3 Reasons Compound Bows Suck For Survival

“You must hate compound bows!”

Wait, wait, wait…..keep your finger off the trigger and hear me out.

I’m actually a fan of compound bows but here’s the issue I find with many in the survival community. Much like any other tool on the market, each has their job. While I can take a pair of pliers and remove a screw, a screwdriver would be the better choice. In the task of selecting a bow for survival, there’s a set of criteria that needs to be considered when selecting that specific tool.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have my bows tested in the field by survival experts and also several outdoors/survival publications. When discussing what they were looking for, a clear list of what was necessary for someone living out of a pack for a week or longer who depended on a bow to provide food was developed.

When looking at these factors, we unfortunately came to this conclusion:

COMPOUND BOW SUCK FOR SURVIVAL

Here are a 3 of the issues we found:

Maintenance

– Should your compound bow fail in the field, you’re pretty much done. While they do have these small bow press kits you can take into the field with you, you’re looking at a big job here. You’ve going to need a specialized string, bow press kit and have the knowledge to safely do this in the wild. Issue with your cams? Issue with your sight? Lose your trigger release?

I was small game hunting a few years back and had the string break on my Assyrian Bow . The maintenance is merely inserting your foot and replacing the string. What happens if you don’t have a string? Guess what? You can MAKE ONE!

A simple tool with less moving parts is ideal when Murphy’s Law is in effect.

Arrows

– This is one people don’t think about enough. Should you break an arrow or lose an arrow in the field with a compound, what do you do then? However many arrows you are carrying better be enough cause you’re not going to be able to make more. I can’t tell you how may times I’ve seen people bring bows on survival shows and lose their arrows shooting at game.

The amount of force and flex coming out of a compound bow is tough to gauge when crafting arrows in the field from natural materials. There’s a reason you don’t see wooden compound arrows. You’re likely gonna get an explosion or a broken arrow in the hand.

With something like a recurve or Odinson Slingbow, there are a variety of materials at your disposal to make your arrows out of.

You essentially have an endless supply of ammo.

Weight

– When finding yourself constantly on the move, each pound added feels like a ton. If you’re someone in the realm of SHTF carrying a bugout bag or just on a long wilderness excursion, lighter is better. Most compound bow average around 3 to 6 pounds in weight. Combine that with your gear, pack contents, water, etc and that becomes a big deal.

Now take something like the Assassin Bow that weighs under a pound, can be unstrung, is only 42 inches long and you’ll see there’s not really a comparison. Someone can carry something like a MCA Pack or a Silent Assassin Pack and ALL of that gear still doesn’t equal the weight of the compound bow alone.

THOSE ARE “THE BIG THREE”

There are more but I’m sure you get my drift.

If you haven’t given thought to your specific tool selection for a bugout bag, SHTF situation, scouting or whatever it may be; I’d highly recommend taking the time to weigh all of these factors in. Decide your goals, what you’re going to be doing and go from there.

Hopefully this makes everyone think rather than default to just being triggered by the title

A Odinson

Three Point Leather Back Quiver

AS SEEN IN MANY OF MY VIDEOS!

When it comes to back quiver designs, you can’t beat a 3 point back quiver. With three points of control, it allows for a very secure back quiver perfect for just about every aspect of archery. This all leather quiver is firm enough to hold a solid form allowing ease of loading and unloading the quiver but also flexible enough to give you a moderate form of hold when bending over. While it is not as secure and isn’t quiet like the Silent Assassin, it is our next in line for silent back quivers.

This back quiver also features an arrow divider for separating your arrows in the quiver as well as a small leather pouch for storing other small equipment in the field.

PRICE $80 plus shipping

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The Vent Straw

“There’s no reason you can’t enjoy your favorite beverage and also be armed” – Alan Odinson

Many years ago, I found myself having to work in places that were “less than savory” and concealing “safety tools” was a bit of an issue. This idea was spawned on a cruise my wife and I went on. When getting on and off the ship at port, you are scanned my metal detectors every single time. Many of these ports are HIGHLY sketchy areas so I needed something that had the ability to move undetected YET right in the open.

It was here that the Vent Straw was born.

