Buying used, what to look for

[jmscon]

Thinking about dabbling in the compound bow world and was wondering what to look for if I’m buying a used bow. I know my calculated draw length and it’s been suggested that I get a bow with a 7” or so brace height but what else should I look for and watch out for?
Thanks!

[Stein]

I bought a used bow and it turned out great, ideally you will buy a used bow from your local shop.  I ended up buying on off another forum which was a risk but it turned out fine.  I would shoot for a bow 1-2 years old that is flawless.  I would also try to steer toward a bow that is known to not be affected by dry-fires.  The previous owner may or may not be completely honest and I felt better having a bow that was tested for 1,500 dry fires.

Other than that, if you can find one tricked out you will save money as well on sights, rest, quiver, etc.

I took mine up to Riverside, had them go through it, adjust it to me and bought all the other stuff there and had it installed along with a dozen arrows.

It's a great way to get a flagship bow for half the cost.  There are tons of bows out there that have hardly been taken out of the house.

[Special T]

When buying a used bow it's best to buy one at your existing draw lenght. 2 reasons. 1 most manufacturers do not fully support all parts IE cams and such. The exception is Mathews has parts for all bows they produced. Most cut off 7-10 years old. I can get anything for my switchback with I belive is 15 years old.

2nd the cost of cams, strings,  and or limbs can add up quickly if you are unaware of what needs to be changed adjust drawlenth or poundage.

For example a PSE Omen needs limbs, cams and I think cables. When they were new that would cost $250 to change out... not sure what it would cost now.

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[Jellymon]

I bought a used bow and it turned out great, ideally you will buy a used bow from your local shop.  I ended up buying on off another forum which was a risk but it turned out fine.  I would shoot for a bow 1-2 years old that is flawless.  I would also try to steer toward a bow that is known to not be affected by dry-fires.  The previous owner may or may not be completely honest and I felt better having a bow that was tested for 1,500 dry fires.

Other than that, if you can find one tricked out you will save money as well on sights, rest, quiver, etc.

I took mine up to Riverside, had them go through it, adjust it to me and bought all the other stuff there and had it installed along with a dozen arrows.

It's a great way to get a flagship bow for half the cost.  There are tons of bows out there that have hardly been taken out of the house.

Sorry about this, but I really dislike this myth, especially when told to newer shooters. All bows are affected by dry fires. Hoyt tests thier riser to survive 1500 dryfires, and thier limbs to survive 1000, not the whole bow. While doing these tests they are replacing all the other parts that are breaking throughout the 1000-1500 dry fire testing. They do not have a guarantee though, and the rest of the parts on the bow can fail just like any other brand. That being said, yes IMO Hoyt is still the brand most likely to walk away from a dry fire with minimal, and if you’re lucky, no damage, but they are far from immune to it.

[Tjv28]

look for cracks in limbs

[TommyH]

I see your on the west side but this is set up and ready to hunt, full package. I just seen it on Craigslist, not a bad price for all that.

https://spokane.craigslist.org/spo/d/spokane-hoyt-alpha-burner-compound-bow/6914954597.html

[bracer40]

This is one of the best guides I’ve come across. https://www.huntersfriend.com/compound-bow-selection-guide-research-contents.html

While they don’t expressly cover buying used, I think this would be great reading for many looking for a new bow.

It will take some time to get through, but very educational and easily understood.

The arrow guide is equally worthwhile

[jrebel]

I have bought multiple used bows with great success.  Make sure the limbs are not delaminating or cracked......I pay very close attention to the where the pin that holds the cam goes through the limb for cracks.  Look at the overall condition of the bow and string.  Have the seller draw the bow, listen and watch for weird sounds and a smoth draw.  If there is something structurally wrong....they won't want to draw it. 

If the seller states it was ever dry fired....I don't buy. 

There are lots of good used bows out there and a guy can save a ton of money buying used. 

[buckfvr]

Keep it as simple and modest as possible until you become proficient enough to decide what you believe yourself to be capable of.  You can achieve goals with mediocre speed and longer brace height for starters.  Keep your cost down on the first one because once you master it there will for certain be a newer one in your future.

