Why I wont shoot a PSE

[@BBDragon66]

Yeah, it's a shop issue, not a PSE issue.

[@cliffneal4908]

exactly

[@ParasitikOne]

Shop issue. My local shop will pull anything off the wall toss on a D loop and a Biscuit and let you try the bow out… if you want it set up after the sale then they put in the work for perfect draw length/weight setup where you want it (and they have a small setup charge for that) but charge a setup fee just to test the bare bow you think you may want is a bit too much.

[@rickjamesand81]

Change the title to “Crappy Bow Shop”.

[@roblc11]

Agreed, but then how is he gonna click bait everyone!!!?

[@samdingo1956]

Why make it sound like you're having an issue with PSE? Man up and call the shop out.

[@xfactoroutdoors165]

Click bait gets more views. Clearly it worked because here I am.

[@kodiakpb]

At the expense of a legitimate company.

[@missionman4539]

Man up ? Lol

[@ottobond007]

I would say PSE does have a problem with their dealer network. I live in the middle of WI and have to drive 90 miles to find the nearest dealer and he only carries 1-2 models and never anything over 32" so I bought a used NXT 35. Like the bow but they need better dealers in WI. When I emailed them and asked PSE who there biggest dealer was in WI I called that dealer and they did'tn have any in stock and was't sure if they would be getting any in before fall. 🤔

[@campdogimages3830]

Not cool to use click bait at the expense of a great brand. First time viewing your channel and its the last time

[@kevinleetreetimefpv111]

When I got into archery about 5 years ago I went to our local archery shop. I went in and said I would like to get sized up for a bow. They looked at me like I was stupid. I didnt know anything about archery except that the bow had to fit. I am 6'3 with a 33 in dl. I had to explain that I wanted to get into archery and needed to know what size bow I needed. They checked me out but acted like I was annoying them. The only bow they had close was a $2500 hoyt target bow that went to 32 in. And that was the bare bow no nothing on it. I was like " I am not paying 2500 bucks to find out next week I dont even like archery". I left so angry. I went 5 blocks away to bass pro shops and the guy came out and started talking to me showing me the bows and brands. Measured me and sized me up and told me straight up " i dont have anything that will fit you right but i have a few that you can try and i can show you how to fudge and be able to shoot them to see if you like it or not" He spent 4 hours set up 4 bows and let me shoot and shoot and shoot and shoot. I left and went home to talk to my wife and went back a couple hours later and bought a complete setup. The next week i went back and bought a 2nd setup so i could teach others also. Point being..... I agree with you completely. A shop that appreciates you is so important.

[@ExperiencedNovice2024]

Yep. I went to Cabelas for the same reason. My local archery shop is run like a hobby (rarely open when most people can go) and is judgmental.

[@goon1500ify]

Ive never heard of such a thing being charged 30 bucks for a set up fee thats crazy ! But you should change your title cause it sounds like your blaming PSE for the shops conduct . You should try calling PSE and tell them your experience and maybe they'll send you a demo .

[@greekmaster1001]

Jeffrey Haring you are 100%correct

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

The title card is a little clickbait for sure, but I think everyone gets the gist pretty quick when the video starts rolling. I'm still figuring out how I want to present information. I have to balance getting people to actually click to watch. I feel a little slimy when I do it...

[@markzbikowski4397]

Yeah i Definetly agree with ya on that shop experience. Super odd and offputting. If i was a new archer id feel intimidated and not feel comfy enough to get hooked. Also I agree, the title should change, when I first read it im like oh wow how bad could this PSE bow be...?

[@ryanreynolds3679]

Brandon Mcdonald I like your videos and you’ll keep views rolling in if you don’t use clickbait titles. I can’t tell you how many channels I’ve stopped watching because of all of the misleading titles

[@rockymummert7658]

@@brandonmcdonald6121 everyone does it dont feel bad, you seem like a cool dude I'm gonna check your channel hope to sub

[@billjones9708]

I would call the shop out. Not only will that let others know the integrity of the shop, it will also alert PSE to this shop and possibly change their mind on having them be a dealer for them.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I think both the shop and PSE know by now.

