The moment I unboxed the Deerseeker Vendetta, I was struck by its elegant simplicity. The honey-colored finish showcases the natural grain of the clear glass limb woods, with subtle transitions between the various laminations that speak to the bowyer’s attention to detail. The curved limbs reveal the thoughtful reflex/deflex geometry that sets it apart from purely traditional longbow designs. Weighing in at just under 2 pounds (unstrung), the bow feels substantial without being cumbersome. The riser’s contours nestled into my hand with an almost custom-fitted feel, suggesting that the hours of shooting ahead would be comfortable ones.
Technical Specifications and Design
The Deerseeker Vendetta represents a masterful balance between old-world craftsmanship and modern performance engineering. This 64-inch hybrid features a center-cut riser crafted from beautiful laminations of dymond wood and rose wood, creating both visual appeal and functional stability. The grip is similar to recurve grips, making it easier for archers who are newer to shooting longbows. The limbs employ a multi-laminate construction with actionwood materials with bamboo core, capped with clear fiberglass for durability and performance enhancement.
Available in draw weights from 25# to 60# (in 5-pound increments), the bow I tested was a 45# model that recorded 43# at my 27-inch draw on a digital scale – impressively close to specifications. The reflex/deflex design incorporates approximately 1.5 inches of reflex in the limbs with a subtle deflex in the riser section, creating a forgiving shooting platform that doesn’t sacrifice speed. Brace height recommendations fall between 7-7.75 inches, with my testing sweet spot landing at 7.5 inches.
Shooting Characteristics
Here’s where the Vendetta truly shines. The draw cycle feels buttery smooth with a linear increase in weight that lacks the stacking common in many traditional longbows as you approach full draw. The transition into full draw is predictable and controlled, allowing for consistent anchor points – a critical factor for traditional archers. I found myself holding comfortably at full draw for aiming without the “I need to release now!” sensation that characterizes more aggressive bow designs. The bow also naturally points where you’re looking, a quality traditional archers look for and appreciate.
Upon release, the bow delivers arrow-launching authority with surprisingly minimal hand shock. There’s just enough feedback to let you know something significant happened, but not so much that it disrupts accuracy or leads to shooter fatigue. The limbs’ post-shot oscillation settles quickly, allowing for rapid follow-up shots when necessary. String silencers are included, and they’re needed to make this bow quieter. Hybrid longbows are typically louder than hill-style longbows, and the Vendetta was much quieter with a quality bow quiver.
Accuracy and Performance
Over three weeks of testing, I put roughly 500 arrows through the Vendetta using various types of carbon arrows (500 spine) and wooden arrows. After dialing in my release and adjusting to the bow’s timing, I was consistently grouping 3-inch clusters at 20 yards and maintaining respectable 5-inch groups at 30 yards – more than adequate for ethical hunting ranges.
Chronograph testing revealed velocities of 186 fps with a 395-grain carbon arrow and 172 fps with a 450-grain wooden arrow. While not breaking any speed records, this performance sits firmly in the upper tier for traditional equipment and offers more than enough energy for any North American game within responsible bowhunting distances. More impressively, these speeds were achieved with remarkably consistent shot-to-shot variance of less than 3 fps, suggesting excellent manufacturing consistency.
Field Testing and Practical Applications
I took the Vendetta on several stump-shooting excursions through varied terrain to simulate hunting conditions. The bow’s 64-inch length maneuvered surprisingly well through brush and tight shooting lanes, while its modest mass weight prevented arm fatigue during daylong outings. The neutral grip design accommodated both gloved and bare-hand shooting as weather conditions changed throughout the day.
During one particularly memorable session in light rain, the bow’s finish and grip maintained secure handling without becoming slippery – a small but crucial detail in real-world applications. The finish also proved resilient against inevitable bumps against trees and rocks, maintaining its aesthetic appeal despite rough handling.
Versatility For Different Shooting Styles
One of the Vendetta’s most impressive attributes is its adaptability to various traditional archery disciplines. While clearly designed with the hunter in mind, this bow performs admirably in casual target settings and even informal traditional 3D competitions. I experimented with both three-finger under and split-finger Mediterranean draws, finding the bow accommodated both styles without developing unfavorable arrow flight or accuracy issues.
The cut-to-center arrow shelf comes nicely radiused but without a specific rest or strike plate installed, allowing archers to customize this critical interface to their preferences. I tested the included traditional leather side plate and velcrow arrow rest, with both yielding excellent results after proper tuning.
Craftsmanship and Aesthetics
Deerseeker’s attention to detail extends beyond performance metrics. The honey-colored finish is applied evenly with a satin luster that highlights rather than masking the natural beauty of the wood. String grooves are precisely cut to prevent serving wear, and the arrow shelf is meticulously radiused to minimize arrow contact. The branded Deerseeker marking on the limb adds a touch of distinction without ostentation.
The only minor cosmetic imperfection I could find was a small discoloration in the maple backing near the upper limb tip – a natural wood characteristic rather than a craftsmanship flaw, and one that has zero impact on performance or durability. In fact, these small natural inclusions add character and uniqueness to what is, after all, a natural material product.
Value Proposition
With a retail price point of only $229, the Vendetta positions itself as an exceptional value in the production traditional bow market. After extensive testing, I consider this pricing entirely justified given the materials, craftsmanship, and performance delivered. The closest comparison is the Traditional Only Mesa, which Three Rivers Archery sells for $339. Custom bow options from individual bowyers with similar specifications often command prices starting at $500 and climbing well above $800, making the Vendetta an absolute steal without compromising quality.
The bow ships with a high-quality D-97 Flemish twist string, a really nice touch for such an affordable bow. A bow stringer is also included – a added bonus given the importance of proper stringing technique for traditional equipment. Last, an arm guard and leather archery glove are included with the bow. All of these accessories make this already affordable bow a truly incredible deal. Frankly, I kept double-checking the price tag during testing because the performance-to-cost ratio seemed almost too good to be true.
wrap Up
The Deerseeker Vendetta hybrid reflex deflex longbow successfully bridges the gap between traditional aesthetics and modern performance. It delivers a shooting experience that will satisfy purists while incorporating enough technological advancements to entice compound shooters looking to explore traditional archery. After weeks of intense testing in varied conditions, it’s clear that this bow isn’t merely riding the traditional archery renaissance – it’s helping define it.
Whether you’re a dedicated bowhunter seeking equipment that honors ancient traditions while embracing subtle modern improvements, or a target archer wanting a forgiving yet authentic traditional experience, the Vendetta deserves serious consideration. In a market segment increasingly crowded with options, Deerseeker Archery has created something special – a bow with personality, performance, and genuine craftsmanship that will likely become more companion than equipment over years of use. Get yours at Deerseeker.com or on Amazon.
