Bear Archery Au Sable Longbow Review: Should You Buy?

Welcome to our comprehensive review of the Bear Archery Au Sable Longbow, a piece of archery equipment that has managed to capture the attention of archery enthusiasts and professionals alike. 

With a price tag of $629.99, the Au Sable Longbow is a testament to Bear Archery's commitment to delivering quality, precision, and reliability.

In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the Au Sable Longbow, exploring its design, performance, ease of use, and overall value for money. 

We will be evaluating this longbow from various perspectives, considering the viewpoint of both novices and seasoned archers. 

From its construction and aesthetics to its shooting dynamics, we will leave no stone unturned in our detailed assessment.

Whether you're considering this bow as your next significant investment, or you're simply interested in the latest offerings in the archery world, stay tuned as we unfold the many facets of the Bear Archery Au Sable Longbow.

Specifications

  • AMO Length: 64″
  • Color: Bubinga with Black Stripe
  • Dexterity: Available for both Left Hand and Right Hand
  • Draw Weight: Options of 35 lbs., 40 lbs., 45 lbs., 50 lbs., 55 lbs., 60 lbs.​

Additional details about the Au Sable include a recommended brace height of 7″ – 7½” and a recommended replacement string length of 61″. 

The bow comes with a D97 Flemish twist bow string. 

The riser includes a leather saddle grip and an arrow rest. 

Lastly, the bow's limbs can handle high-performance string materials, a testament to the bow's robust construction and design​​.​

Features of the Au Sable Longbow

The Au Sable Longbow, named after the famous Michigan river, is a product of Bear Archery introduced in 2011. This longbow has been favorably received by enthusiasts due to several standout features:

  • Reflex/Deflex Design: This design enhances the bow's performance by increasing the speed of the arrow while reducing hand shock.
  • Large Sight Window: The generous sight window facilitates more accurate aiming.
  • Full-Radiused Grip: A comfortable grip is crucial for prolonged use, and the full-radiused grip of the Au Sable ensures comfort during use.
  • Crowned, Cut-On Center Arrow Shelf: This feature provides better arrow clearance and improved accuracy.

The Au Sable is built with a two-piece riser, crafted from exotic Bubinga with an inlaid matching accent stripe. 

The limbs, which are made of a Maple core, are overlaid with two layers of bamboo and backed with high-strength fiberglass, ensuring a smooth and powerful draw. 

The limbs' tips are handcrafted and layered with black and white fiberglass, indicating the high-quality craftsmanship that goes into the bow's construction​​.

Minimum Arrow Weight

Bear Archery specifies a minimum arrow weight for the Au Sable. 

Do not shoot an arrow weighing less than eight grains for every pound of peak draw weight. 

For instance, if your bow's peak weight is 40 pounds at your 30″ draw length, do not shoot an arrow weighing less than 320 grains in total arrow weight. 

Shooting an arrow below eight grains per pound (gpp) can damage the bow and potentially cause injury to the shooter or others nearby. 

Any damage caused by shooting an arrow that is too light will not be covered under warranty by 3Rivers Archery or the bow manufacturer​2​.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the bow's performance, usability, and value for money, providing a comprehensive view of what you can expect when using the Au Sable Longbow.

My Personal Experience

As a hunter with years of experience under my belt, my first encounter with the Au Sable Longbow was a revelation. 

I remember the day vividly; it was a crisp, clear morning, perfect for a hunting expedition. 

As I unpacked the Au Sable, I was immediately struck by its beauty – the exotic Bubinga wood with the black accent stripe was a sight to behold. 

But as any seasoned hunter knows, beauty is nothing without performance in the wilderness.

As I strung the Au Sable and ran my fingers along the full-radiused grip, it felt incredibly natural in my hand. 

The design of the riser and the grip made the bow feel like an extension of my arm, promising a level of control that I hadn't experienced before.

The first time I drew the Au Sable, I was taken aback by the smoothness of the draw. 

The combination of the Maple and Bamboo-core limbs delivered a fluid motion that was both quiet and fast. 

The reflex/deflex design of the bow seemed to lend an added zing to the arrow, enhancing its speed while minimizing hand shock.

In the field, the Au Sable truly came into its own. 

The large sight window proved invaluable, allowing for a broader view of my target and facilitating accurate aiming. 

The cut-on center arrow shelf ensured better arrow clearance, making each shot incredibly precise.

One particular hunting expedition stands out in my memory. 

I was tracking a large buck through dense woodland, relying on the Au Sable. 

The buck was elusive, and it took several hours before I had the chance to draw my bow. 

When the moment came, the Au Sable didn't disappoint. 

The smooth draw and the speed of the arrow allowed me to make a clean, ethical shot. 

The buck didn't run far, and I was able to recover it quickly. 

That day, the Au Sable proved its mettle in the field and cemented its place as my bow of choice

It's worth mentioning that the Au Sable, with its range of draw weights, is adaptable to various hunting situations. 

Whether stalking smaller game or tracking larger prey, I found that the Au Sable could be tuned to meet my needs. 

However, it's essential to ensure the right arrow weight, as using an arrow that's too light could damage the bow and even pose a risk to the shooter.

In conclusion, my personal experience with the Au Sable Longbow has been nothing short of exceptional. 

It combines beauty, performance, and versatility in one package, making it a worthy companion for any hunter. 

But as with any piece of equipment, it's crucial to handle it with respect and care, always keeping in mind the manufacturer's recommendations regarding draw weight and arrow weight.

Price and Value for Money

Priced at $629.99, the Au Sable Longbow sits in the upper-mid range of the longbow market. 

