1.) Wild Bob - 10/14/2015

I actually went into a small pro shop the other day and met the owner...Mike seemed like a nice down to earth guy that I would consider trading with (a retired Air Force man).

(**Disclosure: this is not intended to start out as a rant; I'm merely sharing my thought's / experience on the topic.**)

This is a big deal for me because I haven't found an archery shop that I would consider trading with for the last 18 years; but not that I've been trying to find one either, at least not after the first few years. Call me picky, call me difficult, call me what ever; it's just that I made the choice years ago to ditch the establishments and do my own thing. That ultimately translated into my seeking out equipment that I could take care of myself, based on my ability to work on it and service it myself. It's been great, and I've grown to enjoy doing my own adjusting, string changing and tinkering... but at times it has felt somewhat limiting and daunting when I've wanted to upgrade my equipment. Although, another upside of going that route is that I have not upgraded as many times as I might have otherwise...(I guess I'm one of those, if it ain't broke, don't fix it kind of guys!)

So all that being said, I test shot several Hoyts. Mike was very helpful and insightful without trying to push me into something (one of the primary reasons I got away from trading with pro shops to begin with.) After an hour and a half of conversation and trying out the Spyder, Nitrum and Factor, I was reconsidering that may be it is time to upgrade from my PSE.

I really liked the Nitrum. Within minutes and just a couple tweaks I was shooting it as well, if not better, than my bow. Now I am seriously considering an upgrade...

I know that this is a Ford/Chevy thing, and everyone has their personal favorites...but let me share a little bit more information with you so you understand why I'm less focused on shopping around:

1) This shop is located a tad over 3 hours from my home.

2) There are like zip...I mean zero other pro shops located in my home area. Sure there are couple of 'Outdoor' Type stores (one of which is right here in my home town) but they only offer one product line each (not crazy about either), and while they will help set you up, they do not offer any test shooting of their product lines.

3) The nearest big box outdoor stores are 5 and 7 hours from me (Cabelas, Scheels, Bob Ward). While they do have selection, I'm not sold or confident in their service / support.

So, I'm not sold yet...but I'm certainly hedging in that direction.

Anyone have any productive Hoyt experience(s) they'd be willing to share? (Please, no they suck, I wouldn't shoot one if my life depended on it feedback...I could get plenty of that elsewhere.)

2.) bluecat - 10/14/2015

That's all I shoot. I found a brand that seems to work well for me and I just stick with them. They offer a bow that is a little longer axle to axle which I like. My current bow is 35". I'm not sure what their current lineup is like. I wouldn't mind trying a carbon riser though.

3.) DParker - 10/14/2015

[QUOTE=Wild Bob;35351](Please, no they suck, I wouldn't shoot one if my life depended on it feedback...I could get plenty of that elsewhere.)[/QUOTE]

You might want to edit that to include cracks about boat anchors.

4.) Swamp Fox - 10/14/2015

Bullz-I will be along shortly...LOL

I'm less inclined to do my own work, and I like to talk shop, so I find a good bowsmith almost a necessity, plus fun. I have a good drive to get to one as well, passing several "rejects" along the way, but not as bad as three hours. I also don't have a problem buying things on-line, although not a bow model I've never shot before. (I've only done that once, with almost total satisfaction, but it might not have gone so well if I didn't have at least some idea of what I was getting into).


It's important to me to actually like the people I'm giving my money to if I can't get what I need on my own, regardless of whether I think I'll ever require service from them after the sale. So I'm with you on cutting the comparison shopping short, if I can find a good guy selling a good product at a fair price. I'd also be willing to spend a little extra if the first two items on that list are checked, since it saves me a lot of extra time spinning my wheels for no great reward.

5.) Wild Bob - 10/15/2015

"I also don't have a problem buying things on-line, although not a bow model I've never shot before. (I've only done that once, with almost total satisfaction, but it might not have gone so well if I didn't have at least some idea of what I was getting into)." - Swampy

I agree, and that is exactly the way I have operated until now...I guess I concerned that after a couple good experiences, I may be due a downer.

We'll see...I'm a bit of a tight-wad so dropping over 1k on a bow is a bit tough for me to justify at the moment. But is sure did shoot sweet!

6.) bluecat - 10/15/2015

I looked at their line up and looks like they have come up with a solution to cancel torque caused by roller guard. The Vector 35 I have has zero hand shock. It really is a marvel.

7.) bluecat - 10/21/2015

Let us know WB, if you get the bow.

8.) Wild Bob - 10/21/2015

I sure will. I'm pretty set on getting one...I'm just not sure when it will be (whether it will be a coordinated purchase or a covert operation) LOL.

Right now I'm working the coordinated angle first; I'm like the kid in Christmas story...just the other day I 'strategically placed' a Hoyt catalog with the Nitrum highlighted in amidst the wife's favorite magazines. :-) - I figure it can't hurt trying that first.

9.) Swamp Fox - 10/21/2015

Must be nice having other people buy you stuff...:wink

10.) Wild Bob - 10/22/2015

You cound have that too, if you'd deal with that sad limerick addiction...

(And may be up graded your pick up lines...) :-)