Mandarin Duck Phantom 56" Take Down Recurve Bow - Right Handed Hunting Arrow Rest

Having always wanted to get into Archery, I saw this bow on 'Survival Lilly' Youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhveV-QPd9E&t=360s) and given the price I thought why not?So this review is from a complete noob; almost all I know about archery is from the internet and the last few weeks of shooting my target in my back yard. If you're a pro already I'm afraid I don't know whether this is a great bow or not (though Youtuber NUSensei seems to think it's pretty decent https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXGYIvJPEGE). With that said, I have had great success with it and have steadily improved, so as a starter bow I can definitively say that it has worked for me.Firstly, it is a 'takedown' bow. That means that it arrives in three pieces, the middle bit that you hold called the Riser, and the Upper and Lower Limbs, which makes it easy to store and transport.As it arrived with absolutely no instructions, it took me a short while to figure out how it was put together. My advice is find the limb labelled 'upper limb' with the silver mandarin duck logo on and attach that on first. Unfortunately on my bow the logo is upside down, which has no effect on it's performance, but is a shame.There is a small bag with two bolts and washers and an allan key. Once assembled, you may want to attach the included plastic arrow rest. Unfortunately mine came with out a nut to attach, but I had one spare so I had no issue. I'm sure if I had needed one Mandarin Duck would have sent me one - they were very responsive over another issue I had.The Riser has an arrow ledge, and holes for the arrow rest, standard three holes for sights and a stabiliser bushing. It is cast Aluminium with a rubberised handle which I find is very comfortable to hold. The limbs are (I think) wood and fiberglass. There is a black string included; apparently the big loop goes at the top.Assembled, I think it looks pretty dope.So what is it like to use? Well I'm having a riot with it - I'm loving it! it's great fun to get back from work and take 20 minutes to shoot away in my back garden. I'm definitely getting better, though I have absolutely no idea whether my arrows are well matched to the bow (who knew that was a thing?!) it's a hell of a lot of fun anyway.I have to say that although I'm not a small guy buy any means, I initially found the 30lb draw weight actually a bit much. After a week or so my muscles built up so it's not an issue, but I was surprised that archery seems to use muscles I don't use for anything else. Just be careful not to overdo it an injure yourself early on!Survival Lilly used it as an example of a bow to be silenced - don't be put off; it's nothing like as loud as in her video; I think she loosened the limbs for effect.A few tips if you're thinking of getting into it like me: you will likely need a target; get a decent one. I brought an el cheapo from ebay and the arrows literally went straight through it. Also, I found that I really appreciated having a finger guard and an arm protector. I brought a bunch of (expensive) carbon arrows, which I discovered don't like bashing into the stone wall at the end of my garden, and tend to break. I think I'll be replacing them with aluminium arrows which can be bent back. Finally, the local archery shop seems to be a great place to get info so I intend to get all my future archery stuff through them.EDIT: So having gone to the local range and had it looked at by someone who knows a lot more about archery than I do, it has been pointed out that with the arrow rest in place, the arrows point off to the left. The string, the centerline of the bow and the arrow tip should all be in line; they are not; the arrow is off to the left.This has the result that if you shoot 'off the ledge', (i.e. without the arrow rest) then it shoots straight, though you'll need feather fetches. The problem comes when you fit a button or arrow rest which moves the arrow to the left, causing the bow to shoot to the left.Consequently, I've deducted a star. I'm still having a lot of fun, but it would make life easier if it were to shoot straight!EDIT 2: Apparently this isn't an issue - see the comments below! However, to add to my experience of customer support at Mandarin Duck, it was both very fast and very personal.

After reading many reviews and watching as many videos as I could on YouTube; I decided to purchase this; a little apprehensive about whether or not I was being led down the garden path, after all 70-90 pounds for a re-curve bow, is well, cheap to say the least.However, this is an excellent bow. On the product page you will see many arrow sets that users have ordered in conjunction with this. I went for well rated carbon arrows. Strolling into a nearby copse, I tested the bow out and the accuracy is remarkable. Not only this, but considering I was only using a 35ilb draw, the power this compact bow creates (especially between 20 and 30 metres) is certainly more than enough.I want to highlight here; and remind everyone that although bows are not regulated in the same way as firearms or other offensive weapons, common sense will tell you that this is indeed a potentially lethal and offensive weapon. This is NOT a toy. I will just repeat that. This is NOT a toy. Please make sure that you use this in an appropriate manner, are constantly aware of your surroundings; and most importantly are ONLY using this for static targets. It IS illegal to kill anything with a bow and arrow in this country, so those of you even considering poaching or hunting with something like this should leave the room now.So that's the lecture out of the way.Overall, a superb bow at a wonderful price. A great budget bow, for those of us who are not in a position to get competition level pieces of kit.

Yes a really great bow. It is ideal for field archery as its nice and short. I draw around 29" and there's no noticeable stacking. The arrow rest is a pretty good one as it has a springy flap that acts like a pressure button (if you fit it the right way up!) . If you shoot off the shelf its easy to attach felt or leather protectors once you remove the rest.Even the string is good quality. The grip is quite narrow compared with most wooden field bows but is very comfortable to shoot.

This is a great recurve bow, cannot fault the quality of this bow, a quality recurve bow at a really good price. Doesnt take long once the box is open to assemble the bow, the limbs slot in place really well and tighten nice and snug with the hex key provided. The limbs have no rattle or movement, and are easy to take on and off in just a couple of minutes.The string comes pre waxed and is a perfect fit for the bow giving a brace height of 7 and a quarter inches.Upon shooting the bow there was no excessive noise or vibration and the bow shoots really well straight out of the box. Very impressed with the solid quality of this bow. For the price i dont think you will find many other bows of the same quality.Mandarin Duck sell different limbs for this bow, i own a couple of different sets of limbs and use the same riser, meaning i can swap and change limbs as and when i please, and other people can enjoy this bow.The riser is solid and has a decent feel to it, the rubber grip is very comfortable even after long periods of use.Overall im really impressed with this bow and would recommend it to anyone.A few weeks for delivery was well worth it.Many thanks

Very good bow for the price honestly, I was taken aback at the quality for 80 odd quid. I came here after watching survival lily and nu sensi talk about this bow and had to try it for myself. This was my second bow and I went all out ordering the #70 one. Dont do that. It's not fun.Now I'm shooting a Rarguim Black Bear which I personally prefer due to the #35 draw and the all in one wooden design. However is sh*t ever hit the fan this is the bow I'd take hunting/self defense. England so nogunz.