[blackpowderhunter]

get on archery talk forum...the classifieds there are a gold mine.
also, some bows like bowtech aren't cam specific draw length, so that can be beneficial if your working on your form, or not 100% on draw length.
a 29.5 bow from one mfg to the other isnt always exactly the same

[Stein]

I bought a used bow and it turned out great, ideally you will buy a used bow from your local shop.  I ended up buying on off another forum which was a risk but it turned out fine.  I would shoot for a bow 1-2 years old that is flawless.  I would also try to steer toward a bow that is known to not be affected by dry-fires.  The previous owner may or may not be completely honest and I felt better having a bow that was tested for 1,500 dry fires.

Other than that, if you can find one tricked out you will save money as well on sights, rest, quiver, etc.

I took mine up to Riverside, had them go through it, adjust it to me and bought all the other stuff there and had it installed along with a dozen arrows.

It's a great way to get a flagship bow for half the cost.  There are tons of bows out there that have hardly been taken out of the house.

Sorry about this, but I really dislike this myth, especially when told to newer shooters. All bows are affected by dry fires. Hoyt tests thier riser to survive 1500 dryfires, and thier limbs to survive 1000, not the whole bow. While doing these tests they are replacing all the other parts that are breaking throughout the 1000-1500 dry fire testing. They do not have a guarantee though, and the rest of the parts on the bow can fail just like any other brand. That being said, yes IMO Hoyt is still the brand most likely to walk away from a dry fire with minimal, and if you’re lucky, no damage, but they are far from immune to it.

Thanks, good information to know.

I would also echo some other comments that the different brands have much different poundage and draw length adjustments.  Some have to buy new parts and others are just simple adjustments that can be made in minutes.

If I had it to do again, I would start at the bow shop, see what they have used and then if I had to go online (archerytalk), I would go back to the shop and see if they would be willing to help review bows I found in return for either a modest fee or for agreeing to buy all the other stuff from them.

I will say that I had a specific bow in left hand that I wanted and it was surprising how many like new bows come up on Archerytalk.  You can set up a saved search that is easy to use and it's only a matter of time until you find what you want.

[dilleytech]

4 main things I would look for is a bow with adjustable draw lengths like a bowtech. And look over the limbs, cams and condition of the string very closely. Any splinters or cracks in the limbs pass. Any sign of bends or stress marks on the cams pass. Used bows are not under warrenty so changing those things and you might as well buy new. A lot of people sell bows because there’s something wrong with them so keep that in mind.

[jrebel]

4 main things I would look for is a bow with adjustable draw lengths like a bowtech. And look over the limbs, cams and condition of the string very closely. Any splinters or cracks in the limbs pass. Any sign of bends or stress marks on the cams pass. Used bows are not under warrenty so changing those things and you might as well buy new. A lot of people sell bows because there’s something wrong with them so keep that in mind.

This couldn't be further from any experience I have had.   Most people sell bows because the want the newest greatest thing on the market.  I went through a phase were I sold bows every two years to upgrade.  A few buddies got great deals.  Most bows I have purchased usde for this reason as well......1-3 year old bows for pennies on the dollar of what they cost new.  Bows do not retain their value.  A 1K bow today is worth 600 a year later (or less).   

[dilleytech]

4 main things I would look for is a bow with adjustable draw lengths like a bowtech. And look over the limbs, cams and condition of the string very closely. Any splinters or cracks in the limbs pass. Any sign of bends or stress marks on the cams pass. Used bows are not under warrenty so changing those things and you might as well buy new. A lot of people sell bows because there’s something wrong with them so keep that in mind.

This couldn't be further from any experience I have had.   Most people sell bows because the want the newest greatest thing on the market.  I went through a phase were I sold bows every two years to upgrade.  A few buddies got great deals.  Most bows I have purchased usde for this reason as well......1-3 year old bows for pennies on the dollar of what they cost new.  Bows do not retain their value.  A 1K bow today is worth 600 a year later (or less).   

I said a lot of people not every person. Your right most bows get sold because someone wants a newer bow.