Why not Bass Pro Shop

[boxerjake77]

I keep hearing people say stay away from bass pro when buying
a bow,why? They have big name brands,and what looks like nice
complete set ups. Are they junk,or is it the staff that can't fit you
properly for the right bow.Just wondering,in the market myself.

 

[Big B]

My Brother in law bought a bow there a year or so ago the guy that set him up was a good guy he new his stuff. Some of the others not so much. If his name comes to me I'll post it up but overall good experience.

 

[Len-2A Training]

I've seen George setting up bows there. If that helps jog your memory.

I know that George is a gun person. I know nothing about bows.

 

[Big B]

There was actually 2 of them the first one was JD the other guy was Lee Both where good guys. I new if I sat here long enough I would come up with it.

 

[DukeInFlorida]

I interviewed with Cabelas when they were hiring six months before opening up here in Maine.

It was very obvious from two aspects that they didn't care whether you knew anything about an individual department:

Starting pay for part timers was a mere $9.50 an hour.... what!!!??? I don't think so...... (what kind of people do you get for that pay rate?)

They were taking all warm bodies that were willing to be inserted in whatever department they needed to fill.

So, when you go into any big box store, you need to be prepared with your own knowledge, and not try to rely on anyone who works there for advice.

Now, having said that... I know there are exceptions.
But generally speaking, the only time I ever ask for advice in a big box store is it I don't really need the advice, have extra time, and want to re-prove my theory.

 

[C-pher]

I can tell you that Bass Pro takes the department you work in very serious. They have several tests that you have to take before you can work in a department...and they aren't easy tests.

I worked in the gun department, and the test made me nervous and I feel I know my stuff OK. I saw the bow test...and I had NO idea any of the stuff on there. Also, many of the bow department are certified bow techs.

Lee and JD both know their stuff really well...and just so you know, DIM, they pay the people there a lot more than 9.50 an hour...only because they want good people working there...wtih not a lot of turnover.

I no longer work there...so honestly I can't say that it's still like that...but when they opened...they were very strict on who they hired.

Also, I believe most of our bow guys are certified by the state for deer checking as well.

 

[Martlet]

I keep hearing people say stay away from bass pro when buying
a bow,why? They have big name brands,and what looks like nice
complete set ups. Are they junk,or is it the staff that can't fit you
properly for the right bow.Just wondering,in the market myself.

In my most humble opinion, box stores aren't where you go for specialized gear you're unfamiliar with. I'll walk into a Bass, Cabela's, or Dick's to buy things cheaply and conveniently, but only if I know what I'm looking for.

The bow you get can make or break your experience. There are so many things that go into finding the bow that works for you at your current level, I personally believe a specialist is needed.

I took the advice I received on the forum when I bought my bow years ago. I went to http://www.jerrysbaitandtackle.com/ in Milford. I was so impressed with his service and prices, I continue to drive out there for most of my needs. He would certainly be my suggestion.

 

[Mark from MA]

In my most humble opinion, box stores aren't where you go for specialized gear you're unfamiliar with. I'll walk into a Bass, Cabela's, or Dick's to buy things cheaply and conveniently, but only if I know what I'm looking for.

The bow you get can make or break your experience. There are so many things that go into finding the bow that works for you at your current level, I personally believe a specialist is needed.

I took the advice I received on the forum when I bought my bow years ago. I went to http://www.jerrysbaitandtackle.com/ in Milford. I was so impressed with his service and prices, I continue to drive out there for most of my needs. He would certainly be my suggestion.

I really can't speak for Bass Pro...the bows they carry there are fine, as is most of the modern equipment out there now. It is very ajustable for draw length and weghts. The do not carry "Pro shop bows" but have some very good models...the Diamond line of bows is very good. As Duke said, you should have dione some homework and know what rest, sights and arrows you want to use. PM me if you have questions and want to buy from the big box stores....I've got 20 years of bowhunting experience and kill 6+ deer a year with my bow in MA and CT, always glad to talk archery with someone.

If your are a total newbie...go to a shop. You will learn a lot from them....places like Bobs' Gun and Archery in Webster and Archery Plus in Spencer will not steer you wrong. They have bows to suit any budget and know what works and doesn't work from customer and their own hunting experiences. These guys set up bows everyday for a living. They will work with you one on one andlet you shoot what they have and take on and off different accesories to see what you like. They can recommend arrows for your setup.etc. Like gun shops, you will get more opinions than you need...but BobbyG and Brett know their stuff well and kill deer every year themselves with bow and arrow. They will steer you away from gimmicky crap that doesn't work and you should end up with a solid well tuned setup, and all your questions answered.

If your near Bass Pro...Jerry's, Reedy's in Middleboro, and Trader Jans are all good shops from what I've heard...just no experience with them.

 

[Ripach]

My wife bought her bow a few years back at Trader Jans in Fall River. She was very satisfied with the way they treated her.

 

[machocheese]

My wife bought her bow a few years back at Trader Jans in Fall River. She was very satisfied with the way they treated her.

I don't know whether or not she still does but Jill, who runs Trader Jans, also worked in the Archery Dept. at Bass Pro. I would have no issues buying a bow from her in either location.l

 

[bostonasphalt2]

Starting pay for part timers was a mere $9.50 an hour.... what!!!??? I don't think so...... (what kind of people do you get for that pay rate?)

Many many many people would work for 9.50 an hour. Many of them would work really damned hard, too.

 

[JoeT]

Starting pay for part timers was a mere $9.50 an hour.... what!!!??? I don't think so...... (what kind of people do you get for that pay rate?)

Many many many people would work for 9.50 an hour. Many of them would work really damned hard, too.

There are days that I make a LOT less than $9.50 an hour. I saw 4 customers today and didn't sell anything. It cost me $30 in gas and $12 to park today. [sad2] Thank God that there are good days and they all average out!


Now, back on topic. . . For a first bow, you should be properly sized up by a pro, and then shoot a few different models to see what "fits you" best. I know that BPS has a small range, but I don't know if you'll find a salesperson there that will set up 3 or 4 bows for you, let you shoot a few hundred arrows. Arrows bring up another topic. . . does BPS cut arrows for you? You should have arrows that fit your set up

 

[Executive]

Buying a bow at a big-box store like Cabela's or Bass Pro is like buying bread in the supermarket. Sure, it's bread, you can eat it, but it's clearly not the best bread available. For really good bread, you go to a bakery that specializes in bread. For really good service and product selection for a bow, go to an archery pro shop. Big Al's in Seabrook is excellent. All of the guys there know their stuff, but if you go on a Friday or Saturday, Geoff will be there. He is great and will spend the time to make sure you are properly sized and set up. Big Al's is the Four Seasons of archery.

Chris