In this review, we will delve into the world of traditional archery with a spotlight on the Southwest Archery Scorpion Traditional Hunting Longbow, henceforth referred to as the Scorpion.
This American-made longbow, retailing at $289.00, is well-regarded for its blend of quality, performance, and accessibility to a wide range of archers from beginners to intermediates.
Our discussion will unfold along several key aspects of the Scorpion.
We will start by evaluating its design and build quality, touching on how its craftsmanship aligns with the ideals of traditional archery.
Following this, we will take a detailed look at its performance characteristics, focusing on aspects such as draw weights, accuracy, and comfort.
We'll also evaluate its suitability for both right and left-handed archers and its versatility across different levels of expertise.
Additionally, we'll explore the added value of its 1-year warranty, giving buyers an extra layer of security.
We'll also assess the customer service and reputation of Southwest Archery as a USA-based company.
By the end of this review, our aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Scorpion longbow, allowing potential buyers to make an informed decision.
Whether you're just starting your journey into the realm of archery or you're an intermediate archer seeking a reliable upgrade, this review is tailored to give you a clear insight into what the Scorpion has to offer.
Stay tuned as we pull back the bowstring on this remarkable piece of archery equipment.
Specifications
- Overall Length: 68 inches
- Materials: Dymond wood, Tiger wood, White oak, and Padouk
- Draw Weights: 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 lbs (available in 5 lb increments)
- Hand Orientation: Available for both right and left-handed archers
- Limb Tips: Reinforced and compatible with Fast Flight and Flemish strings
- Pre-installed Shelf Pad: Yes
As we delve deeper into the features of the Scorpion, the first thing to note is the craftsmanship.
This longbow is handcrafted using four naturally sourced woods, including Dymond wood, Tiger wood, White oak, and Padouk, which gives it a unique and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Moreover, these materials are shared with the renowned Tigershark series, reflecting the brand's consistent commitment to quality.
The Scorpion comes in a range of draw weights, starting from 25 lbs and going up to 60 lbs, with 5 lb increments.
This range allows archers of different strength levels and experience to find their perfect fit.
Whether you're interested in bowhunting, target shooting, or traditional archery, the Scorpion is ready to perform.
Reinforced limb tips make the longbow compatible with both Fast Flight and Flemish strings, opening up further customization options.
Included Accessories:
- 16 Strand Dacron String: A durable and reliable string that comes included with the bow
- Shelf Pad: Pre-installed for your convenience
- Detailed Instructions: Step-by-step instructions with photos to guide you through assembly and disassembly
- Stringer Tool: Essential for safe and proper assembly and disassembly of your bow, a $15 value included for free1
The Scorpion package also includes a few extras that enhance your archery experience.
A 16-strand Dacron string is included with the bow, and a pre-installed shelf pad helps reduce wear on the bow and arrow.
Detailed instructions accompany the longbow, ensuring you can safely assemble and disassemble the bow, even if you're new to the sport.
Additionally, Southwest Archery includes a stringer tool—a crucial accessory for safe assembly and disassembly of the bow1.
To top it all off, Southwest Archery stands by the quality of the Scorpion, backing it with a 1-year manufacturer warranty upon online registration after purchase.
This adds an extra layer of assurance for your investment, demonstrating the company's confidence in its product's quality and durability.
My Personal Experience
As an avid hunter, my first encounter with the Scorpion was during a hunting trip in the heartland of America.
I'd recently purchased the longbow, intrigued by its combination of traditional design and modern innovation, and was eager to put it to the test.
The first thing that struck me about the Scorpion was the craftsmanship.
The blend of Dymond wood, Tiger wood, White oak, and Padouk lent it a distinctive, rich hue that immediately set it apart from the other bows in my collection.
It was a thing of beauty, but as every hunter knows, appearance isn't everything.
I was keen to see how it performed in the wild.
My draw weight of choice is typically around 50 lbs, and the Scorpion handled this with ease.
The draw was smooth and consistent, and I found it surprisingly comfortable to hold at full draw.
This comfort is often overlooked, but in hunting situations where you might need to hold your draw for extended periods, it's crucial.
The first test of the Scorpion came as I was tracking a white-tail deer through the dense forest.
I remember the adrenaline surging as I finally spotted it grazing in a clearing about 30 yards away.
This was the moment of truth for the Scorpion.
I drew back the string, feeling the familiar tension and the reassuring sturdiness of the bow in my grip.
I released, and the arrow flew true, striking the deer cleanly.
It was a testament to the Scorpion's accuracy and power.
What impressed me most, however, was the Scorpion's versatility.
I used it on several other hunts during that trip, tracking everything from rabbits to larger game.
Each time, the Scorpion performed admirably, handling the different scenarios and demands with ease.
It felt like an extension of myself, a tool perfectly tailored to the challenges of the hunt.
One particular incident stands out in my memory.
I was stalking a wild turkey, creeping through the underbrush to get within range.
The Scorpion's 68″ length might seem cumbersome in such situations, but I found it surprisingly manageable.
It seemed to move with me, weaving through the branches and leaves as if it were a part of the forest itself.
