After spending over six months with the honey finish Deerseeker Vendetta hybrid longbow and being thoroughly impressed, I couldn’t resist getting my hands on the dark woodgrain version to see if it lives up to the same performance standards while delivering enhanced visual appeal. The answer? Absolutely. The dark woodgrain Vendetta features stunning birds eye stained limbs that create a rich, sophisticated appearance typically reserved for custom bows costing $500-800+, yet Deerseeker offers this premium finish at the exact same $249 price point. Performance testing revealed virtually identical results to the honey version – 185 fps with carbon arrows, consistent 3-inch groups at 20 yards, and that same buttery smooth draw cycle that makes the Vendetta such a pleasure to shoot.

Beyond aesthetics, the dark woodgrain finish offers a practical advantage for bowhunters: superior low-light blending during those critical early morning and late evening hunting hours when game is most active. While the honey finish showcases classic traditional archery warmth with its natural wood tones, the dark woodgrain variant delivers modern sophistication with dramatic contrast in the riser’s dymod wood and rose wood laminations. Whether you choose the lighter honey finish or the darker variant comes down to personal preference and intended use – classic traditional aesthetic versus contemporary premium look with hunting-focused stealth. Watch my complete video review to see side-by-side comparisons, chronograph testing, and field shooting footage that will help you decide which finish deserves a spot in your quiver.