October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81564 Review

First Impressions of October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81564

The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81564 enters a crowded market of takedown recurve bows, promising a blend of affordability and functionality. From October Mountain, this bow boasts a magnesium riser and a three-piece takedown design, piquing the interest of both recreational archers and entry-level hunters. This combination aims to deliver a bow that’s easy to transport and store without sacrificing performance.

I’d been searching for a reliable, budget-friendly recurve bow to introduce my teenage son to archery and potentially bowhunting. I wanted something that wouldn’t break the bank but still offered decent quality and performance for learning the basics. A takedown design was a must for ease of storage and transport.

Upon unboxing, the October Mountain Ascent felt surprisingly solid for its price point. The magnesium riser had a good weight to it, and the Realtree Excape camo finish looked sharp. While the grip felt a bit basic, it seemed ergonomic enough for comfortable shooting.

Compared to the Samick Sage and the PSE Razorback, the October Mountain Ascent appeared to offer similar features at a slightly lower price point. I chose it primarily due to the positive reviews regarding its durability and the attractive camo pattern, hoping it would provide a good balance of value and performance for my son’s introduction to archery. My first impression was cautiously optimistic, excited to see how it would perform on the range.

Real-World Testing: Putting October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81564 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81564 at my local outdoor archery range. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, providing decent conditions for an initial assessment. Setting up the bow was straightforward, with the limbs attaching easily to the riser using the provided flathead socketcap limb bolts.

The first few shots revealed a smooth draw cycle, although there was a slight vibration after the release. The included Pro Hunter Arrow Rest seemed adequate, but I noticed some fletching contact. After a few adjustments, I was able to achieve consistent groupings at 20 yards.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81564 has held up reasonably well. While the finish shows some minor scratches from handling in the field, there are no signs of structural damage. The Flemish string has stretched slightly but maintains its integrity after regular waxing.

Maintenance is simple: just wiping down the bow after each use and applying string wax as needed. Compared to my higher-end recurve bows, the October Mountain Ascent requires less meticulous care, which is a bonus for a beginner archer. While it doesn’t match the performance of premium bows, it provides a solid and reliable platform for learning and recreational shooting.

Breaking Down the Features of October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81564

Specifications

The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81564 is a 58-inch three-piece takedown recurve bow designed for recreational archers and hunters. It features a one-piece, durable magnesium riser for lightweight strength and durability. The bow is available in Right Hand configuration with a Realtree Excape camo finish.

• Riser Material: One-piece magnesium. This provides a good balance of strength and weight, making the bow manageable for a variety of users.
• Bow Length: 58 inches. This length is suitable for archers with draw lengths ranging from 26 to 28 inches.
• Takedown Design: Three-piece takedown. This allows for easy storage and transportation, making it ideal for travel or compact storage spaces.
• Included Accessories: Pre-installed arrow rest, flathead socketcap limb bolts, and Flemish string. These provide everything you need to get started, except for arrows.

Performance & Functionality

The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81564 performs admirably for its price range. Accuracy is decent at shorter distances (20-30 yards), making it suitable for target practice and small game hunting. The draw cycle is smooth, but some users may experience slight hand shock after the release.

The bow’s strengths lie in its simplicity and affordability. However, its limitations include the basic grip and the need for an upgraded arrow rest for optimal performance. While it doesn’t exceed expectations in terms of high-end performance, it certainly meets them as a reliable entry-level recurve bow.

Design & Ergonomics

The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81564 features a simple, functional design. The magnesium riser provides a comfortable weight, and the Realtree Excape camo finish is aesthetically pleasing. The grip, however, is a bit basic and may benefit from aftermarket customization for improved ergonomics.

The bow is relatively user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve for experienced archers. Beginners may require some instruction to properly set up and tune the bow. Overall, the design prioritizes functionality and affordability over premium aesthetics and ergonomics.

Durability & Maintenance

The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81564 appears to be reasonably durable, thanks to its magnesium riser and solid construction. With proper care, it should last for several years of recreational use. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and string waxing.

Spare parts are readily available from October Mountain and other archery suppliers, making repairs relatively easy. Compared to composite bows, the simple design of the October Mountain Ascent makes it less prone to complex mechanical failures, contributing to its overall reliability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81564 comes with a pre-installed Pro Hunter Arrow Rest and a Flemish string. The riser is machine-threaded for sight and rest mounting, allowing for customization with aftermarket accessories. The bow is compatible with standard recurve sights, arrow rests, and stabilizers.

While it doesn’t come with a wide range of included accessories, the compatibility with popular aftermarket options allows users to tailor the bow to their specific needs and preferences. This makes it a versatile platform for customization and improvement.

Pros and Cons of October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81564

Who Should Buy October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81564?

The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81564 is perfect for beginner archers looking for an affordable and reliable entry-level bow. It’s also suitable for recreational shooters who want a takedown recurve for target practice or small game hunting. This bow benefits those seeking a balance of affordability, durability, and ease of use.

Those seeking high-end performance or precision should skip this product. Competitive archers or experienced hunters may find its features and performance limitations restrictive. Must-have accessories include an upgraded arrow rest and a more ergonomic grip for enhanced comfort and accuracy.

Conclusion on October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81564

The October Mountain Ascent Recurve Bow OMP81564 offers a compelling value proposition for archers on a budget. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end bows, it provides a solid and reliable platform for learning the basics and enjoying recreational shooting. The price is definitely justified for what you get.

I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable and functional takedown recurve bow. It’s an excellent option for beginners and casual shooters seeking a reliable and easy-to-use bow. Grab your arrows, head to the range, and experience the satisfaction of traditional archery with the October Mountain Ascent!