3Rivers released their new Oberon Longbow in 2024, and it has received rave reviews. I got the opportunity to talk with the 3Rivers team and shoot the Oberon at the Tennessee Classic in early May. It is a target and hunting longbow designed for archers seeking a unique blend of power, smoothness, good looks, and affordability. Here’s a closer look at its key features and specifications to help you decide if it’s the right bow for you.

Strength and Beauty: Design and Construction

The Oberon boasts a visually appealing riser crafted from black and light walnut-stained stabilized action wood. Maple and black glass accent stripes with white glass and action wood caps add a touch of class. This design isn’t just for looks; the stabilized wood ensures the riser remains rigid under pressure for consistent performance.

The limbs combine bamboo and a uni-carbon core, offering durability and responsiveness. A stained birds-eye veneer fiberglass finish adds a touch of elegance, while layered fiberglass and action wood tips enhance strength at the limb extremities for modern D97 strings.

Smooth Draw and Comfortable Grip

The 62-inch length makes the Oberon well-suited for hunting situations where maneuverability is important. The long limb profile, however, is designed to deliver a smooth draw cycle without feeling excessively stiff (“stacking”) as you reach full draw. This smooth draw translates to better accuracy, especially for archers who are still developing their form.

The grip is another key factor for the bow’s comfort and accuracy. The Oberon features a medium contour grip that feels comfortable and allows the hand to naturally fall into the correct shooting position. This is why people comment that the bow shoots where your hand is pointing.

Ready to Shoot: Included Accessories

The Oberon arrives ready to use with a pre-cut arrow rest. You can choose between the included hair rest or the traditional leather strike plate for a more classic feel. The bow also comes with a high-performance D97 Flemish twist string, eliminating the need to purchase one separately, and includes a free bow sock for added protection when traveling.

Key Specifications

• Length: 62 inches
• Riser: Black and light walnut stained stabilized action wood with maple and black glass accent stripes, white glass and action wood caps
• Limbs: Bamboo and uni-carbon core with stained birds-eye veneer fiberglass finish, layered fiberglass and action wood tips
• Grip: Medium
• Arrow Rest: Pre-cut, includes hair rest and leather strike plate (not installed)
• String: High-performance D97 Flemish twist string
• Draw Weight: Available draw weight options of 29-60 pounds are offered by Three Rivers Archery for the Oberon Longbow. It’s recommended to check their website or contact them directly for current availability.
• MSRP: $399.99

Who is the Oberon Right For?

The 3Rivers Oberon Longbow is a good option for beginner to intermediate archers looking for a smooth-drawing, comfortable longbow at an affordable price. Its 62-inch length makes it suitable for hunting situations, while the included accessories make it ready to shoot right out of the box.

If you are a seasoned archer with a very specific draw weight requirement (over 60 lbs) or a desire for a highly customizable bow, you may want to consider a custom longbow at a higher price. However, for archers seeking good value with solid performance, the Oberon is definitely worth considering.