In the vast realm of archery, the perfect blend of tradition and innovation is a pursuit cherished by many.
Today, we embark on an in-depth exploration of a product that seemingly strikes this delicate balance – the AF Longbow.
In this review, we'll delve into the features, performance, and value for money that this traditional horsebow recurve hunting bow offers.
Priced at an affordable $69.00, the AF Longbow brings the allure of time-honored archery techniques within reach of the modern-day enthusiast.
We'll assess its construction quality, ease of use, and overall performance in a variety of settings.
Whether you're a seasoned archer seeking a taste of the past or a beginner looking to dive into the sport without breaking the bank, this review will provide you with all the insights you need about the AF Longbow.
Stay tuned as we take a shot at unraveling the true worth of this unique blend of tradition and affordability.
Specifications
- AMO Length: 62″
- Draw Weight: Available in 7 different configurations (20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 lbs)
- Hand Orientation: Right-handed
Features:
- The bow sports a reflex/deflex design constructed on a bamboo/laminated wood riser, resulting in a smooth and forgiving shooting experience.
- Fiberglass overlaid limbs provide added power, durability, and shooting stability.
- Despite not being as forgiving as some other longbows (like the 64″ Bear Montana and SAS longbow), the AF Archery longbow is well-built and performs admirably.
- The range of draw weights available caters to various types of archers, including young shooters, women, and beginners.
- The riser grip has received some criticism for being uncomfortable, but this can be addressed by wrapping or replacing the grip.
- Due to its modern reflex/deflex design and vibration-free, smooth performance, this bow is powerful and can be lethal in various bow hunting scenarios, when used correctly1.
My Personal Experience
I remember vividly the first time I took the AF Longbow out into the wilderness.
The air was crisp, and the woods were quiet, save for the occasional chirping of birds and rustling of leaves.
I had been hunting with compound bows for years, but there was something about the simplicity and tradition of the longbow that intrigued me.
The AF Longbow was a beauty to behold, its bamboo and laminated wood riser evoking a sense of history and connection to the art of archery.
It felt solid in my hands, yet not as heavy as I'd feared.
I had chosen the 40lbs draw weight, a transition from the higher weights I was used to with compound bows, but it felt right given the new form factor.
The first few shots were a learning experience.
The bow was smooth to draw, with the reflex/deflex design making it feel very different from the compound bows I was accustomed to.
There was a sense of raw power in my hands, a direct connection between me and the arrow that was both thrilling and humbling.
Over time, I became more comfortable with the bow.
Its shooting stability was impressive, and I could feel myself getting more accurate with each shot.
The grip was a little uncomfortable at first, but after wrapping it with some leather I had, it felt much better.
I had my first successful hunt with the AF Longbow a few weeks later.
A deer had wandered into my sight, and with a steady hand and calm breath, I let the arrow fly.
The bow was surprisingly powerful, and the arrow found its mark.
As I walked towards my prize, I felt a sense of satisfaction not just from the successful hunt, but also from mastering this traditional form of archery.
The AF Longbow, with its blend of tradition, performance, and affordability, had added a new dimension to my hunting adventures.
It was a connection to the past, a testament to the skill of archery, and a reminder of the beauty of simplicity in our increasingly complex world.
Price and Value for Money
When discussing the value for money of the AF Longbow, priced at $69.00, it's important to consider what the bow offers in terms of features, quality, and performance.
A key aspect of this bow that greatly contributes to its value for money is its construction.
With a bamboo/laminated wood riser and fiberglass overlaid limbs, it provides durability and shooting stability that can often be found in more expensive bows.
The modern reflex/deflex design further enhances its shooting performance, making it a powerful tool for various hunting situations.
Additionally, the bow's draw weight configurations ranging from 20 to 55 lbs cater to a wide range of users, from beginners to seasoned archers.
This versatility, combined with the traditional design of the bow, offers a unique archery experience that many users would find valuable.
However, the value for money of this bow could be affected by potential additional costs.
For example, some users may find the riser grip uncomfortable and may choose to wrap or replace it, which could add to the total investment.
Nonetheless, considering the overall craftsmanship, performance, and the traditional design of the bow, the AF Longbow appears to offer considerable value for its price.
It seems to be an excellent option for those looking to engage in traditional archery without having to make a hefty financial commitment.
The Drawbacks
Though the AF Longbow serves as a stellar introduction to traditional archery, it does come with a few minor drawbacks.
One of these is the comfort of the riser grip.
I recall one chilly morning when I was about to take my first shot of the day.
My fingers wrapped around the grip, and I could feel an uncomfortable pressure against my palm.
I found the grip to be a bit too rigid for my liking, and after a day of shooting, the discomfort was even more apparent.
However, this was a relatively minor inconvenience.
With a bit of creative ingenuity and some spare leather I had lying around, I managed to wrap the grip and significantly improve its comfort.
Additionally, while the array of draw weights is a boon for many archers, the jump between each setting can be quite substantial, especially for those in the middle range.
Some archers might find a perfect draw weight for them lies somewhere between the available options.
Lastly, the bow does not come with any accessories.
So, beginners should be prepared to purchase essential accessories like arrows, a quiver, an arm guard, and possibly a glove separately, which might add to the overall cost of starting out.
But even with these minor drawbacks, the AF Longbow's value, performance, and the connection it offers to the age-old tradition of archery make it a worthwhile investment for any archery enthusiast.
These minor quirks, in my experience, have only added to the journey of mastering this instrument and have not detracted from the overall joy of using this bow.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
In conclusion, the AF Longbow offers a compelling blend of tradition, quality craftsmanship, and high performance at a very reasonable price point.
Despite its few minor drawbacks, such as the comfort of the grip and the lack of included accessories, it's clear that the positives far outweigh the negatives.
The versatility of the AF Longbow is commendable.
With a range of draw weight configurations, it caters to a variety of users, from young shooters to seasoned archers.
The reflex/deflex design on a bamboo/laminated wood riser provides a smooth and forgiving shooting experience, while the fiberglass overlaid limbs ensure durability and stability.
Perhaps the greatest testament to the value of the AF Longbow is its ability to satisfy both beginners and veteran archers.
For newcomers, it offers an affordable entry point into the world of traditional archery.
For experienced archers, it presents a chance to embrace the challenge and beauty of a different style of bow, all while delivering impressive performance and power.
The minor issues, such as the comfort of the grip, are easily remedied with a bit of DIY or a small additional investment.
And the need to purchase additional accessories separately can be seen as an opportunity to customize your archery experience according to your personal needs and preferences.
In essence, the AF Longbow is more than just a piece of equipment.
It's a bridge to the past, a tool for the present, and an investment in the future of your archery journey.
With its blend of affordability, quality, and performance, it's a purchase that promises to enrich your experience of this timeless sport.
So, should you buy the AF Longbow? If you're looking for a cost-effective, high-quality, and versatile traditional bow, then the answer is a resounding yes.
Whether you're a beginner looking to start your archery journey or a seasoned hunter seeking a touch of tradition, the AF Longbow is an investment that is likely to pay off in both satisfaction and performance.
Click here to learn more about the AF Archery Longbow and get the best price on Amazon.
