Oak Ridge Sada Black 52" Ambidextrous Horse Bow

Oak Ridge Sada Black 52" Ambidextrous Horse Bow

Technical Specifications

Here are the detailed specs for your new favorite traditional bow:

Usage and Practical Advice

The Oak Ridge Sada is perfect for instinctive archery and 3D field courses. Its compact size makes it highly maneuverable in the woods and, of course, it is designed for shooting from horseback. Since this is a traditional shelf-less bow, you will shoot the arrow off your hand—wearing a bow glove is highly recommended. Always use a bow stringer to brace your bow to prevent limb twisting and ensure your safety.

Did You Know?

Bamboo is often called "nature's carbon fiber" because of its incredible tensile strength and elasticity. By combining this ancient material with modern black fiberglass, Oak Ridge has created a bow that feels "alive" in your hand, offering a snappy release and minimal hand shock.

Maintenance and Safety: What (Not) to Do

To keep your bow performing like new for years, follow these simple rules:

• Never dry-fire the bow! Shooting without an arrow can cause the limbs to delaminate or shatter instantly.
• Keep your string in top shape by applying bowstring wax regularly to prevent fraying.
• Store the bow unstrung and horizontally in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme heat, such as inside a hot car.
• Check the limbs and string for any signs of wear or damage before every shooting session.

Recommended Arrows and Accessories

For this bow, we recommend carbon arrows with a wood finish for a blend of durability and traditional looks, or classic wooden arrows. Crucially, you must use natural feathers; plastic vanes will deflect off your hand and ruin your accuracy.

Arrow Parameters: Aim for a minimum arrow weight of 0.6 grams per pound of draw weight (e.g., at 50 lbs, your arrow should weigh at least 30g). Choose an arrow length of 30-32" with a spine suitable for your draw weight. Don't forget a shooting glove, an arm guard, and a high-quality foam target to safely stop your shots.

Choosing the Perfect Arrows for Your Oak Ridge Sada Horse Bow

Why Arrow Selection is Critical for a Horse Bow

Right then, you’ve picked a proper beauty with the Oak Ridge Sada. But here’s the deal: this bow is "shelf-less", meaning it doesn't have a cut-out riser. The arrow slides directly across the back of your hand. If you try shooting arrows with plastic vanes, you’re going to tear up your hand and the arrow will kick off the riser, ruining your accuracy. Forget cheap plastic arrows; let’s get you sorted with what this bow actually needs to perform like a dream.

My Expert Recommendation for the Ideal Arrow

For this type of bow, carbon arrows with a wood-grain finish are your best bet (think Easton Carbon Legacy or Bearpaw’s Penthalon series). They offer the durability of modern tech with the soul of a traditional look. Here are the specs you need to dial in:

• Shaft Material: Carbon is the way to go for consistency and toughness during 3D shoots. If you’re a purist, Cedar is an option, but remember that wood is more fragile and requires a safety check before every single shot.
• Fletching: Natural feathers only (4" or 5" turkey feathers). Feathers collapse instantly as they pass the riser and your hand, ensuring a clean release and stable flight. "Shield" or "Parabolic" shapes are the gold standard.
• Spine (Stiffness): This is crucial. If your bow is 30–35 lbs, look for a 600 spine. If you’re rocking the 45–50 lbs version, go for 400 or 500. A spine that’s too stiff will impact left; too weak and it’ll fly right (for a right-handed shooter).
• Arrow Length: Since the Sada can handle a 31" draw, I recommend arrows that are 31" to 32" long. Never draw the pile (tip) past the back of the bow at full draw—it’s a recipe for disaster.
• Points: Screw-in field or bullet points, weighing between 100 to 125 grains. A heavier point increases stability and helps the arrow flex correctly around the bow (the Archer's Paradox).
• Nock: Standard press-fit nocks for carbon shafts. They should "click" onto the D-75 string but shouldn't be so tight that they hang on during the shot.

The Golden Rule of Weight (GPP)

Don't ignore the total arrow weight. For traditional bows with bamboo cores like the Sada, stick to the rule of at least 8–9 GPP (grains per pound). If you have a 40lb bow, your arrow should weigh at least 320–360 grains. Shooting arrows that are too light acts like a partial dry-fire, stressing the limbs and causing annoying hand-shock.

A Bit of Friendly Advice:

Since you’re shooting "off the hand", grab a decent leather shooting glove or a hand-guard. Even natural feathers can give you a nasty "paper cut" at high speeds if you’re doing high-volume practice sessions. Trust me, once you start shooting the Sada, you won't want to put it down!