First Impressions of October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81563
The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81563 promises a blend of traditional archery with modern manufacturing. Marketed as a three-piece take-down recurve, October Mountain aims to deliver a bow accessible to both recreational archers and budding hunters. It boasts a durable magnesium riser and convenient take-down design.
My interest in this bow stemmed from a desire to introduce my son to archery. I wanted a recurve bow that was easy to transport and store, without compromising on performance. The take-down design and durable riser seemed like a perfect fit.
Unboxing the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81563, I was immediately struck by the sleek Realtree Excape camo finish. The magnesium riser felt surprisingly lightweight yet solid in my hands, inspiring confidence in its build quality. It was packaged well and included everything needed to get started.
I considered the Samick Sage and the Southwest Archery Spyder before settling on the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81563. The Samick Sage is a classic, but I liked the more modern riser design and camo finish of the Ascent. The Spyder was cheaper, but the magnesium riser of the Ascent seemed more durable.
Initially, I was excited. The bow looked great, felt good in hand, and seemed like the perfect starter bow. Only time and testing would reveal if it lived up to my expectations, though.
Real-World Testing: Putting October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81563 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81563 at my local archery range. The weather was mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and the air was calm; ideal conditions for a first shoot. I spent the first hour getting accustomed to the draw weight and aiming.
The bow performed well, even when shooting with wet hands. It was easy to grip and the pre-installed arrow rest held arrows securely. I initially experienced some string slap, but this was easily remedied with proper arm guard placement.
After the first session, I did notice that the socketcap limb bolts needed slight tightening. They hadn’t come loose completely, but I made it a habit to check them before each subsequent session. Otherwise, the first use was very positive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of regular use, the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81563 continues to perform admirably. I’ve shot it in varied conditions, from sunny days to light rain, and it’s remained reliable. There are no significant signs of wear and tear.
The Realtree Excape camo finish has proven surprisingly resistant to scratches. The magnesium riser has held up well, showing no signs of bending or warping. The Flemish string is also holding up well with regular waxing.
Cleaning is simple, requiring only a wipe-down with a damp cloth after each use. I occasionally apply a bit of silicone lubricant to the limb pockets to ensure smooth disassembly. Compared to my previous recurve, a basic wooden model, the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81563 is significantly more durable and requires less maintenance.
Breaking Down the Features of October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81563
Specifications
The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81563 is a 58-inch three-piece take-down recurve bow. It features a one-piece, durable magnesium riser and is available in a Realtree Excape camo finish. The bow is offered in right-hand orientation only.
The riser has built-in limb pockets and machine-threaded sight and rest mounting locations. Included are a pre-installed arrow rest, flathead socketcap limb bolts, and a Flemish string. These specifications translate to a bow that is lightweight, durable, and relatively easy to accessorize.
Performance & Functionality
The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81563 excels as an introductory recurve bow. Its accuracy is commendable at shorter distances (10-20 yards), making it suitable for target practice and small game hunting. The bow’s takedown design makes storage and transport convenient.
The bow’s main strength is its user-friendliness. The pre-installed arrow rest and included Flemish string simplify setup for beginners. A minor weakness is the potential for limb bolt loosening, requiring regular checks.
The bow meets expectations as a solid entry-level recurve bow. Its blend of affordability, durability, and ease of use make it a great option for those new to archery.
Design & Ergonomics
The magnesium riser provides a good balance of weight and strength. Its form-fitting, EZ fit grip is comfortable to hold for extended periods. The Realtree Excape camo finish adds a nice aesthetic touch.
The bow is user-friendly with a minimal learning curve. Assembling and disassembling the bow is straightforward. The threaded mounting locations also make it easy to add accessories.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81563 should last for several years. The magnesium riser is resistant to corrosion and impact damage. The Flemish string is also durable and can be easily replaced when needed.
Maintenance is minimal. Regular cleaning and occasional waxing of the string are all that’s required. The simple design also makes repairs relatively easy, should they be necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81563 comes with a pre-installed Pro Hunter Arrow Rest and a Flemish string. The machine-threaded sight and rest mounting locations allow for easy addition of aftermarket accessories. Sights, stabilizers, and quivers can all be readily attached.
The bow is compatible with most standard recurve bow accessories. This allows archers to customize the bow to their specific needs and preferences. Adding a sight is a MUST for anyone serious about improving their accuracy.
Pros and Cons of October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81563
Pros
- Lightweight and durable magnesium riser. It makes the bow easy to handle and resistant to damage.
- Convenient three-piece take-down design. It allows for easy storage and transport.
- Affordable price point. It makes it accessible to beginners and budget-conscious archers.
- Pre-installed arrow rest and Flemish string. These simplify setup for novice archers.
- Realtree Excape camo finish. It gives the bow a sleek and modern aesthetic.
Cons
- Limb bolts can loosen over time and require regular checking.
- Right-hand orientation only, limiting accessibility for left-handed archers.
Who Should Buy October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81563?
Perfect for: Beginner archers looking for an affordable and reliable recurve bow. Recreational shooters who value portability and ease of storage. Hunters targeting small game at close range.
Who should skip this product? Experienced archers seeking a high-performance target bow or hunting larger game. Left-handed archers due to the right-hand only orientation.
Must-have accessories or modifications? An archery sight is essential for improving accuracy. A string wax will help prolong the life of the Flemish string. An arm guard is crucial to protect the forearm from string slap.
Conclusion on October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81563
The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81563 is a solid entry-level recurve bow that offers a good balance of performance, durability, and affordability. Its lightweight design, take-down capability, and user-friendly features make it an excellent choice for beginners. While it may not satisfy the needs of experienced archers, it provides a fantastic starting point for those new to the sport.
The price is justified given the bow’s quality and features. It’s significantly more advanced than some cheaper, purely wooden alternatives. I would personally recommend the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81563 to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable introduction to traditional archery.
Ready to start your archery journey? Pick up the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81563 and experience the thrill of the draw!