3RiversArchery Traditional Only Oberon Longbow Review

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-inch reflex-deflux hybrid longbow stands as a testament to this delicate balance. I first shot this graceful bow at the Tennessee Classic last year and was impressed enough to shoot it again at this year's Tennessee 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 its 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. The first thing that strikes you about the Oberon is its aesthetic appeal. Three Rivers Archery has created a bow that looks like it belongs in both a museum display and on a hunting expedition. The 62-inch length hits the sweet spot between stability and maneuverability, making it suitable for both target shooting and hunting in tight quarters. The reflex-deflux 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 bird's eye 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 knock points which are reinforced with layer 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. 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 40 pound draw weight the bow performs like a heavier draw weight when it comes to arrow speed. During testing carbon arrows consistently group 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 to 500 grain range. Even at draw weights between 40 to 50 pounds these arrows achieve penetration suitable for most hunting applications while maintaining forgiving flight characteristics. The reflex 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. 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 flute with remarkable consistency from this bow during testing. The forgiving nature of the limb design seems particularly well suited to the unique spying 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 to 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. 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 long bows. 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.