BuckTrail 68" Blackhawk Raven Review

In this video, the very kind people at Merlin Archery have sent me the the 68" Bucktrail Blackhawk Flatbow/Longbow for me to have a look at. We spent all day shooting the Bucktrail and we had a lot of fun with it.
The Bucktrail Blackhawk in my opinion is the perfect bow to get you into the sport of traditional Archery or as an introduction to the Flatbow. It shoots well straight out of the box.
One of our friends here at Archery Adventures, Paddy, has been shooting one for a good six months now and loves his to bits, His enjoyment of it is what prompted me to want to do a review on the bow.
Check out Merlin Archery's Website at www.merlinarchery.co.uk and look at all their Traditional Archery Products.
You can find the bow here
www.merlinarchery.co.uk/raven-...
£91.31
€108.93
$147.77
Thank you for watching, Please check us out on:
archeryadventures.uk
www.archeryadventures.tumblr.com
Twitter: @GrizzlyArchery
[e-mail]
A BIG Thank you to: Merlin Archery, for sending me the bow.
A BIG Thank you to: Jeff Krug from the Nocking Point for the intro. Check his channel out here: / @thenockingpoint
And a big thank you to: Chris Kurth AKA the Inked Archer for the excellent music, you can check his channel out here:
/ @chriskurth
"Shoot Straight"

[@RuffsTV]

Bought this bow 8 years ago after watching this, still going strong 8 years later.

[@bullrambler]

Thanks for posting the review on the BuckTrail 68" Blackhawk Raven and great shooting. It was helpful that you informed the readers that you were using a 600 spine arrow, and it would have been equally helpful if had added the poundage of the limbs, your draw length an weight of the tip. Then viewers would understand how these factors all matched up for your video.

[@Vccine]

This bow is only under 84£, which is quite amazing. I am seriously considering getting this, when I save up some cash. Reviews are great as well. Edit: Had it for over 3 months, great bow for the price.

[@bullrambler]

To others who are concerned about hand shock there are a few things that can be done to reduce the hand shock felt from shooting a flat bow. 1. Set the brace height to get the best amount of efficiency out of the limbs. 2. Spine match the arrow to the bow, use length of arrow - and the tip weight of an arrow will show greater accuracy. 3. Wear a glove on the hand that holds the bow and try a variety of gripping of the bow and the hand shock will feel somewhat less with a different hand position. String silencers do help somewhat and soft leather tip protectors help a bit too. So the hand shock can be reduced but not totally eliminated. I love these type of bows.

[@MrBlackhawk49]

Bought that bow last year as my first longbow (after shooting olympic recurve for 4 years). Absolutely love it!

[@robmarsh497]

ordered one today, watched this vid so many times lol just tormenting meself now by watching again ty jim

[@hartmutalbrecht600]

I saw it, I bought it, I love it! Thank you very much for presenting this nice Bow! Best Regards from Germany!

[@braikka]

I bought one of these after watching this video & I love it. Thanx Jim.

[@Wolfiesairbrush]

Nicely presented review.. I saw a couple of these bows in use only last weekend at an open shoot and they looked nice and seemed to perform ok.. :) Definitely a good entry level choice..

[@TheNockingPoint]

Nice review Jim. Looks like a perfect bow to get people started.

[@chriskurth]

Nice review mate! Looks like a great longbow for the price!

[@johnd7471]

i bought one of these bows after watching this review, it also draws 40lb...LOVE IT!!!

[@tyrantworm7392]

I just bought a 40lb blackhawk and I'm very impressed for the money. 25 years ago, when I last owned a bow, I was a bit of a beast; it was a wee shock to the system settling on a 40lb bow but having been out stumping with it, I'm pleased I opted for a lighter bow, purely because it makes arrow retrieval easier. I notice slight handshock, but for me it is not sufficient to interrupt my enjoyment, or my flow. As stated, it seems like a great introduction to trad bows. I will probably cough for something heavier with more reflex at some point, just for better cast, but I have absolutely no complaints with this bow for what it is. I'm settled at around 19.5cm brace height.

[@RackwitzG]

You're a very good shot with that. I got one in #35 and was suprised about the hand shock, being used to Olympic recurve. I use a fitness glove on my bow hand and things are fine. I also use beaver silencers too. Like it better than the recurve.

[@Seerwealth]

One of my several bows......still learning recurve and flat instinctive shooting.

[@Timber-Wolf]

Good review. I like the look of it. I would also suggest that people looking to start in trad/instinctive might want to take a look at the Samick Sage. OK, It's a recurve takedown but value for money it fantastic :) Thanks for the review.

