Welcome to our in-depth review of the PSE Archery Razorback Traditional Takedown Recurve Recreational Shooting Bow, or as we'll affectionately refer to it throughout this piece, the Razorback.
This archery marvel, retailing at a modest $119.99, has been causing quite a stir in the archery community, and we're here to delve into why that is.
In this review, we'll break down the key aspects that make the Razorback a worthy contender in your archery arsenal.
We'll examine its design and build quality, which are foundational to any good bow.
We'll explore its performance metrics, such as accuracy and draw weight, as well as how user-friendly it is, especially for beginners.
Lastly, we'll look at the value proposition, comparing the Razorback's cost to its overall offering.
So, whether you're a seasoned archer or someone just stepping into the captivating world of archery, stick around as we take a closer look at the Razorback.
By the end of this review, we hope to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of this product, helping you make an informed decision about whether it's the right bow for you.
Let the exploration begin!
Specifications
- Crafted from hardwoods
- Stabilizer and Sight Bushings
- Threaded for Cushion Plunger
- Brace Height: 7”
- Weights @ 28” Draw
- Limb weights available: 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 lbs
- Total length: 62 inches
- Lightweight design: 2.8 lbs
With these specifications in mind, let's delve deeper into what makes the Razorback a great choice for recreational shooting.
Features and Benefits:
- No tool limb takedown setup: The Razorback incorporates a self-screwing bolt system that connects the limbs to the riser. This design allows for simple and quick disassembly without the need for any specialized tools. If you need to replace the limbs, all you have to do is turn the screws by hand1.
- Pre-drilled accessory holes: Recurve bows can be shot barebow (traditional shooting) or accessorized with modern additions such as an arrow rest, target sights, silencers, and stabilizers. The Razorback comes pre-drilled to accommodate these accessories, offering the flexibility to customize the bow to your personal shooting preferences1.
- Comfortable grip: The grip design on the Razorback has been carefully engineered to ensure comfort. There are no sharp edges, making it comfortable to hold even for extended shooting sessions1.
- Lightweight and easy to shoot: The Razorback is notably lightweight at only 2.8 lbs. This makes it easy to handle, especially for newer shooters or those who prefer a lighter bow. The light draw weight contributes to an effective range of about 30 yards, making it ideal for target shooting1.
Included Accessories:
- Dracon 12 strand string: The bow string is a significant factor in the vibration, accuracy, and noise of the bow. The Razorback comes with a Dracon 12 strand string, which offers a softer feel and a more enjoyable shooting experience compared to a string with more strands1.
The Razorback is designed for comfort and ease of use, making it a great choice for recreational shooters of all levels.
However, its lighter draw weight means it's not suitable for hunting.
Its effective range is about 30 yards, which is perfect for most target shooters, but those looking to extend their range might want a bow with more poundage.
My Personal Experience
As a seasoned hunter, I have had the pleasure of using a variety of bows over the years, but my experience with the Razorback was something different.
It was one of those cool, crisp autumn days when I first took the Razorback out for a spin at my local archery range.
I remember being intrigued by its lightweight design and the ease with which I could assemble it, thanks to its no-tool takedown setup.
These features might seem small on paper, but in the field, they make a world of difference.
The grip of the Razorback felt natural and comfortable in my hand, almost as if it was custom-made for me.
There were no sharp edges, making it perfect for extended shooting sessions.
The grip, combined with the bow's lightweight design, meant I could shoot for hours without feeling any fatigue.
What impressed me most was the Razorback's light draw weight.
As a hunter, I'm accustomed to bows with heavier draw weights, designed for penetrating the tough hides of game animals.
However, the Razorback's lighter draw weight proved to be an advantage in its own right.
It allowed for quick, smooth draws, making it perfect for honing my shooting skills at the range.
The Razorback's lighter draw weight also gave the bow a remarkably effective range of about 30 yards.
It might not be suitable for hunting, but it proved itself to be an excellent tool for target practice.
I could practice my form, aim, and release without the strain associated with heavier bows.
One of the aspects I appreciated most about the Razorback was the pre-drilled holes for modern accessories.
As a hunter, I'm no stranger to using accessories like arrow rests, target sights, and stabilizers.
Being able to customize the Razorback to my liking was a major plus.
However, there was one day when the true value of the Razorback became apparent.
I was out with a friend who was new to archery.
He struggled with the heavier bows but took to the Razorback like a duck to water.
Its user-friendly design and light draw weight made it the perfect bow for him to learn on.
Watching him shoot with confidence and enjoyment was a testament to the Razorback's appeal to beginners and recreational shooters.
While the Razorback might not be my go-to for a hunting expedition, it's a bow I find myself reaching for time and time again when I'm looking to enjoy a relaxing day at the range.
It has become a beloved tool for practice and an effective way to introduce newcomers to the world of archery.
Price and Value for Money
Priced at $119.99, the Razorback is an attractive option when compared to other recurve bows in the market.
