On my last blog, I talked about my hunting set up for this fall and got plenty of feedback from you. (Thank you!) And Jason from Texas asked a question online that I answer a lot, whether it’s from friends, in camp somewhere or maybe from someone in an airport that may stop me and want to talk a bit. Jason’s question was this, “Why did you switch from Mathews to BowTech?”
That is a very good question.
For several years, Mathews Archery used the Realtree pattern on all of their bows and paid Realtree a royalty per bow dipped in Realtree camo. Given the number of bows that Mathews was selling every year the total dollars paid to Realtree made them a very good partner. But it was not a “one way street.” We, through constant advertising and brand building of the Realtree name, make it our No.1 priority to create demand for any product sold that uses the Realtree pattern, from boots to knives to four-wheelers.
However, a couple of years ago, the folks at Mathews notified us that they would be designing, and eventually using, their own pattern on new models released beginning in 2008.
Suddenly, we had to ask ourselves if we wanted to promote a bow manufacturer that would be promoting their own, and essentially, a competing camo brand, especially since Mathews announced their intentions to sell their own line of camo clothing.
Well, the answer was pretty clearcut for us. It was not a personal decision at all, purely business.
I have to say that everything has worked out wonderfully with me now shooting and working with the folks at BowTech. Believe me, it is a lot better bow than I am a “shot!"
That is a very good question.
For several years, Mathews Archery used the Realtree pattern on all of their bows and paid Realtree a royalty per bow dipped in Realtree camo. Given the number of bows that Mathews was selling every year the total dollars paid to Realtree made them a very good partner. But it was not a “one way street.” We, through constant advertising and brand building of the Realtree name, make it our No.1 priority to create demand for any product sold that uses the Realtree pattern, from boots to knives to four-wheelers.
However, a couple of years ago, the folks at Mathews notified us that they would be designing, and eventually using, their own pattern on new models released beginning in 2008.
Suddenly, we had to ask ourselves if we wanted to promote a bow manufacturer that would be promoting their own, and essentially, a competing camo brand, especially since Mathews announced their intentions to sell their own line of camo clothing.
Well, the answer was pretty clearcut for us. It was not a personal decision at all, purely business.
I have to say that everything has worked out wonderfully with me now shooting and working with the folks at BowTech. Believe me, it is a lot better bow than I am a “shot!"
Hey David,
I would of done the same thing. Is that why Bill Jordan was using a Hoyt bow this past season?? b/c use Mattews all the time. Why did you not go to Hoyt?? I have heard Hoyt is good. Talk to ya later. Good Luck with the your new set-up.
God Bless & Good Huntin'
Kristle Oberlander
Hi Dave,
First let me say it was a pleasure meeting you this past weekend at the CBA event in Ripley WV and hearing your presentation. Second, I love my Bowtech. I shot the Matthews and Bowtech and the Bowtech was just a better fit for me. Both are great bow companies but the end has to be which one fits you the best.
Thanks for spending the time with us after the auctions and for the pictures. Appreciate all you do for us and our sport.
Sincerely,
Richard Chamberlain
Apalachin, NY
I was at my local bow shop around jan. when I seen the new mathews bow for this year. I instantly noticed that it was not realtree and was then told about how mathews came out with there own brand of camo.
Now me being a die hard mathews shooter for the last 5 years and a die-hard realtree fan my whole life, I was almost in tears. I know most people think that it is silly to not buy something you want because it has a certian camo pattern on it but to tell you the truth the only thing I own that is camo and is not in realtree is a ameristep pop up blind in taingle camo. Everything else is hardwoods, ap, apg,ETC. (And I own a LOT! of camo)
So I also had a choice to make.
For now I stuck with my bow from last year the drenalian wich is in realtree, but when I do buy a new bow rest asure it will have a camo pattern by realtree. So you werent alone on having to make that decision.
Scott Withers-MI
Nicely done.
I do like the fact that you guys are open to anyone wanting to put your product on their product. I also like how you all never bad mouth any other company in the industry. That is very respectable. I like how you guys will still talk to other people who might have switched camo patterns for business reasons (because you know they will come back).
I believe you made the best choice in your bow line. My wife shoots a Bowtech Equilizer. She loves it. My next bow will be a Bowtech. I have a Mathews switchback with the Realtree pattern. I personally do not like the desicion mathews made with the desicion to go with their own camo design. But that is their desicion. My desicion is to go with a BowTech.
Now, get outside and practice.
Todd - Indiana
David,
I would like to say Thank You for not answering the question with alot of business mumbo jombo. You answered it very honestly and we all appreciate this.
I would like to say that I only buy products with the Realtree patern on them, thats one reason I bought a Mathews. I hope that the Bow Tech works out for you and hope to it on the next Monster Bucks video.
Jeff Simons
Said like you needed to say it, business is business. I love the fact that you posted this and it says alot, "Yeah, we liked em' but we are here to make capital" I shoot Hoyt, but nothing against Mathews, but you can't partner with the competion. That was a team effort, one part wanted part of your success. All I can say is great job! They make good bows, you make the best camo!
David, why did you choose to go with the Bowtech over the Hoyt? I know that Bill went with Hoyt and Michael has always been satisfied with Hoyt.
David, I apprieciate your honesty in answering my question. That really shows alot of integrity on your part, Thanks. I'm dissapointed that matthews changed thier camo pattern, but I personally love the bow. Keep up the good work!!
Jason Nix-Texas
Thats awesome David that you were so honest in your answer to that question about Mathews to Bowtech. A lot of celebrities would have given a politicians answer and you were completely honest. Personally I am a Realtree fan and tend to purchase whatever has RT camo on it also!
Ken LaBarge
Realtree Forum Member
"Swamphunter"