Your opinion wanted

[rosscrazyelk]

So I  am a old school guy and kinda stubborn. I don't have a outlandish budget to go buy all the new stuff every year.
My bow is over 15 years old. Parker Hunter mag, it shoots at 280 fps no problem. Taken my fair share of animals with it. So please educate me on why a new bow is better.
Thank you

[Boss .300 winmag]

I often wondered this same question, seems like lots of bow hunters on here are always upgrading to he next new bow, makes no since to me either.

[Timberstalker]

Year to year, the differences are subtle.  After 15 years, I think you would be shocked in the differences.  The new bows are faster, quieter, so dead in the hand and overall just better machines.  Your bow is perfectly fine, however you won't have to justify buying a new bow, after you shoot some of the newer bows.  It will be crystal clear.

Go to your local shop and shoot a couple of the top contenders (HOYT and MATHEWS ) and see for yourself.

It's like anything, technology related; new models offer new options.

[Special T]

You've been shooting an old bow for quite some time. I did as well I shot an old PSE Bruin for a bunch of years. I upgraded to a used switchback that was a few years old. It was a night and day difference!

If you found a major name bow that was less than 5 years old that you shot and liked you would be in heaven. Your shot group size will likely shrink AND if something goes wrong with your bow you can get the parts. Unless you just put a new string on its not a bad investment.

[jackelope]

I agree. The old bow works fine, but when I switched from my old Reflex bow to my Alphamax, it was an amazing difference.

[mountainman]

Your bow has, as you stated, taken many animals. A tool you have confidence in. No reason TO change. I shoot/own/have owned over 50 bows probably thru the years. Grab my longbow anymore for hunting. Fast bows are fun when competing, but love the aesthetics, simplicity, and confidence in my longbow. It too has taken many animals👍

[demontang]

In the last 10 years bows have changed a lot. They have kind of hit the limit on how fast they can push. But the vibration and shoot ability is still changing very slightly. I switch from a big name to a small company and was amazed. You don't have to spend a lot to get a good newer bow.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Biggest part I liked when I went from Martin Lynx Magnum to my Mathews Legacy was weight of bow and speed. Arms arent as tired at the end of the day of hiking with it.

[MtnMuley]

I've upgraded every 8-10 years. Each time I noticed big difference. Smoother, lighter, faster, more let off, and quieter to name a few big differences of my upgrade. Last upgrade was in 2012 and I have no desire to upgrade yet.

[jackelope]

I've upgraded every 8-10 years. Each time I noticed big difference. Smoother, lighter, faster, more let off, and quieter to name a few big differences of my upgrade. Last upgrade was in 2012 and I have no desire to upgrade yet.

Sounds like a good plan. Mines a 2009 and I have no reason to change mine yet. I think some folks just like to try new stuff. It seems like they take a bath though when they sell their 1 year old bows for half of retail. 

[Firedogg]

Thow shall not covet thy neighbor's ....  keep using your old bow until it does not work or there is a physical reason to change.

[JJB11B]

I've upgraded every 8-10 years. Each time I noticed big difference. Smoother, lighter, faster, more let off, and quieter to name a few big differences of my upgrade. Last upgrade was in 2012 and I have no desire to upgrade yet.

Sounds like a good plan. Mines a 2009 and I have no reason to change mine yet. I think some folks just like to try new stuff. It seems like they take a bath though when they sell their 1 year old bows for half of retail. 

My first "Real" bow was a 2009 (I think) I bought it new Alien X. I still have it and have bought several other decent used Martins since then. I have 2 Firecats and my Alien. I haven't Archery hunted in 2 years though.....

[724wd]

what's the let off on your Parker?  How much does it weigh?  Is it as quiet as the new bows?  how much hand shock does it have?  are the limbs parallel or upright?  as has been stated, there have been some great advancements since your bow was made.  But your bow will continue killing animals just as it has been, just like recurves and long bows still kill animals.  there is no NEED to change.   

[huntingfool7]

I have a Parker Hunter Mag.  It's a solid bow.  It is very forgiving of the shooters form or lack of it.  You'll notch tags with it for as long as you decide to use it. 

Newer bows have a lot less hand shock.  You likely don't notice it now because you are used to it but the Hunter Mag jumps forward pretty good.  Newer bows don't kill any better or any further.

[jrebel]

Think of it like a car.....A 15 yo car still runs and gets you from point a to point b.  The new car does so more comfortably and more efficient.....Largely due to technology.