In the realm of archery, the quest for a potent blend of tradition and modern performance never ceases.
This pursuit is beautifully embodied in the SAS Pioneer 68″ Longbow, or simply the ‘Pioneer' as we'll fondly refer to it.
This review intends to delve into the Pioneer's features, dissecting its aesthetic appeal, handling, and performance characteristics.
Priced at $189.99, this bow is accessible to a broad spectrum of archery enthusiasts, but what value does it really offer? We'll discuss its build quality, the materials used, and the craftsmanship behind it.
We'll explore how it fares for both target shooting and hunting, providing insights into its versatility.
Finally, we'll assess how well it caters to both right-handed and left-handed archers, an uncommon feature that promises inclusivity.
Whether you are a seasoned archer or a novice, join us as we embark on this comprehensive exploration of the Pioneer.
Prepare to be enlightened about this intriguing blend of tradition and performance, as we determine whether it's worth your quiver space.
Specifications
- Strong fiberglass limb made of Maple laminations
- Riser made of Makore Wood and Cassia Siamea
- Available in both right and left-hand orientation
- Length: 68 in1
- Draw Weight: 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 lbs
- Bow Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Draw Length: 36 inches
Diving deeper into its features, the SAS Pioneer's riser is crafted with Makore and Cassia Siamea wood, a rare combination that makes the riser incredibly stable and durable.
These woods are known for their rot resistance and sturdiness, respectively.
This bow also features an arrow rest covered with fur padding for smooth and accurate shots, and the string includes a nocking point.
The grip, covered with leather, comfortably fits any hand size and protects the bow and the arm during shooting.
The bow's limbs are a combination of Maple and fiberglass, ensuring strength and durability that can withstand any abuse.
SAS has reinforced the limb tips to accommodate Flemish or FastFlight strings, which offer accurate draw weight during hunting.
The SAS Pioneer offers a range of draw weights starting from as low as 35 lbs, a feature that makes it a perfect starting point for beginners.
Generally, longbows available in the market start at higher draw weights, usually 50 lbs or more, but the SAS Pioneer offers a smoother shooting experience even for individuals with a smaller stature.
When it comes to performance and accuracy, the SAS Pioneer is simple in design yet complex in function.
It has a centered arrow shelf for accurate shooting from a distance, and despite a slight hand shock when shooting, it remains a highly efficient bow.
The bow comes with a package that includes the SAS Pioneer Long Bow, arrows, an armguard, a quiver, a warranty and user manual, and the bow string.
On the positive side, the SAS Pioneer is fast, powerful, compatible with FastFlight and Flemish strings, and suitable for bow hunting by a master archer.
It offers fantastic value for its price, and the design and materials used in its construction are of high quality.
A unique aspect of this bow is its universal grip that adapts to any hand size.
On the downside, despite the bow being made of top-notch hardwood, the bowstring may sometimes cause the arrow to go off target.
However, the reinforced limb tips allow for easy string replacement with a Flemish or FastFlight string for better performance.
The model is not available for left-handed archers, but alternatives exist in the market for those who need them.
Overall, the SAS Pioneer offers a blend of unique features, performance, and value for money, making it a worthwhile addition to any archer's collection.
My Personal Experience
As a seasoned hunter, I have had the privilege of using a multitude of bows over the years.
However, my experience with the SAS Pioneer 68″ Longbow has been truly remarkable, and I would love to share a few anecdotes that highlight the bow's performance and unique features.
I still remember the day the Pioneer arrived.
Fresh from the box, the smell of the Makore Wood and Cassia Siamea riser immediately caught my attention.
The first thing I noticed was the grip – it was covered with soft leather and seemed to mold itself perfectly to my hand.
The phrase “fits like a glove” had never been more apt.
This might seem like a minor detail, but as any archer knows, a comfortable grip is instrumental in ensuring stability and accuracy during shooting.
One of my first hunts with the Pioneer was a rabbit hunt in the dense woods near my property.
I was curious to see how the bow would perform in a real hunting scenario, especially considering its draw weight options.
I had chosen a 45 lbs draw weight, a sweet spot between power and control for me.
As I quietly navigated through the woods, the light weight of the bow was a blessing, ensuring I could carry it for hours without fatigue.
When I finally spotted a rabbit about 30 yards away, I took a moment to appreciate the Pioneer's centered arrow shelf.
The rabbit was a fair distance away, but the bow gave me confidence.
Drawing the string back, I felt the power of the bow.
The draw was smooth, almost reassuring, as I took aim.
Releasing the arrow, I saw it fly straight and true, hitting the rabbit squarely.
The Pioneer had passed its first test with flying colors.
During another memorable hunting trip, I was targeting a larger game – a deer.
This time, I opted for the 55 lbs draw weight for the extra power.
As I took aim, I felt a slight hand shock.
Initially, it surprised me, but as I continued to use the bow, I learned to anticipate it, and it didn't affect my accuracy.
The Pioneer proved its worth again, demonstrating that it could hold its own even when hunting larger game.
One aspect that I appreciated about the Pioneer was its durability.
During one of my hunts, I accidentally dropped the bow.
My heart skipped a beat as it tumbled down a rocky slope.
When I retrieved it, I was pleasantly surprised to find it unscathed, save for a few minor scratches.
The fiberglass and Maple laminate limbs truly lived up to their promise of durability.
The SAS Pioneer 68″ Longbow has been a faithful companion on many hunts since then.
It has consistently delivered in terms of performance and reliability, proving that traditional designs can indeed coexist with modern performance expectations.
