What Makes a Bow Great?

[Even]

One that checks every box for YOU. 

Haha, indeed!   I know what checks MY boxes... I was just kinda curious what checks other peoples' boxes as well  

I was hoping to get answers from some very experienced trad archers, and a variety of others.  So far the answers have been great, with some real common denominators, but a couple I wouldn't have considered, which is cool.   

Its also interesting to see how my own boxes have evolved over the last several years, compared to when I first got back into archery.   

[Wudstix]

Good length, Check
Good poundage, Check
Smooth draw, Check
Decent speed, Check
Great hand fit, Check
Decent looks, Check

[PrimitivePete]

I'll add a bow that I just got has me very impressed in that it's a recurve that is super quiet without even using any string silencer and not going overboard on arrow weight

[Even]

I'll add a bow that I just got has me very impressed in that it's a recurve that is super quiet without even using any string silencer and not going overboard on arrow weight

That seems unusual in a recurve, at least in my limited recurve experience.  String slap quite often annoyed me with them.  The quieter, the better.  Sounds like you found a good one!

[PrimitivePete]

I really did luck out, I found the bow online for sale and the price was less than a dozen arrows.

[dnovo]

For me the most important thing is the grip. When I pick up a bow it just feels right. Then the other things like quiet, looks, etc.
I only shoot longbows and once the grip is right I can shoot most any of them.

[Terry Lightle]

The one that causes you to put dead animals in the truck

[Terry Green]

The one that causes you to put dead animals in the truck

Here , here!

[Wudstix]

The one that causes you to put dead animals in the truck

Pretty much wraps it up!!!

[trad_bowhunter1965]

I like a R/D Longbow 64" they check every box for me.