Greatree Osprey Takedown Recurve Bow. Part 1 of 5
by Chris Peroni, May 2012
![Image]()
Introduction
Archery has been an interest of mine since I was about 12 years old. I started with simple fiberglass straight bows which were basically just a curved stick with a string and a grip. I learned how to shoot at summer camp and carried on taking classes at a local rec centre for a few summers.
My interest waned in my later teens but about 7 years ago it crossed my mind to hit up ebay and see what was available. I ended up buying 8 or 10 older model compound bows to try out. I sold or gave away most but kept a couple for me and practiced target shooting in my back yard. Since about last year I have had an itch for a recurve. I love the look and feel of a wood riser and I am very drawn to the appeal of more traditional shooting. Just a few weeks ago I found a local archery club and my first night there sealed the deal for me... enter my new recurve and my renewed love of all things archery!
I decided to order online from a store called Andover Archery located in Andover Connecticut. After finding them on ebay I asked several questions by both email and phone and I was extremely pleased with the prompt, courteous, informed and friendly responses from co-owner Mark Hall. I cannot speak well enough of this family run business! I highly recommend Andover Archery to anyone who wants low prices, quality products, earnest help, and speedy delivery. I ordered direct from Mark (not through an ebay auction). My order took 7 days to reach me and that included the extra day to make my custom coloured arrows. Excellent.
Historical Overview
The bow is a very old invention. Really old- thousands of years old. Takedown recurves are not as old. That's about as much as I know about that.
Full Disclosure
I have no affiliation with Greatree Archery or Andover Archery; I am simply another customer. I paid the listed price for my order with standard shipping costs.
One of the features that drew me to Andover was the fact they include a bow stringer with all recurves, as well as a rest, string with nock point, and usually bushings for sights etc.
In the interest of transparency I should mention that Andover Archery did provide me with an extra string, carpet rest and leather plate (meaning a 2nd set of these items apart from the set already included with every bow purchase as advertised). How did I end up with these things? Kind of by accident really. See, I called Mark to ask if the shipping cost was right as it seemed too low (being in Canada I'm used to higher costs). Mark checked it and actually answered that if anything it could be lower as he quoted with priority shipping. I told him I was fine with priority at such a good price
but he wasn't satisfied and hinted that I would get something "extra" in my order. So yes, this sort of thing would naturally have an effect on my perception of Andover Archery but imo this is a good thing. Mark took time to answer my call then check my order right away and even though I was already pleased with everything he still went the extra mile of his own accord.
I have owned/handled my fair share of straight and compound bows in my time casually practicing archery. Although I have shot with recurves before this is the first one I have ever owned.
Initial Impressions
![Image]()
Ordered/Paid on Sat. April 7
Shipped on Tue. April 10
Received on Tue. April 17
Everything came packaged in a USPS cardboard box - 37" x 7" x 3", divided into 2 compartments (10" & 27").
The riser was bagged/wrapped in 1/8"epe foam and the limbs each in their own cellophane bag. On top of these were the arrows held on each end with the typical plastic-lattice-thingy (you know what I mean, right?). The smaller compartment held all the extras in ziploc baggies and also included a letter on proper assembly, storage and use of the bow stringer. All was very organized and safely secured.
I first pulled an arrow out to examine the cool feather fletching and field point, but quickly went to the riser for a more in depth examination of the zebra wood grain. I was very pleased with the smooth finish and flowing lines of the riser as well as the balance. I noticed right away the rest and plate were already applied which I thought was a nice touch. I moved to the limbs next and carefully examined these for any flaws and found none. Clean lamination from side to side and end to end. I also noticed here that double nock sets were installed on the string (I had assumed it would be only one nock set).
I didn't assemble the bow right away as I have a habit of letting any wood materials coming into my home sit for at least a day to acclimate before fiddling with them- a carryover from woodworking I guess. When I did put it together I went straight to pictures. Afterwards I gave it a slow pull to get a feel for it and noted that I was a little out of shape for 45# limbs- lol. I took a few shots but stopped when I felt I was unable to maintain full draw for long enough to get my aim set.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention.... throughout all the above I had a grin from ear to ear of course! The look, colours, feeling, handling, quality, stack-free smooth draw, even the oxblood coloured serving (nice random touch I thought), all of it was just fantastic!
