[Southpaw]

I've been sniffing around for some bow parts, limbs and such here in the classifieds and also asking around from a few of the TT locals.

A couple of times I was referred to Alternative Services, Alternative and noted that their pricing on several items caught my attention.
Pricing on a few things new are less than some here are asking for preowned in classifieds.

Other than they appear to be based in the UK and ship internationally, may I ask your opinion about their operations with real world experiences? Some items, it looks like they have to order and your timing for receipt is based on their timing of receipt. Also, I guess if they have to order something for you as it's not in stock, your return options go to quite limited.

Anyway, your opinions, how big they are, reputable, communication, shipping charges, import fees etc. - - - matters good, bad or ugly would be appreciated

 

[Tim Delf]

I have ordered a few sets of Uukha limbs from them. It takes 5-6 weeks to receive the limbs. I ordered an Axcel Sight from them that was in stock. It arrived in 4 days. I have been very happy with Alternative.

 

[Jim Casto Jr]

I've been odering from them for several years and your observations mimic my exeriences with them. I recently ordered an in-stock riser from them; I had it in my hands in three days--I couldn't believe it. I always choose the UPS option (now) if given.

I've NEVER had to pay any import fees or extra taxes, etc. on anything I've ordered from them and never had anything delayed due to customs inspection. I have had a couple issues. One was a limb that broke the first time I drew them, the other was a lost order. They took care of both issues to my complete satisfaction but it was time consuming. The lost order showed up about three months later.

How big are they? I don't know anything about their gross sales, but from all indications, they're big-REAL big.

 

[3fingernj]

I just used them for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I ordered a b grade Gillo riser , bieter plunger, 2 arm guards. Shipping was $36 with ups . Which was still cheaper then any where else including the shipping. I ordered it on a sunday nite and received it in NJ on Thursday.
I just ordered last nite a spig zt rest and 2 other small things . In no rush so I used the Royal air no tracking for $10. ( tracking was $15 , ups tracking $20). Curious, on how long that takes. I”ll let u know when I get it (all are in stock).

 

[Vaquero 45]

I have bought many many ILF limbs from them . Excellent experience so far . One must know what one wants and do your homework and compare prices shipping etc .

Perfect example Samick R1 and R3 limbs might be around $235 -$250 deleiverd from the US vendors . Through " ALT " these limbs are like $ 137 each set TYD . Thats a huge price difference .

They also stock limbs some have never heard of : Like the ILF Kaiser Pena Limbs blessed by the King of Portugal.
Or the MK MX limbs who's roots can be traced to the Korean War. They use to stock the original Sébastien Flute limbs . Havent seen them offered in awhile . Which I understand theres a difference in the new SF's . Gillo limbs etc .

I only wish ALT carried ILF longbow limbs . I don't have stock in Alt or a pig in there race , but on certain items there prices can't be beat . BTW in all fairness they don't carry at least up until now Nika stuff , at least I haven't seen any .
Got to be a marketing territorial decision thing which is also healthy and avoid monopoly's .

 

[3Pedals]

I've been directed to the Alternative's website several times while shopping online.

Any Canadians with experiences (good or bad) dealing with them shipping here vs items from the States? I'm interested in extra charges eg. duty, import/shipping fees etc.

I've put many items in the cart but never hit the buy button......

 

[Bowmania]

I've had one problem with them. It was during covid. I ordered limbs and they got stuck on our side of the pond. I emailed and they said wait two days. Emailed and they said they'd send out a replacement. Within 10 days I got two sets of limbs. They wouldn't take the second set back.

Once I ordered from them and then at the same time, I ordered from one of our big mail order places. I got the ASS order before the local!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not local, national.

Bowmania

 

[Jim Casto Jr]

One of my issues was similar Todd. I ordered several barebow weights. They shipped them Royal Post. Thee weeks later, they didn't arrive. I contacted them and they said if I didn't get them in 30 days they'd take care of it. I contacted them after the 30 days and Alternative sent them out again. I got those in a few days via UPS. Three months later the first order showed up and they refused to let me send them back even though it was no fault of their's.