Whether I'm hunting small game or bigger targets, the Pioneer has always been up to the task.
Price and Value for Money
Priced at $189.99, the SAS Pioneer 68″ Longbow offers a compelling balance of quality, performance, and affordability.
In the realm of archery equipment, it's not uncommon for high-quality bows to run into the hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of dollars.
Hence, finding a bow that delivers excellent performance at a sub-$200 price point is a welcome surprise.
The Pioneer's value for money becomes evident when you examine its features and construction.
The strong fiberglass limbs made of Maple laminations, the unique riser made of Makore Wood and Cassia Siamea, the range of draw weights, and the comfortable leather grip are all high-end features that one would expect in more expensive models.
Furthermore, the Pioneer's performance does not disappoint.
As highlighted in my hunting experiences, the bow is fast, powerful, accurate, and adaptable to different hunting scenarios.
It is compatible with FastFlight and Flemish strings, and the universal grip that adapts to any hand size is a boon for comfort and stability during shooting.
Another aspect that contributes to the Pioneer's value for money is its durability.
The reinforced limb tips, the sturdy wood construction, and the durable limbs designed to withstand abuse mean that this bow is built to last.
This longevity translates into savings over time as you won't need to replace or repair the bow frequently.
Finally, the package includes not just the SAS Pioneer Long Bow, but also arrows, an armguard, a quiver, a warranty and user manual, and the bow string.
These additional items enhance the overall value of the package, providing everything an archer would need to get started.
In conclusion, the SAS Pioneer 68″ Longbow offers excellent value for money.
Its quality construction, performance, and durability combined with its affordable price make it a worthy investment for both novice and seasoned archers.
It stands as proof that you don't always have to break the bank to acquire a reliable and high-performing longbow.
What are people saying?
The SAS Pioneer 68″ Longbow enjoys overwhelmingly positive reviews from users, many of whom praise its quality, performance, and value for money.
Here are some key points from user reviews:
talus.rock: This user was initially hesitant to buy a bow online but was ultimately pleased with the purchase.
They found the bow more accurate than their previous recurve right out of the box, despite a bit more hand shock.
They updated the review after several months, still satisfied and noting that the bow shoots great, especially after some tuning.
Their only minor concern was the white “pioneer” logo on the bow's limb, fearing it might alert game during a hunt.
Sara C: This longtime compound bow shooter purchased the Pioneer in a 40 pounds draw weight and was impressed with the true flight of arrows from the bow.
They noted that the bow shoots quietly with very little shock, especially after adding some beaver pelt silencers.
Although they had initially planned to buy a different bow for hunting, they were so impressed with the Pioneer that they considered buying another one in a heavier draw weight.
They praised the bow as a great shooting tool and highlighted their plans to hunt deer with it.
The Drawbacks
No product is perfect, and the SAS Pioneer 68″ Longbow is no exception.
While the positives far outweigh the negatives, it's important to note some minor drawbacks that some users, myself included, have experienced.
The most noticeable for me was the hand shock.
During a hunting trip in the dense woods of Montana, I remember feeling a slight shock in my hand each time I released an arrow.
While this was not a deal-breaker, it was a minor discomfort that took some getting used to, especially during long shooting sessions.
With time, I was able to adjust my grip slightly to minimize the impact.
Another point worth mentioning is the bowstring.
Some users have reported that the string may occasionally cause the arrow to go off target.
While I haven't personally experienced this issue, it's something to keep in mind.
Fortunately, the bow's design allows for the string to be replaced with another type, such as Flemish or FastFlight, which some users have found to improve their shooting accuracy.
Lastly, the white “pioneer” logo emblazoned on the back of the top limb could potentially alert game during a hunt.
This was a point brought up by another user in their review, and I must admit, I've shared similar concerns during my hunting trips.
It's a minor detail, but one that could make a difference in certain hunting scenarios.
While these drawbacks are worth considering, they are by no means deal-breakers.
The overall performance and value of the Pioneer outweigh these minor issues, making it a worthy choice for both novice and experienced archers.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
The SAS Pioneer 68″ Longbow presents a compelling proposition for both beginners and seasoned archers.
From its strong fiberglass limbs and unique riser to the range of draw weights and the comfortable leather grip, the Pioneer is a testament to the excellent balance of quality, performance, and affordability.
The minor drawbacks such as hand shock and the white logo on the limb do not significantly detract from the overall value and utility of the Pioneer.
On the contrary, they provide opportunities for customization and personal fine-tuning, which can enhance the archery experience.
User reviews consistently praise the Pioneer's performance, with several users noting that the bow shoots accurately right out of the box.
The bow's ability to accommodate a range of hand sizes and its compatibility with different types of strings further add to its versatility.
The included accessories, such as the arrows, armguard, and quiver, provide additional value for money and ensure that archers have everything they need to get started.
As a hunter, I've found the Pioneer to be a reliable and capable companion.
Its performance in the field has consistently met my expectations, and its durability has stood the test of time and rigorous use.
The bow's length and weight have proven suitable for various hunting scenarios, and its fast and powerful shooting has been an asset in capturing game.
In conclusion, the SAS Pioneer 68″ Longbow is a worthy investment for anyone interested in archery, whether for target shooting or hunting.
Its excellent value for money, combined with its strong performance and high-quality construction, make it a standout choice in its price range.
If you're looking for a reliable, high-performing, and affordable longbow, the SAS Pioneer 68″ Longbow is a choice that you won't regret.
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