[@Amtk509]

You should change the title to “Why I’m not Shooting a PSE,” instead of the current title, that shop doesn’t represent PSE as a brand. I had a PSE that developed a small crack in the limb which fell under warranty, took it to the closet PSE dealer for them to repair. When I got the bow back, it was completely jacked up, there was no way I was going to take it back to them, nor was I going to pay another shop to make it right. I called PSE and explained what happened, they told me to send it in and they’d get it back in order. When I received the bow back, it was as good as the day I bought it brand new, I was extremely pleased with my experience with them. On the setup cost, that is crazy for something you want to try before you buy. I bought a Vertix last summer from a shop in Savannah, GA, I shot several bows before making my decision, none of which they charged me for. In fact, they didn’t even charge me for the setup and paper tune, only the bow and accessories.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Yours is more clear, for sure. Glad to hear they stand by their products.

[@blythemajors9193]

I’ve also dealt with PSE customer service before. They were unbelievably good. Couldn’t praise the contact and emails and calls back and forth to fix my issue. Solid company values.

[@himinncreations]

Interestingly enough there is a local bow shop to me in Indiana that did the same thing. Needless to say I did not buy a bow from them. The owner told me that once it is shot by a customer that doesn't buy it they have to sell it as used, which sure I guess I can see that. However, I have always felt that to know the bow is right for you then you have to have the ability to test it.

[@joshwilson520]

What shop in IN was that?

[@himinncreations]

@@joshwilson520 out of respect I am not going to burn the shop, that may not be your intention, but others may take it that way. They are a decent shop that I do get other products from. For me I just won't buy a bow that I can't test first and if that is the way they want to conduct business then that is on them. Others may not have a problem with it.

[@DCMC7074]

I wouldn’t spend another dime in that shop. $30 is nothing in archery, that’s going to cost them thousands of $$$!

[@cmmarion1970]

I just bought a PSE and when I tested the lesser bow no charge for set up. An hour south of chattanooga is a bow shop called Backwoods Bowstrings check them out.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I ended up going to Kentucky and shooting one. I liked it... Pissed it wasn't in the shootout for this year!

[@hammercg59vet70]

never had that... love my PSE !

[@trdshortbus8009]

I've had 2 and about to build my 3rd lol

[@drc9460]

I went to my local shop and they set up 4 different bows for me with out question. And they just let me shoot each one for as long as I wanted with out hovering. Ended up going with the Mathews VXR 31.5

[@paulhowe8962]

Sounds like that shop isn’t really a reputable PSE dealer. I’m sure PSE would like to hear from you about that shop.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I'm not going to say anything. I have a feeling they'll get a call at some point...

[@joncooper1145]

@@brandonmcdonald6121 but, you DID say something. i get it man, ya gotta get clicks and after reading some of your comments you feel "slimy" for using such titles. Its not hard to have titled "PSE DEALER issue is why im not shooting a PSE." Trust me people wouldve tuned in. For the conduct of the shop, well thats another story. You eluded to why you think they charge such a fee in that people use up their time and then buy later on the internet. Sounds like you have looked at this and understand the variables. I happen to like your content but at the end of this particular video i felt like it was pointless because you pointed out both sides of the issue and made valid statements on both parties behalf.

[@zzgeorgezdane8559]

I have a similar problem, PSE is not even represented well in Austin Texas area bow shops..

[@Mikesacco1B]

As a shop owner, we live by “try before you buy” definitely not wise on their part...

[@robertreed5177]

My local shop in Shorewood,IL is called Strictly Archery will happily let you use any equipment for sale free of charge. Pure southern hospitality in the mid west.

[@bradwillis7268]

I Have never paid to shoot a bow I was looking at buying in any shop ive been to.

[@edwardmason4232]

2 years late to the party but The Sportsman Store in Dickson last time I was in there is a PSE dealer and will work let you shoot every bow in the house till you find the right fit. I bought my last bow from them in 2014 and its still serving me well. They are keeping it tuned for me put several strings and cables on it for me and sold me dozens of arrows. Not once have they told me its crappy, outdated or time to buy a new one. But when I do look at new bows they offer to let me shoot them.

[@brosbeforebowshunting]

Hey Brandon, we started watching back in the solo Utah hunt days. We have always appreciated your honest opinions and reactions. We have done similar types of projects on our channel. As customers and consumers we have had similar bow shop experiences. Unfortunately there are a small minority of archery people on social media and in some shops that have an “elitist attitude”. I don’t think that this is exactly what you were explaining, but this is what pushed us to do more of the “shop stuff” for ourselves. Keep doing what you are doing! Speak the truth!

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I'll check out your channel. Thanks for the feedback.

