October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81562 Review

First Impressions of October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81562

The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81562 promises a blend of traditional archery with modern manufacturing, offering a take-down recurve bow suitable for both recreational archers and seasoned hunters. Marketed towards those looking for a lightweight and reliable bow, the Ascent boasts a magnesium riser, pre-installed arrow rest, and a Flemish string, all at an attractive price point. Does this bow live up to the hype, or does the low price reflect compromised performance?

I was in the market for a readily portable, lightweight bow for scouting and small game hunting, something I could easily pack without sacrificing too much power. I had considered a one-piece recurve, but the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81562’s three-piece take-down design appealed to my need for compactness. My experiences with other October Mountain products have been generally positive, particularly regarding their value for money, which further influenced my decision.

The unboxing experience was straightforward. The bow components – riser, limbs, and string – were neatly packaged. My first impression was that the magnesium riser felt remarkably light, almost surprisingly so, while the limbs had a solid, reassuring heft. The Realtree Excape camo finish looked well-applied and visually appealing.

I was also considering the Samick Sage and the PSE Razorback. The Samick Sage is a classic and highly regarded, but it’s generally more expensive. The PSE Razorback is closer in price, but I preferred the aesthetic of the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81562, specifically its integrated limb pockets and the promise of increased dependability. Ultimately, the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81562’s combination of portability, integrated features, and price won me over.

My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. The bow seemed well-built for its price, but I was eager to see how it performed in practice. It definitely sparked excitement about hitting the range, but whether it could deliver on its promises of dependability and accuracy remained to be seen.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81562 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81562 was at my local outdoor archery range. I specifically chose a day with slightly breezy conditions to get a feel for how the bow handled in less-than-ideal circumstances. Setting up the take-down bow was straightforward, taking less than five minutes, and the included arrow rest worked without immediate adjustment.

The bow performed surprisingly well in the breeze. The lightweight riser helped with maneuverability, and the draw felt smooth, although I could feel the lighter riser flexing slightly more than heavier bows I’ve used. I noticed a slight vibration after the shot, but it was manageable.

The only minor issue I encountered initially was that the pre-installed arrow rest needed a bit of fine-tuning to perfectly align my arrows. Otherwise, the first use was positive and encouraging.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81562 has held up quite well. I’ve taken it on a few scouting trips in varying weather conditions, including some light rain, and it continues to perform consistently. There is a small scratch on the riser from brushing against a tree, but the finish is holding up otherwise.

The bow’s durability has been satisfactory for its price point. The limb pockets are holding strong, and the Flemish string shows minimal fraying. Routine cleaning after each use has kept it in good condition.

Compared to my previous recurve bows, the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81562 excels in portability, but it is slightly less forgiving regarding shot form due to its lighter weight. Overall, it meets my expectations for a budget-friendly, take-down recurve bow meant for recreational shooting and light hunting.

Breaking Down the Features of October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81562

Specifications

The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81562 boasts a 58-inch overall length, making it suitable for a range of draw lengths. It features a one-piece magnesium riser, known for its lightweight properties and relative durability. The bow is specifically designed for right-handed archers and comes finished in Realtree Excape camo.

The inclusion of a pre-installed Pro Hunter Arrow Rest is a definite plus, especially for beginners, and the flathead socketcap limb bolts provide secure limb attachment. The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81562 ships with a Flemish string, known for its improved performance and durability compared to standard strings. The magnesium riser, though lightweight, may not offer the same vibration dampening as heavier wood or composite risers.

Performance & Functionality

The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81562 performs admirably for its intended purpose: recreational archery and light hunting. Accuracy is decent, especially at shorter distances (20-30 yards), though it can be affected by the shooter’s form due to the bow’s lighter weight. Its reliability has been consistent, with no major issues arising during testing.

The bow’s strengths lie in its portability, ease of assembly, and attractive price. Its main weakness is that the lightweight riser might not be as stable or vibration-dampening as more expensive alternatives. The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81562 mostly meets expectations, excelling in portability and affordability, but it could benefit from improved vibration dampening.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81562 is respectable for its price. The Realtree Excape camo finish is well-applied, and the EZ fit grip is comfortable and ergonomic, even for extended shooting sessions. The bow’s lightweight design enhances its maneuverability.

The bow is relatively user-friendly, with a simple take-down design that requires minimal setup time. There might be a slight learning curve for complete beginners regarding stringing and tuning, but the overall design is intuitive. It is lightweight and relatively easy to handle compared to other models.

Durability & Maintenance

The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81562 is reasonably durable, given its magnesium riser and robust limb construction. With proper care and maintenance, it should last several seasons of regular use. The magnesium riser could be more susceptible to dents and scratches compared to harder materials like wood or aluminum.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only regular cleaning and string waxing. Replacing the string or limbs is also relatively simple, thanks to the take-down design and readily available replacement parts. Replacement limbs can be found from the manufacturer and some online retailers.

Accessories and Customization Options

The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81562 comes with a pre-installed Pro Hunter Arrow Rest and a Flemish string. The riser features machine-threaded sight and rest mounting locations, allowing for the addition of aftermarket sights and arrow rests. It accommodates standard recurve bow accessories.

The bow is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, including different arrow rests, sights, quivers, and stabilizers. The industry-standard mounting points make customization easy. While the bow can be customized, its performance gains from high-end accessories might be limited by its overall design and material construction.

Pros and Cons of October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81562