IRQ Mongolian Recurve Bow Traditional Handmade Longbow 35-55lbs Archery Wooden Bow Hunting Horse Bow Fit for Right and Left Hand Adult Archery Bows

I’ve had this bow in the 40lbs (40#) version for 6 months (July 2020 - January 2021) as something to keep me busy through covid and lockdowns. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this bow and have accumulated over 100 hours of shooting experience with it. I shoot in my garden at distances from 3-13 yards, at my local EFAA (English Field Archery Association) range at distances from 20-35 yards, and I’ve also attended a few recreational events which have included speed-shooting, long-distance shooting (80+ yards) and even horseback archery. I started when it was summer and I’ve continued during rain and now the cold winter too without the bow’s performance being affected at all.When it first arrived the siyahs (wooden ends of the limbs) had scuffs and grazes on them, however, the packaging was fine so i presume this damage was sustained before it was shipped. After I contacted the seller they kindly replaced it without any hassle.This is the first bow I’ve ever had so it’s taken some abuse and has held up very well. This is a “horsebow”, or Asiatic Reflex Bow, with which one shoots “off the hand” without an arrow rest, relying on shooting technique instead. This bow comes with a 28mm wide arrow-pass and is fine as a starter bow, but it would be better if it came with a protective material at the arrow-pass made of leather or ray skin. I did not know how to do khatra (traditional asiatic archery technique) at first, so my arrows kept deflecting off of the handle and tore the leather grip and some of the whipping when passing the bow upon release. I eventually removed the torn grip and replaced it with leather tennis-handle wrap which is very comfortable, though bulkier (and perfect for my grip), and I added an arrow-pass over the whipping made of course leather, which now measures 30mm.The bow is longer than it appears in the pictures, and the sellers description is not entirely accurate, and not much additional information is provided in the package. The bow is branded with “TopArchery” written on the siyahs. The main material providing the active mechanics for the limbs is Fibreglass which is covered with Leather. The riser (handle) and siyahs (wooden limb-ends) are made of a neat wood which is listed in the description as “Red Locust Wood”.The bow measurement from end-to-end unstrung is 62”, nock-to-nock is 59” (measured along the belly-side which faces toward the archer), and when strung from end-to-end it is 56.5”. I could not find details of the ideal brace height, and I didn’t check it when I first got it, but after 6 months of good use it’s exactly 6”. I emailed the seller and he said it’s usually 18 inch, but perhaps he means 18cm (i.e. 7”).The maximum draw is listed as 32inch, but that’s my draw length and I reach that quite comfortably without any stacking or stiffness; so the bow can definitely go a little further. I can also shoot 29” and 30” arrows quite comfortably with it. I had my draw weight measured and I achieved 40# @32” without khatra or string twist, etc.The listing doesn’t mention the string length or type, and nothing is mentioned in the packaging either. It’s a neat 12 strand string with a red serving, which I like as I can easily see my knocking point which I marked on with a black marker. After 6 months of what I think is intensive use, my string started to come apart; first the serving unraveled a little and then three of the actual upright strands of the string tore at my nocking point and came out over a period of a few days. I don’t know if this is how long a string is supposed to last, or if I yet must learn how best to maintain my string, but I contacted the seller and asked if they sell replacements for this bow and they emailed me back saying I should buy their product listed as IRQ Replacement Bowstring (ASIN:B0867F71LK) which is described as a 14 strand string measuring 54”, pictured with a black serving - this hasn’t arrived yet so I can’t confirm this description. (I honestly miss shooting this bow while I wait for the new string).The draw experience is very nice with a smooth draw curve, however, it does creak, which did make me feel nervous for a long while, but it’s never caused any problem more than that. There is no hand-shock (especially with my additional leather handle wrap), and there is hardly any vibration after the release. It is easy to string by the step-through method and the limbs do not feel like they want to twist. The siyahs are wide and heavy - which is not ideal, but this is an entry level bow, not a "Ferrari". Even with the length of the bow and bulky siyahs, advanced techniques like khatra can still be done, and the handle (with my customised leather wrap) is perfectly suitable for khatra too.The bow unfortunately does not come with a detailed information sheet, sleeve, spare string, arrow pass (as mentioned) or string-holder. These are relatively small issues to tolerate given the price and the convenience of getting it on Prime with quick delivery - many bows take 30-90 days shipping - but then again these are small issues which IRQ can easily remedy, or at least they can give an option to add/sort these issues for an extra £10.Overall, I like this bow and after trying a few other bows within the entry-level price range of £50-£150 - including Rolan Snake bows (15#, 18# & 26#), the Grozer Scythian base model, the IRQ Turkish Laminated Ming and a few others - I can happily say I prefer this bow and it suits me better.This is an excellent entry level bow, though it may feel too long for anyone below 5’9” tall, and I’m very happy with it. IRQ would do good to add a few extra bits for entry level archers as suggested above.

