DeerSeeker Recurve Bow Review

We have members of our staff that love the DeerSeeker recurve bow because it's an affordable takedown model that comes in a ready-to-shoot package. We wanted to show you the quality of the design, who it's a good choice for, and what you can use it for. That's why we decided to do a full review of the DeerSeeker recurve bow. 

What’s Included in the Package?

The DeerSeeker comes in an extensive ready-to shoot package, so it includes a lot. First and foremost, though, it includes the necessary components to assemble a takedown recurve bow:

• Riser: This is the main part of the bow that you hold. The DeerSeeker's riser is made of Dymond wood.
• Limbs: Since the DeerSeeker is a takedown model, the limbs come separate from the riser, and you have to attach them. The DeerSeeker's limbs are made of laminated fiberglass and maple wood.
• Dacron bowstring: The DeerSeeker comes with a Dacron B-55 bowstring.

RELATED: Best Recurve Bowstrings

Additionally, the package comes with much more than just the bow. It includes a lot of accessories and extra features, including:

• Arrow rest: The arrow rest improves accuracy and consistency, especially for beginners.
• Threaded bushings: You can use the bushings to install further accessories such as stabilizers and sights.
• Stringer tool: It's important to unstring recurves when you're not using them, so the stringer tool is an important device.
• Finger tab: Without a finger tab, the bowstring begins to hurt your fingers after multiple shots. The tab protects the sensitive skin.
• Arm guard: Recurve bows often cause wrist slap when the bowstring hits your bow arm after the shot. The arm guard is a necessary accessory that protects against this.
• Allen key: You need an Allen key to fasten the limbs to the riser.

Assembling the DeerSeeker Recurve Bow

The DeerSeeker is a takedown recurve bow, so it requires some assembly. This isn't hard, but there are a few steps.

First, you need to attach both limbs to either end of the riser. You should insert them into the limb pockets and then secure them by tightening the bolts with the provided Allen key.

Once the bow is put together, it's time to string it. Stringing a bow is a very precise and deliberate process that requires the included bowstringing device, so make sure you study up on how to do this before trying it yourself. 

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Here is a great video showing how to assemble and string the DeerSeeker Recurve Bow.

Features / Specifications

Draw Weight

The 62-inch DeerSeeker recurve bow comes in draw weights from 25 to 60 pounds while the 60-inch version comes in 15 to 60 pounds. These are available in five pound increments to calibrate the power to your experience level, upper body strength and goals. For example, many states require at least 40 pounds for bowhunting. Since it's a takedown model, you can easily change out the limbs for a different draw weight as well.

AMO Length

One thing that's great about the DeerSeeker is it has two length options: 62 and 60 inches. A longer bow can be a bit more difficult to hold steadily, but it's mainly an important specification due to its implications for draw length.

Draw Length

The DeerSeeker's draw length differs based on the AMO length. The 62-inch model has a 30-inch draw length, which is pretty long, while the 60-inch version has a more standard 28-inch draw length. 

You can get your personal draw length measured at an archery story, but it's easy to estimate it based on your wingspan, or the distance from the tip of one middle finger to the other when your arms are outstretched like a T. Just divide this number by 2.5.

In fact, you can estimate it even more easily based on your height, which is likely similar to your wingspan. With this in mind, a 30-inch draw length is ideal for most people within a few inches of 6'3", which is pretty tall. The 28-inch draw length is going to be better for people around 5'10", a larger portion of shooters.

Pros and Cons of the DeerSeeker Recurve Bow

What We Like

Wide Range of Draw Weights

Between the two length models, you can get the DeerSeeker recurve with a draw weight of 15 pounds on the low end and 60 pounds on the high end. That means you can start low enough to practice your archery form and accuracy even if you have minimal archery experience. On the other hand, you can get power high enough to hunt big game. 

Even better, you can do both because the DeerSeeker is a takedown model. You can start with a more manageable draw weight and then change out the limbs for more power once you're ready. 

Two Length Options

We like that the DeerSeeker has both 62-inch and 60-inch models particularly because you can get the two different draw lengths: 30 inches and 28 inches respectively. Since using the wrong draw length can affect your aim and ability to utilize the bow's full power, this makes the DeerSeeker a good fit for a wider range of archer heights, from about 5'8" on the short end up to nearly 6'5".

RELATED: Longbow vs Shortbow

Good for Tall Archers

The DeerSeeker recurve is one of the best takedown bows for tall archers, specifically the 62-inch version. With a max draw length of 30 inches, taller archers can get a comfortable, powerful shot they may not find with most takedowns in the 29-28-inch range.

Numerous Included Accessories

It's hard to find a takedown recurve package that comes with more accessories than the DeerSeeker. The finger tab and arm guard are especially nice because these are essential accessories for traditional archery, so if you're a beginner who doesn't already have them, it saves you the time and hassle of finding them—and paying for them—elsewhere. You will need to buy arrows, a quiver to hold your arrows and an archery target, but then you will be ready to shoot.

