The traditional archery world is experiencing a renaissance, with archers seeking equipment that honors time-tested designs while incorporating modern innovations. The Three Rivers Archery Traditional Only Oberon 62″ reflex/deflex hybrid longbow stands as a testament to this delicate balance. I first shot this graceful bow at the TN Classic last year, and was impressed enough to shoot it again at this year’s TN Classic. The experience was so convincing that I took one home to test and review thoroughly. This bow promises to deliver both the emotional satisfaction of traditional shooting and the performance advantages of contemporary design elements. After extensive testing with various arrow types and shooting conditions, I can confidently say this bow represents a significant achievement in traditional archery equipment, especially at it’s price point. Its ability to handle both carbon and wood arrows with equal proficiency makes it a versatile choice for archers of various skill levels and shooting preferences.
Craftsmanship and Design
The first thing that strikes you about the Oberon is its aesthetic appeal. 3 Rivers Archery has created a bow that looks like it belongs in both a museum display and on a hunting expedition. The 62″ length hits the sweet spot between stability and maneuverability, making it suitable for both target shooting and hunting in tight quarters. The reflex/deflex design—with limbs that curve away from the archer at the riser and then back toward the archer at the tips—represents a thoughtful hybrid approach that traditional archers will appreciate. This geometry, combined with the carbon layer in the limbs, provides exceptional stability without sacrificing the traditional shooting experience.
The riser features exotic hardwoods meticulously laminated to create not just visual appeal but structural integrity. Every curve and contour feels deliberate, with the grip being particularly noteworthy. It fills the hand naturally without feeling bulky, allowing for consistent hand placement shot after shot. The limbs incorporate multiple layers of fiberglass, a performance-enhancing carbon layer, bamboo core, and finished with a classy birdseye stain on the fiberglass. The carbon fiber adds remarkable stability, while the bamboo provides exceptional resilience and energy transfer,. Together, these materials maintain the bow’s traditional feel while delivering modern performance. The result is a smooth draw cycle that builds progressively rather than stacking uncomfortably at full draw.
The attention to detail extends to the string nock points, which are reinforced with layered fiberglass and action wood tips for style and strength to prevent wear over thousands of shots. Even the string itself deserves mention—a high performance D97 Flemish twist design that complements the traditional aesthetic while providing reliable performance. This combination of traditional craftsmanship with modern materials results in a bow that feels alive in your hands yet remains predictable and trustworthy with each release.
Performance with Carbon Arrows
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Oberon is its versatility with different arrow types. Modern carbon arrows, with their consistency and durability, fly remarkably well from this traditional platform. The bow’s bamboo core limbs deliver exceptional energy transfer to carbon shafts, resulting in flat trajectories and impressive velocities that belie the bow’s traditional design. The bamboo’s natural ability to store and release energy efficiently means that even at the tested 40lb draw weight, the bow performs like a heavier draw weight when it comes to arrow speed. During testing, carbon arrows consistently grouped well at distances ranging from 15 to 30 yards, with minimal hand shock and notable silence after the shot.
The bow’s stability shines particularly bright with lighter carbon arrows in the 400-500 grain range. Even at draw weights between 40-50 pounds, these arrows achieve penetration suitable for most hunting applications while maintaining forgiving flight characteristics. The reflex/deflex design proves its worth here, providing enough speed to drive carbon arrows effectively while dampening the vibration that often plagues classic D-shaped longbow designs. Traditional archers looking to incorporate some modern arrow technology into their shooting routine will find the Oberon exceptionally accommodating.
For those concerned about the authenticity of shooting carbon from a traditional bow, rest assured that the experience remains deeply satisfying. The bow doesn’t care what material your arrow is made from—it simply delivers them with authority and precision that would make any archer proud.
Wood Arrow Compatibility
Where many modern hybrid designs fail is in their compatibility with traditional wood arrows. The Oberon excels in this department, perhaps even more impressively than with carbon. Port Orford cedar, bamboo, and ash shafts all flew with remarkable consistency from this bow during testing. The forgiving nature of the limb design seems particularly well-suited to the unique spine characteristics of wooden shafts.
The bow’s smooth draw cycle prevents the archer from overdriving wood arrows, which can sometimes be more fragile than their modern counterparts. This results in consistent arrow flight and tighter groupings than one might expect from wood arrows. During testing, cedar shafts weighing 500-600 grains demonstrated beautiful arcing trajectories that make instinctive shooting a joy rather than a challenge.