[@paulcrave3112]

Yeah, one local archery shop here started charging $10 to shoot up to 2 bows for 15 minutes and $10 for each additional bow then they’ll give it back when you buy a bow.

[@scotthersman4426]

I can get behind this. The time limit is weird but it helps them compete with online.

[@codytichenor3447]

I think it’s very off putting. My local shop is small and personal and they take time to make sure I’m happy and my bow is set up right.

[@aaronhill2780]

I've never been charged to test shoot a bow, the only set up fees within 60-80 miles of my house that I've been to are for once a bow was purchased

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

It was wierd for sure

[@MadRS]

What stopped you going to one of the other 3 shops and trying a PSE. Surely one of the other 3 could order it in or had it in stock. To cut out a product because 1 shop left a bad taste in your mouth is a bit on the extreme side. Just take your money elsewhere and never go back.

[@raybship1]

Because most shops don't carry PSE. There is only 1 shop within 300 miles of me that carries PSE that isn't a big box store

[@mike_ostlund]

There isn't a great PSE shop near me either. I reached out to a few after the ATA show asking if they would be getting the Nock On bows in and not one said yes.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I bet they'd order one for you if you asked to. I finally shot one today. Had to drive into another state to make it happen! I really liked the 33.

[@millerca1986]

I can understand your motivation behind waiting for John and PSE to strike paydirt down the road, but the other complaints you mentioned are unfortunately a shop problem. They should have that thing looped and rest installed from the second they get it into the shop, not charge customers to do what is expected of them. So far, John has made some nice changes, but I will be excited to see what is on the horizon.

[@kylemartin2549]

I was recently trying to find a specific bow that is not in production anymore. The shop that had one treated my wife and I like royalty. I wasn't spending a fortune on a flagship, but they went the extra mile on every aspect of our visit. Support your GOOD local shops.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I think you're right. I've got good alternatives to shop at.

[@roncarney4970]

I work at a shop and we've NEVER charged someone to set up a bow to shoot. You're absolutely not overreacting. Stick to the 5 bows you have and I look forward to your review

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Tells me something since you actually worked at a shop... Thanks for letting me know.

[@leebrech9616]

Don't blame it on PSE, blame it on the shop.

[@rcames05]

I'm a lefty, so I have to travel to many shops to shoot only a handful of bows. I've never had anybody hesitate to set anything up for me.

[@stevepereira687]

I just bought a brand new RX3 and cant wait until it arrives.

[@Knifestories]

You will not be disappointed. I'm a diehard Mathews fan, and own a Traverse which I love. Since I bought a brand new Rx 3 Ultra for a steal, I haven't shot my Mathews. These bows are incredible!

[@stuffjoshisdoing5264]

I'm getting a Brute NXT. My shop totally set up everything for me. I'm new to this and they seem super helpful. Adjust the draw length, the peep, the # on it, and then gave me a buch of pointers on it. I was super happy with them.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Very glad you had a good experience. Obviously mine was just a shop issue.

[@chadake1528]

I’ve never been charged for setup when testing a bow, and I wouldn’t deal with them after that either!

[@ritchiepatel179]

I had a shop in my local route. And normally there was not a bow tech at the shop. And they looked at me when I said I can cut off my own arrows with there saw. Now they are closed.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Wow...

[@timprins1954]

Sounds like a shop thing not a bow thing! And ya nobody should ever pay to shoot a bow. They obviously don't want to sell bows very bad!

[@YTrab1970]

And this is EXACTLY what was discussed when you spoke with Aron Snyder on the Kifarucast. I am giving very serious consideration to buying either a Prime Black 3 or a Hoyt Axius Ultra as my new bow. On what basis will my purchasing decision be based? Based on the excellent level of service that I know I can expect from my local pro-shop [less than an hour's drive from where I live] and which has serviced my Hoyt bows for nearly ten years, although not a Hoyt dealer, DOES stock Prime bows Regardless of whether or not I do choose a Prime Black 3, I know I can still expect a similarly-excellent level of service. I will have a really tough choice to make as I've shot Hoyt for nigh on twenty years BUT the nearest pro shop who stocks Hoyt bows [but NOT Prime] is three hours drive away and I will not be able to shoot both bows side by side. And I live in the east. Of England.

[@TD2821]

I'm a staff shooter for Tracy @ Taylor's Archery. I know exactly which shop you are talking about in the above video!

