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Everything You Need to Know About a Used Compound Bow

17 Nov

What Is a Used Compound Bow?

  • A compound bow that is not “brand new”, often bought from another archer, shop stock, or second‑hand retailer.

  • It still has the cam/levering system, riser, limbs, and string setup. The important parts are wear, condition, and how well it was looked after.

Pros & Cons of Buying Used Compound Bows

Pros Cons
Cost savings: You often pay significantly less for well‑maintained used compound bows, used Mathews bows, used PSE bows, etc. Wear & Tear Risks: Strings, cables, cams, limbs can show damage, be out of spec, or need replacement. bowadvise.com+1
Brands at lower price: You might get higher‑end models (Mathews Z7 Cam, Mathews Creed, Bear, Prime) for much less. Warranty / Parts Scarcity: Some used or older models may have limited or no warranty and replacement parts may be rare. sportsman-mag.com+1
Opportunity to learn bow tuning / maintenance: If you’re into archery, buying used teaches you about inspecting, tuning, servicing. Potential hidden costs: Replacing strings, getting bow press work done, buying new accessories (sights, rests, etc.).

How to Buy a Used Compound Bow: Key Checks & Tips

Here are the things to inspect and questions to ask when buying a used or 2nd hand compound bow or used Mathews compound bow:

  1. Check Limbs and Riser

    • Look for cracks, delamination, chips or splinters. Even small cracks on limbs are dangerous. bowadvise.com+1

    • Check the riser (the central frame structure) for warping, damage or repair marks.

  2. Inspect Cams, Strings, and Cables

    • Cams: Are they dented, misaligned, bent, or uneven? Misaligned cams can seriously affect accuracy and safety.

    • Strings and cables: Fraying, broken strands, worn sections—if these look tired, factor in cost of replacement.

    • Ask when they were last replaced or serviced. sportsman-mag.com+1

  3. Look for Modifications / Alterations

    • Has anything been replaced with non‑OEM parts? Have there been “DIY” repairs that might affect safety?

    • Have any accessories been changed, or was the bow “backed off” (draw weight changed a lot)?

  4. Test It (If Possible)

    • Try drawing it to full draw. Listen for odd noises, vibrations. Shoot arrows if safe to test arrow flight.

    • Check sights, peep, rest alignment. Check that accessory screws (sight, stabilizer etc.) are tight.

  5. Ask the Right Questions

    • Why is the bow being sold?

    • How often was it shot? Under what conditions?

    • When was last serviced?

    • Have parts (strings, cables) been replaced?

  6. Check Serial Number & Maker

    • See if you can find the serial/model number. Use that to verify specs, whether parts are available. bowaddicted.com

  7. Cost of Accessories & Setup

    • Many used bows may come “bare” (no sight, rest, arrows, broadheads etc.), or with old/worn accessories. Account for what you’ll need for full use.

How to Use Sights on a Compound Bow

Since one of your keywords is “how to use compound bow sights / how to use a sight on a compound bow”, here’s the guide:

  • Mounting: Attach the sight to the riser in the proper holes. Ensure it is level.

  • Peep Sight: The peep is the small aperture in the string. You align your eye through that first, then through the front sight.

  • Adjusting: Start with coarse adjustments (elevation, windage). Use paper tuning or field shooting to refine.

  • Zeroing: At a given distance (e.g. 20 or 30 yards), shoot groups, adjust until your arrows land where the sight pin aims.

  • Multiple Pins or Single Pin Setup: Many compound sight systems let you have multiple pins for different distances, or single‑pin adjustable for all distances.

Brands & Examples: Mathews, Prime, Bear, PSE

Some popular names and what to watch for:

  • Mathews Bows (e.g. Mathews Z7 Cam, Mathews Creed, Mathews V3X) – great craftsmanship, but parts (cams, modules) may be more expensive.

  • PSE Bows – often more affordable for parts, wide availability.

  • Prime Bows – well respected, but older models may have discontinued modules.

  • Bear Compound Bows – older legacy; verify condition especially on limbs, serial numbers.

What Is a Compound Bow Press & Broadhead Compatibility

  • Used Compound Bow Press for Sale: A bow press is essential for safely relieving tension on the limbs for maintenance or when replacing strings/cables, adjusting cams etc. If buying used, ensure that you have access to a bow press (or plan to get one) especially if you’re buying a used bow that may need work.

  • Can You Use Compound Bow Broadheads on a Crossbow? Usually no, or at least not safely. Broadheads made for compound bows are designed for specific speeds, bolt/arrow weights, and flight dynamics. Crossbows often shoot bolts at different speeds, may need specific broadheads rated for crossbow use. Always follow broadhead manufacturer’s guidelines.

Best Used Compound Bows & Where to Find Them

  • What makes a “best used compound bow”: recent model (1‑3 years old if possible), well looked after, parts & service available, minimal modifications, good condition of strings and cams.

  • Where to search:

    • Local archery / hunting shops

    • Online marketplaces (eBay, Facebook Marketplace, dedicated archery forums)

    • Local archery clubs or classifieds

  • Geographic searches you might try: “used compound bows for sale near me”, “used compound bows for sale Ohio”, “used compound bows for sale in PA” etc. Use filters by condition, brand, and test where possible.

FAQs

What is a used compound bow?
A compound bow that has been previously owned. It functions like a new one, but wear, handling, servicing history and condition vary.

How to use a sight on a compound bow?
(See “How to Use Sights on a Compound Bow” above): mount sight, adjust elevation & windage, align peep sight, zero the sight at a set distance.

Buying a used compound bow – what should I consider?
Refer to the “How to Buy a Used Compound Bow: Key Checks & Tips” section above: condition, serial/model, strings & cams, test‑shoot if possible, know what accessories cost.

Used Mathews compound bows for sale – are they worth it?
Yes, very much so, if condition is good. Mathews tends to maintain high quality and performance over time. Be mindful of availability for parts (cams, modules etc.).

Used compound bow press for sale – do I need one?
Not always immediately, but helpful for maintenance (string replacement, cam adjustment etc.). If buying a used bow that may require servicing, having access to a bow press (or a shop that has one) will help.

Can you use compound bow broadheads on a crossbow?
Not recommended unless they are specifically rated for crossbows. Differences in arrow/bolt specs, speed, and flight dynamics can make a big difference for safety and performance.

Summary / Final Advice

If you’re considering buying a used compound bow:

  • Always do your homework: inspect physically, ask questions, know what brand/model you’re getting.

  • Prefer recent models (1‑3 years) and reputable brands (Mathews, PSE, Prime, Bear, etc.).

  • Plan for additional costs (servicing, replacement parts, accessories).

  • If possible, buy from a shop or someone who has kept good maintenance records.

  • Safety first: even a small crack, damaged module, or worn string can lead to injury.

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