What’s particularly noteworthy is how the bow seems to smooth out inconsistencies inherent in natural materials. Wood arrows with minor variations in spine and weight still performed admirably, clustering together at distances out to 25 yards with surprising consistency. This forgiveness makes the Oberon an excellent choice for archers who appreciate the traditional aesthetics and shooting experience of wooden arrows but don’t want to sacrifice too much in terms of accuracy and performance.
Draw Experience and Shooting Comfort
The draw experience of the Oberon reveals the careful engineering behind its design. Testing the 40lb model specifically, I found the draw cycle remarkably smooth and consistent throughout the entire range of motion, with minimal stacking even at full draw. This smoothness is likely attributable to both the reflex/deflex geometry and the carbon layer within the limbs that helps distribute force evenly. The bow reaches full draw with a subtle settling point rather than a harsh wall, allowing for comfortable anchor and aim time without muscle fatigue.
At release, the bow remains remarkably quiet and stable. In fact, it’s the one of the quietest hybrid bows I’ve ever shot. The reflex/deflex geometry effectively manages hand shock, resulting in a pleasant shooting experience even during extended practice sessions. This comfort encourages archers to shoot more, which inevitably leads to improved skill and satisfaction with the equipment.
The medium grip deserves special mention for its ergonomic design that positions the hand naturally for consistent pressure distribution. This reduces torque on the bow, leading to improved accuracy over time. Whether shooting with an archery glove or tab, the grip accommodates various techniques without forcing the archer to adapt their natural style.
Hunting Applications
While target shooting reveals much about a bow’s character, hunting demands additional considerations. The Oberon proves itself a worthy hunting companion in several key areas. First, its relative silence is a significant advantage in the field, especially when compared to some noisier traditional bow designs. The bow’s stability also means less movement during the draw cycle, reducing the chance of detection by wary game.
The bow’s ability to handle both carbon and wood arrows gives hunters more flexibility in their setups. Carbon arrows provide the flatter trajectory and penetration that might be preferred for longer shots, while wood arrows offer the soul-satisfying traditional experience that many hunters seek. Regardless of choice, the Oberon delivers these arrows with enough authority to be ethically effective on most North American game species when matched with appropriate broadheads and draw weights.
The 62″ length strikes an excellent balance for hunting applications. It’s short enough to maneuver in blinds and treestands but long enough to provide forgiving stability during the pressure of a hunting shot. The neutral coloration and matte finish of the limbs reduce the risk of spooking game with unwanted reflections.
Value Proposition
Quality traditional equipment represents an investment, and the Oberon is no exception. However, when considering the versatility, craftsmanship, and performance of this bow, the value proposition becomes clear. At just $450, this bow represents a tremendous value in the traditional archery market. The quality of materials, construction, and performance rivals bows that sell for double its price. This is not simply a bow but a versatile shooting platform that can serve multiple roles in an archer’s collection. It’s my favorite hybrid bow until you get into much more expensive fully custom longbows.
The bow’s ability to shoot both carbon and wood arrows effectively essentially provides two experiences in one package. For archers transitioning from modern equipment to traditional, or those who appreciate both worlds, this versatility further justifies the investment. Furthermore, the quality of construction suggests this bow will serve faithfully for many years, possibly becoming an heirloom piece that can be passed down to future generations of archers.
Wrap Up
The 3 Rivers Archery Traditional Only Oberon 62″ reflex/deflex hybrid longbow represents a high-water mark in traditional archery design. It honors the rich heritage of traditional archery while embracing enough modern innovation to remain relevant and high-performing at an affordable price. Its exceptional versatility with both carbon and wood arrows makes it uniquely positioned in the traditional market.
Whether you’re a seasoned traditional archer looking to upgrade your equipment or a compound shooter curious about exploring traditional archery, the Oberon offers an accessible path to deeply satisfying shooting experiences. In a world where archery equipment often forces compromises, this bow stands as a rare example of equipment that truly delivers on its promises.
The 3 Rivers Archery Oberon may not be the least expensive option in the traditional market, but its performance, versatility, and craftsmanship make it a worthwhile investment that will pay dividends in shooting satisfaction for years to come. For those seeking an authentic traditional experience without sacrificing performance, the Oberon deserves serious consideration. Get yours at 3RiversArchery.
