As a pastime that cultivates focus, patience, and precision, archery has appealed to countless individuals throughout history, both young and old.
When it comes to fostering this interest in the young enthusiasts, choosing the right bow makes all the difference.
Enter the SAS Spirit Jr, a 54″ beginner youth bow that promises to deliver quality, durability, and a smooth shooting experience, all for a price tag of $84.99.
In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the many facets that make the SAS Spirit Jr a contender in the realm of beginner archery equipment.
We'll discuss its design and build quality, how it caters to the needs of a novice archer, its performance and accuracy, and ultimately, the value it offers for its price.
Whether you're a parent looking to introduce your child to the sport, or a young archer on the quest for your first bow, this article aims to provide you with the insights you need to make an informed decision.
So, let's draw back the string, take aim, and launch into the world of the SAS Spirit Jr.
Specifications
- Draw Weight: 12-22 LBs
- Length: 54 inches
- Riser: Crafted from quality European and American solid wood
- Limbs: Made of maple laminations and strong European fiberglass
- Recommended shooter heights: Up to 5'4″
- Available for both right and left hand shooters
Included Accessories:
- 1 x 54″ Spirit Youth Bow
- 1 x SAS Recurve Bow Bag
- 1 x Finger Tab
- 1 x Arm Guard
- 1 x Bow Stringer
- 2 x Stick-on Arrow Rest
- 1 x SAS Paper Target
The SAS Spirit Jr's riser is crafted from a blend of chuglam, gmelina arborea, and beech, which are some of the most durable woods from Asia.
This combination gives the bow riser its unique pale yellow to cream-colored look.
The limbs are made of maple laminations and strong European fiberglass, ensuring flexibility and durability.
It is designed to bend, but breaking it will be a challenge due to its sturdy construction1.
It's worth noting that the SAS Spirit Jr comes with a range of accessories, including a recurve bow bag for safe storage and transport, a finger tab and an arm guard for protection, a bow stringer for easy stringing, stick-on arrow rests for improved arrow flight, and a paper target for practice2.
Overall, the SAS Spirit Jr offers a comprehensive package for a beginner youth bow, which should enable young archers to quickly get started with the sport.
In the following sections of this review, we will further delve into the design, usability, and performance of this bow.
My Personal Experience
As a father, watching my child take up a new hobby is always a joy, and the experience with the SAS Spirit Jr was no exception.
The day the bow arrived, neatly packaged with all its accessories, my son's eyes lit up with anticipation.
It was a sight I'll always remember, the excitement in his voice palpable as he eagerly unpacked his new archery gear.
The first thing that struck me was how well-built the SAS Spirit Jr was.
It had a smooth, sleek finish, and the wood had a beautiful, warm color that was pleasing to the eye.
Picking it up, I could feel the solid construction and durability, yet it was lightweight enough for my son to handle comfortably.
The blend of maple and fiberglass in the limbs offered a nice balance between flexibility and strength.
I remember our first few sessions vividly.
My son was initially apprehensive, struggling to get the hang of how to hold the bow, position the arrow, and release the string.
But the SAS Spirit Jr, with its beginner-friendly design, made the learning process much more manageable.
The included arm guard and finger tab proved essential, protecting him from the occasional string snap.
What impressed me the most was the bow's forgiving nature.
Whether it was my son's inconsistent grip or the fluctuating draw length as he was learning, the SAS Spirit Jr seemed to adapt.
It was like the bow was growing with him, accommodating his learning curve.
I believe this can be attributed to its draw weight range of 12-22 LBs, allowing a smooth transition as he got stronger and more experienced.
One anecdote I'd like to share involves a particular practice session.
It was a warm summer afternoon, and we had been out in the yard for a couple of hours.
My son was visibly tiring but was determined to hit the bullseye on the paper target that came with the bow.
We were about to call it a day when he drew the string back one more time, released, and there it was – his first bullseye! The joy on his face was priceless.
The SAS Spirit Jr, in my eyes, was more than a bow that day; it was a tool that had given my son a sense of accomplishment and boosted his confidence.
In conclusion, as a father, the SAS Spirit Jr offered more than just a piece of archery equipment.
It provided a platform for teaching my son about patience, precision, and the joy of mastering a new skill.
And for those precious moments of bonding and shared excitement, I consider it worth every penny.
Price and Value for Money
Priced at $84.99, one may wonder if the SAS Spirit Jr offers good value for money.
In my opinion, it absolutely does, and here's why.
Firstly, the construction and design of the SAS Spirit Jr speak volumes about its quality.
