When the long, slender cardboard package containing the Deerseeker Outlander longbow appeared on my doorstep, I felt that familiar surge of excitement that every traditional archer knows. The packaging itself spoke to the bow’s premium nature – a thick plastic bag wrapped in foam that held the 64-inch bamboo longbow securely in place. As I carefully withdrew the Outlander from its protective cocoon, the afternoon sun caught the clear glass backing, creating subtle refractions that highlighted the bamboo’s natural golden grain patterns beneath. It was, I must admit, quite the entrance for a bow that would become my constant companion over the next three months of testing. I used to have a traditional D-shaped Martin longbow many years ago, and I’ve wanted to get another one for quite a while. The Outlander’s affordable price made it a much easier decision to add it to my collection.
Design and Engineering
At its core, the Outlander represents a thoughtful marriage of traditional materials and modern engineering. The bamboo core isn’t merely decorative – it provides an exceptional combination of strength and flexibility that translates directly into shooting performance. The clear glass backing adds crucial stability without compromising the bows beautiful appearance. The bamboo core gleams with a rich, yellow-colored tone that varies subtly along the D-shaped limbs, showcasing the natural beauty of the material. When I ran my hand along the slightly reflexed limbs, I noticed absolutely no twist or inconsistency in the tiller. The riser features a well-designed and beautiful brown actionwood locator grip with a leather rape that fills the hand naturally, a characteristic that Hill-style bows are known for. Your hand sits really close to the shelf, and the riser has a cut to center sight window, both of which helps with hitting where you’re pointing the arrow. Most of the other budget Hill-style longbows on Amazon are not designed for your hand to sit as close to the shelf. The craftsmanship in the Outlander is immediately apparent in the seamless transition between materials and the pristine finish that speaks to careful attention to detail.
Performance Characteristics
Drawing the Outlander reveals a smooth, consistent build in weight that feels like pulling back a well-oiled machine thanks to it’s slightly reflexed limb design. The 40# model I tested settles into anchor position with remarkable stability, showing none of the stacking issues that often plague lesser longbows. The bow exhibits a surprisingly forgiving nature despite its traditional design, something I particularly noticed when shooting in less-than-perfect form during extended practice sessions. Arrow speed is impressive for a 40lb bow, with my chronograph consistently showing 165-170 fps using 450-grain carbon arrows. What really stands out is the bow’s ability to shoot wood and bamboo arrows just as well as carbon arrows. It’s worth noting that heavier arrows produced less hand shock, which is common with most longbows.
Shooting Experience
After spending several weeks with the Outlander, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for its shooting characteristics. After adding string silencers, the bow is whisper-quiet on release, with minimal hand shock – a feature that becomes increasingly important during longer shooting sessions. The string follow is negligible, even after hundreds of shots, speaking to the effectiveness of the bamboo and glass combination. It hits where you point the bow, and it’s quite forgiving, which is characteristic of Hill-style longbows. I’ve found the bow particularly excels in field shooting situations, where its light mass weight (just under 1.2 pounds) prevents fatigue during long treks. The balance point sits slightly above center, providing excellent stability without feeling front-heavy.
Versatility and Applications
While marketed primarily as a hunting bow, the Outlander proves remarkably versatile. During testing, I used it for everything from 3D target shooting to stump shooting in the woods. The bow’s forgiving nature makes it an excellent choice for archers transitioning from modern equipment to traditional gear. At closer ranges (less than 30 yards), the traditional longbow really shines, allowing for consistent groupings that might surprise compound shooters. The only limitation I encountered was in extreme weather conditions – the leather handle can be more sensitive to wet conditions than some synthetic alternatives. However, I love the leather handle for it’s natural look and feel.
Durability and Maintenance
Over three months of regular use, the Outlander has shown impressive durability. The clear glass backing not only enhances performance but also provides excellent protection against the elements. I’ve deliberately exposed the bow to light rain and varying humidity levels, noting only minimal impact on performance. The finish has proven resistant to scratches & scuffs, and the reinforced limb tips have proven worthy to handle modern D-97 and fastflight flemish twist strings.
Value Proposition
At its price point ($209 MSRP for up to 60lbs), the Outlander positions itself as an outstanding value in the mid-to-upper tier class of traditional longbows. The superior quality of materials and craftsmanship more than justifies the investment. The bow’s versatility and durability mean it can serve as both a primary hunting tool and a regular practice companion. When compared to similar offerings from other premium bowyers that often cost $700-1,000, the Outlander actually represents an incredible value, especially considering its unique bamboo construction and clear glass backing. The Outlander longbow package also includes a nice D-97 flemish twist string, stringer tool, cat whiskers, arm guard, leather glove, and calf hair arrow rest and shelf plate.
Final Thoughts
The Deerseeker Outlander succeeds in bridging the gap between traditional design and modern performance. It’s a bow that honors traditional archery while incorporating subtle innovations that truly enhance the shooting experience. After extensive testing, I can confidently say it meets or exceeds expectations in most categories, especially considering it’s affordable price point. Whether you’re a seasoned traditional archer or looking to explore beyond compound bows, the Outlander deserves serious consideration. It’s not just a tool for hunting or target shooting; it’s a piece of functional art that provides a genuinely rewarding traditional archery experience. Check pricing and availablity on Amazon or at Deerseeker’s website.