This straw is made of stainless steel with a hypodermic style point at the end. This allows the tool to act as a “ventilator” by “emptying fluid from the meat container” should it ever find the need to be inserted. The Vent Straw is a “bendy” style straw which allows for a solid grip for insertion.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE VENT STRAW IN ACTION!!!!

When not being used as a ventilator, it works as a simple stainless steel drinking straw. This means you can carry this right in the open in a drinking class or bottle without anyone being the wiser. This means it’s ALWAYS ready for action!

PRICE – $10 plus shipping

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Black Hole – 4 Side Target

For years now, I’ve been using the Black Hole 4 Sided Archery Target for all of my archery needs. They are long lasting, extremely durable and are capable of handling whatever draw weight bow you’re shooting. The best part? Easy to remove the arrows!

4-SIDED SHOOTING – Contrasting aiming points on all 4 sides. Shoot field points at the “wrapped” sides and field tips, broadheads and expandables at the “open-face” layered sides.

  • EASY ARROW REMOVAL – Patented open layer design stops arrows with friction not force allowing for easy arrow removal and less shooter fatigue
  • PORTABLE – Lightweight with a convenient carrying handle
  • ECONOMICAL – Great price and long-lasting durability
  • MADE In the USA

Proudly made in the U.S.A.

Black Hole targets have an unprecedented reputation for premium performance and is an economical target option for those looking for a great value.

The Black Hole archery target is ready to take shot after shot, whether you’re using broadheads or field points. With two sizes available for compound and recurve shooters and one specifically designed for crossbow shooters, the Black Hole target is a must-have for any bowhunter.

**Not intended for high speed crossbows.

PRICE = 50 plus shipping

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Molle System Back Quiver

If you’re looking for a quiver that is designed to take a beating and keep going, this is the quiver for you! Designed for outdoorsmen who find themselves in the elements frequently and need a quiver than can stand up to the tortures of the bush.

  • Made of Canvas, Very durable material, water resistant
  • Size: length approx. 21.7inch.
  • Three-points carry system. Lightweight and comfortable, it can hold about 30 arrows (other can hold 24 arrows only)
  • Easy to carry and take off, Accommodates arrows of any length Large front storage pocket with quality zipper. It can hold your arm guard, arrows puller and other archery accessories
  • Suitable for both Left and Right Hand.
  • Perfect for shooting, hunting, target practice and so on.

PRICE $60 plus shipping

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Leather Thumb Guard

One of these most difficult things when starting thumb draw archery is getting a good thumb ring fit. This combined with issues of National Archery competitions considering thumb rings as “release aids” , this can be difficult for the aspiring thumb shooter

At Odinson Archery, we sought to remedy this with the LEATHER THUMB GUARD for thumb draw enthusiasts. These tabs are hand made here at Odinson Archery and give the shooter dexterity to “feel” the string when shooting while providing adequate protection for the thumb

These are fully adjustable so sizing isn’t an issue for the shooter.

PRICE = $20 plus shipping

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Three Finger Style Archery Glove

Hand protection is a must for traditional archers. While there are a variety of different releases and gadgets out there, nothing beats the feel of TRUE traditional archery using nothing but your fingers. For that, we recommend the Coolrunner Archery Glove.

MATERIAL – the archery glove three finger made of quality thickened leather and Breathable stretch knitted fabric, Exquisite sewing, Light-weight and durable, easy to put on.

THREE FINGERS DESIGN – the tip of the archery protective glove has the leather non-slip design, which helps increase the cushioning effect, and can eliminate any pinching or discomfort.

ADJUSTABLE – Finger archery shooting glove with adjust Velcro Strap, you can adjust the tightness according to the size of your hands makes it fit, and helps to put on and take off easily.

IDEAL ACCESSORY – suitable for any types of archery, can protect the fingers and the lower arm from being hit by the bowstring and arrows, and it does not interfere with your handling the arrows.

COMFORTABLE AND BREATHABLE – Breathable stretch knitted fabric, will not make your hands hot and sweaty after wearing, good texture, and will last for long time use.

AVAILABLE IN SIZES SMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE AND X-LARGE

“Bjorn” Fiberglass Bow

Always looking to push the envelope in development and design, Odinson Archery sought out a means to provide an even more durable design that could accommodate longer draw length and draw weight. Our “Bjorn” fiberglass bow is created using a traditional composite style used by different Asiatic cultures to provide a more durable and powerful design.