 

[Silver Badger]

I ordered a set of limbs on a Sunday afternoon. 0400 Monday morning mountain time, I got an email the limbs had shipped via UPS. 1100 Wednesday morning, they arrived at my door. And I live out in Wyoming!

 

[Draven O]

No problems to get products from Alt to Canada. The shipping is actually cheaper than the fees now the American companies are charging for “over the border trip”. Let this sink: it’s cheaper to fly past ocean than travel on roads of same continent.
Canadian border policy is a hit of miss, some products were charged some not.

 

[Bamabuster]

Only one purchase from them so far but was amazed how fast I received the package…Samick R1’s . However a second set of limbs I opted to purchase from Lancaster. Alternative was cheaper but when shipping was added and Lancaster had free shipping there wasn’t much difference. I would order from Alternative again just depends on the best deal.

 

[toxophilus]

I ordered left & right Bryon ILF riser(s), they arrived in less than a week. I like the shelves on these so I'm having plunger holes drilled/tapped closer to the shelf. The right riser is good to go now I need to hunt down a set of 40# Gobi shorts...

Currently waiting on some beiter parts from them. I've also previously ordered/received a Shibuya plunger from them when I couldn't locate one here in the States.

 

[Tortoise]

I do a fair amount of shopping at AlternativeSS and I think they're a respectable company with some of the best prices in the market for new products. I've unfortunately had some problems with the products I've purchased, but AltSS has always taken care of my issues and made things right. Just a few months ago I did a warranty replacement on my Samick Discovery 21" through them and it went through without a hitch. I can definitely recommend them if you want to save some money on archery gear.

 

[Tracker1]

I’ve ordered Samick Discovery risers, a few set of Samick Discovery limbs, I also ordered a set of Gobi limbs. With one set of Samick limbs half way up on the side of one limb there appeared to be a flaw in the wood between the glass that was filled with a filler. I sent an email and picture with my concern and their response was that it passed Samick quantity control it should be fine. I could never resell these limbs like that. The Gobi limbs were a couple hundred cheaper but was about a 6 week wait because they were special order, there is no returns on special orders, if you have an issue you have to deal with Uukha.
Other than the Gobi limbs because of the savings there I think I will pay a little more for everything else from 3R, Lancaster, or Stickbows.com.

 

[Carboniac]

Ive only ordered 1 set of limbs from them. It was a good deal and a good experience.

 

[Supraspinatus]

I've ordered a variety of things from them, and intend to order more, as long as their prices and shipping times stay superior to everyone else's.

My only complaint was that, earlier this year, they got so busy that it took them 2 weeks to respond to emails. Things worked out, but that kind of turn around time is problematic, especially since they do not have a phone number. I ended up playing email tag for weeks until the situation was resolved. One phone call and 5 minutes would have solved the problem completely. I don't know, but I doubt they are at that level of business today.

 

[crunch]

I've been directed to the Alternative's website several times while shopping online.

Any Canadians with experiences (good or bad) dealing with them shipping here vs items from the States? I'm interested in extra charges eg. duty, import/shipping fees etc.

I've put many items in the cart but never hit the buy button......

I’ve ordered from them several times in the past and have been extremely satisfied. Postage has gone up a lot lately.

 

[crunch]

I ordered left & right Bryon ILF riser(s), they arrived in less than a week. I like the shelves on these so I'm having plunger holes drilled/tapped closer to the shelf. The right riser is good to go now I need to hunt down a set of 40# Gobi shorts...

Currently waiting on some beiter parts from them. I've also previously ordered/received a Shibuya plunger from them when I couldn't locate one here in the States.

 

[Beendare]

Glyn is the best….

 

[Vaquero 45]

I ordered today from "Alt" with what I believe to be a smoking fair deal . I ordered a set of R3's carbon and a set of W&W Black Elk limbs both 50#'s / 62" limbs for $251 to my door / total . Black Elk limbs rated on a 21" riser . The Korean R3's rated on a 17" riser . The Black Elk limbs sell here in the USA for like $210 delivered alone .