[@decaturridgebees8761]

I went to my local bowshop and had strings put on. When i got it back i took it home and it wasn’t even in the ballpark of shooting right. I started to just do visual checks on it and it was waaaaaaay off. I walked into the shop and the owner was there. He seemed to already have an attitude. (FYI, I’ve spent some money in this place). I told him i had gotten the bow restrung there and it needed tuned bad. He proceeded to say “$50 an hour”. I said to him, ok but what if you guys didn’t do your job right setting the bow up? I mean, the center shot was off and the the alignment was way off. So, he conceded that if they were at fault he’d fix it.. he eyed it and said it wasn’t right. I shot it and asked him to make a couple turns on the yoke because it was kicking. He did. Charged me $25.

[@theamazinggoldfish8713]

Hey that's great. So anyway my next bow will be the PSE NXT 35 se with 70#.😃👍

[@KennyHollingsworth]

What are your thoughts on PSE now, with new ownership, and 3 years of JD working with them?

[@notbulbous42]

I was charged for range time when I was testing a new bow at a local shop and he didn’t even have the model I wanted to try - he wouldn’t set up a 2020 for me, but there was a leftover 2019 that was already set up. So I shot a leftover 2019 for 15 mins and got charged $25 for me and my son to shoot. Little does he know I just bought a 2020 Hoyt carbon over an hour away. Penny wise pound foolish.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Brutal... Your last sentence is 100% correct.

[@notbulbous42]

Brandon Mcdonald The shop owner will find out soon enough when I walk in with a redwrx case and pull out a complete new setup - new sight, new arrows, new stabs .... I’m going to get the stink eye for sure, but I have no issue telling why I bought somewhere else if he asks.

[@cfugate3425]

I like pse but i always have a hard time at shops im 6'6 tall and have a 6'8 wing span most shops dont carry the long draw version of anything

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Yeah, not many bows out there for you..

[@kellyreno]

Nope. In order To sell a bow, And I assume that’s why they have the thing in the first place, at some point someone is going to need to shoot it. So really they’re not setting it up for you. They’re just setting it up for themselves so they can sell it. You being there is just a coincidence of timing. By the way any thoughts on testing a Xpedition bow?

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Not this year, but I'm open to it. I'd like to shoot everything I can get my hands on.

[@daviddoggette6343]

Brandon any stores you would recommend on the north side of Nashville for a beginning bow hunter? Thanks in advance! Loving the content so far.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Nothing on the north side unfortunately... Archery den in Franklin and binks lodge.

[@teamleanmean4542]

I’m on bow number 17 (a perform x) in my archery journey, I’ve had everything from practically every manufacturer out there and I freaking love my PSE! You have spent what 5k already, what’s another grand to round out the pack? Get that NXT on order man!

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Haha. Let me see what I can do.

[@Bobbyboucher9814]

I'm new to the archery thing and have only been to one shop where I get my gear, but when I did go in for the first time, they set up whatever bow I wanted to try. In fact, they encouraged me to try as many bows as I could manage to try before I got too tired and never charged me anything. Sounds like there are plenty of options and if in your shoes, sounds like my options just got reduced by one.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Agreed with your last sentence...

[@calebbateman8298]

Man I think you’re missing out on the PSE bows. The evolve cam is probably the best cam system on the market. And PSE as a company does a ton for the sport of archery. Pete S has also started donating thousands of dollars and bows to wounded vets who struggle with PTSD. I love a Mathews bow. But they don’t even come close to doing for archery what PSE does. But these videos you’re making are worth the while keep up the good work.

[@7thheaventruth]

Bowtech and diamond are much better bowls than PSE the cam on diamond and BowTech surpasses PSE

[@rodneytaylor6261]

I bought a PSE rally a while ago (first bow never picked one up) had all the bits on it shop had no range.. I picked it up drew back and let down a couple times he set draw length ... Bought it was happy had it 3 years before selling 2 a friend .

[@Erikfl348]

Can someone send this man an evo nxt please

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Haha! Sounds good to me!!

[@mitchellwilliams4337]

And have dud do the setup!

