Need a good bow shop

[croix]

A buddy of mine let me borrow a couple of bows recently and I started flingin arrows in my back yard. I AM HOOKED. I want to get a bow this spring so I can practice more throughout the summer and get in on some elk bow season.

I've read quite a bit and done a lot of research, so I know better than to ask "which bow should I get". What I am looking for is a bow shop that has a good variety of bows that I can shoot and decide which one feels right for me.

I live on the west side (kitsap county) but will make the drive for the right shop. I would like to stay on this side of the Cascades if I can help it.

Thanks.

[alecvg]

Daves Sports Shop in Lynden is amazing. 

[yajsab]

Go to Cabelas and shoot.

[croix]

Thanks for the suggestions. Cabelas may be a good place to start. They have quite a few brands of bows (Parker, Diamond, PSE, Browning), but do not carry Hoyt or Mathews. Anywhere that carries Hoyt and Mathews?

[EastWaViking]

sportsman's warehouse..... (bowtech)

[Happy Gilmore]

Riverside Archery in Mount Vernon-
knockpoint in shoreline-

both shops have been good to me for repairs....

Check on ebay....got my Mathews set up for a little over $300 for a year old Legacy. Some people switch bows so often they will take a $400 dollar hit re-selling a bow.....

[EastWaViking]

Check on ebay..... Some people switch bows so often they will take a $400 dollar hit re-selling a bow.....

Yep! Got my year old bowtech on ebay for half the price!!!!

[croix]

Oh yeah. Once I've figured out which bow I want I will be hittin EBay and Craig's list. Sounds like I'm gonna have to hit several stores to shoot all the brands (oh darn). The Nock Point looks like an excellent place.

[dbrenna]

Chehalis (a bit of a drive) Lucky Shot archery. Ted and Lonnie will take the time and effort to set you up right, and they have a beautiful range. David

[bucklucky]

Chehalis (a bit of a drive) Lucky Shot archery. Ted and Lonnie will take the time and effort to set you up right, and they have a beautiful range. David

They carry Bowtech and Mathews also, along with a few other brands.

[wackmaster]

Spokane Vally Archery That is where I would go.

[dolph46]

The Nock Point in Mount Lake Terrace. See Bill. I stopped hunting big game (with a rilfle 8 years ago). Now I hooked again!

[bullcanyon]

I'd start at sportsmans in silverdale than try that shop off kitsap way.  Shoot as many bows as possible with an open mind.  If you get it in your head that one bow has to be better than the rest before you shoot.  You're hindering yourself.  Try to get the shops to get the bows to the same set up as well.  Poundage and length.  Find out how much the arrows weigh that you are shooting.  Light arrows will make some bows seem louder and have more vibration.  Arrow weight plays a big role in that.

Have fun
Kris

[NWWABOWHNTR]

Try them all before you choose!  Wilderness Archery in Bow by MT Vernon carries Bowtech/Diamond/Ross and they have great service and nice ranges.  But before you buy try a bunch of different makes and models.

[croix]

Wackmaster,
I saw Spokane Valley and nearly dismissed it due to distance, but I've had too much good advice here to let any of it go. I've gotta say, based on what I saw on their website it may be worth the trip. Turns out a flight from Seatac to Spokane is only $50 (and that particular airline is on time a full %30 of the time). Then all I would need is someone local willing to pick me up and endure the torture of spending the day at SVA.

On the website they list virtually every bow brand available but they are really just links to the man. web sites. Does SVA actually carry all of those brands?

[Wenatcheejay]

I have been happy with A J Archery in Yakima. They have an indoor range that is great to try things out.

[rooselk]

Riverside Archery in Mount Vernon carries Mathews and Hoyt. The owners are real good folks. I cannot recommend them enough.

[Charlie]

The Lacey Sportsman's Warehouse has always done well by me. Ray and Rod are very knowledgable and their customer service is top notch. 

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Contact Kitsap Bowhunters (KBH) in Gorst and I am sure someone there can help considerably.

[General Disarray]

I just have to add this...

If you're going to spend the time and travel to different pro-shops, shoot their demo bows and work them for all their knowledge, why not spend your money with the one who earns your business? Don't go onto Craigslist or Ebay and buy a bow identical to the one the pro shop was going to sell you just so you can save the money.  There's many other reasons to avoid a used bow unless you can physically look at it before handing over your money. 

I know buddies that have dry fired their bows only to rebuild them(new strings, cables, cams and limbs) and dump them on the internet. 

This is probably the most important reason to stick with a pro shop.  This is your first bow, buying one online and trying to figure out how to tune it, set it up and get it shooting isn't easy.  Do you think a pro shop is going to treat you like a valued customer when you show up with a bow after demo'ing all their stuff and buying elsewhere? You're paying extra for that new bow because it comes with SERVICE!!! and good service in an archery shop is dang near priceless!

[croix]

General,

You make an excellent point, and since I started this thread I have pretty much reached the same conclusion. It originally seemed to me that I could find a virtually new bow on EB or CL and save some coin, but after talking to others it appears to be a crap shoot on whether or not I actually get a good deal.

I don't make enough money to drop that kind of cash on a crap shoot. I'm certain that I will end up buying my bow from a pro-shop. I may take a chance on some of the accessories but only a NEW bow from a reputable shop will give me piece of mind that my money was well spent.

Thank you all for your input. As always, this site has been a great help. I will let you know what I end up with (and which shop I get it from).

[Charlie]

  X2

[ridgefire]

I would highly recommend going to bill at the nock point. he carries hoyt martin parker and usually a couple other misc. bows are hanging around. Hes the type that doesnt care if your are spending a dollar or a grand he treats you the same. great customer service as well

[croix]

Thanks ridgefire. I've heard a lot of great things about Nock Point. I'm sure I'll make a stop there in the spring.

[SCRUBS]

There`s an archery shop in the town of Rainier called Fletch Setter, might try there. I think they carry some of the brands you are looking at.

[Balladeer]

Check out Outdoor Emporium in SODO. Ask for Andy.