First Impressions of October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561
The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 is a three-piece takedown recurve bow designed for both recreational archery and hunting. Manufactured by October Mountain Products, this bow promises a blend of affordability, durability, and user-friendliness. With its magnesium riser, pre-installed arrow rest, and included Flemish string, it aims to provide a complete package for archers of various skill levels.
I was searching for a recurve bow that would be easy to transport and store, without sacrificing performance or durability. The three-piece takedown design of the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 immediately caught my eye. I also appreciated that it came with a pre-installed arrow rest and a Flemish string, saving me the hassle of purchasing those separately.
Upon unboxing, the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 felt surprisingly solid. The magnesium riser felt lightweight yet sturdy, and the Realtree Excape camo finish looked quite appealing. The limbs appeared well-made, and the included accessories seemed of decent quality.
Compared to other recurve bows in this price range, such as the Samick Sage and the Southwest Archery Spyder, the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 stood out due to its magnesium riser and Realtree Excape finish. While the Samick Sage is a well-regarded bow, its wooden riser can be a bit heavier and less durable. I chose the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 because I valued the combination of lightweight design and aesthetic appeal.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 appeared to be a well-designed and well-equipped recurve bow for the price, and I was eager to see how it would perform in actual use.
Real-World Testing: Putting October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 at my local archery range, focusing on target shooting at distances ranging from 20 to 40 yards. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze. I wanted to gauge its accuracy and overall handling.
The bow performed admirably in these conditions. It was relatively easy to draw and hold, and the shot felt smooth and consistent. After a few adjustments to my stance and aiming point, I was able to achieve reasonably tight groupings at 20 yards.
There were no immediate issues after the first use, but I did notice that the grip felt a bit slick, especially with sweaty hands. This was a minor annoyance, but something I would need to address with a grip wrap or gloves.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 has held up remarkably well. I’ve taken it on a couple of weekend camping trips. I used it for recreational target shooting.
There are no significant signs of wear and tear, and the riser and limbs still look and feel solid. I wipe down the bow with a clean cloth after each use and apply a bit of bowstring wax to the Flemish string. This simple maintenance routine has kept the bow in good working order.
In comparison to my previous experience with wooden recurve bows, the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 has proven to be more durable and resistant to weather. The magnesium riser seems less prone to warping or cracking than wood, and the Realtree Excape finish has resisted scratches and abrasions. It definitely outperforms some of the cheaper bows I’ve used in the past.
Breaking Down the Features of October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561
Specifications
The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 boasts the following technical specifications:
- Overall Length: 58 inches
- Riser Material: One-piece magnesium
- Limb Material: Not specified (Likely maple and fiberglass composite)
- Hand Orientation: Right Hand (RH)
- Finish: Realtree Excape camo
- String Type: Flemish
- Mounting Locations: Machine threaded sight and rest mounting locations
- Included Accessories: Pre-installed arrow rest, flathead socketcap limb bolts, Flemish string
These specifications are important because they directly impact the bow’s performance and user experience. The 58-inch length makes it suitable for a wide range of draw lengths. The magnesium riser provides a balance of strength and weight.
Performance & Functionality
The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 performs its intended job quite well, offering a blend of accuracy, reliability, and usability. The bow is accurate enough for recreational target shooting and hunting at reasonable distances. The lightweight riser makes it easy to handle, even for extended periods of shooting.
One of the strengths of this bow is its ease of use. The pre-installed arrow rest and included Flemish string make it ready to shoot right out of the box. One weakness is the somewhat slippery grip.
The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 generally meets expectations for a bow in its price range. It provides a solid shooting experience with a focus on user-friendliness and durability.
Design & Ergonomics
The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 features a well-designed and ergonomic riser. The magnesium construction keeps the weight down while maintaining strength and rigidity. The EZ fit grip is comfortable enough for most users, but the slick surface may require some modification for optimal grip.
The bow is relatively user-friendly, even for beginners. The three-piece takedown design makes it easy to assemble and disassemble, and the pre-installed arrow rest simplifies the setup process. There is minimal learning curve involved, making it accessible to a wide range of archers.
Durability & Maintenance
The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 appears to be built to last, thanks to its durable magnesium riser and quality limbs. The Realtree Excape finish also adds a layer of protection against scratches and abrasions. With proper care and maintenance, this bow should provide years of reliable service.
Maintaining the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 is relatively simple. Regular cleaning and waxing of the bowstring are the only routine tasks required. The three-piece takedown design also makes it easy to inspect and clean individual components.
Accessories and Customization Options
The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 comes with a pre-installed arrow rest and a Flemish string. It also has machine-threaded sight and rest mounting locations. This bow is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, including sights, stabilizers, and quivers.
The machine threaded mounting locations allow you to easily add accessories from other brands. This increases the bow’s functionality and making it a very adaptable recurve bow.
Pros and Cons of October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561
Pros
- Lightweight and durable magnesium riser for easy handling and long-lasting performance.
- Three-piece takedown design for easy storage and transport.
- Pre-installed arrow rest and Flemish string make it ready to shoot out of the box.
- Affordable price makes it accessible to a wide range of archers.
- Realtree Excape camo finish provides excellent concealment for hunting.
Cons
- Grip can be slick and may require modification for optimal grip.
- Limb material not explicitly specified, potentially impacting long-term durability compared to high-end composites.
Who Should Buy October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561?
The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 is perfect for:
- Recreational archers looking for an affordable and easy-to-use bow.
- Hunters seeking a lightweight and maneuverable bow for stalking game.
- Beginners who want a complete package with all the necessary accessories included.
This product may not be ideal for:
- Experienced archers who demand the highest level of performance and customization.
- Competitive shooters who require a more specialized bow with advanced features.
Must-have accessories or modifications:
- Grip wrap or gloves to improve grip and comfort.
- Sight for increased accuracy.
Conclusion on October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561
The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 is a solid and reliable recurve bow that offers excellent value for the price. Its lightweight magnesium riser, three-piece takedown design, and included accessories make it a great choice for recreational archers, hunters, and beginners. While the grip could be improved, this is a minor issue that can be easily addressed.
The price is definitely justified given the features and overall quality of the bow. The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 provides a blend of affordability, durability, and user-friendliness that is hard to beat.
I would personally recommend this bow to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile recurve bow without breaking the bank. If you’re in the market for a new bow, give the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81561 a try – you won’t be disappointed!