A Confession and an Oath

[Patrick]

#3113

Way back when I was shooting a compound and working in an archery/gun shop, I was switching bows, sights, arrows, etc., constantly. In theory, I hated doing so. In practice, I loved doing so. After I quit working there, I had the same compound bow for 11 years, which was nice. When I switched to a longbow, I did so because I wanted to simplify. One bow, no sights, no attached rest. I fully intended to become so familiar with my new longbow that it would become part of me (cliche, I know 🙄 ). I had decided to use carbon arrows. An extension of that simplicity in my eye, although not necessarily traditional to some. I’ve since changed arrows once. I started with Stinger broadheads, out of ignorance to other traditional heads, as well as to Dr. Ashby’s research. I’ve since changed broadheads once. I tend to change things when I don’t need to, and/or shouldn’t.

OATH: I am NOT buying a new bow any time soon. I’m going to stick to the Abowyer Brown Bears, as they are shooting well, and holding up well (since I have 6 of them). I cancelled my order for the Ashby’s (This is more of a timing thing. I’ll reorder some in the spring. At the very least, I can use them to barter if the US dollar tanks 😆 ). Simplify, simplify, simplify.

I’m saying all of this to all of you because this will help with accountability. 😉

Disclaimer: If I change…I won’t tell any of you! :oops::lol::lol::lol: (joking)

[Chris Shelton]

#16637

I understand exactly what you are talking about. It is like the old saying if it aint broke dont fix it. Last christmas I didnt follow that rule! I decided to try the easton full metal jackets not realizing what full metal jacket actually means. Before this purchase, I had shot the Beeman ICS bowhunters, Beeman MFX classics, Easton Axis shafts, Carbon Express Heritage shafts, and some easton aluminum shafts way back in the beginning of my journey.

The full metal jackets were okay, but not for a fellow that lives in a rocky area and misses rabbits alot. So the inner core would be fine but the shafts would still bend, and break like aluminum. I should have just stayed with the standards that I have discovered. So now, although I love the MFX classic shafts because of there small diameter, wood grain finish, superior strength and durability- I didnt like there price! So now I shoot the Beeman ICS bowhunter shafts, I am thinking of going to the 3rivers traditional only shafts, they are the same shaft but with the wood grain finish that I love! Seeing as how I own 5 bows, I definatly do not need anymore, I barely have enough time to shoot them all myself. So I am going with your oath!

One question, why did you switch from the stingers? Just wondering because that is what I am shooting now and I have not actually killed anything with them, wondering if you know something that I dont!!?

[Patrick]

#16658

Greatreearcher wrote: One question, why did you switch from the stingers? Just wondering because that is what I am shooting now and I have not actually killed anything with them, wondering if you know something that I dont!!?

Hey GTA, the blade is too thin and/or soft and the edge rolls VERY easily. Plus, they’re just not as heavy as I’d like. I’m currently at 250 grains with my Abowyer Brown Bears because, for some bizarre reason, I bought the 75 grain adapter, rather than the 125 grain adapter. I’m swapping out the 75’s for 125’s, which will put me RIGHT where I wanted to be (300 grains)…and will remain.

[rayborbon]

#16820

I’ll make my confession. I hate compound bows.

The Magnus Stinger is a good broadhead. Flies well, sharp and I like that I can change the blade. Got two kills on them now and holding up well.

[RRZESCH]

#17174

Patrick, I guess I am the opposite when I find something that works I stick with it. Fedora 560 TD, goldtip with a lot of weight up front and a stinger. I often think about getting another bow then I realize that it could be as good as the Fedora but more than likely not better, sometimes I wish the Fedora was not so sweet:D. I have made a number of bows also and when it is time to go the Fedora goes with me.

I am not trying to promot Fedora (even though it sounds like it), could be any other well made bow. My point is if you like what you got and it works why change.

[Patrick]

#17215

I forgot the other disclaimer: my son gets my bow and I get the new one this coming year. 😳 😉

I’ve been thinking about it and I think the reason I’ve changed my gear often over the years is it gives me TEMPORARY relief from target panic. It ALWAYS helps, but it’s ALWAYS temporary.

[William Warren]

#17380

While I do like a new bow now and then, I won’t switch back and forth between longbows and recurves during the season. Taking Fred Asbel’s advice from a past TradBow article, I pick the bow I want to hunt with I shoot only that bow until season’s end. As for my arrows, I like wood, cedar for target, hardwood for hunting. However I also use aluminum mostly because I have a supply left over from the compound days. And I like Zwickey heads but I also like the old Bear Razorheads. These things have worked for me so I don’t see a need to change.

[LimbLover]

#17491

I made the same oath in July once I found the right arrow setup. My shooting has improved dramatically by just remaining consistent.

I’m getting the urge to buy a longbow now though. I just have a feeling I’d shoot a longbow really well.

My oath – to avoid being impulsive – was that I would make the switch ONLY after my first deer with a recurve. This was before the season and when I was really confident I would shoot a deer.

Now I’m not so sure I can hold out that long.

[Daniel]

#17519

A day at a time folks, great tread Patrick 🙂

SB

[Patrick]

#17524

Welcome, LimbLover! I recognize your picture from your Twitter account!

Thanks SB.

[Stephen Graf]

#18255

“Confession and an Oath”. What a great title. I was expecting something juicy,… oh well.

I can’t make that commitment because I am always finding ways to “improve” my setup. I also like to see what happens when I try something different. Not talking about spending a bunch of money on grizzly sticks. Talking about fooling around with the string, the arrow shelf, feathers, nocks, etc.

I think if I got to the point where I thought I had all my problems licked and didn’t need to change my setup and would just hunt with the same stuff from then on,….I’d quit.

But, in the spirit of not changing things, I think you should put your other “hat picture” back up. I, liked it.:D

[LimbLover]

#18669

Thanks Patrick! You too! I was pumped to see that you were on here. I’m hoping I can add as many bowhunters as possible to my Twitter account.

-Nick

[Patrick]

#19513

steve graf wrote: But, in the spirit of not changing things, I think you should put your other “hat picture” back up. I, liked it.:D

Lol! Your wish is my command. That’s my favorite hat too. My wife hates, or at least she used to. She’s used to it now (or so she says). Mind you, she won’t go so far as to say she likes it though. 😆

[Daniel]

#19581

Patrick,

I must tell you I have been seriously thinking about your Oath and I am going to try and do the same. I was humbled by your decision. I confess, I must of owned every kind of bow out there, all of the bows have been good to me and the bowyers extremely kind, gracious and understanding.

My hat is off to you for making such a decision and living by it. I do however love to read about the new advancements being made in terms of technology. I can recall reading on another tread, “why change something when it ain’t broke”. Guess there is much to say about that too.

What is so important to me is not what we take for ourselves but how we wish to give it onto others. Your tread gave me the urge to get back to shooting wooden arrows, something that has since then brought a smile to my face.

Thanking you Patrick, Guru and the others awesome folks on this site for your sharing your thoughts, it actually takes alot of courage to do so and for that reason, I for one want to raise my camo ball cap to all of you. 🙂

SB

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