[@mudkip_btw]

That's some seriously tight grouping Jim :) what range do you typically shoot at in your bow review videos

[@philipophil]

shooting the bow for 2 months now and i love it! great to handle, hardly no handshock! really nice!! great beginners bow !!! does anybody know if you can use a ff-string like bodniks whisper string with it?

[@jakemorris8463]

I was going to buy one of these before I swapped to English longbow. Kind of wish I had now!

[@mickruhdorf9916]

nice cardi mate lol . ive just bought one of these in the 25# variety its my first flat bow and my first longbow .

[@GregJebailybaritone]

Would love to see a review of the Bearpaw Phantom hybrid longbow. It has a unique design with a traditional grip. I think it would make for an interesting review, and there none currently on KZbin. Hope you can around to it! Thanks!

[@DimiArhontidis]

Thanks for the great review. Would you recommend this over the Bear Montana as a first bow? Is the shooting similar? Thanks!

[@Alan3345]

That's the bow bow I have :) Great video man.

[@ArcheryAdventures]

you got good taste buddy ;)

[@brian280453]

Just tried one of these out at my archery club, 45# and it felt smoother and lighter to draw than my 35# samick sage (which I love) I am buying one now the same 45#. And I agree totally with the previous comments, a good bow is a good bow, it’s only “entry level” because of the price. If your a good archer like Jim, and you can get the type of tight groups he was in this video, where’s the sense in spending hundreds more on bows that your possibly only fractionally more accurate with? I’ve seen reviews of this and other “entry level” bows, that people have been using to good effect and with huge enjoyment for years, I’ve also talked to people who have paid out huge sums of money, for bows they have had no more fun with, and that’s surely what it’s all about eh?, fun.

[@ImanoffGolf]

Thanks for the review, Jim. Just a quick question, how far is approximately the effective range for this bow in 40lbs?Cheers!

[@WoWloxus]

Would like to see more videos on the Falco Spirit if you still have it?

[@ironkid8836]

Ur like the ray mears of archery lol u just remind me of him great videos i wamt the antelope myself but am considering buy that too

[@adambaca5259]

I have this bow and is very very good :)

[@zentist00]

3:39 _"They do a short ... I think it's a ..."_ -Yes, The --*--Antelope-*-. I'm a not a particular fan of limbs rising behind the grip, but... here's the difficult decision i am dealing with right now: Order Antelope (now/mine in 1 week) or the Samick Sage (back in stock in 3 weeks). Where I am buying, they cost exactly the same... Sage is tried and tested. And I'd prefer a takedown. But it's stupidly expensive where I would have to buy it.- Screw this. Instead, I'm going to watch the video until Mr. Postman comes and brings me my Blackhawk. Hurry up, Mr. Postman!

[@cameronmacnaughton5259]

I have the Buck Antelope, it's the 60" recurve bow you mentioned. It is a real sweet bow to shoot, smooth draw, no hand shock and looks beautiful. Was less than a £100 from Merlin Archery and so a real bargain ;)

[@thethinkingcat]

Hutchie 2112 Good to see comments from you and Cameron, was thinking of getting one of those but can't find many reviews!

[@thethinkingcat]

Hutchie 2112 Oh, wonderful! Since you offer.... What brace height do you use on it? I'd seen a few comments by people about adjusting the brace height, and I wondered if there was any particular issue with the bow I should be aware of. Also, what's your draw length, and what is the stacking like? It looks like a really fun bow and I'll probably get one, but I'm not going to turn down an opportunity to pick your brain. :) Also -- I've GOT to ask, whereabouts are you? Because I'm in Aberdeen, and your accent sounds a wee bit familiar...!

[@thethinkingcat]

Hutchie 2112 Cool, thanks for the offer. :) I doubt I'd make it over to that side of the country anytime soon -- but if I'm ever in that neck of the woods I might just take you up on that offer. I like what I'm hearing about it not stacking, and I like what I'm hearing about it standing up to weather, too. The shorter length of the antelope appeals to me, actually, I'm a complete short-arse and I like using shorter bows. I think everyone so far has put brace height as above 7" so will keep that in mind. Thanks for a really useful review!

[@Hitlerchronicles]

Does it come with nocking points? Really cool video, on about buying one of these, what do you think a good start poundage is? i was thinking 40 like the bow in the video, but its always nice to hear from people who are experienced :D

[@3DArchery]

That is an awesome grouping!

[@rokbow2523]

omg Dude, since I was a kid I'm trying to buy your bow, can you help me? Do you know where there is a store that sells it? Please bro🙏🏻

[@jake4194]

@@rokbow2523 buy one online bro

[@brandonsimmons2942]

have you done a review on the omp sierra longbow?

