How old is your bow?
Contributors to this thread:Equipment
From: Rut Nut
17-Aug-17
Actually should have said: How many years have you been hunting with your current bow?
This will be my 26th year of bowhunting and I have used 2 compounds in that time. Used the first one until 2004 when I upgraded to a Darton Vapor. I am still using it today.
From: XMan
17-Aug-17
Two weeks old, just got a new Hoyt Defiant for my 50th birthday!
From: Brotsky
17-Aug-17
This will be my 2nd season on my current Xpedition. I love the bow but it will probably be it's last trip into the hills. I'm going to lose the 70# and go to 60# next year, most likely with another Xpedition:)
From: Dyjack
17-Aug-17
First year on my PSE premonition. I hunted with a pse drive lt for three or four years before I made the leap to the new one. Got it set up better me now that I have a better understanding of archery.
From: HerdManager
17-Aug-17
I usually keep them about 10 years. I'm 50, on bow #4.
From: Mainer
17-Aug-17
15th year on my PSE. Still works.
From: Rut Nut
17-Aug-17
Happy Birthday XMan! : )
Herd and Mainer- I guess we are in the minority so far! ;-)
From: cnelk
17-Aug-17
5 yrs with my PSE Drive
From: wv_bowhunter
17-Aug-17
This fall will make my 18th with my Mathews Q2.
From: 3dirtdevils
17-Aug-17
Starting 4th season with Mathews ChillR
From: elkstabber
17-Aug-17
This will be my 35th season. I started young. I've had two compounds and four recurves. Been using my current favorite Black Widow recurve since 2011.
From: Chuckster
17-Aug-17
2005 bowtech liberty. Tight spot quiver, trophy ridge matrix sight and NAP 4000 rest. Still rockin...
From: greg simon
17-Aug-17
Four year old Carbon Spyder. Before that 14 years with a Hoyt Ultra Tec.
From: Nick Muche
17-Aug-17
17 months and 17 big game animals with my current bow. Entertained getting a new one but decided this bought used for half price Nitrum 34 is just fine.
From: XbowfromNY
17-Aug-17
63 shots old, a couple of weeks.
From: sdbowhunter
17-Aug-17
Going on 12th year with Mathews switchback xt
From: drycreek
17-Aug-17
Both of mine are fairly new, but only because I'm headed down in draw weight. I went through a couple used bows before I settled on a 2015 E35 and a 2016 Synergy, both bought used, as Nick said, for a deep discount. I don't expect to ever buy another.
Just had the rest replaced on the Synergy, and about to swap the mods on the E35, then just hunt !
From: SoDakSooner
17-Aug-17
starting year 4 with my alloy. Sad to say it still has not been properly blooded yet. Great shooting bow, but almost exclusively elk hunting now. Probably have 10 sits for deer in the last 4 years.
From: 12yards
17-Aug-17
I've been a bit of a bow slut of late. In the last 10 years I've had a Jennings Promaster, Hoyt Vectrix XL, Martin Bengal, Mathews Drenalin, Hoyt Maxxis 35 and now an Elite Synergy and GT500. I hunted with the Synergy last year and picked up the GT this past winter to back up my Synergy. I really like that GT!
From: Lone Bugle
17-Aug-17
11 bows in 30 years. Most in my early days. Just bought the Bowtech Reign 7. Smoothest bow ever!
I'm not counting my recurves.... still have 5 of them....
From: t-roy
17-Aug-17
Same as sdbowhunter. Left hand version.
From: DartonJager
17-Aug-17
Had to sit down and figure it out. 16 compounds and 1 recurve in 42 years of bow hunting. In order of ownership: Bear Kodiac magnum at age 12. 1-York Excalliber, 2 Golden Eagle bows, then 2 PSE's then a High Country Sniper, another 2 PSE's, 1 Hoyt won as a door prize never used and re-gifted, 1-LNIB Bowtech Constitution I bought for less than $200 never shot and gave to my best friend and life long hunting partner for his 50th B-day and proceeded to use it to kill a 155" 10 pointer, Darton Maverick RC, Darton Tundra, 1-Elite bought new and still have never shot, 1-High Country X10 Speed bow and my latest archery acquisition a 2014 NIB Darton DS3714. By far the DS3714 is the best all around bow I have ever shot, edging out my 2nd favorite my X10. All of my other compounds save for my Dartons, X10, Elite, and 2 PSE's I gave to young archers to help them get started in archery. My first compound was a 70lb DW. Then in my foolish quest for speed upped to an 82lb DW then back down to 65lb DW and now shoot at a 56lb DW.
From: Rob Nye
17-Aug-17
My BW longbow is about 20 years old Martin Savannah long bow about 10 ish.
From: Crusader dad
17-Aug-17
Same age as me. 34 years old. I'll still outshoot most guys!! Plus my bow killed a polar bear. And a few other NABG animals. The original owner of mine has his NA slam.