The riser, made from a blend of durable woods from Asia, and the limbs, crafted from maple laminations and strong European fiberglass, ensure a sturdy and reliable bow that is designed to withstand the rigors of beginner use.
Such quality in material and construction is not often found in beginner bows in this price range.
Secondly, the SAS Spirit Jr comes as a complete package.
The inclusion of several accessories such as the recurve bow bag, finger tab, arm guard, bow stringer, stick-on arrow rests, and a paper target adds significant value.
For a beginner, having all these essentials bundled together not only makes the archery experience more convenient but also saves the additional costs and effort of purchasing these accessories separately.
Moreover, the SAS Spirit Jr's draw weight range of 12-22 LBs provides excellent flexibility for growing archers.
This means that the bow can “grow” with the child, accommodating their increasing strength and skill level.
This feature adds longevity to the bow, making it a worthwhile investment that can be used for several years before needing an upgrade.
Last but not least, the experiences and skills gained by a young archer using this bow are invaluable.
From my personal experience as a father, the confidence, patience, and precision my son has developed through using the SAS Spirit Jr are benefits that transcend the realm of archery.
In conclusion, the SAS Spirit Jr, with its quality, comprehensive package, and potential for growth, offers excellent value for its price.
It's a worthy investment for any young archer looking to embark on their archery journey.
The Drawbacks
Despite the many merits of the SAS Spirit Jr, it's important to acknowledge that no product is without its drawbacks.
While the drawbacks of this bow are few and far between, they are worth mentioning for a well-rounded review.
One minor issue we encountered was with the stick-on arrow rests.
They did their job well initially, but after a few weeks of use, we noticed that they had started to lose their stickiness and didn't adhere to the bow as well.
This wasn't a major concern as stick-on arrow rests are generally replaceable, and we were able to easily find replacements online.
But it did interrupt a few practice sessions until the new arrow rests arrived.
Furthermore, while the draw weight range of 12-22 LBs is generally a positive feature, it could be a bit challenging for younger or less physically strong children at the higher end of the spectrum.
My son had a few struggles when he tried to push himself to draw at the higher weights prematurely.
It was a small hiccup in his learning journey, but it served as a good lesson about patience and progressing at a pace that's right for him.
Another minor drawback is that, while the SAS Spirit Jr comes with a good number of accessories, it doesn't include any arrows.
For a beginner, having to choose and buy arrows separately can be a bit overwhelming.
We had a bit of a trial and error period before we found arrows that were the right fit for the bow and my son's shooting style.
In conclusion, while these drawbacks exist, they are minor and easily navigated.
None of them detract significantly from the overall value and positive experience of using the SAS Spirit Jr.
With the right approach and a little bit of patience, young archers and their parents should be able to easily overcome these small challenges.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
In concluding this review, the key question remains: should you buy the SAS Spirit Jr for your young archer? After weighing the positives and negatives, my answer is a resounding yes.
Despite a few minor drawbacks, such as the stick-on arrow rests losing their stickiness over time, a potentially challenging draw weight range for younger children, and the absence of included arrows, the SAS Spirit Jr shines in many more aspects.
It boasts a sturdy construction with a blend of durable woods and strong fiberglass, promising a long-lasting bow that can endure the enthusiastic use of beginners.
Its design caters specifically to young archers, with a recommended shooter height of up to 5'4″ and availability for both right and left-handed shooters.
The comprehensive package, including a recurve bow bag, finger tab, arm guard, bow stringer, stick-on arrow rests, and a paper target, adds great value and convenience, saving parents from the hassle of purchasing these accessories separately.
And let's not forget the draw weight range of 12-22 LBs that allows the bow to “grow” with the child, serving them well as they gain strength and refine their skills.
On a more personal note, the SAS Spirit Jr offered an excellent platform for my son to discover the joy of archery.
From mastering his first bow to hitting his first bullseye, it provided a series of rewarding experiences that boosted his confidence and patience.
In terms of value for money, at $84.99, the SAS Spirit Jr delivers far more than what it costs.
The quality, comprehensive accessories, longevity, and the invaluable skills it imparts to young archers all contribute to a package that is well worth the investment.
In conclusion, if you're a parent looking to introduce your child to archery, or if you're a young budding archer yourself, the SAS Spirit Jr is a fantastic place to start.
It offers a reliable, quality, and enjoyable introduction to the sport, and serves as a solid foundation for a journey in archery.
Click here to learn more about the SAS Spirit Jr 54″ Youth Recurve and get the best price on Amazon.