[@SquirrelDarling1]

Very well done!

[@awakened3]

ooooh nice stick! can't have enough.each is a work of art unto itself.

[@Seerwealth]

Jim what material do you prefer on this bow? Actually what you shoot is EASTON ACCESS??? Spruce any good;? Port Orford Cedar any good?; Birch? Northern Pine;?? BAMBOO?? Share if you would your view on bamboo arrows please. Thank you.

[@thetrueliberal3054]

I just bought one of these in 30 pound draw. Anyone know what type string and arrows would be a good starting point for this bow? If you're supposed to receive a string with this bow I didn't get one.

[@Seerwealth]

Jim what kind arrows do you recommend on this bow at 40 lbs 28" draw? Would you recommend bamboo well made arrows, carbon 600 spine, aluminum 500 spine or which ACTUALLY YOU SHOOT? 600 spine EASTON ACCESS??

[@bassa69]

your grouping is very good

[@Pontanellen1]

Good sirs! Could someone suggest good arrows for this bow? I have a 35lb. About 29 inch is suitable i think...

[@algranoconPablo]

Would you recommend this bow for someone who is starting in archery and wants to learn instinctive shooting? Can I find it in USA?

[@OhanCockett]

Do you send the bows back or do you get to keep them?

[@Seerwealth]

Jim why do you prefer Penthalon Slim Line 600 spine?

[@howardhawksley1355]

Looking at your grouping here it begs the question 'what advantage is there in buying a bow 3 -5 times as much?'

[@qwiksquirrel]

Accuracy is not really the way to measure the value of a bow. If the archer knows what he is doing, the bow is actually the least important part of the accuracy equation. Even a freshly cut sapling tree with a piece of balling twine can be accurate if the arrows are spined properly for it and the archer is competent. With more expensive bows you will often get more speed, more smoothness and less hand shock. But after a certain point what you are paying for is really more personal preference than pure performance. Things like just the right kind of grip for your hand or even just a better finish. For some it's worth paying double to get a custom colour (guilty) or a custom made grip (guilty again). Others don't care or even notice such things.

[@vicentecanonserrano886]

¿Que longitud de flechas requiere ese arco...?

[@minnesota5150]

hi , what arrows do you use ? size ,mark ?

[@michalbuchovecky6223]

Thank you for a nice review. Is this bow also suitable for tall person with 31 inch draw length ? Thanks

[@saltysoldier2289]

Yes it is,I'm 6 ft 2, 32 inch draw and have had this bow about 5 years, still going strong

[@leek2serious]

Having trouble ordering from all the sites that have them O.o (from the US)

[@jpquiampang1353]

You are freakin amazing!!!!!!!

[@lbenda]

Hello. It's look like the top limb is band much more then bottom. Why it is? Engel of camera, or why?

[@Stevesulsh]

Just ordered one of these in 35lb as moving away from compound due to carpal tunnel and at least can continue to shoot love the other articles especially the tuning of the unfletched arrows, will string silencers lessen hand shock for me and if so what ones?

[@Vccine]

Hey, I've got a 35 pound blackhawk as well. Had it for several months now actually and what can I say. The build quality of the bow is quite amazing. Easily among the top 5 bows in the world in terms of price-quality ratio. Now, the handshock is something that I have an issue with too, but mainly it is my own fault. First of all, make sure you shoot a little heavier arrows (at least 350-360 grain arrows, minimum 10-11 grain per inch), second, do not make my mistake by squeezing the life out of the handle with your palm, The bow must be held lightly with the top of your palm, the way Jim is shooting in the video, that will significantly reduce the handshock. And third, yes string silencers will dampen the handshock slightly as well. I imagine fur ball silencers would do well (plus it looks really cool on a bow like that). Hope that helps

[@Stevesulsh]

thanks a lot will get some Beaver Balls or similar, familiar with the light grip from the compound using a finger sling may well try the same

[@Vccine]

Steven Sulsh Good, by the way, I went a little overboard with the GPP being 10-11 the minimum. I'd say 9GPP should be minimum. Right now I shoot almost 11GPP arrows and they are on the heavy side really. For target shooting 9 GPP should be great. By the way, if you're gonna use carbon arrows, do not go for anything stiffer than 600 spine, because I made a mistake of getting 500 spine bearpaw timbersticks and they are a little too stiff.

[@Stevesulsh]

Vccine just received the bow and set the brace height at 7.5" leaving the string on the bow for a while to stretch in and will then do the same with the spare string i purchased just interested in what brace height have you set, are you using glove or tab?