All in all, my experiences with the Scorpion have been nothing short of excellent.
It's a bow that combines beauty, performance, and versatility in one package, making it an exceptional tool for any hunter.
Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just beginning your hunting journey, the Scorpion is a longbow that deserves serious consideration.
Price and Value for Money
When it comes to evaluating the Scorpion Longbow's price and value for money, one must consider several factors.
Priced at $289.00, it may initially seem like a significant investment, especially for beginners.
However, a closer look at its features, craftsmanship, and performance reveals that it offers excellent value.
Firstly, the Scorpion is made from high-quality materials including Dymond wood, Tiger wood, White oak, and Padouk, which are also used in the renowned Tigershark series.
This combination not only results in a visually stunning bow but also ensures durability and strength1.
The use of such materials in a bow at this price point is a testament to Southwest Archery's commitment to quality without compromising affordability.
Next, the Scorpion offers a wide range of draw weights from 25 to 60 lbs, accommodating archers of various strength levels and shooting styles.
Its compatibility with both left and right-handed archers further extends its accessibility.
Few bows at this price point offer such versatility, which makes the Scorpion a standout choice.
Performance-wise, the Scorpion has received glowing reviews from users for its accuracy, smooth draw, and comfort, all of which are key factors when considering value for money in a bow.
As I shared from my personal hunting experience, the Scorpion's performance in real-life hunting scenarios is commendable.
The Scorpion also comes with a pre-installed shelf pad, a 16-strand Dacron string, detailed assembly instructions, and a stringer tool.
Considering that these accessories can cost up to $50 if purchased separately, their inclusion adds significant value to the overall package.
Lastly, the Scorpion is backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty, an assurance of quality and durability that further bolsters its value proposition.
This warranty provides peace of mind to buyers, knowing that the company stands behind its product.
In summary, while the upfront cost of the Scorpion Longbow might seem substantial, its high-quality construction, versatility, impressive performance, included accessories, and warranty make it a valuable investment.
Whether you're a beginner looking to delve into the world of traditional archery or an intermediate archer looking for a reliable upgrade, the Scorpion offers excellent value for money.
The Drawbacks
While the Scorpion Longbow offers many advantages, like any product, it is not without its drawbacks.
One of the potential challenges that some archers, particularly beginners, might face with the Scorpion is its size.
With an overall length of 68 inches, it is a substantial piece of equipment.
While its size contributes to its excellent stability and accuracy, it can be somewhat unwieldy for archers of a smaller stature or those who are not accustomed to handling longbows of this length.
I remember my friend's first time trying out the Scorpion.
He's a bit on the shorter side and primarily used to shooting with shorter recurve bows.
He found the Scorpion slightly awkward to maneuver at first, especially in tighter spaces like dense forests during our hunting trips.
However, with some practice and time, he was able to adjust and handle the bow efficiently.
But for some, this learning curve could potentially be a deterrent.
Another minor issue some users have reported is the string quality.
While the included 16-strand Dacron string is functional and reliable, some seasoned archers might prefer to upgrade to a higher quality string for optimal performance.
This is not a significant issue, but it's worth considering if you're planning on using the Scorpion for competitive archery.
In conclusion, while the Scorpion is an exceptional bow, potential buyers should take note of these minor drawbacks.
The size of the bow might require a bit of an adjustment period, especially for smaller archers or those transitioning from shorter bows.
Also, while the included string is functional, you might consider investing in a higher quality string if you're aiming for top-tier performance.
Nevertheless, these minor issues are far outweighed by the Scorpion's many strengths, making it a worthy addition to any archer's arsenal.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
In conclusion, the Southwest Archery Scorpion Longbow is an impressive piece of equipment that brings together traditional design with modern archery technology.
Its combination of high-quality materials, versatile draw weights, and exceptional performance make it a standout choice for both beginners and intermediate archers.
While its 68″ length might pose a slight challenge for smaller archers or those used to shorter bows, with practice and familiarity, it's a hurdle that can be easily overcome.
And while some may prefer a higher quality string, the included 16-strand Dacron string is more than functional for most archery activities, from hunting to target shooting.
The Scorpion shines in its versatility and value for money.
The wide range of draw weights available and compatibility with both right and left-handed archers means it caters to a broad spectrum of archers.
Add to that the inclusion of a shelf pad, stringer tool, and detailed instructions, and you've got a comprehensive package that offers great bang for your buck.
Furthermore, the Scorpion's performance in the field truly sets it apart.
As I shared from my hunting experiences, it's a reliable bow that delivers power, accuracy, and comfort, making it a trustworthy companion on any hunting trip.
Ultimately, the question of whether you should buy the Scorpion comes down to your personal needs and preferences.
But given its balance of quality, performance, and price, coupled with Southwest Archery's stellar reputation and warranty, the Scorpion is a solid investment for anyone looking to delve into the world of traditional archery or seeking an upgrade from their current bow.
In closing, the Southwest Archery Scorpion Longbow is a well-crafted, high-performing, and versatile bow that offers excellent value for money.
Despite a few minor drawbacks, its strengths significantly outweigh its shortcomings, making it a worthy consideration for any archer.
Happy shooting!