Crafted RIGHT HERE in the USA, our Bjorn bows aren’t like the similar cheaper models sold online that are prone to explosions due to poor adhesives and “assembly line” quality handling. Each bow is crafted to perfection to fit the shooter’s specs

This composite designed bow features wooden siyahs, a wooden riser along with fiberglass limbs. The riser features a leather wrapped grip and the limbs are wrapped as well. The string is handmade using a 16 strand Flemish twist to provide high performance speeds and is made from B55 Dacron.

The benefits to our new Fiberglass designs:

  • More Durable Design
  • Better Performance in Extreme Climates
  • Accommodate Longer Draw Lengths (32 inchs max)
  • Full Sized “Long Bow” Design
  • Heavier Bows at Longer Lengths
  • Perfect for both beginning archers and hunters

Currently this model is only available in 45lbs at 28 inches and can reach 55lbs at 32 inches. Custom colors are available upon request or the bow will come with the color scheme represented in the picture.

These bows were HOT SELLERS at Blade Show every year! Some of the top craftsmen in the world couldn’t wait to get their order in on their Odinson Bjorn bow!

Whether you’re hunting for bullseyes at the range, stalking the forests to put a stag in the freezer for the winter or raining down arrows on your enemies from afar; this bow is FOR YOU!

BJORN FIBERGLASS BOW 45 LB

OUT OF STOCK

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FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE BUYING?

Be sure to watch our videos on stringing instructions and start learning about the art of recurve archery. It is also important to be sure that your shipping address is correct when you are purchasing the item. We cannot be held responsible for lost packages due to incorrect address listings. Be sure to check your emails regarding turnaround times and shipping info. Many times, those emails end up in Spam filters so be sure to check there before contacting us. If you do not have an email within 24hrs, contact us then.

WHAT ABOUT MY DRAW LENGTH?

(Click Here For How To Find Your Draw Length)

–Most of our bows are rated at a 28 inch draw length which is a standard for most shooters. Typically, knowing the draw length is only necessary if your draw length will exceed 28 inches. For those cases, please contact us and we’ll accommodate your specific draw length. Failure to get the correct draw length could lead to bow failure due to overdraw causing limb collapse.

WHAT ARE YOUR BOWS MADE OF?

— Our bows are constructed via a specialized process of heating and treating PVC. This process enables our bows to shoot faster and last longer than most of the other bows similar to our designs. This process sets Odinson Archery bows apart from most of the market.

CAN YOU HUNT WITH THEM?

— Absolutely! All of our bows are fined tuned through a chronograph to get the speeds up to industry standards. We’ve tested them against recurve bows such as Damon Howatt, PSE Bows  and hickory bows. Our speeds are running the same if not FASTER than those models. Please check out Youtube Channel to see from of these chronograph test videos.

HOW LONG WILL MY BOW LAST?

— This will depend on how well the bow is taken care. If the bow is left unstrug and stored on something like a bow/gun rack(not propped up in the corner of the room), your bow can last just as long as any other bow out there on the market. Due to our process, Odinson Archery customers who have bought their bows since our inception are still being used today by those very same customers.

WHAT ARE YOUR STRINGS MADE OF?

— Unlike other bows on the market that are constructed from PVC, our bows feature a handmade, high performance string. This string is made from B55 Dacron and is typically composed of 14 strands hand woven together.We do NOT use 550 paracord for the string.

DO YOU SHIP INTERNATIONALLY?

— Yes! However, we request that our international customers please contact us for an invoice to include international shipping rates.

I’M NEW TO ARCHERY OR I’VE SHOT COMPOUND BOWS BEFORE, WHAT DRAW WEIGHT DO YOU RECOMMEND?

— Typically I recommend 30# to 35# draw weight for women and 35# to 40# draw weight for men. If you have shot compound bows before, DO NOT assume that what you draw the same weight. There is no “let off” on our bows. Something like a 70# draw weight bow will weight 70# at full draw. If you’ve never shot a recurve style bow before and have shot compound bows, I would recommend something in the 45# to 55# draw weight.

I WANT TO COMBINE ITEMS FOR PURCHASE, HOW DO I DO THAT?

— It’s simple. Just contact us via odinsonarchery@gmail.com and we’ll prepare an invoice with the items that you want.