[@SnerASDF]

Would wait 1 or 2 years.. John dudley said between the lines that not everything is as he wants.. And it taked more time i think his models will be the best in some years... At the moment he is a psi shooter because he got his own model and pushing his brand whats awesome dont get me wrong thise bows are great vut why buying a bow when u know in two years they will be way better.. There always big steps and then several small steps

[@markmoleski3185]

Lars Götz you clearly have not shot the ntn

[@Knifestories]

@@markmoleski3185 I have an NTN, and chose it over the VXR. won out by a long shot. It is the most pleasurable bow to draw, and shoot ever for me. Looks as a hunting bow should. And I have been a Mathews fan all my life. To me the best bow they ever made is a toss up. No Cam HTR, or the Traverse. Which both of I own. The switch weight technology puts way too much stress on the limbs, and the draw cycle suffers. Had all of the premium carbon Hoyts, lasted 2 months max. Bowtech is coming along, but right now I feel that PSE is king. And if you would know me, that is a hard thing to say. Good day and best of luck in the upcoming season.

[@heathalford4721]

The bow shop and the service is what decides what brand bow i shoot. Last two bows we bought were at a shop 2 hours away and I’d go back there no questions asked, and I passed a couple other dealers of the same brand bow B&B Archery in Pearl MS is a great shop

[@PerryGage]

Holy shit man. That’s insane. I’ve never heard of anything like that.

[@donfarmer4020]

Only 1 PSE bow in stock? How can they sell bows if they only have literally 1 option. We had the same problem where I live in Michigan. But it was a Mathews shop. They only had 3 bows and 2 of those were the previous years models. Guess what happened? They closed. I don't expect this shop will be open for very long.

[@joshsweet5373]

I would never go back to that shop...noooo way

[@ryanthornton5462]

Like so many others have said, that is a shop issue. I have walked into PSE's pro shop in Tucson and they set up a bow no problem, no charge, for me to check out.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

At this point almost no one has said anything different. It's crazy

[@ryanthornton5462]

Well, you have a title and picture that is very misleading. It implies the bow and/or it's manufacturer is faulty. But nothing about the shop, which is essentially what the video is about. What would a magazine editor say or do to a headline like that if this were an article? I'm pretty certain they'd change it. You don't have a problem criticising a bow manufacturer and telling us exactly who they are in other videos yet you won't name the shop? If I lived in the area that's what I need to know.

[@TheMasonator777]

Not PSE’s fault.

[@danielw2650]

Boxing 101 you buy a bow every year? 🤦‍♂️

[@chee75]

i feel you it happend to me . they won't let me shoot the bow . they say it new bow . what i do never stap my foot to there shop again. i buy alot thing from john dudley now no more not a fan of pse

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I still want to shoot the bow! I think it was just the shop policy for me...

[@chee75]

@@brandonmcdonald6121 y that the shop problem

[@anthonybechtold2640]

Small world. Bought my first bow at Taylor’s archery last year. Knowledgeable owner/staff and AWESOME customer service! Speaking of customer service..I would have done the same/reacted the same as you did if I encountered the same situation. You are a paying customer with a history with them. Sad... Keep up the great vids!

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Taylor's are great. I've been in a couple times over the years and they've always been helpful. They sold me the bowtech this year. Even though I don't like it, id 100% go back and get another bow from them

[@turdfergusonoutdoors5070]

You should go back and get the NXT im curious to see what you think about it......but there will be a 65$ ordering fee on top of the total for the bow, oh and a 10$ air fee for breathing in the shop.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I went to another shop that had no air fee! It was really nice. I wish I had it over a few of the others...

[@poolhalljunkie55]

That shop sounds like one of those shops where the tech guys think everyone else is a moron

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I never got that feeling from him, but it was weird given the circumstances and them knowing I spend money there..

[@joshshelby7322]

Had same issues with a shop so when I got back into bow hunting I bought all the equipment to work on them myself. Bought used bow off ebay for a good deal. Shop I bought it from was very helpful to. I feel guilty about it because the shops need to be supported.

[@mplovecraft]

No, you didn't overreact. Leaving and not coming back is the right way to deal with a shop like that (or restaurant for that matter). Asking for $30 for something like that speaks volumes about their mindset - just leave and save yourself future troubles.

[@sparkysig3595]

Thanks for the honesty. I’m in Chattanooga, so you definitely caught my attention when you mentioned it. Keep up the videos.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Love that town. It's really turning into something cool. We come down to go caving a fair bit.

[@sparkysig3595]

Brandon Mcdonald Thank you for that compliment, I sit on the city council and work hard for this great city. Look me up next time you are in town. Really enjoy your videos and technical advice along with the overviews. I’m shooting target indoor on a Mathews only 1 year, but making great progress. So much goes into this it’s fascinating. Keep up great work. Darrin

[@Big-G-man85]

One bow shop tried to charge me range time when I tried out a bow. I ended up not having to pay it.