From: PECO
17-Aug-17
I bought a Diamond Black Ice new in 08. I just came in from shooting it. I still hunt with it. I got an 07? Mathews Drenalin on a trade 6 years ago for a back up, still hunt with it. I also have a number of recurves I hunt with.
From: Backpack Hunter
17-Aug-17
9 years for me.
From: kadbow
17-Aug-17
Mine is 54 years old. Hunting elk with a 1963 Bear Kodiak.
From: Dino
17-Aug-17
1 year old Hoyt Carbon Defiant 34...best bow I've shot and owned.
From: wyobullshooter
17-Aug-17
2nd season with my BowTech BTX-28.
From: Rob in VT
17-Aug-17
2005 BowTech Defender.
From: yooper89
17-Aug-17
Halon 32. Bought it used from a kid who switched sponsorships to Hoyt. Was a gift to myself for my first father's day. Best bow I've ever shot, worth every penny.
From: pawpaw
17-Aug-17
10 years bowtech allegiance
From: LKH
17-Aug-17
59 years
From: DL
17-Aug-17
I expected someone to post 4-5 hundred years because of the age of the tree the wood was taken from.
From: Redheadtwo
17-Aug-17
My oldest bow age wise is a 1967 1/2 Bear Kodiak Hunter that has been in my possession for 14 years that is my primary trad bow. The bow I've had the longest that I hunt with every year is a 1995 Browning Mirage FPS. Unfortunately the Browning won't be used this year as I have a serious cataract in my dominant eye so using a peep is a no-go.
From: BOHUNTER09
17-Aug-17
3 year old Mathews nocam.
From: KsRancher
17-Aug-17
on year 14 with my Matthews FX2
From: MathewsMan
17-Aug-17
My current compound is a 2006 Mathews SBXT, bear recurve 1964 and my Pro Line wing was produced in 1966 but I applied diamondback snake skins and refinished it a year ago
From: elk yinzer
17-Aug-17
Entering season 5 with my Elite Answer. Don't see replacing it for another 5 years at a minimum.
My Cleveland driver is going on 12 and I can still hit it 300 just fine.
I don't fall for advertising and the Joneses can kiss my ass.
Did I accidentally find my way to the leatherwall though?
From: RJ Hunt
17-Aug-17
I am still using my 2007 PSE x force. Shoots broadheds like darts.
From: Trial153
17-Aug-17
Shooting two bows going into this hunting season, a 2016 Elite Spirit and 2017 NewBreed GX2
From: T Mac
17-Aug-17
Bought a used 2007 bowtech guardian in '09 and still going strong
From: Shug
17-Aug-17
Matthews Icon 14 yrs old
From: Bake
17-Aug-17
Starting my 4th season with a Heli-m.
I'd say it has another season or three ahead of it
From: Bowfinatic
18-Aug-17
3rd yr with carbon spyder turbo
From: ahunter55
18-Aug-17
I bought a used Darton Ex Vegas in 2012 & still using it (5th year). Previous was a Darton Single cam 2004 till I got the Vegas (8 years). B/4 the single cam I used a 1989 Darton WH600 (that's 15 years) Some model Darton for 43 years now..
From: BOHNTR
18-Aug-17
My compound is a Bowtech Invasion....about 5 years old. My recurve is a takedown built by Jim Brackenbury......that will NEVER get old.
From: Rut Nut
18-Aug-17
Very interesting responses guys! Thanks.
When I started the thread yesterday I was primarily interested in how many years have you hunted with your "primary" bow? And I was more interested in the compound bows as the new technology tends to influence those more than the stickbows. Just wondered if I was in the minority as far as bow longevity. I don't expect to buy another bow for the next 10 yrs or so. I'm the kind of guy that tends to stick with something that is working and not just buy something because it is new. Looks like there are a few others like me here! ;-)
From: deaver25btb
18-Aug-17
On year 17 with my 2000 Mathews SQ2. Still does the job every year, so I have a hard time getting a new one.
From: pav
18-Aug-17
Bought a used Mathews Drenalin LD in 2012....and it remains my primary hunting bow. Not looking to replace it any time soon.
From: bucktail
18-Aug-17
My bow is so old I don't remember how old it is. PSE Mach 4 still shoot it with XX78 2312 arrows and 100 gr. wasp 3bld broad heads. I shoot it well, and never had a deer say dam you shot me with an old bow !
I also hunt with a Bob Lee recurve bow 50lb. made in 2003.
From: Charlie Rehor
18-Aug-17
64 days!
From: 12yards
18-Aug-17
PECO, I was looking for an older lefty 50 pound compound for my middle boy and found a Black Ice. I think I paid $200 for it a couple years ago. It is a sweet shooting bow for sure!
From: Robbo
18-Aug-17
Mine is being picked up today! A new obsession!
From: huntaholic
18-Aug-17
10 years with my Mathews DXT, I think this is her last (still shoots great, just itching for an upgrade). I hope to notch another Elk tag in WY before retiring her.
