In the realm of archery, the right equipment can significantly enhance your performance, and finding the perfect bow can be a journey in and of itself.
Today, we're going to delve into a product that has been making waves in the archery community—the Sanlida Archery Dragon X8 RTH Compound Bow Package.
Priced at a reasonable $199.99, this recurve bow promises a balance of quality, performance, and affordability that seems almost too good to be true.
Throughout this review, we'll explore the features of the Dragon X8 in depth, including its customizable draw length and weight, its impressive IBO speed, and its noteworthy ‘No Bow Press Needed' design.
We'll also take a closer look at the US-made limbs and the limited lifetime warranty it offers.
Join us as we unpack the merits and potential drawbacks of this compound bow, helping you determine if the Dragon X8 is the right companion for your archery adventures.
Specifications
The Dragon X8 is packed with impressive features and specifications, making it a comprehensive package for both adult and teen archers. Here's a rundown of its core specifications:
- Axle-to-Axle: 30″
- Brace Height: 6.6″
- Draw Weight: 0~70 LBS
- Draw Length: 18″~31″ (with each 0.5″ adjustment)
- IBO Speed: 310FPS
- Net Weight: 3.8 LBS
- Let-off: 70-80%
- String Length: 58.13″
- Cable Length: 32.23
In addition, the Dragon X8 boasts several high-quality components and build features.
The bow limbs are sourced from Gordon Composites, a well-respected USA-based bow limb supplier.
The riser and cams are CNC machined, ensuring precision and durability.
The bow string is made of BCY material, also sourced from the USA.
One of the most notable aspects of the Dragon X8 is its adjustability.
Both the draw length and draw weight are adjustable without a bow press, providing a high level of flexibility and customization to the user.
The Dragon X8 is also designed with the user in mind.
Its all-season style and unisex-adult suggested user profile make it a versatile option for a wide range of archers.
The package weight is 5.31 kilograms, and the bow itself is designed for right-hand orientation.
The color of the model is referred to as ‘Black Pro', and the material used in the construction is aluminum.
This product comes with a limited lifetime warranty, emphasizing the manufacturer's confidence in the product's durability and longevity.
When it comes to accessories, the Dragon X8 doesn't disappoint. The package includes:
- A 5-pin sight
- An arrow rest
- A stabilizer
- A wrist sling
- A peep sight
- 12 pcs arrows
- A quiver
- A release
- An arrow puller
- A bow stand
- A compound bow case2
These additional components ensure that you're well-equipped to start your archery practice or hunting expedition right out of the box.
In the sections that follow, we will delve deeper into the performance of the Dragon X8, its ease of use, and how it stands up against other bows in its price range. We will also discuss user feedback and provide an overall verdict on whether it's worth the investment.
My Personal Experience
As a seasoned hunter, my experience with the Dragon X8 has been nothing short of exceptional.
A bow, for a hunter, is not just a tool—it's an extension of oneself, a companion in the wild, and the Dragon X8 has proven itself to be a reliable ally in this regard.
I remember one of my first hunting trips with the Dragon X8.
It was a crisp, early autumn morning.
The woods were alive with the rustle of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife.
I had been tracking a deer for a while when I finally spotted it, grazing nonchalantly in a sun-drenched clearing.
I remember the adrenaline rush, the thrill of the hunt coursing through my veins.
I carefully unpacked the Dragon X8 from its case, the black aluminum riser cool to the touch, the CNC machined cams and sturdy bow limbs sourced from Gordon Composites reflecting a promise of unwavering reliability.
The 5-pin sight attached to it provided a clear and precise visual, and the stabilizer ensured a well-balanced shot.
I adjusted the draw weight and length to my preference—70lbs and 29 inches respectively—a process that was remarkably easy and quick, thanks to the bow's innovative design that doesn't require a bow press for adjustment.
Drawing the bow, I was impressed by the smoothness of the action.
The 70-80% let-off made holding at full draw a breeze.
I remember how the string, made of BCY material, felt against my fingers.
There was a sense of control, an assurance that the Dragon X8 was designed for precision and comfort.
I released the arrow, and it soared through the air, reaching an impressive speed (close to the advertised 310FPS IBO speed), finally finding its mark.
The deer barely had a chance to react before it was down.
As I stood there, the Dragon X8 in my hands, I realized how this bow had seamlessly integrated into my hunting routine.
Since then, the Dragon X8 has accompanied me on numerous hunting trips.
Its durability has been tested against the rigors of the outdoors, and it has held up remarkably well.
And when the day's hunt is over, packing it up is just as effortless.
The compact design and the included compound bow case make transportation and storage convenient.
In the quiet moments in the wilderness, when it's just me and the Dragon X8, I can't help but appreciate the craftsmanship and thoughtfulness that went into creating this bow.
As a hunter, it's not just the successful hunts that count, but also the connection with nature, the thrill of the chase, and the satisfaction of a well-placed shot.