[@brokenarrow6491]

Shop problem video. Have those here with Mathews dealers. Shooting PSE Evo and I still love it.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I ended up going to Kentucky and shooting one of the different shop and I really liked it as well. Seems like an awesome bow

[@christopherfaber7876]

Totally get where you’re coming from Brandon. I would’ve told that shop to pound sand on the spot. Those PSEs are not difficult to setup. Probably would have taken 5-10 minutes to get that thing setup for a few test shots and the fact that they aren’t even interested in getting an unsold 2020 Evo series bow in stock is ridiculous. I would never set foot in that place again. That being said, if it’s not gonna lead to divorce then I would find a way to at least put a few shots through one of the 2020 Evo bows at another shop and maybe add it to your lineup for review. The Evolve Cam has got to be one of the best draw cycles I’ve tried, highly adjustable with regards to draw length and lettoff, and last year PSE beefed up their flagship models with 1/4 inch axles that do not flex like the 3/16 axles they were formerly running. You’re definitely missing out on a very sweet bow if you don’t give the PSE EVOs a try.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

There's another dealer about an hour and a half away. I may see if it's possible to get ahold of one. Now that the NTN versions are shipping... I kind of want one

[@joshuakeiser4445]

I'm battling with shifty service now and it sucks!!!!

[@shaynetcrocker]

No way would I have paid 30 bucks for them to set up the bow

[@stevenschmidt5712]

Lancaster Archery...shot 3 different bows. THEY set up up 2 for me to run arrows through. I ended up buying one of the actual ones I shot because it was clearly the best bow...(RX5). The only thing that cost a dime was the bow and THAT setup..

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

That’s great!

[@mcguireoutdoors5187]

Absolutely not, I would have done the same thing. Just remember you’re never going to please all. You could add the PSE and someone will say: “where’s the Martin” or whatever. Block out the noise.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Good point. I do want to shoot some of the smaller custom shops next year if Jocelyn let's me do this again! I think it would be cool to see how a handmade limited run bow holds up to one of the bigger guys.

[@mcguireoutdoors5187]

Brandon Mcdonald now that would be interesting. Totally understand the wife part, my obsession I mean hobby cough drives mine a bit crazy.

[@geebee3d]

As a customer, I totally agree. No way a shop should charge you to try a bow. A good friend was a shop owner, and he did not charge people to try bows, as he knew it would be bad for business. But he also lamented the fact that many of his customers would go into his shop, work with him to find a bow that fit, try that bow, have him adjust the draw length and weight, and basically get it spec’d just right. Customer would then thank him for his time, bounce, and find the same bow online (though often used) for less than MSRP. It was a catch 22 for sure. Shop owner started assuming everyone looking at bows was using his shop as a test facility and not intending to buy anything, so he wouldn’t always spend the time with customers, potentially losing sales. Or he would spend a ton of time with people looking at bows at the expense of time with people looking for accessories, only to have bow lookers not buy anything. It’s a tough life as a bow shop owner for sure. Problem is that many of the guys supporting a shop by purchasing bows, will shoot them for a few months, decide they want something else, then offload their lightly used bow online, for 2/3 or less retail. This cycle repeats monthly, and the used market just gets saturated with quality gear on the cheap. And I’ll be real honest, I loved my friend and his shop, but I recognized that buying a new bow was a piss poor investment. Anything built in the last 10 years (and often earlier) will shoot arrows as good as anything made today (2020/2021). Case in point, I routinely shoot 300 scores on the NFAA 5 spot target with my made in 2000 PSE Silhouette target bow. For indoor 20 yard shooting, why would I drop $1200 or more, for a bow that will do exactly the same thing? And if I want to try something new, knowing I might not like it, why would I buy it new? I will gladly let someone else take the hit on that experiment. I also understand attitudes like mine are part of the reason bow shops have a hard time. But on the flip side, I won’t waste their time trying bows I have no intention of buying.

[@Mulletforhire]

I feel you but you're taking it out on PSE. Your video title suggests you have something against the brand based on your evaluation. Why not post the title of the shop saying do not go here instead of judging the brand on a crap dealer.