Components & Statistics
My bow:
60", right hand, 45#
Riser:
-18" long, 1 & 1/2" thick at most
-zebra wood with 3 layer centerline lamination
-deflexed
-inside edge of the grip (pivot point) is 1 & 3/4" inches from the back of the shelf (as per AMO/ATA spec)
-window is 4 & 3/8" long
-crowned shelf is 3" from front to back
-brace height is 8 & 5/8"
-very smooth/rounded on all edges, clear coat finished
-synthetic carpet, leather shield plate
-limb pockets are double steel pinned to aid in limb alignment, with red felt lining
Personally I find this riser to be both visually appealing and very comfortable. I narrows nicely at the thumb/forefinger and has a smooth and ergonomic fit into the palm. One of my friends at the club described the curves as "sexy" - I think that fits it well- curves in all the right places :twisted: . There are a couple of tiny flaws in the finish which can be seen in the pictures. For example the white spot at the front top right of the riser and the spots at the bottom right side. Maybe four places in total and all just a mm or so in size- minor stuff imho.
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
Limbs:
-21" length, 1 & 5/8" wide before tapering
-dual wood core, black fiberglass front and back
-mycarta limb tips
-allen bolt secures limbs to riser with 2 steel pin holes for alignment
Comparing these limbs to those found on the recurves at my club I find mine to be of noticeably better quality. Interestingly enough I made the choice to buy a Greatree before my first time at the club but by coincidence my club happens to be stocked with bows also made by Greatree; their entry model "Mohegan" (these have more basic squared risers & only single core limbs with wood tips).
The pin and bolt holes are cut a little rough but line up just right with no play and the brass bushings are machined/threaded well.
The mycarta tips are durable and a nice feature. They are bevelled and thick enough to allow a good groove for the string loop to recess into. I wish the front side of the tips also had mycarta but instead has only the fiberglass right up to the end.
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
**a word on this bow and its siblings**
Greatree makes four models of bows with interchangeable limbs and risers: Osprey, Goshawk, Highlander, Ridge Fire. Riser sizes for these bows are either 18" or 21 & 1/2". For the models mentioned the poundage of the limbs range from 35 to 60 at 5 pound increments more or less (some models skip an increment). Overall lengths for these bows are 56", 60" or 64" depending on the riser/limb combination as the limbs come in 2 lengths. See this page on Andover's website for more details: Hunting Bows. All these options make this line of bows an excellent choice for recurve shooting as there is a lot of variety that can be explored if you mix and match the equipment to find your best set up.
by Chris Peroni, May 2012
Introduction
Archery has been an interest of mine since I was about 12 years old. I started with simple fiberglass straight bows which were basically just a curved stick with a string and a grip. I learned how to shoot at summer camp and carried on taking classes at a local rec centre for a few summers.
My interest waned in my later teens but about 7 years ago it crossed my mind to hit up ebay and see what was available. I ended up buying 8 or 10 older model compound bows to try out. I sold or gave away most but kept a couple for me and practiced target shooting in my back yard. Since about last year I have had an itch for a recurve. I love the look and feel of a wood riser and I am very drawn to the appeal of more traditional shooting. Just a few weeks ago I found a local archery club and my first night there sealed the deal for me... enter my new recurve and my renewed love of all things archery!
I decided to order online from a store called Andover Archery located in Andover Connecticut. After finding them on ebay I asked several questions by both email and phone and I was extremely pleased with the prompt, courteous, informed and friendly responses from co-owner Mark Hall. I cannot speak well enough of this family run business! I highly recommend Andover Archery to anyone who wants low prices, quality products, earnest help, and speedy delivery. I ordered direct from Mark (not through an ebay auction). My order took 7 days to reach me and that included the extra day to make my custom coloured arrows. Excellent.
Historical Overview
The bow is a very old invention. Really old- thousands of years old. Takedown recurves are not as old. That's about as much as I know about that.
Full Disclosure
I have no affiliation with Greatree Archery or Andover Archery; I am simply another customer. I paid the listed price for my order with standard shipping costs.
One of the features that drew me to Andover was the fact they include a bow stringer with all recurves, as well as a rest, string with nock point, and usually bushings for sights etc.
In the interest of transparency I should mention that Andover Archery did provide me with an extra string, carpet rest and leather plate (meaning a 2nd set of these items apart from the set already included with every bow purchase as advertised). How did I end up with these things? Kind of by accident really. See, I called Mark to ask if the shipping cost was right as it seemed too low (being in Canada I'm used to higher costs). Mark checked it and actually answered that if anything it could be lower as he quoted with priority shipping. I told him I was fine with priority at such a good price
but he wasn't satisfied and hinted that I would get something "extra" in my order. So yes, this sort of thing would naturally have an effect on my perception of Andover Archery but imo this is a good thing. Mark took time to answer my call then check my order right away and even though I was already pleased with everything he still went the extra mile of his own accord.I have owned/handled my fair share of straight and compound bows in my time casually practicing archery. Although I have shot with recurves before this is the first one I have ever owned.
