CenterPoint Aspen Recurve Bow Review: Should You Buy?

In the world of archery, finding the right equipment that matches your skill level, budget, and personal preference can be a daunting task. 

Today, we will be shining a spotlight on the CenterPoint Aspen AVRA45KT Take Down Bow Kit with Laminate Wood Riser, priced at an accessible $119.99. 

A recurve bow that boasts both aesthetics and performance, the Aspen is an intriguing offering from CenterPoint, a brand renowned for its quality archery gear.

In the upcoming sections, we will delve into the specifics of the Aspen, discussing its construction and design, performance on the archery range, and how it stacks up against other bows in its price range. 

We will also explore the versatility it offers as a takedown bow and the components included in the kit. 

Whether you are an archery enthusiast, a beginner in the sport, or a seasoned bowhunter, this review promises to provide you with comprehensive insights into the CenterPoint Aspen. 

Stay tuned for an in-depth examination of this recurve bow that promises quality without breaking the bank.

Specifications

The CenterPoint Aspen is packed with a variety of features and specifications that make it a worthy choice for both beginners and experienced archers. Here are the key specifications and features:

  • Item Package Dimensions: 24.7 x 7.4 x 2.12 inches
  • Package Weight: 1.41 Kilograms (Approx. 3.1 Pounds)
  • Item Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
  • Item Weight: 2 Pounds
  • Brand Name: CenterPoint Archery
  • Warranty Description: Limited
  • Model Name: CenterPoint AVRA45KT ASPEN Take Down Bow Kit with Laminate Wood Riser, Black
  • Color: Black
  • Material: Blend
  • Number of Items: 5
  • Manufacturer: Ravin Crossbows
  • Part Number: AVRA40KT
  • Style: CenterPoint AVRA45KT ASPEN Take Down Bow Kit with Laminate Wood Riser, Black
  • Included Components: Stringer, Finger tab, Nock set, Arrow rest, Bow
  • Size: One Size
  • Hand Orientation: Left Hand​​

Features:

  • Laminated Riser: The riser is beautifully constructed using a blend of African cherry, rosewood, white oak, maple, and green wood. This lamination provides maximum strength and a flawless aesthetic appeal.
  • Hard Maple and Fiberglass Limbs: These limbs offer long-lasting durability, ensuring the bow will withstand extensive use.
  • Modern Limb Pockets: This feature facilitates easy assembly of the bow, making it user-friendly and convenient.
  • Brace Height: The bow comes with a comfortable 7.25 to 8.25-inch brace height, which can greatly impact the feel and performance of the bow.
  • Draw Length and Weight: It has a 45-pound draw weight, and the 62-inch black string provides a 29-inch draw length.
  • Included Kit: The bow kit also includes a stringer, finger tab, rest, and nock set. With these accessories included, you'll have everything you need to start practicing your archery skills​.

Each of these features and specifications contribute to the overall performance and usability of the CenterPoint Aspen. 

Whether you're a beginner just starting your archery journey or a seasoned archer looking for a reliable and durable recurve bow, the Aspen offers a comprehensive package that caters to a variety of needs. 

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into these features and specs, discussing how they influence the bow's performance and user experience.

My Personal Experience

As a seasoned archer, I was eager to see how the CenterPoint Aspen would perform at the shooting range. 

I had heard great things about it, and its unique blend of aesthetics and functionality piqued my curiosity. 

This is a recounting of my firsthand experience with the Aspen.

When I first unboxed the bow, I was immediately taken by its aesthetic appeal. 

The laminated riser, crafted from a blend of African cherry, rosewood, white oak, maple, and green wood, held a certain charm. 

It was not only beautiful but also gave off an impression of durability. 

I could tell that the Aspen was designed with both form and function in mind.

The assembly was straightforward, thanks to the modern limb pockets. 

I've dealt with some bows in the past that were unnecessarily complex to assemble, but with the Aspen, I didn't encounter such issues. 

This is a great feature for beginners who may find the assembly process daunting.

With the bow assembled, it was time to put it to the test. 

The first thing I noticed when I took my stance was the bow's balance. 

It felt comfortable in my left hand, and the 45-pound draw weight felt just right. 

The bow's draw length was perfect for my arm span. 

The 29-inch draw length provided a smooth draw cycle, and the bow's balance made it easy to maintain my form.

When I released the first arrow, I was pleasantly surprised by the bow's performance. 

The arrow flew straight and true, hitting close to the bullseye on my target. 

The Aspen's 7.25 to 8.25-inch brace height seemed to contribute significantly to the bow's accuracy. 

As I continued to shoot, the bow consistently delivered impressive accuracy and speed.

One of the things I appreciated the most about the Aspen was its durability. 

The hard maple and fiberglass limbs held up perfectly throughout my shooting session, showing no signs of stress or wear. 

This is a feature that I believe would appeal to archers who plan on using their bows regularly.

After spending a few hours at the range with the Aspen, I came away impressed. 

The bow's performance, combined with its durability and attractive design, made for a satisfying archery experience. 

