Used Bowfishing Bows For Sale: Pros and Cons

Each year around November new bowfishing bow models flood the market, promising the best fishing experience ever. These new bow models include many improvements, including better speed, lower weight, reduced vibrations, stronger draw, etc. But their price tag is also pumped. That is the main reason why many bowfishing enthusiasts wonder if used bowfishing bows for sale offer a great option to get a year-old bow model for a bargain.

The answer is not quite simple. Yes and no. Buying used bowfishing bow can have many advantages compared to buying a brand new bow. It is true that you can get a great bow for just half the money you would pay for a new model. But you can also buy damaged used bow that will need a lot of maintenance and repairs. In the end, you could spend more money on this than on a brand new bow.

The following article will cover the pros and cons of buying used bowfishing bows that are on sale every year when new bow models are released. At the end of this short guide, you will know what to look for when buying a used bow and what are the possible problems you might encounter. Avoiding them will save you plenty of time, nerves and most importantly, money.

Are New Bowfishing Bows Really Better Than The Used Ones?

It is true that new bows that are released every year are improved compared to the previous models. They have new functions and are made of new materials that are lighter as well as more resilient to damage and generally better.

But there is no guarantee that a brand new bow will work flawlessly. Just like any brand new version of a car can have some manufacturer’s error and requires a recall, a bow can encounter similar problems. A friend of mine once bought a brand new bow model and paid quite a lot of money for it. But he soon found out that this model had a flaw that even the manufacturer couldn’t fix. He got his money back but he didn’t bowfish much that season.

The point is that just because the bow is brand new, straight from the factory, it doesn’t mean that the model will have no flaws and recalls. But with used or a few years old models you can be sure that they have no hidden faults. You will be able to tune the bow to your needs and have a great bowfishing experience.

Benefits Of Buying Used Bowfishing Bows For Sale

Buying used bowfishing bows has plenty of benefits.

Firstly, you can easily get a great bow for a decent sum of money. To be honest, new bow models often have very high prices. In a year or two, their price will drop significantly and you will purchase an excellent model for much less money.

Secondly, used bows are a great way for a beginner to start his way around bowfishing. If you pay $1000 for a brand new bow, you will probably think twice about how to handle it. But when you go bowfishing with a used bow you will try much more with it and you will go further. You will not care so much if it gets a few new scratches. This doesn’t mean that you will treat your bow badly. Not at all. I know you will take care of it but you will dare to do things you wouldn’t normally do with your brand new bow. Trust me, I’ve been there.

Also, used bows are known to have no serial flaws from the manufacturer. Brand new models can have some hidden built-in flaws that get visible only over time. But if you buy a one- or two-years-old bow, you can be certain that no hidden flaws are waiting for you.

Cons Of Buying Used Bowfishing Bows

One of the main problems when buying used bowfishing bows (and used items in general) is that you don’t always know how the previous owner handled them. If you come across a great owner who took care of his bow, cleaned it regularly, changed strings when it was needed and made everything to keep the bow in a good shape, then you have a winner.

But keep in mind that not all owners are like this. Some don’t care much about their bow, some don’t have time or patience to take care of it properly. Remember that a damaged bow can also be a hazard. If the bow has any cracks or if strings are old, you can have a problem. If a bow cracks, small pieces can hit you in the face or arm, harming you or the people around you.

So always make sure to check the used bow you are planning to buy. Down below you can find a list of things you have to be careful about.

Where Can You Buy Used Bowfishing Bows?

There are many different places that offer used bowfishing bows for sale. Start looking around in your local area. Hunting and fishing shops don’t sell only brand new equipment. Some shops also offer second-hand bows, lights and other fishing gear you might need. Some shops also sell second-hand equipment that was traded in when buying a new bow model.

If you are a member of a fishing or hunting group or association, check with other members to see if you can find any used bowfishing bows for sale. If you buy your bow from someone you know, you can be sure about its history. You know how the bow was handled, if it had any major repairs and if anything else was wrong with it in the past.

A great way to find good used fishing bow is also by visiting hunting and fishing fairs, expos or exhibitions. Keep in mind that these things are usually reserved for showing off brand new models but you can also meet a lot of new people and they also have contacts or know people selling used or second-hand bows and equipment.

It is always great to check on the Internet to see what is being sold in your area. There are plenty of sites that are offering free ads and you should check them out. Always make sure that you contact the buyer near you so you can drive over and inspect the bow yourself. I strongly suggest that you don’t buy a used bow online without checking it and trying it out yourself.

What To Be Careful About When Buying Used Bowfishing Bows For Sale

One of the most important pieces of advice is, and I can’t stress that enough, never buy a used bow without seeing and trying it first. Pictures on the Internet can look great and the bow may seem flawless but only when you hold it, try it out, hear it and see how it bends you will know what you are buying. If you have an option, try shooting the bow. Only through releasing the arrow you will get a feel for the draw and you will know if the bow is in a good condition and, also very important, if it fits you.

Talk to the seller. Ask him how long he’s had the bow, how much he used it, how it was maintained… Is he the first owner? Or did he already buy a used bow? Inspect the bow for any scratches. Is it damaged? Try it to see how it performs when you shoot. Do you hear any strange sounds when you draw and release the arrow?

Be thorough but don’t be petty. A few minor scratches mean nothing. If the string is used, you can simply replace it. Don’t try to bargain for any cost. If the bow is in great condition, don’t try to rip the seller off by offering too little money. If the seller is fair to you, be fair to him. Nobody likes a cheapskate, so don’t be one.

Before you decide which used bow model you wish to buy, research it online. Check if there are any major flaws with these models. If there are, forums will be full of owners talking about that. The Internet is also a great way of finding out for how much money different used bowfishing bow models are being sold. That way you can quickly find out what’s the price range you will have to pay and if the seller is asking too much.

First Things To Do After Buying Used Bowfishing Bow

The first thing you should do when you buy a used bow is to put it in perfect condition. If you can, take it to your local bowhunting shop. Let them inspect it again and advise you what to change. Let them take care of any problems you might have and tune the bow for you. Then replace any parts they suggest. Your shop will help you put the bow in great condition and ready for use.

Then go and replace all strings and cables. Manufacturers usually recommend you change them every two years. But you can’t be sure when the previous owner changed them. So change them to prevent any further damage to your bow.

Also, inspect your bow for any rust. Rust is a common problem and is not a big deal. Use bronze wool and try to completely remove all the rust. Then apply rust preventative to make sure rust won’t get in your way soon.

To Buy Or Not To Buy Used Bowfishing Bow?

Buying used bowfishing bow has many advantages but you also have to know what problems you might encounter. Sometimes you can get a great bow for a bargain but remember that all used bowfishing bows are not what you are looking for. A damaged or badly maintained bow will give you a bad bowfishing experience. Even worse, it can also be dangerous for you and the people around you.

Keep in mind the tips you just read in this article and your chances of buying a great used bow will increase significantly. Post in the comments if you have ever bought a used bow and share your experience! Also, let us know if you have any other questions or concerns. We will be happy to talk about them.