I keep saying it's my last year with this bow and then I go and drop a pile of money on tags and leases and decide that the old girl has another season in her!
From: bowhunter55
18-Aug-17
Bought the original Chill when it came out. So about 5 yrs with it and still love it.
From: sticksender
18-Aug-17
My Hoyt CST is a '14 and honestly there's no good reason to change after 4 years. But still, I probably won't be able to resist looking into a new Hoyt later this fall. I still own every bow I've ever used for hunting, and keep them as back-ups, and for bow-fishing.
From: Buglmin
18-Aug-17
Brand new Prime Centergy, and I'm waiting on an Athens Archery Altitude. My Tribe Halo longbow is three months old.
From: Matt_B
18-Aug-17
Started bow hunting around '88-89 with a FB Black Bear, hunted with that till around '93. Upgraded that to an Oneida AeroForce and have been hunting with that ever since. Love the simplicity of it and silky smooth draw. Oh she's tuned up and ready for another season of awesomeness...I cannot wait for the season to start :) Good luck to all!
From: Shawn
18-Aug-17
Compounds, 3 in the last 15 years. This Mathews is 3 years now. Recurves at least 100 plus in 15 years. I am shooting an RER this year as my go to curve. Shawn
From: LINK
18-Aug-17
07 Switchback
From: Starfire
18-Aug-17
My Aplhamax is 9 years old. Beware of the man who only owns one gun. He probably knows how to use it.
From: Rut Nut
18-Aug-17
LOL! I always liked that quote! : )
From: LUNG$HOT
18-Aug-17
My primary was purchased in 2012 and my back up is a 2007 model. Both still work great and kill things dead.
From: Scum Frog
18-Aug-17
Entering my 17th season with my 2000 Bear Archery Silverback compound.
From: APauls
18-Aug-17
My recurve was born in May - a custom Tall times, and for compounds I started out with a Bowtech patriot last year. Matthews Switchback XT for 8 years prior to that
From: Fulldraw1972
18-Aug-17
My Defiant Pro Turbo is 4 months old.
From: BOX CALL
18-Aug-17
My old PSE thunder flite is up there,as is my Jennings split- t,but old school is still getting the job done.got a martin cougar 11,and a martin cougar magnum with energy cams I'm awfully tempted to carry this year.there sighted in but not camo painted yet.
From: AZ~Rich
18-Aug-17
My Switchback since 2005 has treated me well!
From: Bowfreak
18-Aug-17
I'm still shooting a Jennings Forked Lightning. Still kills on the off chance I actually hit what I'm shooting at. No reason to change. :)
From: OkieJ
18-Aug-17
21 yr. old Predator recurve and a 20 yr.old Bob Lee recurve.
From: carcus
19-Aug-17
2013 experience and 2014 rpm 360, wont be changing any time soon
From: tobywon
19-Aug-17
I'm still hunting with my 2002 Mathews FX
From: WV Mountaineer
19-Aug-17
2017 mission reason. Bought it new this summer when I decided to go back to compounds for a while. I love it. One fast shooting, smooth drawing, dead in the hand bow. God Bless
From: Drummer Boy
19-Aug-17
2005 Switchback I still shoot it well,my last recurve Bill Steward 1996.Back in the 90's I was nuts, how many bows I bought both custom trad and compounds.
From: RJ Hunt
19-Aug-17
My hunting bow like I said above is 10 years old. When I find one I feel is a better product I will buy. But currently it shoots lights out and tunes out like a dream. I have found all bows are different. Even the same make/model can vary quite a bit on shootability and accuracy. When I find a good one I stick with it. Maybe just me but I know when I draw my bow she will put my arrow in the spot. Just my 0.02 and hey... elk are running in 7 days here. Got to pack. Good luck all!
From: Knothead
19-Aug-17
I've been shooting a $20 bow since 2012. I bought one $20 raffle ticket for a 2012 Hoyt carbon element at the AZ bowhunter happening in July 2012. They only sold 100 ticket and I won.
The next year they did another drawing for a Remington Versa Max semi-auto shotgun. Again, they only sold 100 $20 tickets and I bought one ticket. Guess what? I won again. Gave that gun to my son for his 18th birthday. Now he tells everyone he has a $20 shotgun.
From: Buck Watcher
19-Aug-17
This will be my 3rd hunting season with this bow.
From: Gabarus
20-Aug-17
2007 bowtech tribute. Have no desire to replace it.
From: Pigsticker
20-Aug-17
Just donated a 2004 Matthews legacy to a non bow hunter. That's what I have done with my last two. Now have 07 Drenalin that is pig bow and 2013 Matthews Chill but I see an Elite on the near horizon.
From: Bake
20-Aug-17
Starting my 4th season with a Heli-m.
I'd say it has another season or three ahead of it
From: PoudreCanyon
20-Aug-17
I'm on my 4th season with my PSE evo-7. I like to buy the top of the line bow from 2-3 years ago - you can still find them new and you typically get them about 50% off sticker price.
