Greatree and Cartel Longbows...Your Thoughts??

[Nala]

Hey all,

I'd like to hear your thoughts on some of these less expensive Hill Style bows.  The main ones I have looked at are from CARTEL, the Viper and Viper Deluxe and from Greatree, the SOLO models.

They all seem to be in the same general price range of about $225 or so.  They are 68 inches and appear to be a good copy of the Hill style bows.

I'd like to hear from those that own these bows or have had some experience with them.
What do you think of them?  Are they a quality bow for the money or not?  How do they shoot, will they hold their own next to an Ekin Hill Bow or is it not even close?

I'm just curious and would like to learn more about them.  Also, if you have any pics of them, how about posting so others can enjoy your bow too.

Thanks for your time.

Nalajr

[nineworlds9]

They are not a true Hill / ASL style bow.  Copy isn't really the right term.  Not straight limbed.  They are long r/d longbows (some curve in the limb) with a low locator grip.  The limb cross section is much flatter/wider side to side than a Hill and thinner back to belly.  I tried one of the Solo Deluxe bows just to see what a longbow at that price point was like.  Solid yet pretty crude construction, mild mannered shooter but not quick.  I shot the one I had side by side with a Miller Old Tom and a Bear Montana and the Solo was not nearly as snappy and hard hitting as the OT though the OT did have a little more perceptible bump on the shot but that would make sense per the design and the fact it was an a real Hill style.  The Montana was also a superior feeling/shooting bow (and for not much more $) and did have a bit better cast beyond 20yds.  I passed on the Solo to someone else.  If its all I could afford it would be fine but its definitely a 'get what you pay for' kinda bow.  I have heard the Samick Verna is a better bow though only 64".  You might also look at the Sky Trophy Hunter.  None of these bows are Hill copies.  None of the factories make a true Hill copy.

[Rob DiStefano]

in 2003 i did review of the viper and legend longbows for archery focus magazine.  both bows are asian built offerings and not at all unlike any of the asian "hill style" bows found for sale these dayze at similar $180-$300 price tags.  

most of these longbows are in the afl (american flat longbow) style, some closer than others.  most notable will be the limb design, which in too many instances is some variation of r/d, and that's NOT in the "hill style", which should either be dead straight, or with a very slight amount of reflex or string follow to the end of the limbs.

granted, there is a broad spectrum of asian trad longbows, and some will be better designed and built than others.  

• but overall, will any or all of them suffice as a trad longbow for bowhunting?  probably yes.
• are they at least reasonably durable?  probably yes.
• will they have the superior performance of a USA built production or custom longbow?  probably not.
• would one be better off with a used USA bow or save up for a new USA built bow?  maybe, probably - depends on mitigating factors such as money and time.

in the long run, the arrow is still more important than the bow and is where the lion's share of dollars should be spent.