SAS Pioneer 68" Longbow vs Bear Montana
Quick take: The SAS Pioneer 68" Longbow costs $340 less.
| Spec | SAS Pioneer 68" Longbow | Bear Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $190 | $530 |
| Rating | 4.7★ (18) | 4.4★ (17) |
| Type | Longbow | Longbow |
| ATA/IBO Speed | — | — |
| Length | 68" | 64" |
| Brace Height | — | 8" |
| Draw Weights | 29, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 lb @ 28" | 30-60 lb in 5 lb steps @ 28" |
| Draw Length | — | — |
| Let-Off | — | — |
| Mass Weight | — | — |
| Construction | One-piece | One-piece |
| Setup | String with a limb-tip stringer and immediately budget ~$15 for a Flemish twist Dacron string — the stock endless-loop string is the source of most speed, noise, and hand-shock complaints. Stick the included rug rest on the shelf and tune brace height in the low-to-mid 7-inch range by adding twists. The window isn't cut to center, so tune with weaker spines and heavy arrows. Choose 45-50 lb for whitetails; the 29 lb version is target-only. | String it with a longbow-style stringer and set brace height in the recommended 7.5-8.5 inch window — running it too low is the top cause of hand-shock complaints. The leather shelf rug and side plate come installed; shoot feathers off the shelf. Because the window isn't cut to center, tune with slightly weaker-spined arrows than a recurve would need, and favor heavy (10+ gpp) arrows, which also quiet the bow. Choose 45-50 lb for deer and elk; the DF97 string is fast-flight so no upgrade is needed. |
| Warranty | None published; retailer return policies apply (typically 30 days) | 1-year limited to original owner (Bear Archery; online registration within 30 days required) |
Pros & cons
SAS Pioneer 68" Longbow
- ✓Around $190 — half the price of a Southwest Scorpion, a third of a Bear Montana
- ✓68" length draws extremely smoothly with no stack for long-draw shooters
- ✓4.7/5 across 18 visible reviews on Southland's store
- ✓Available up to 65 lb for heavy-bow hunters, and in true left-hand
- ✓Attractive multi-wood riser that outclasses its price point
- ✓Big, deep grip works well for large hands
- ✓Proven deer-killer at 40+ lb per forum accounts
- ✗Stock endless-loop string is poor — a Flemish upgrade is near-mandatory
- ✗Noticeable hand shock until string and brace height are sorted
- ✗No published warranty from SAS
- ✗Fit-and-finish shows its budget origins (tool marks, thick finish)
- ✗Non-center-cut shelf makes arrow spine tuning fussier
- ✗Not fast-flight rated — Dacron strings only
Bear Montana
- ✓Proven entry longbow with nearly 30 years in the Bear catalog
- ✓Slight reflex gives better cast than straight-limb Hill-style bows
- ✓64" length avoids stack and finger pinch to ~29" draws
- ✓4.4/5 Amazon rating and strong forum word of mouth
- ✓Fast-flight rated with Dynaflight 97 Flemish string included
- ✓Very light in hand for spot-and-stalk or all-day still-hunting
- ✓Leather grip, shelf rug, and side plate included — hunt-ready out of the box
- ✗Noticeable hand shock if brace height is low or arrows are light
- ✗Sight window not cut past center — spine tuning is fussier than a recurve
- ✗Slower than hybrid longbows like the Bodnik Quick Stick
- ✗No 25 lb option for pure beginners; LH stock is inconsistent
- ✗Street price has crept from ~$400 to ~$530 in recent years