Its cost-effectiveness becomes apparent when you start to evaluate what you're getting for the price.
Firstly, the Razorback's build quality is impressive, crafted from hardwoods and designed with user comfort in mind.
Its lightweight design, pre-drilled accessory holes, and comfortable grip are features that are typically found in higher-priced bows.
The no-tool takedown setup also adds value, as it saves the user from investing in additional tools for assembly and adjustments.
The Razorback's performance specifications, particularly its light draw weight and effective range of 30 yards, are well-suited for recreational shooting and beginners.
While it might not be the best option for hunting or long-range shooting, it excels in its designed purpose as a recreational shooting bow.
In terms of accessories, the inclusion of a Dracon 12 strand string is a nice bonus.
A good quality bowstring can greatly impact the shooting experience, and having one included in the package adds value.
It's also important to consider the versatility of the Razorback.
Its pre-drilled accessory holes allow users to customize the bow to their personal shooting preferences, which is a feature that can extend its usability as one's skills improve.
When you consider all of these factors, the Razorback offers excellent value for money.
It's a well-built, user-friendly, and versatile recurve bow that delivers a lot more than its price tag suggests.
For anyone looking to get into archery, or for experienced archers seeking a reliable bow for practice and recreational shooting, the Razorback is a sound investment.
What are people saying?
Colin & Molly, who rediscovered archery after a long hiatus, praised the Razorback for its affordability, ease of setup, and suitability for beginners.
After using the 30-pound version for a week, they wished they had opted for a higher draw weight, suggesting that the bow is comfortable and manageable even for those who are just getting back into archery.
They highly recommend the Razorback to anyone looking to explore archery.
Owen D Kalman bought the Razorback for his daughter who had used various bows in her college archery class and preferred the PSE Razorback over all others.
He was immediately impressed with its quality and ease of assembly.
Owen's entire family, ranging from ages 13 to 77, found the Razorback easy to use and appreciated its performance.
He emphasized that the Razorback, although sometimes marketed as a youth bow, is more than a child's toy.
It's a well-made product that should last many years and was chosen equipment at the collegiate level.
Owen's review highlights the Razorback's versatility, performance, and durability.
The Drawbacks
No product is without its minor drawbacks, and the Razorback is no exception.
For instance, the bow is not designed for hunting due to its maximum draw weight of 30 lbs.
While this is ideal for beginners and recreational shooters, it does limit the Razorback's versatility for those interested in hunting or long-distance shooting.
On a more personal note, I recall a time when I was shooting at a range with a friend who is an experienced archer.
He was interested in the Razorback because of its lightweight design and easy assembly.
However, after trying it out, he noted that the light draw weight, while great for practice and recreational shooting, didn't provide the resistance he was used to with his higher draw weight bows.
As someone who regularly participates in competitive archery, he felt that the Razorback might not offer the challenge or training intensity he needed for his specific goals.
In conclusion, while the Razorback is an excellent choice for beginners and recreational shooters, it may not be the best fit for seasoned archers looking for high draw weights or those intending to use it for hunting.
However, these drawbacks are minor when considering the Razorback's affordability, user-friendly design, and overall versatility.
It's important to remember that every bow has its intended purpose, and the Razorback excels in its role as a beginner-friendly and recreational shooting bow.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
In conclusion, the PSE Archery Razorback Traditional Takedown Recurve Recreational Shooting Bow, or simply the Razorback, is a standout choice for both beginners and experienced archers looking for a reliable, user-friendly, and affordable bow for recreational shooting.
The Razorback shines with its easy assembly and no-tool takedown setup, which saves you from the hassle of using extra tools.
Its lightweight design, comfortable grip, and pre-drilled accessory holes make it a joy to use, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the sport of archery.
The included Dracon 12 strand string, which greatly improves the shooting experience, is another highlight that adds value to this bow.
While its maximum draw weight of 30 lbs may limit its versatility for hunting or long-range shooting, it is important to remember that the Razorback is primarily designed for recreational shooting and new archers.
It offers a light draw weight that's easy on the arms, making it an ideal bow for extended practice sessions and for those who are just starting out in archery.
Customer reviews speak volumes about the Razorback's performance, durability, and overall quality.
It has proven to be a favorite among a wide range of users, from those rediscovering the sport after a long hiatus to families enjoying archery as a recreational activity.
Considering its price point of $119.99, the Razorback offers excellent value for money.
It delivers the features, comfort, and performance that typically come with higher-priced bows, making it a sound investment for anyone looking to get into archery or for experienced archers seeking a reliable bow for practice.
In light of all these factors, if you're looking for a beginner-friendly, comfortable, and affordable bow for recreational shooting, the Razorback is definitely worth considering.
Its minor limitations do little to diminish its overall appeal and the value it provides.
Whether you're just starting out or are an experienced archer, the Razorback offers a great balance of quality, performance, and affordability that's hard to beat.
