Cons: No bow stringer, limitted choices of size & draw weight. Low maximum draw weight.
The Bottom Line: You can't fault this bow for the price, well made but limitted choices make it possibe you won't find one that suits you. But so much FUN!
I had been looking for a cheap bow for some time because I used to shoot bows as a kid & wanted to try it again as well as introduce my own children. I'd almost given up on the idea after spending weeks looking a bows that were $300-$500 & even second hand ones at $200. Then I stumbled upon the PSE Buckeye at my local Cabelas store & decided that, at a little over $100, I would give it a try.
For a start the Buckeye is basic, very, very basic. You get a choice of left or right hand & draw weights of between 20 to 30lbs. That's it. I chose the 30lbs, although it felt like a monster in the store & I was initially unable to fully draw it back, on the basis that I would get used to it eventually. I picked up a stringer & a few arrows too & took it off to the local range the next day.
The Buckeye is a "Take Down" type which means the upper & lower limbs can be removed from the Riser (the bit where your hand goes & the arrow rests). Assembly is pretty easy, I'd been put off "Take Down" bows before because I'd not thought them to be as rigid as a normal bow & that the screws that hold the limbs to the riser were potential points of failure. This was quite apart from the prospect of losing the nuts used to tighten it all down. I had to keep reminding myself that this bow was barely over $100 & I had to accept some compromises. Using a bow stringer is essential even at only 30lbs of draw weight & after some fist time user finger trouble I had it all together & strung.
Then I started shooting with it & was instantly impressed. Being 62 inches long it was perfect for a tall guy like me & there was little in the way of post release vibration that I had become so used to with the bows I'd shot as a kid. It felt well damped & controlled in my hand. Excessive virbation after release is very, very tiring & upsets your aim so this was really welcome.
After a few weeks of use I soon became used to the pull & started to wish I'd been able to buy one with a 35 or even 40lbs draw weight instead. However to do so would have resulted in greater expense, at least double, because i'd have to buy a different model as the Buckeye is limitted to a maximum of 30lbs. I also have to ask myself what I would need the extra kick for. It isn't as if I'm hunting with it & trying to bring down deer at 200 yards.... however I am still looking at better models for next year.
I've had some derisive looks & comments about the Buckeye at the range from other bow shooters, but on the whole they aren't really addressing any weakness in the Buckeye. This is a strictly recreational bow, something to have fun with & pop some arrows into targets. At $109 this is about the same costs as taking the kids to a theme park for the day. To compare the Buckeye to their bows, with 70lbs draw weight & costing over $700, is simply meaningless.
As mentioned above I am now looking for a heavier draw weight bow for next year & will definitely consider PSE again because I've been so impressed. While the 30lb pull felt really hard at first it is amazing how quickly I got used to it & soon wished from more. But the Buckeye isn't going to be going away because my daughter is all over it & eagerly awaiting the day it becomes hers.
The good points: Given the very low cost it is a great introduction to archery & you may be perfectly happy to stick with it. The quality is great & shows every sign of lasting quite a while.
The bad points: There's no bow stringer & there's limitted choice of pretty low draw weight & no choice in bow length. Certainly with an upper limit of 30lbs you have to consider if this is going to last you long enough to be worthwhile or if you'll outgrow it.
Personally I'm still having a great time with mine.
A favorite of Boy and Girl Scouts and 4H clubs. Recommended for all ages. This take-down recurve bow features durable laminated construction and solid...More at eSportsonline
A favorite of Boy and Girl Scouts and 4H clubs. Recommended for all ages. This take-down recurve bow features durable laminated construction and solid...More at eSportsonline
A favorite of Boy and Girl Scouts and 4H clubs. Recommended for all ages. This take-down recurve bow features durable laminated construction and solid...More at eSportsonline
The Buckeye Recurve Bow is a favorite of Boy and Girl Scouts and 4H clubs and is recommended for all ages. This take-down recurve bow features durable...More at Amazon Marketplace
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.