With its price tag, potential buyers might question the value for money it offers. 

But when you consider the features, craftsmanship, and performance this longbow delivers, it becomes clear that it represents a solid investment in your archery or hunting experience.

The Au Sable is a product of Bear Archery, a company with a longstanding reputation for manufacturing high-quality archery equipment. 

This longbow, like all of their products, benefits from their commitment to quality and attention to detail. 

The exotic Bubinga wood used in the riser, the Maple and Bamboo-core limbs, and the handcrafted tips layered with black and white fiberglass speak volumes about the craftsmanship that goes into creating this longbow.

Furthermore, the Au Sable's reflex/deflex design, large sight window, and full-radiused grip are features often found in high-end, more expensive bows. 

The inclusion of these features in a bow at this price point adds considerable value.

When it comes to performance, the Au Sable delivers. 

Its smooth, quiet, and fast shooting dynamics, coupled with the comfortable grip and the enhanced sight window, ensure an exceptional user experience. 

Whether you're a novice or an experienced archer, this longbow offers the kind of performance that can improve your accuracy and overall archery skills.

Moreover, the Au Sable is a versatile bow, available in a range of draw weights from 35 lbs. to 60 lbs. 

This flexibility means that it can be adapted to suit different users and various shooting or hunting scenarios, adding to its overall value.

Lastly, it's worth noting that a longbow is not just a tool, but also an investment in a skill and a hobby. 

The satisfaction derived from using a high-quality, well-crafted bow like the Au Sable can add immeasurable value that goes beyond its price tag.

In conclusion, while the Au Sable Longbow may require a significant upfront investment, its blend of quality, features, and performance make it a worthwhile purchase. 

It offers a high level of value for the price, especially for those committed to honing their archery skills or seeking a reliable companion for their hunting expeditions.

The Drawbacks

No product is perfect, and the Au Sable Longbow is no exception. 

While it boasts an array of impressive features and delivers exceptional performance, there are a few minor drawbacks to consider.

One potential issue for some users could be the price. 

At $629.99, it is not the most affordable longbow on the market. 

For beginners just dipping their toes into archery or hunters on a tight budget, the cost might seem steep.

In terms of design, while the Au Sable's full-radiused grip is comfortable for most, some users may find it takes a bit of getting used to, especially if they are transitioning from a different style of bow. 

I remember when I first held the Au Sable; I was used to a slimmer, less pronounced grip from my previous bow. 

The transition took a bit of adjustment, but after a few sessions, the grip felt natural, and I even began to appreciate the enhanced control it provided.

The Au Sable also requires careful attention to the weight of the arrows used. 

The manufacturer specifies a minimum arrow weight to prevent damage to the bow and ensure the safety of the shooter. 

This requirement means that users can't just use any arrows they have on hand; they need to be mindful of the arrow's weight, which might necessitate purchasing new arrows if their current ones do not meet the requirement.

Lastly, the Au Sable, with its exquisite design and high-quality materials, demands proper care and maintenance to keep it in top condition. 

This maintenance includes regular inspections, proper storage, and the potential for repairs or replacements down the line, all of which could mean additional time and cost commitments.

In conclusion, while the Au Sable Longbow has its minor drawbacks, none of them significantly detract from the overall quality and performance of the bow. 

It's a case of understanding your needs, preferences, and budget, and weighing these against what the Au Sable has to offer.

Should You Buy? Concluding the Review

In conclusion, the Au Sable Longbow, despite its few minor drawbacks, is a high-performing, high-quality bow that offers numerous features and an exceptional shooting experience. 

Whether you're an archery enthusiast, a dedicated hunter, or someone seeking to elevate their archery skills, this bow has plenty to offer.

The Au Sable's reflex/deflex design, large sight window, and full-radiused grip are features typically found in higher-priced bows, making it a standout in its price range. 

The combination of the Maple and Bamboo-core limbs and the craftsmanship of the two-piece riser from exotic Bubinga wood attests to the quality and durability of this bow. 

Furthermore, the range of draw weights available caters to a wide variety of users and shooting scenarios, adding to the bow's versatility and appeal.

The smooth, quiet, and fast shooting experience, coupled with the comfort and control offered by the full-radiused grip, makes the Au Sable a pleasure to use. 

The large sight window aids accuracy, and the cut-on center arrow shelf ensures better arrow clearance. 

These features together enhance the overall shooting experience, which can be particularly beneficial in hunting scenarios.

While the price tag might be a hurdle for some, the value for money that the Au Sable offers is undeniable. 

The quality, features, and performance it delivers are comparable to more expensive models, making it a worthwhile investment. 

Additionally, the satisfaction and potential skill improvement gained from using a bow of this caliber can add considerable value beyond the initial monetary investment.

Despite the minor drawbacks mentioned earlier, none of them significantly detract from the Au Sable's overall quality and performance. 

The grip may require some getting used to, and the minimum arrow weight is something to keep in mind. 

However, these are minor considerations in the grand scheme of things and can be easily managed with a bit of adjustment and attention to detail.

In the end, if you're in the market for a high-quality longbow that delivers both on performance and aesthetics, and you're prepared to make a reasonable investment in your archery equipment, the Au Sable Longbow from Bear Archery comes highly recommended. 

It's a bow that promises an exceptional shooting experience, and from personal experience, I can attest that it delivers on that promise.

Should you buy the Au Sable Longbow? If you're after a bow that combines beauty, performance, and versatility, and you're willing to invest in quality, then the answer is a resounding yes.

Click here to learn more about the Bear Archery Au Sable Longbow and get the best price on Amazon.