There are all types of bows in many different styles made of everything from wood to super polymers. But none of those is anything new; the technology has been around for as much as 70,000 years. But the SAS Tactical Survival Bow is just a bit of a different creature entirely.
The SAS Tactical Survival Bow is a foldable bow designed to fit in most backpacks where a traditional bow just can’t fit. It can be used on either hand without any modification needed.
- Length: 21″ folded, 61″ unfolded
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Draw Length: 28″
- Draw Weight: 45, 50, or 55 lbs
Unlike standard bows, this bow made by Survival Archery Systems folds down instead of coming apart when taking it down. It measures only 21″ long when stored so that you can fit it anywhere.
Who should be Interested in the SAS Tactical Survival Bow?
This is not a bow for the range or competitions, this is a bow for when you are in serious need of the tool, and it happens to be what you have at hand. The SAS survival bow is not a weekend recreational tool. If you are regularly in the backwoods and want something that can see you through should the need arise, this could be the bow for you!
Anyone looking for a pure survival bow will not be disappointed. It’s even small enough to put in a bug-out bag.
If you’re still unsure about which survival bow you should choose, read How to Choose the Best Survival Bow to find out more.
- Compact Longbow (arrows not included - sold separately)
- Maximum draw length - 31 inches
- Bow Length - 60 inches (strung), 21 (inches folded/stored)
- Arrows speed - Up to 200 ft/s for 50 pound version and up to 210 ft/s for 55 pound version
- Strung bow weight - 1kg (2.2 pounds)
Features
The number one selling point of this bow is its novel folding mechanism. Measuring only 21″ x 2″ x 3″ when folded and weighing a mere 2.2 lbs, this bow was designed to be carried from the ground up. When unfolded, it is a respectable 61″ bow.
For serious hunting needs, the SAS bow only comes in draw weights of 45 pounds to 55 pounds at a draw length up to 30″. This is not a bow for custom fitting; it is a tool and nothing but a tool. If your draw length is less than 30″ you should still get good performance out of this bow.
All assembly functions are tool-free, simple, and quick, taking less than a minute to go from packed to ready to shoot. The internal portion of the handle is hollow and can fit takedown arrows of an appropriate length to use with this bow.
There are no attachment points for sights, quivers, or anything else on the SAS bow, just a grip and arrow rest.
Pros
At $200.00 or a little more, the SAS Tactical Survival Bow isn’t exactly cheap, but it is far from expensive. Considering the tool you are getting, this price is not beyond what should be expected. You don’t get a lot for the $200.00, but you get exactly what you pay for.
I had little expectation for this bow from the get-go, but I was pleasantly surprised. The bow is quite accurate, if a little hard to get used to, and the arrow speed is FAR better than I would have expected. There is plenty of power and penetration.
This bow is a contained unit. Store your string and a few takedown arrows inside the bow and pack it away. When you need it, the assembly is a snap, and you are ready to go with everything you need to hunt in one place with no hassle.
The SAS bow draws much better than I would expect. There is no “stacking” where the bow suddenly feels harder to draw and no point where the draw is not smooth and even. The release is fast, and the bow doesn’t feel sluggish.
Cons
If you designed a bow after a Gen 1 Glock, it would look and feel like this. It’s ugly, and no two ways about it. The handle portion is square and can become uncomfortable, especially with repetitive shooting.
Though I listed it under a pro, the price is also a con if you’re looking for a daily shooter. It just doesn’t seem right to pay $200.00 for this bow when there are plenty of good options for bows that cost far less and function much better. Then again, you’re not looking for a traditional bow when you buy this.
Most Popular Survival Bows
Conclusion
If you spend a lot of time in the woods and want something to provide you with a hunting option that can be carried easily and function adequately, this is the bow to look at. The SAS Tactical Survival Bow is not good, but it is acceptable.
It may also be the only bow you have on you when you need it. It is a kit all by itself. In that respect, the SAS bow does well.
I wish they offered this bow in lower draw weights of around 30 lbs. That would be the sweet spot for this design and a lot more comfortable to shoot. The draw weights they do sell are appropriate for hunting but are just a bit high for my taste.
But if you are looking for a product like the Survival Archery Systems Tactical takedown bow, there is no reason why you shouldn’t buy this bow. If you want to get into archery as a hobby or for more than just occasional use, pass this bow up and go with the Samick Sage or Bear Grizzly.
