So you’re planning to buy a new bow in 2025…what an exciting time! For an archer, there are few things as exhilarating as “new bow day.” But, depending upon your circumstances, going to the pro shop to buy a new bow can also be stressful. What brand should you buy? What draw weight? How much do you need to spend to get the performance you want? All these uncertainties can be alleviated by a skilled salesperson at your local pro shop who knows the right questions to ask to guide you into the right bow to fit your needs, wants, and budget.
Let’s look at some of the questions your pro shop should be asking when you step up to the bow rack:
“What are your archery goals?”
Not everyone wants to do the same thing with their new bow. While many shops specialize in compound hunting bows, they aren’t the “holy grail” for everyone. The employee you’re working with should take some time to understand what you hope to do in this sport: shoot arrows in the back yard, go to some local 3D shoots, compete in indoor or outdoor target archery, bowhunt, or maybe all of the above. Almost as important is the follow-up question: “Do you want to do anything else in the future?” Maybe you want to begin with 3D shoots but also have hopes to go bowhunting in the future. Or you’re starting as a recreational backyard archer but you really want to gain enough confidence to compete in a local indoor league next season. Getting answers to these questions will get your bow buying journey off to the right start.
“Do you know what type of bow you’re looking for?”
Recurves, longbows, compounds, and crossbows are still all on the table at this point. So your salesperson should ask whether you have a preference of bow type, keeping your goals in mind. Here’s an example: You really like the simplicity of a traditional bow, but you also want to start with 3D shoots and hope to bowhunt later. This scenario calls for a takedown or ILF (International Limb Fitting) recurve bow that would let you start with lighter draw weight limbs and go a little heavier in the future if you want to get to a legal hunting weight. Are you a backyard archer who also wants to compete indoors with a compound bow? Speed isn’t too much of a concern, but having a bow that is lighter draw weight and longer axle-to-axle will serve you well. If you’re not sure what type of bow you want, the salesperson should be willing and able to explain the unique characteristics of each bow type and let you decide what appeals most.
“Have you already done some research?”
This question is much more important now than it was 5 or 10 years ago. These days, with endless information at your fingertips, most consumers have done quite a bit of research by the time they set foot in a retail store. Your salesperson should know this and understand the important role it plays in the buying process. If you’ve been cruising through YouTube videos for the past three months trying to narrow down your search, a good archery salesperson should view that as an opportunity to ask about your findings.“What did you learn?” “Do you have a good idea of what you’re looking for?” “Are there any bows you think you want to stay away from?” These questions will easily start a conversation led by your thoughts and ideas. The salesperson should then “fill in the blank spaces” by adding their thoughts and sharing personal experiences. If you’ve spent three months researching, the two things you don’t want to happen are a salesperson telling you that everything you’ve seen and read is wrong or handing you the bow you think you want without offering any other guidance.
“Do you have a budget in mind?”
The most important facet of this question is that it comes later in the conversation…not first. In a perfect world, everyone would be able to purchase the exact product they want…but it’s simply not always the case. Your archery salesperson should be respectful of the amount you are willing to spend as well as offering options that come in under your budget and will meet your needs. More follow-up questions here are always a good thing. For instance: “Is that your total budget for arrows and accessories, or just the bow?” “Are you going to need additional items like a target or bow case that we should include in the total purchase price?” “Is there any flexibility in your budget if we can get you in a better option for a little bit more?” This is where your salesperson should be earning your trust through honest and thoughtful conversation. If you don’t need to spend your full budget to get the perfect setup, they should encourage you to save the money or spend it on something else that will improve your game, like range time or coaching.
While this isn’t an exhaustive list, it should give you a good idea of what to expect from the employee assisting you in a bow purchase in 2025. Of course, after all these questions, the salesperson should be eager to have you try out a few options to see what fits and feels best. They should also take the time and effort to make sure whatever bow you’re purchasing fits properly and is tuned for consistent performance. I encourage you to do as much research as you like beforehand and to go into the buying experience with an open mind. Also consider where you are shopping before you head out to purchase a new bow. If you know that you definitely want “Brand A,” you’ll need to go to one of their dealers. Also keep in mind that in the event you need a part or warranty service from “Brand A,” you’ll need to go to one of their dealers. Having an open mind about brands and trying as many as possible will allow you to make a buying decision about the product as well as the pro shop that offers you the best service.
Want to find more information about selecting gear or finding an archery pro shop near you? Check out our store locator to get you started.
