Bow Review 2007 - Oneida Black Eagle II By Jason Balazs
Aug 21, 2007 - 3:14:15 PM
All of the 2007 model bows will be using the same rest, shooting the same arrow, through the same chronograph at same distance. The rest that I used are Quicktune 800's from New Archery Products. These rests proved to set up quickly and painlessly. For setting the bows up, I used an R.S. Bowvise and levels along with the Easy Eye Center Laser. I have mentioned this before; I would be lost with out the R. S. Bowvise and laser from easy eye. For the arrow, I will be shooting a 365.5-grain, Vforce HV500 carbon arrow from Victory Archery cut to 28" on my Apple Archery arrow cut-off saw. All of the bows that I am shooting are set at 70lbs with a 29" draw. I was able to ensure that all of the bows were set to the exact measurements and poundage by using my Apple Super Pro Bow press outfitted with the new Bow Tuning/Drawing tool. This thing is awesome because it allows you to measure and set the draw length on every bow. Along with the Bow tuning/Drawing tool, I will be using the new Parallel Limb bow adapter for the bow press. This minimizes potential damage to expensive bows, while saving valuable setup time.
THE BLACK EAGLE II
RISER AND GRIP:
The riser on the Oneida Black Eagle II is machined from a solid piece of aluminum and is set in a reflexed position to enable the cams to be mounted on the riser instead of the end of the limbs. This increases speed by shortening the brace height. The grip is a solid piece of wood that fits your hand perfect with a thin neck but nice and fat in the palm giving you a more controlled feeling. (www.oneidaeaglebows.com)
LIMBS AND CAMS:
There are actually four sets of limbs on the Black Eagle II. The first two sets that come off the riser are called the Power limb. This is where all of the energy is stored. The Power Limb is very short and has a hinge on the distal where the last limb sits. This last limb is recurved to look like the end of a recurve bow. The string attaches just like a recurve string attaches. Now, here is the different part. The cable that comes from the cams and idler wheels runs through a saddle that is located on the second limb just over the hinge from the first limb. This cable uses force to hold the recurved limb against the power limb. When the bow is drawn, the recurved limb is the one that moves harnessing the power in the cables, cams, and power limb. Another thing that sets the Black Eagle II apart from other bows is the fact that the cables are made from steal. This means there will be no cable stretch or anything else to throw your bow out of timing.
TESTING:
Like all the other bows in the review, the first test I conducted was the grip test. I drew the Black Eagle 10 times and would always grip the bow a little different each time. This way, I was not just utilizing my grip in the testing. The results I was looking for were if there was any torque on the bowstring. Since the Black eagle has a nice fat grip, there was no torque in the bow or limbs. Also, since the cams are on the riser the drawing of the bow did not affect them either. With the main string being independent of the cams, the bow would not torque no matter how I was drawing.
Next, I wanted to test the draw of the bow at 70 lbs, so like all the others I drew the bow 10 times. This is the first Oneida bow that I had ever fired, so I was not sure what to expect. With every draw of the Black Eagle II, I found myself in amazement how easy it was to draw back. Unlike other bows where you have a strong pull and valley, the Black Eagle was constant throughout. The way that the cams are placed on the bow along with the pivoting limbs, make the draw cycle easy as pie.
For testing the speed I shot through my Chronograph from Competition electronics 10 times. The average speed of all ten shots was 294fps. There was very little hand shock as well as noise. Right under the recurved limbs are some rubber sound vibration dampening stoppers that cushion the limb as it travels back to its normal place. This helps the Black Eagle II in reducing the shock or noise that would be produced.
CONCLUSION:
Having never shot an Oneida bow before, I was not sure what to expect. To say I am impressed is an understatement. The Black Eagle II is a quality bow that is very fast and forgiving. For me to say that this is one of the best bows that were produced this year is not a lie. Oneida has kept that concept of wanting to shoot a traditional recurve, but has given it the kick of a high end Compound. If you are one of those die hard traditional shooters that will not shoot a compound, you need to try the Black Eagle II. I will guarantee that you will not want to put it down. I shoot a lot of bows instinctively, and this one by far was the easiest to aim, shoot, and deliver an arrow in a precise location. The only thing now is to figure out how to put a drop away rest on it.
BOW SPECIFICATIONS:
Tip-to-Tip Length: 43"- 46"
Brace Height: 6.5"- 8"
Draw Weight: 25/45lbs- 35/55lbs- 50/70lbs
Draw Length: 26"-31"
Weight: 3.8lbs
Let Off: 50%-80%
To see the Black Eagle II being shot, visit Jason's website: www.blazinarrows.com