[@johningersoll3931]

I have never had my shop even hint at the idea of a setup fee to try a bow. I had four different bows laid out to try in 2019. They did a basic D-loop and whisker biscuit setup on each and adjusted all of their draw lengths just so I could shoot them. I walked out of that shop that day with a new bow. This year, I didn't need to try any. I went in and told my guy it was VXR time, and he pulled one off the wall that hadn't been shot by anyone and set it up.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Someone was going to have to pay the fee, I guess I was the sucker!

[@ericwolbert3256]

Stop walking on eggshells for people! Never going to please everyone!

[@pabloexcamobiiishh7859]

I’m not sure what shop your mentioning but I’m from the middle Tennessee area and I’ve been using “the sportsman store” in Dickson tn it’s about 40 miles southwest of Nashville and I absolutely love that place they also don’t have a very big variety when it comes to pse but those guys will get you what you need and are willing to take the time to make sure everything is the way you want it. I got a mission craze 2 for my 13th birthday as my first bow and those guys sat with me for an hour and a half teaching me everything I needed to know about shooting since then I won’t go anywhere else for my archery needs they’ve done plenty of amazing work on my pse brute nxt and a bunch of my previous pse bows

[@danjaymza1695]

Id name the shop so everyone knows not to go there.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Can't do it... I'm sure they have their reasons for doing it. They're more target/ kid focused. That may be a big factor.

[@braddickens4080]

@@brandonmcdonald6121 I live in middle TN and I'll bet you any amount you want to bet and give you half back what you lose I know which shop it is. LOL! I had a HORRIBLE experience there!

[@rogertaylor7828]

I've never had a shop charge me a fee for set up to try out a bow. I do support my local archery shops as much as possible. I'm waiting on mods for my new Elite Ritual 33 to change the draw length from 29 to 30 inches. Got the bow through a local shop at a super deal, but bows were sold as set up by Elite for that deal, and I had to order the mods. Elite did not ship the mods with the bow, so I am waiting on Elite.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

The Kure I've got this year has the adjustable mods which is really nice. It was easy to try different dls to see what worked.

[@jetdr]

Sounds like they either don’t want your business or don’t think they need it! Black list them and move on.

[@walkersoutdoorproductions3624]

Customer service is so important.... No one wants to cringe each time they need to visit the archery shop... It should be like Christmas morning and you can't wait to go there.... You sir did the right thing 💪💪💪💪💪❤

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

100% especially when I have other shops that I really like.

[@DownLow0099]

Sir, you may have a case of bow-addictionitous

[@TheMortician420]

Never been charged to try a bow but then again i never get the chance being a lefty no shops even stock left handed so I constantly have to order online sucks

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I had to custom order for my sisters new bow because she's a lefty... No one keeps them. I feel for you!

[@nosoyono1081]

I have a Hoyit MMT I Killed lots of Deer with it it’s a awesome bow I own a PSE Crossbow straight out of the box the scope was junk I upgraded the scope to a red Dot 🔴 scope and at 50 yards it’s spot on target 🎯 plus it’s easy to uncork if you know how too.

[@jake3040]

i showed up to my local shop at 430 and they close at 5, they set 3 bows up for me to try and stayed late to get the one i picked set up for me, it sounds like they're trying to get rid of you

[@NOFx420x]

I wonder if they would also charge extremely high to tune something they didn't carry ive dealt with shops like that . You want business you go out of the way to help a customer really like the products you sell

[@gbaker11112010]

I started off with a PSE Bowmadness XS ten plus years ago from bass pro.. I have been going to a local archery pro shop in AZ for YEARS. I have shot countless flagship bows and they have set them up many times over for free of charge. My dad bought a flagship bow and then I got my daughter all set up.... My wife suprised me this year with a Hoyt RX7 Ultra. Had the shop not treated me this well over the years I would have gone somewhere else.

[@alanstanford8108]

I agree it is a shop problem but becomes a bow problem when you will be dealing with this shop for maintenance.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Nailed it. Literally summer it up in one sentence

[@urbanarcher3535]

Never been charged for set up unless I am buying a bow! Where is the video where you are explaining what it is you’re doing with all these bows? Are you reviewing them?

[@offthebeatenpathmedia3541]

I have never charged to test shoot but I understand the shops frustration. As a shop owner myself you adjust bows, setup bows to specific draw lengths just to have them purchase online it sucks. I was charged $20.00 to test paddle kayaks at a kayak shop but when I purchased they credited me the $20.00 towards the purchase. It's a fine line to tow in the archery market especially in this day.

