[pigeonhunter]

I would like to get in to archery but it's so expensive . I was considering buy my equipment from Cabela's because it's so much cheaper 8) but then you don't get the same service as if you bought it at an archery shop . Basically I was wondering what your opinions are on buying your equipment mail order.
Thanks. :wink:

 

[CartridgeGuy]

It is best to go to a shop and talk with a qualified person about your needs. Handle different bows, draw them over (if they are not zip-tied), ask questions and have the salesman suggest 2 or 3 bows that would suit you in your price range. Then order one from Cabela's if the price is cheaper.

I have ordered arrows, sights and such from catalogs, but you really need to handle the bow you intend to purchase. You are correct, a good archery shop will "set you up" or tune your equipment (for a fee mind you), which is something I don't know if Cabela's can or will do for mail order.

For a first purchase, I would stick to a quailified shop.

 

[pigeonhunter]

Thanks Mike.

 

[MSCOTT]

If you really don't know what you're doing, then go to an archery shop and get your bow there. It may be a little more initial investment, but they can do a lot more for you than any catalog. I've been bowhunting for about 16 years and always buy my bows from a shop. If there are any problems you run into the shop should be able to fix you up or deal with the manufacturer. After you've learned a little bit about how things work you'll know what to order and what not to order from catalogs. Most shops are also a good place to learn from experienced shooters also, kinda like going to a trap or skeet range.

 

[Rick618]

You will waste more money through mail order than you will ever save by buying local, especially starting out. Once you've been into the sport awhile, you can catch deals on odds and ends.
Yes, it can be pricey to start out, but you dont have to have the latest and greatest to kill a deer. Part of what you are paying for is the knowledge that you have access too and often tuning and set up are included when you buy. Look at some of the used models that folks have traded in and shoot the bow before you buy it, that's something you can't do with mailorder.

 

[Birdbrained]

I bought my last bow, a beautiful tiger myrtlewood longbow, from a traditional archery shop, Raptor Archery in Hood River, OR. (www.raptorarchery.com). I highly recommend them. The kind of personal service, friendship, and advice you get in a shop can never be duplicated through a catalog. In fact, some shops, like Raptor, even put out their own catalogs, so you get the best of both worlds.

By the way, as a previous stringed rifle, I mean, compound shooter, you may want to consider traditional archery. It's a blast! If you do, you'll be hooked for life.