Why do you?

[Norm Sauceman]

Buy your hunting equipment? Is it because all the pros use it or someone used one to shoot a record book animal? Is it because it shoots at world record speeds? Do you really go to a shop and try out several different items or do you just get the urge from TV and go for it? What sparks your flame on your purchase?

[Ravin R10 man]

Because I cant hunt with a knife like Buckee...LOL

Actually I buy what fits me and what I like..who uses what has no influence at all nor all the hype &"Gotta have it" commercials..

[camoman1]

I'm loyal to certain brands...because I have been using their products and have been happy with them and continue to buy them for that reason.

Some of these loyalties have been passed down through my father. Some have come from me trying new things...

I like to know what other people think about certain equipment, but I could really care less what the people who are paid to talk about the stuff have to say about it....I would rather hear what everday hunters have to say about the stuff...like the folks here on the forums, etc.

[HUNTINGMAN]

I to have loyalties to certain brands and those are the ones I will stick with until they let me down.I used to go out and buy all the new fangled high tech stuff when it came out,but now I dont buy much unless something wears out or breaks and needs to be replaced.

[redkneck]

I have some brand loyalty, but mostly buy based on the value of the product I feel I'm getting for my hard-earned play money. I could care less what the boys on TV are using, if you don't believe there's pressure to push something whether or not they personally believe and/or use it, your not looking real close. I will be admit a lot of the products on those shows get my interest going about a new product, but if I want to know how well it works, I'll post a question in here for some honest reviews.

JMHO

[buckee]

I just try to go with what works good and lasts long. I can't afford to buy expensive equipment every couple of years.

I like trying things out myself, like scents, etc, just so I can form my own opinion of them.

[dbHunterNY]

I read reviews, go to the store and look at it, try stuff on, and shop around for the best price before I buy anything. lol That's just me. I don't have a lot of brand loyalty, however I do look at equipment that's well known for quality and performance first and go from there. I do stick with what works for me though, while still checking out the other options.

[sluggunner]

I buy what I like.

I am big time into Quality, Reliability and Convenience (ease of use) I don't care who else uses it or does not use it, if it will help me to be a successful hunter I get it. I am so not into hype and gimmicks.

[stevebeilgard]

I am big time into Quality, Reliability and Convenience (ease of use) I don't care who else uses it or does not use it, if it will help me to be a successful hunter I get it. I am so not into hype and gimmicks.

i think this is the post i like, as i do the same. i see what the best product is for what i'm doing, and go for it. about 40 years ago, zeiss was the best binocular. i think it still is. anyway, i still have them and they've led me to countless animals that others simply could not find, even after i showed them where they are. most of my tools are that way, and i use tools to get me to my game.

[hunterbobb]

For most of my accesories price is the deciding factor. I usually buy what ever is cheapest.

When it comes to the major items such as firearm or bow I buy what I have found to be most appealing to me. I do a lot of shopping and a lot of comparisions.

[birdhunter39]

i buy what i can afford not what the pros use and i try products until i find a brand what works best for me

[Randy]

Trial and error... LOL I've been at this game for quite a long time and I use what works best. i used to buy the cheapest stuff and realized down the road that you usually get what you pay for. Like Steve B. said, I bought a Zeiss Scope for my rifle last year and cannot believe the quality. I figure if you buy the best there's no second guessing your purchases later. As my bow, I bought an Alphamax because it was the best bow for me, did i get the "Bone Collector edition" for show? Maybe...

[Leo]

Too often,

"Just as good.".... isn't!

And...

Second best is closer to worst than first!

If someone I know and respect has something I need and they like it. I likely to buy one if I can afford it.

If it's under $40 and looks decent in the store. I'll trial and error it.

For bigger ticket items, I read specifications and if I can get them owners manuals. Read every review I can find on the product. And finally, I purposely look up complaints. Typically I have to sift through a bunch of whiner reviews before I find any real problems (if there are any). After I do that I'm pretty confident I'm getting what I expect.

[JimT]

Good question. I rarely buy something just because someone on tv has it anymore. I compiled a drawer or six full of stuff I never use back in the day. When I find something that works I stick with it for the most part. The one thing I always seem to cave and get though is broadheads. I bet I have 10-12 different kinds right now. Hoyt bows, Remington rifles,Leupold scopes, CoreLokt bullets, Easton arrows etc etc have never let me down so I stick with them. Now though, I did buy a pile of fishing stuff this year. Kinda new to the trolling game so I went with the trial and error thing. I am pretty sure I found the big five lures for trout and salmon.

[wtnhunt]

Usually do a good bit of research before buying anything major Norm, also ask for insight on items from people I trust. Kind of a little with trial and error with some things too, usually those are smaller items.

As far as the pros using this or that, that really has no influence on what I buy. I am however quite loyal when it comes to camo patterns.

[m gardner]

I buy what's on clearance sale or ebay or from someone who needs money or is disgusted with an item or it's broken. You can get some high dollar stuff for a good price. When I'm through playing with it, repairing it etc. and have developed no great attachment to it I'll sell it and I'm usually not out alot of money for the experience. Or sometimes I find someone who needs some equipment and has no means to get it and give it away. I have ended up knowing what works best over the years doing this. I know Mathews Bows have the best resale. Clothes have very little resale value. There's some real bad clothing out there too!

Mark

[Orion_70]

I don't really go for the hype and media stuff. I buy equipment that looks decent and will last. I stick to the essentials mostly and do a lot of research if I'm buying big equipment. Not really influenced by the media, it would be from friends if anything.

[GWSmith]

It has to be functional, it has to fit me, and it has to be affordable for my budget.

Some people in the outdoor profession(on TV) have influenced me to buy and try out specific items. Though it was not just because they were promoting it but because it appeared to be functional for the intended purpose.

Some of my purchasing has been trial and error but thankfully that has only been in the Archery department. It has only been with my personal specific likes or dislikes and then buying something different to "Make it Work" the way I wanted it to. The most expensive of which has been the "I want to try something different" pit of death for my wallet...LOL

In all honesty a major change happened in my purchasing of outdoor equipement when I joined these forums.

I then had a free review of items with a multitude of opinions to go with them before purchasing them. It's fairly easy to pick out what has a positive average of functionality from whats junk that way!

[bfletch7441]

Comfort!

Ben