very passionate about what they do. Their helping me the way they did showed it; the wallboard full of staff/customers’ hunting pictures proved it.

I found that you could spend $500 or $1500 on a new, fully-equipped bow, but that price tag mattered far less than what YOU wanted in a bow. We obviously all have our price-points, and there were great bows there for very cheap prices, but the purchase of the bare bow is just the beginning rather than the end. If you’re not buying your bow at a place where you can get any of the latest sights, rests or other accessories installed and properly fit; if you can’t shoot an array of arrow weights, brands, or fletchings then purchase them and sight in; if you can’t get it professionally tuned and ready to hunt with everything you need out the door; you’re only doing yourself a disservice. Schaffer Perfomance Archery earned my business and they will keep it.