Slithering Beauty: A Review of the PMZ Archery Black Coral Snake Takedown Recurve Bow

The PMZ Archery Black Coral Snake might not possess the venomous bite of its namesake, but it definitely packs a punch in the archery world. This takedown recurve bow promises smooth handling, sleek aesthetics, and adaptability for both beginners and seasoned archers. But does it deliver on its promises? Let’s dive into the details and dissect this bow limb by limb.

History

This bow is a variant of the Black Hunter Recurve that is well known for its performance and affordability. Several different companies on Amazon sell Black Hunters. Most of these variants have a similar green wood grain riser, but the Coral Snake brings a fresh new look.

First Impressions

Unboxing the Coral Snake is a delight. The bow’s limbs and riser showcase a unique blend of materials – bamboo, fiberglass, and colored wood – resulting in a stunning black and red aesthetic. The riser boasts an ergonomic design, and the included accessories (arm guard, finger tab, stringer) feel sturdy and functional. Assembly is straightforward, thanks to clear instructions and helpful locator pins.

Performance

The bow comes in various draw weights, catering to archers of different skill levels. We tested the 50lb model, and it strikes a satisfying balance between power and smoothness. The limbs flex consistently, providing a predictable draw cycle with minimal vibration on release. This translates to tighter shot groups and improved accuracy, especially for newer archers.

The bow’s takedown feature makes it exceptionally portable. Dismantling and assembling take seconds, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those with limited storage space. However, we noticed a slight wiggle in the limb connection after repeated assembly/disassembly, requiring occasional tightening.

Target Practice

The Coral Snake shines in target practice situations. The comfortable grip allows for extended shooting sessions without fatigue, and the sight window on the riser facilitates easy arrow alignment. We found the bow to be relatively quiet upon release, further contributing to a focused and enjoyable shooting experience.

Hunting:

The bow’s 50lb draw weight would be great for larger game. However, it could also be suitable for small game hunting, especially for skilled archers. The takedown feature and portability become valuable assets for travel and backcountry adventures.

Overall

The PMZ Archery Black Coral Snake is a solid choice for beginner and intermediate archers seeking a visually appealing, user-friendly bow. Its smooth draw cycle, accurate performance, and portability make it a great companion for target practice and hunting. 

Pros:

• • Stunning aesthetics: The unique riser material combination and color scheme are eye-catching.

• • Smooth draw cycle: Minimal stacking aids in consistent shooting mechanics.

• • Comfortable grip: Black Hunter recurves are known for their ergonomic handles. This enhances accuracy and enables extended shooting sessions without fatigue.

• • Takedown feature: Enhances portability and storage convenience.

• • Affordability: Impressive performance for the $100 price. Suitable for beginners and intermediate archers.

Cons:

• • String: The bow comes with a fairly cheap endless loop string, which is understandable given it’s affordable price. While it shot fine, I upgraded the bow with a flemish twist string to increase its performance.

• • Noise: The bow is fairly loud to shoot, which is common for budget recurves. I added string silencers and limb silencers, and now it shoots much more quietly. I would have no concerns hunting with it now.

 

Final Verdict

The PMZ Archery Black Coral Snake offers a compelling blend of style, performance, and affordability. It is a tremendous value for the performance you get at roughly $100. If you’re a beginner or intermediate archer seeking a reliable and beautiful bow, the Coral Snake deserves a closer look. Check out the video review below for more information. Check current prices and order on Amazon.