The SAS Recon Folding Survival Bow has emerged as a standout choice among survivalists and archery enthusiasts alike, prized for its innovative design, durability, and ease of use. This bow distinguishes itself with features such as its compact foldability, aerospace-grade materials, and quick deployment capability, catering to a broad spectrum of outdoor and survival needs. This article will review SAS Recon’s key attributes, including its performance, usability, and practical applications, in order to offer readers an overview of why this bow is highly regarded in the community.

History and Development

Background of Survival Archery Systems

Survival Archery Systems (SAS) is an innovative company focused on crafting survival equipment that blends traditional archery’s elegance with modern survival needs. The inspiration behind the SAS Recon Folding Survival Bow stems from a desire to provide adventurers, survivalists, and outdoor enthusiasts with a reliable, durable, and compact bow that can be easily carried and deployed in any situation.

From SAS Tactical Survival Bow to Recon Edition

The journey began with the SAS Tactical Survival Bow, designed to be a compact, efficient survival tool. It was the company’s response to the growing demand for survival equipment that could offer both practicality and convenience. The Tactical model set a high standard for what a survival bow could be, with its ability to fold down and store takedown arrows within the riser itself.

Building on the success and feedback from the Tactical Bow, SAS saw an opportunity to enhance their offering. The Recon Edition was born out of the need for a faster deploying bow that retained all the compact and survival-ready features of its predecessor but with improvements in speed, ease of use, and versatility. The Recon is distinguished by its enhanced material quality, including aerospace-grade T6 aluminum and high-quality composite limbs, ensuring its durability and performance in the most challenging conditions.

By focusing on these elements, SAS has not only managed to create a product that appeals to a broad spectrum of users but has also pushed the boundaries of what a survival bow can be. The SAS Recon Folding Survival Bow embodies the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and the spirit of survival.

Design and Specifications

The SAS Recon Folding Survival Bow showcases a design that epitomizes the fusion of technology and tradition in survival gear. This bow features a 62″ longbow form when extended, shrinking to a compact 24.5″ length when stored, making it ideal for easy transport and quick deployment. Weighing in at just 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg), it strikes an excellent balance between durability and portability.

Constructed from Aerospace Grade T6 Aluminium for the riser and limb holding brackets, the bow employs high-quality composite materials for its limbs, similar to those used in the compound bow industry. These components ensure robust performance and longevity. The hardware, including the retaining pin and screws, is made from marine grade 316 stainless steel, treated to reduce glare, ensuring the bow remains discreet in survival situations.

Compared to traditional and other survival bows, the Recon offers superior portability and ease of use. Its ability to store takedown arrows within the riser and its quick conversion from a compact to a ready-to-use state without the need for special tools or assembly sets it apart. This design philosophy offers a significant advantage over traditional bows, which are larger, less portable, and require more setup time, and over other survival bows that may not offer the same level of compactness or speed of deployment.

Recommended Arrows: SAS Takedown Arrows 400 Spine 31″ Pack

To complement the SAS Recon Folding Survival Bow, the SAS Takedown Arrows 400 Spine 31″ (3 pack set) are highly recommended for those seeking precision, durability, and convenience. These arrows are designed specifically to match the performance and storage capabilities of the Recon bow, featuring a 400 spine for optimal flexibility and accuracy, and a 31″ length suited for the bow’s maximum draw. Constructed from aluminum with a 316 stainless steel takedown connector, these arrows ensure reliability and longevity, even in demanding survival scenarios. Whether for hunting or target practice, these arrows are a perfect match for the SAS Recon bow, enhancing your archery experience.

Performance and Usability

The SAS Recon Folding Survival Bow is designed for optimal performance, offering draw weight options of 45, 50, and 55 pounds at a 28-inch draw, catering to a wide range of users from beginners to experienced archers. Its maximum draw length is an impressive 31 inches, accommodating taller users or those who prefer a longer draw for increased power. The arrow speeds achievable with this bow are up to 200 ft/s for the 50-pound version and up to 210 ft/s for the 55-pound version, rivaling many traditional and other survival bows in terms of performance.

What sets the Recon apart is its quick deployment feature, making it the fastest deploying compact bow on the market. This capability ensures that users can transition from a compact, stored state to a fully operational bow in moments, a critical factor in survival situations where time is of the essence.

Moreover, the bow’s design caters to both left and right-handed users, adding to its versatility. This feature is particularly noteworthy as it allows the bow to be easily used and shared among multiple archers or unit members, ensuring broad applicability and usability in various scenarios.

Practical Applications

The SAS Recon Folding Survival Bow is designed for a wide range of uses, making it an invaluable tool for survival situations, tactical applications, and recreational archery. Its compact design and quick deployment feature make it an essential item for a bug-out bag, offering a silent yet potent weapon for hunting or self-defense in emergency situations. For optimizing its use, consider the bow’s draw weight and arrow speed capabilities to match your specific needs. It’s also advisable to practice deploying and using the bow in various conditions to ensure readiness. Whether for silent hunting in the wilderness or as a backup survival tool, the SAS Recon offers versatility and reliability.

Accessories and Maintenance

The SAS Recon Folding Survival Bow comes with a set of carefully selected accessories to enhance its utility and convenience. Included are a camo carry case that doubles as a backpack and quiver, a 16 Strand B50 Dacron endless loop string, a Fred Bear all-weather arrow rest, brass nock set, riser end caps, a Velcro security strap, and an owner’s manual. A 12-month warranty covers the bow for the original owner under specific conditions.

Maintenance of the bow is straightforward, focusing on regular inspections of all parts for wear or damage, proper storage to prevent undue stress on the limbs, and occasional lubrication of the moving parts with light oil. The high-quality materials used, such as Aerospace Grade T6 Aluminium and marine-grade 316 stainless steel for hardware, ensure the bow’s longevity with minimal maintenance.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

The SAS Recon Folding Survival Bow has garnered positive feedback for its durability, portability, and power, marking it as a favored choice among survival enthusiasts and archers alike. Users have praised its robust construction and ease of use, highlighting its quick deployment feature as a significant advantage. However, some criticisms have emerged, particularly regarding the bow’s accessories, like the end caps, and a few instances of dissatisfaction with its accuracy for experienced archers. Overall, the bow is celebrated for its innovation and functionality in survival and recreational settings.

Comparative Analysis

When comparing the SAS Recon Folding Survival Bow to other survival bows on the market, key differentiators include its aerospace-grade materials, quick deployment without tools, and the unique feature of storing takedown arrows inside the riser. While some survival bows may offer lower prices, the Recon’s durability, performance, and included accessories present a significant value for money. It stands out for its blend of portability, ease of use, and robustness, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a reliable survival or recreational archery tool.

Conclusion

The SAS Recon Folding Survival Bow stands out for its exceptional blend of durability, portability, and performance, making it an invaluable tool for survival enthusiasts and archery aficionados alike. With aerospace-grade materials, a quick deployment feature, and the capacity to store arrows within its frame, it represents a pinnacle of survival bow design. Ideal for users of all skill levels, from seasoned archers to beginners, the Recon offers unmatched versatility and reliability. Whether for tactical purposes, survival scenarios, or recreational use, it is a commendable choice that offers great value for its investment.