[@Vccine]

Steven Sulsh Congratz, I hope you'll enjoy it, I personally keep the brace height at around 7.6-7.7 as well, and it works good. Also, I use a shooting glove, but I heard that a quality tab can give you slightly more consistency because gloves tend to make small grooves (in the joint area) which can affect consistency when releasing the string, whereas tabs keep their smooth surface. Gonna order one sometime.

[@technokitten2038]

can it be used for hunting?

[@bretwalda8543]

I have one of them bows

[@WV591]

Looks like that upper limb is bending more than lower limb which seems to be stiffer.

[@craigsdaddy]

Can you please recommend a string silencer from a UK supplier for this bow. Thanks

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Yes, Merlin sell the beaver ball string silencers, about £4 a pair, bit of a pain to install as the instructions are useless ;) should be doing a video on installing em... Thanks for getting in touch!

[@JanErikGausdal]

The casual grouping..

[@BeatAssDude]

Are you required to remove the string to store it away when not shooting

[@Seerwealth]

+BeatAssDude Yes, limbs would curve and weaken eventually.

[@Musketman84th]

you should review the Samick Redstag Longbow..😊hint that's what I shoot. lol

[@philosophia7897]

I shoot the Samick Red Stag recurve. It's a great bow.

[@Musketman84th]

Update..sold my redstag in a moment of crazy and now looking at this bow

[@rokbow2523]

omg Dude, since I was a kid I'm trying to buy your bow, can you help me? Do you know where there is a store that sells it? Please bro🙏🏻

[@johnbroadleday]

What brace height did you have on this Jim?

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Oh now you’re asking? 😅 Was quite a long time ago, but I guess I’d probably say somewhere around 7 1/2 to 8?

[@johnbroadleday]

@@ArcheryAdventures I know the recommended brace height is 7 to 7.5” so was going to start at the latter rather than the former

[@leemunro1975]

i just bought this bow in 45lbs draw.......can anyone recommend wooden arrow lengths ? im new to all this lol

[@donraccoonisoverlordofther9341]

Length does not matter. It is the spine that does. Tunned arrows at 32 inches are better than untunned ones at 28.

[@Sumpguard]

what quiver is that you're wearing sir?

[@ArcheryAdventures]

Alvin Hunt its the Bearpaw Big quiver ;)

[@GabeDavid]

ok! take my money

[@Seerwealth]

Robin Hood reincarnated....superb shooting.

[@VanSneiwder]

Could someone hunt with this bow? the low maintenance is appealing, besides having a better look than a composite bow

[@Vccine]

Surely you could hunt with it, but it is not entirely advisable because the bow is quite long, and unless you've got a deer standing in the middle of a field, you will have trouble moving around with a bow this long in woods.

[@martinuzunov9346]

Seems like a great bow, BUT please be advised - the handshock is horrible! I got this one two weeks ago and I was very excited having already owned a td recurve. So wanted to try something new, but ffs this bow kicks like a mule and no matter what I try - it hurts my hand. Its a nice build and lovely to look at, but as far as shooting it I would recommend you find a way to test it first. Sorry if I ruined anyone's mood or desire to buy it. I just feel obliged to mention it.

[@narnianarnia742]

What's hand shock?

[@StickPicProductionz]

narnia narnia the vibrations you get in your hand when you release

[@zook4886]

Listen everyone, their is no such thing as a entry level bow. It's either a custom made or a factory made. They all work. That black hawk can drop a pig just as good as a custom made black widow. I've been a trad shooter for 35 years and have had the best. Don't be afraid to own the black hawk as your best bow or any lower priced longbow, the all work. Trad shooters should not go beyond 30 meters when hunting, it's not a good idea. Next, hunting from a tree stand is not hunting, that's not fair chase. Only yanks do that. Get on the ground if you call your self a hunter. As for hand shock, wear a glove and use beaver balls, or similar. My custom 45# Burwood kicked more than my viper. Now you bow reviewers stop calling lower priced bows,( entry level). If the longbow shoots like a longbow, then it's a longbow regardless of price. Did you all get it. Phew, sometimes I could just scream.

[@henkez6960]

This is very true. When I was a kid, and long before I started shooting for real, I met an olympic archer, who happened to be my friend's uncle. He shot a perfect shot from his 1000$ bow, and everyone said it must be a fantastic bow. He then picked up my friend's older brother's bow, that cost maybe 100$ and shot an equally perfect shot and told everyone practice, practice, practice :)

[@ShaneABaker]

Goodness, I hope it's under 100 pounds... it might be difficult to hold if it's that heavy! 🤣🤣🤣

[@highlandrab19]

£135 now :/

[@rokbow2523]

omg Dude, since I was a kid I'm trying to buy your bow, can you help me? Do you know where there is a store that sells it? Please bro🙏🏻