[@kevinhowlett9025]

Totally agree.... i use a couple of archery shops here in the uk and they cannot do enough for me.

[@NeilEubank]

There’s a shop in Dickson Tn that carries the pse evo ntn 33. I from west Tn. I’ve wanted to start archery but there’s not many shops in my area and I want to start with a pse but a mid priced bow since I would be new and on a budget.

[@NeilEubank]

The name of it is Dickson sportsman store.

[@paulmendolia8483]

,l get it and agree with you. Went to a shop I know and wanted some d loop material like a couple feet of it. He said he could only see indiv d loops like 4 j Inches long. They want you to have them do it.

[@muriscirkin]

I'm from Illinois and I went to this bow shop not going to say the name of the shop but the guy wanted a deposit to shoot a demo bow he said I don't let anyone shoot a demo but unless they are buying a bow and wanted a deposit on a new bow

[@benjaminmelchiorre6923]

Do you ever do any thing on bear bows?

[@andrewwilliams2220]

Went to absolute archery in casper wy and got my PSE NXT EVO 35. Great shop got a free extra set of custom strings and a discount on all products in the store. And I got a military discount. Not only did they do all of this when I showed up they encouraged me to go shoot there competitors bows at another shop so that I got a bow that I truely liked. Sounds like you need to find a better shop. By the way I shot the Matthew's vtx and one of hoyts new bows and hands down I liked the feel of the pse.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Glad you've got a good shop around you. I like the shop I got the Mathews from and that's the one that ended up winning my shootout this year. I did end up going to another shop and shooting the PSE and I was a big fan.

[@andrewwilliams2220]

Brandon Mcdonald for sure good shop. The only thing that bugged me about the Matthew's was it felt top heavy. Other than that it shot like the pse for me. And The hoyt was smooth as silk but had some weird vibration I didn't like and the grip didn't fit right.. I am glad you where able to try out the pse.

[@Bobsonomatic]

I think you hit the nail on the head at the end when you called it what it was - disrespect. Not that the shop HAS to give you any special perks that they wouldn’t give other people. But like you said, this is a very service-oriented industry, and loyalty to a shop is a two-way street. You’re not some schmuck who’s gonna buy a bow or some accessories and never go back, and you had already established that with them.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Nailed it. Haven't been back since. I hate it because it's a cool shop with an awesome range. Just not worth it

[@timlong2291]

There is a only bow shop in Wichita KS, that won't let you shoot a bow unless you buy one.

[@eduardoguillen6385]

So the problem is the shop not the brand, is it?

[@ericspleet8511]

I agree I would love to see what John Dudley will do with a pse in at least a year. Love what hes doing right now but its going to be a lot different next year.

[@paultellier2147]

Eric Spleet I agree. Give it two-3 years and that’s when it’ll get fun to see. I agree with this idea that in 5 years we are gonna see some great iterations to that bow.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I think so too. I hope they give him some room to roam. He has the potential to really come up with something next level. And then make it ugly ass green!! Haha

[@ericspleet8511]

@@brandonmcdonald6121 I hope its smooth and for giving. A real tac driver!

[@Lil-Cheddar]

i can 1 up that.. my local shop singed my bow string when he was melting the end of the D loop and they charged me 160 to restring it after it blew up on the first arrow.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Yeah, you win for sure. Holy crap I'd have been pissed.

[@jamesjubber2242]

I work as a bow technician at a local sports center and we never charge for setting up a bow to have test shot, intact we try our best to get people to test shoot. But you never know, it could be that they have had a ton of people ask to test shoot and never buy anything and the shop is just needing to make some money somewhere

[@eastint]

Music City Archery?? I walked out and spend $1500 at Archery Den a little over a year ago... I didn’t like how I was treated when looking for a bow. Not bad but not good either.

[@nickwilder2520]

I'm glad your taking your money elsewere. Service is pretty much all a dealership can offer. Some dealerships don't understand that or care.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Found a good spot in Kentucky so if I want one in the future, I'll head that way

[@bryanparryhunter]

The psychology of that store's approach is aligning with punishing behavior they don't like Which would be people window shopping without any intention of buying. Versus rewarding behavior they want. Which is to get it in your hands and get attached to the idea of buying it. What made me dive into archery headfirst wasn't just the shooting. it was the fact that my shop takes care of me. Like the Cheers of archery.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

It was bizarre…