Great Value

Despite the fact that the DeerSeeker comes with so many included accessories and features, it has an affordable price point lower than many of the other basic takedown models on the market. This makes it a great gift or choice for beginners who just want to dip their toes into archery without making a huge investment.

RELATED: How To Choose A Recurve

Right- and Left-Handed

We definitely like that the DeerSeeker is available for both right and left handed archers. Shooting a right-handed bow if you're left-handed—or vice versa—makes it harder to aim and can lead to painful wrist slap.

What We Don’t Like

Noise and Vibration

The DeerSeeker unfortunately vibrates quite a bit with each shot, especially when using higher draw weights. This excess vibration can throw off your accuracy, but more importantly, it makes noise, a big problem for hunting. If your quarry hears your shot, it might have enough time to jump an inch or two and throw your shot off the kill zone. Consider adding bow string silencers to reduce the vibration.

Budget Materials

The DeerSeeker is one of the most affordable takedown recurve bows on the market. While this is great, part of the reason is that DeerSeeker used less expensive materials in the manufacturing process, particularly in the limbs. In other words, this isn't the most durable bow out there and is better for beginners who will likely want to upgrade in the future.

Assembly Required

As a takedown recurve bow, the DeerSeeker requires assembly. You have to attach the limbs to the riser. This isn't very difficult, but the DeerSeeker's design does require using an Allen key to secure the bolts, and it can be difficult to do it evenly and securely.

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The DeerSeeker Recurve Bow Quality

Riser

The DeerSeeker's riser is made of Dymond wood. It's fairly high-quality and also lightweight. It's arguably the most durable part of the bow, which is good because you can change out the other parts and continue to use the same riser. 

Limbs

The DeerSeeker's limbs are laminated maple wood and fiberglass. They aren't bad, but we've seen higher-quality limbs. It's especially important that you string the bow correctly to avoid damaging them. If you do end up damaging the limbs, you can easily replace or upgrade them thanks to the takedown design.

Grip

The DeerSeeker's grip is similar to most other takedown recurve bows and easy for beginners to hold naturally. It really helps with form and doesn't take much concentration so you can focus on your aim.

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String

The DeerSeeker comes with a Dacron B-55 string. Dacron is a decent material that maintains its tension over time, but it's not quite as good as other materials like FastFlight.

RELATED: When To Replace Bowstrings

Is the DeerSeeker Recurve Bow Good for Beginners?

The DeerSeeker is an excellent recurve bow for beginners. Not only is it available in low draw weights that beginners can handle, but it comes with many of the accessories needed to start shooting. Plus, it's not too much of an investment in case you ultimately decide archery isn't for you.

Is the DeerSeeker Recurve Bow Good for Kids?

No, the DeerSeeker recurve bow is too big for most kids. That said, it's a good choice for young archers who are tall enough for the 28-inch draw length. It has low draw weight options, so they can practice their aim and form.

RELATED: Best Youth Recurve

Is the DeerSeeker Recurve Bow Good for Hunting?

Yes, the DeerSeeker is a good choice for hunting because it has draw weights up to 60 pounds, which means a lot of power. We have used the DeerSeeker for deer hunting and it is an ideal budget hunting bow. Additionally, the various color options let you choose a finish that better blends into your local environment.

RELATED: Best Broadheads For Deer

The DeerSeeker vs the Samick Sage

The Samick Sage is the standard when it comes to entry-level takedown recurve bows. However, the DeerSeeker is a great alternative, especially if you're on a budget. We would especially recommend the DeerSeeker as a gift or for someone who just wants to try archery while the Samick Sage is a better starter model for someone who's serious about traditional archery.

The DeerSeeker vs the Southwest Archery Spyder

The DeerSeeker and Southwest Archery Spyder are both clones of the Samick Sage. The Spyder is arguably a bit higher-quality, but the DeerSeeker has a more complete shooting package, making it a better choice for absolute beginners.

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The DeerSeeker vs the Bear Grizzly

The Bear Grizzly is a high-quality single-piece bow. Although it can also work for beginners, it's definitely the choice for those who are serious about archery or bowhunting and likely have some equipment already. The DeerSeeker is better for total newbies who need all the equipment and aren't totally sure about their draw weight yet.

RELATED: Bear Super Kodiak Review

The DeerSeeker vs the SAS Courage

The SAS Courage is another Samick Sage clone. In fact, it's manufactured by the same company. The main difference with the DeerSeeker is that the Courage doesn't come with any accessories, so if you want to start shooting immediately and don't have any equipment, the DeerSeeker is probably the way to go.

Wrapping Up Review

The DeerSeeker is an effective takedown recurve bow that's good for beginners who have no equipment and need things like a finger tab and arm guard to get started. It also has a 30-inch draw length option that's good for tall archers. Overall, it's an affordable model that works for a wide range of people, which is why you will find it on our list of the best recurve bows.

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