I've quite literally just come inside from shooting this thing.The first few times you shoot it, you'll get a bit of a creaking sound, that goes away after 3-4 arrows.That aside though - This bow shoots like an absolute dream. The draw is smooth, the release is smooth, the cushioned leather grip reduces hand shock, and the bow sounds almost silent.Call it whatever you like, but compared to my old horsebow, this one feels a thousand times better.The *ONLY* issue that I have with it is that occasionally, on a bad release, an arrow may rise slightly above the leather grip, causing the feathers to rub against the decorative string, which, on my bow, has very slightly discolored and frayed the string. The actual bowstring is unaffected, I am talking about the string near the grip that is purely for decoration.This bow is all around amazing, and of such quality that I wouldn't be suprised if it cost 4 or 5 times as much as it actually does.I will be buying from IRQ again in the future.

First up - no instructions and the packaging looked a little man-handled. Luckily the bow was well protected in the box.It really looks the part. Stringing is easy using the step through method (look it up if you are unsure) Note: it's not strung when you get it - but it has a black restraining string loaded for support during transport - my string was a two colour affair, red loops at either end and red serving in the middle against a black string.It pulls nicely a smoothly and great release - a small amount of shock and a bit of limb vibrartion - but nothing that can't be ignored. It's quite light in the hand and has a comfortable grip and somewhat obiviously it's an ambidextrous bow - no arrow rests, you shoot off your hand.The bow is marked with "top archery" which I assume is the maker and there are no other markings - no weights or anything like that.I have to admit to a little skepticism with the "wooden limbs" bit of the description. I'm fairly sure the limbs are actually resin (just a glance at the top archery website would seem to confirm) however I'm not willing to unwrap the limbs to check. And in all honesty it's no great shakes. It's a lovely thing to shoot.All in all a great bow for the price and I would recommend this to anyone wanting to try a bit of asiatic archery.I'm giving 4 stars - losing one purely because there were no instructions - it does appear looking at some of the reviews on this bow, instructions would be advantageous.

Bow arrived on time. Really happy with the product, it has brought me hours of fun.I live in a rural area and during the summer months you can take advantage of the farmers cornfields after they have been harvested. I simply set up my target by attaching it to a straw bail with one of my arrows, then walk back as far as I can and fire off arrow after arrow for hours at a time.You have a very satisfied customer who will be making more purchases in the near future.I'm also flying out to, Hangzhou, China, in two weeks time to teach English as a foreign language. I may get the opportunity to come and visit you in person and see what other products you have on offer!

This is a very beautiful bow and the 55 lb draw is good and strong. However, please be warned that the pretty red and black bow string will begin to fray after very little use. So, factor in the cost of a replacement string to the cost of the bow unless you intend the bow for an ornament.This would have received a 5 star review if the string had not frayed.

Very nice bow, great fun, I got 40lb found it heavier than expected, over estimated my strength if you are buying a first bow 30lb maybe more comfortable.