With the Dragon X8, I've found a companion that enhances all these aspects of the hunt.
Price and Value for Money
Priced at $199.99, the Dragon X8 offers a strong value proposition.
When assessing the value for money, it's important to consider not only the cost but also the performance, durability, features, and included accessories of the product.
The Dragon X8 scores high in all these areas.
It boasts a variety of impressive features, such as adjustable draw length and weight without the need for a bow press, IBO speeds reaching up to 310FPS, and components sourced from reputable suppliers.
The bow's construction, with its CNC machined riser and cams, also ensures durability and precision, and the limited lifetime warranty adds an extra layer of security to your investment.
In terms of accessories, the Dragon X8 comes with a comprehensive package that includes a 5-pin sight, an arrow rest, a stabilizer, a wrist sling, a peep sight, 12 pcs arrows, a quiver, a release, an arrow puller, a bow stand, and a compound bow case.
If these were to be purchased separately, the cost would certainly add up, making the price point of the Dragon X8 even more appealing.
Given its performance and the extensive range of features and accessories it comes with, the Dragon X8 offers excellent value for money.
It's a solid choice for both beginners and experienced archers looking for a versatile, reliable, and affordable bow.
Whether for hunting, target practice, or backyard shooting, the Dragon X8 is a worthy investment that won't break the bank.
What are people saying?
The Dragon X8 has received positive feedback from various users, with notable emphasis on its quality, affordability, and versatility.
Here are some highlights from user reviews:
Walter Karpinski, an experienced hunter, praised the Dragon X8's quality, ease of assembly, and performance.
He emphasized that the bow would be more than capable for deer or elk hunting.
Walter appreciated the smooth draw, decent bow sight, and arrow rest, and found the arrow quiver easy to attach.
He also suggested that while the included arrows were on the lower end, they could be used for target practice, and different ones could be purchased for hunting.
He recommended the Dragon X8 to anyone, especially considering its affordability compared to other brands.
Mr Jellybean, a beginner in the world of compound bows, found the Dragon X8 to be an excellent introduction to the sport.
Despite initial difficulties with the manual, he found setup to be relatively straightforward with some help from online resources.
He has been enjoying shooting with the Dragon X8 in his backyard, noting improving shot groupings over time.
Mr Jellybean also remarked on the good build quality and the availability of aftermarket components for future upgrades if needed.
He doesn't see the need to upgrade to a more expensive bow, as the Dragon X8 has been serving him well.
The Drawbacks
No product is perfect, and the Dragon X8 is no exception.
While the bow offers excellent value for money and performs admirably in various scenarios, there are a few areas that could use some improvement.
One of the first things I noticed when I received my Dragon X8 was the included arrows.
They're adequate for practicing target shooting in the backyard, but when it comes to hunting, I found them to be on the lower end of the spectrum.
I recall my first time using them for hunting—a small game hunt—and quickly realizing that these arrows weren't quite up to the task.
The flight wasn't as consistent as I would have liked, and the impact was less than optimal.
I ended up purchasing higher-quality arrows separately for hunting.
Another potential drawback is the printed manual.
As Mr Jellybean's review mentioned, it's not as thorough as it could be, especially for beginners.
I remember my own confusion when setting up the bow for the first time and feeling a bit lost with the manual.
Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available online to assist with setup and tuning.
These drawbacks, while worth mentioning, are minor compared to the overall quality and performance of the Dragon X8.
They do not significantly detract from the value of the bow, and the issues can be easily addressed with a bit of extra research or minor additional purchases.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
After a thorough examination of the Dragon X8's features, performance, value for money, and user feedback, the answer is a resounding yes.
The Dragon X8 offers an excellent balance between price and quality, making it an outstanding choice for both beginners and experienced archers.
The bow's numerous features such as the adjustable draw length and weight, IBO speeds of up to 310FPS, and the inclusion of a comprehensive accessories package make it a versatile and convenient choice.
Additionally, the high-quality construction, sourced from reputable suppliers like Gordon Composites and CNC machined components, ensures durability and precision.
Though there are minor drawbacks, such as the quality of the included arrows and the clarity of the printed manual, these issues are easily addressable and don't significantly detract from the bow's overall value.
Furthermore, the positives far outweigh these minor concerns.
The bow's performance, as evidenced by user reviews and personal experiences, speaks to its reliability and effectiveness in various scenarios, from backyard target shooting to hunting expeditions.
In conclusion, the Dragon X8 offers an excellent balance of quality, performance, and affordability.
Whether you're new to archery or an experienced archer looking for a reliable and versatile bow, the Dragon X8 is a worthy investment.
Its robust design, wide range of features, and exceptional value for money make it a standout choice in its price range.
The Dragon X8 is more than just a bow—it's a companion for your archery journey.
Click here to learn more about the Sanlida Dragon X8 Compound Bow and get the best price on Amazon.