Whether you're a beginner looking to get into the sport or an experienced archer seeking a reliable and aesthetically pleasing bow, the CenterPoint Aspen is worth considering. 

From my experience, it's clear that this bow delivers on its promise of quality and performance.

Price and Value for Money

Priced at $119.99, the CenterPoint Aspen offers significant value for its cost. 

When considering the value for money of a recurve bow, it's important to evaluate not just the cost but also the quality, durability, and the inclusion of additional components.

One of the key selling points of the Aspen is its robust build and high-quality materials. 

The laminated riser, constructed from a blend of African cherry, rosewood, white oak, maple, and green wood, not only adds a touch of elegance but also ensures the bow's strength and durability. 

The hard maple and fiberglass limbs are designed for long-lasting use, guaranteeing that the bow will withstand extensive use without compromising on performance.

The modern limb pocket design of the Aspen simplifies the assembly process, making it user-friendly for both beginners and experienced archers. 

This design feature, along with the comfortable 7.25 to 8.25-inch brace height, 45-pound draw weight, and 29-inch draw length, contributes to an optimal shooting experience.

Furthermore, the Aspen is a takedown bow, meaning it can be disassembled for easy transportation and storage. 

This feature adds to its overall value, as it provides flexibility and convenience that static recurve bows lack.

In addition to the bow itself, the package includes a stringer, finger tab, rest, and nock set. 

The inclusion of these essential accessories adds to the overall value of the kit, as you won't need to purchase them separately. 

For beginners, this means you can start practicing your archery skills right out of the box, without any extra costs.

In the realm of archery equipment, where prices can skyrocket into the hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars, the Aspen stands as an affordable option that doesn't compromise on quality or performance. 

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced archer, the Aspen offers a comprehensive package that caters to a variety of needs and skill levels, making it a solid investment in your archery journey.

Therefore, considering its quality, durability, performance, and the inclusion of essential accessories, the CenterPoint Aspen offers excellent value for its price. 

It's an investment that promises returns in the form of a satisfying and enjoyable archery experience.

The Drawbacks

While the CenterPoint Aspen has a lot to offer, no product is without its drawbacks. 

During my time with the Aspen, I did encounter a few minor issues that are worth mentioning.

The bow is designed for left-handed use, which is a boon for left-handed archers but might pose a challenge for those who are right-handed. 

I myself am right-handed, and while it was an interesting experience to try shooting left-handed, it did require an adjustment period. 

Right-handed archers considering the Aspen might need to account for this factor.

Another aspect I noticed was that while the bow's draw weight is perfect for those with some archery experience, beginners might find a 45-pound draw weight slightly challenging at first. 

It's not a deal-breaker by any means, but it's something that novice archers should keep in mind. 

With practice and increased strength, however, managing this draw weight can become easier over time.

Finally, while the included accessories are a nice addition and certainly add value to the package, they are quite basic. 

The arrow rest, for instance, gets the job done, but archers looking for more advanced features might want to consider investing in a separate, higher-quality rest.

Despite these minor drawbacks, my overall experience with the CenterPoint Aspen was largely positive. 

These issues didn't significantly impact my shooting session and are things that can be worked around or improved upon with some minor upgrades or adjustments. 

It's important to remember that no bow is one-size-fits-all, and what might be a drawback for one person could be a non-issue or even a benefit for another. 

The key is to find a bow that suits your specific needs and preferences, and the Aspen, despite these minor issues, remains a strong contender in its price range.

Should You Buy? Concluding the Review

In conclusion, the CenterPoint Aspen stands out as a compelling choice for both beginners and seasoned archers looking for a reliable, durable, and cost-effective recurve bow. 

Its combination of a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing design, solid performance, and the inclusion of essential accessories makes it a comprehensive package that provides great value for its price.

The laminated riser and hard maple and fiberglass limbs ensure the bow's durability, while the modern limb pockets simplify the assembly process. 

Its comfortable brace height, suitable draw length and weight, and the convenience of being a takedown bow all contribute to an optimal shooting experience. 

The included stringer, finger tab, rest, and nock set mean that you have everything you need to start practicing right away.

While the bow does have a few minor drawbacks, such as being designed primarily for left-handed use, a slightly challenging draw weight for absolute beginners, and basic included accessories, these issues are minor and manageable. 

They do not significantly detract from the overall quality and performance of the bow, and in some cases, they could even be seen as opportunities for growth and personalisation. 

For instance, the 45-pound draw weight could encourage beginners to build their strength, and the basic accessories could be replaced or supplemented with more advanced ones as the archer's skills develop.

In the balance of things, the positives of the CenterPoint Aspen far outweigh its minor drawbacks. 

It is a bow that delivers on its promise of quality, performance, and value for money, making it a worthy consideration for anyone looking to invest in a recurve bow. 

Whether you're just starting your archery journey or looking for a reliable bow to add to your collection, the Aspen could very well be the bow you're looking for.

Click here to learn more about the CenterPoint Aspen Recurve Bow and get the best price on Amazon.