Initial Impressions
Ordered/Paid on Sat. April 7
Shipped on Tue. April 10
Received on Tue. April 17
Everything came packaged in a USPS cardboard box - 37" x 7" x 3", divided into 2 compartments (10" & 27").
The riser was bagged/wrapped in 1/8"epe foam and the limbs each in their own cellophane bag. On top of these were the arrows held on each end with the typical plastic-lattice-thingy (you know what I mean, right?). The smaller compartment held all the extras in ziploc baggies and also included a letter on proper assembly, storage and use of the bow stringer. All was very organized and safely secured.
I first pulled an arrow out to examine the cool feather fletching and field point, but quickly went to the riser for a more in depth examination of the zebra wood grain. I was very pleased with the smooth finish and flowing lines of the riser as well as the balance. I noticed right away the rest and plate were already applied which I thought was a nice touch. I moved to the limbs next and carefully examined these for any flaws and found none. Clean lamination from side to side and end to end. I also noticed here that double nock sets were installed on the string (I had assumed it would be only one nock set).
I didn't assemble the bow right away as I have a habit of letting any wood materials coming into my home sit for at least a day to acclimate before fiddling with them- a carryover from woodworking I guess. When I did put it together I went straight to pictures. Afterwards I gave it a slow pull to get a feel for it and noted that I was a little out of shape for 45# limbs- lol. I took a few shots but stopped when I felt I was unable to maintain full draw for long enough to get my aim set.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention.... throughout all the above I had a grin from ear to ear of course! The look, colours, feeling, handling, quality, stack-free smooth draw, even the oxblood coloured serving (nice random touch I thought), all of it was just fantastic!
Components & Statistics
My bow:
60", right hand, 45#
Riser:
-18" long, 1 & 1/2" thick at most
-zebra wood with 3 layer centerline lamination
-deflexed
-inside edge of the grip (pivot point) is 1 & 3/4" inches from the back of the shelf (as per AMO/ATA spec)
-window is 4 & 3/8" long
-crowned shelf is 3" from front to back
-brace height is 8 & 5/8"
-very smooth/rounded on all edges, clear coat finished
-synthetic carpet, leather shield plate
-limb pockets are double steel pinned to aid in limb alignment, with red felt lining
Personally I find this riser to be both visually appealing and very comfortable. I narrows nicely at the thumb/forefinger and has a smooth and ergonomic fit into the palm. One of my friends at the club described the curves as "sexy" - I think that fits it well- curves in all the right places :twisted: . There are a couple of tiny flaws in the finish which can be seen in the pictures. For example the white spot at the front top right of the riser and the spots at the bottom right side. Maybe four places in total and all just a mm or so in size- minor stuff imho.
Limbs:
-21" length, 1 & 5/8" wide before tapering
-dual wood core, black fiberglass front and back
-mycarta limb tips
-allen bolt secures limbs to riser with 2 steel pin holes for alignment
Comparing these limbs to those found on the recurves at my club I find mine to be of noticeably better quality. Interestingly enough I made the choice to buy a Greatree before my first time at the club but by coincidence my club happens to be stocked with bows also made by Greatree; their entry model "Mohegan" (these have more basic squared risers & only single core limbs with wood tips).
The pin and bolt holes are cut a little rough but line up just right with no play and the brass bushings are machined/threaded well.
The mycarta tips are durable and a nice feature. They are bevelled and thick enough to allow a good groove for the string loop to recess into. I wish the front side of the tips also had mycarta but instead has only the fiberglass right up to the end.
**a word on this bow and its siblings**
Greatree makes four models of bows with interchangeable limbs and risers: Osprey, Goshawk, Highlander, Ridge Fire. Riser sizes for these bows are either 18" or 21 & 1/2". For the models mentioned the poundage of the limbs range from 35 to 60 at 5 pound increments more or less (some models skip an increment). Overall lengths for these bows are 56", 60" or 64" depending on the riser/limb combination as the limbs come in 2 lengths. See this page on Andover's website for more details: Hunting Bows. All these options make this line of bows an excellent choice for recurve shooting as there is a lot of variety that can be explored if you mix and match the equipment to find your best set up.
