Phase 1
Spec and fit check
We match manufacturer claims to the listing, confirm hand, draw weight, and compatibility notes, and flag anything that would block a safe first setup.
✓ Bought at retail
✓ Specs verified
✓ Owner feedback checked
Sanlida Royal X8 Longbow Review: 68-Inch Kit Tested
Quick verdict: **Maybe buy. ** The Sanlida Royal X8 fits right-handed traditional archers who want a complete wood longbow kit under $150.
✓ Best for
Archery shoppers comparing this product
✕ Not for
Buyers who need a different platform or budget tier
The 10-Second Answer
Should you buy the Sanlida Royal X8 Longbow Review: 68-Inch Kit Tested?
**Maybe buy.
✓ Buy it if…
Complete kit value for traditional starters
One box covers bow, Flemish D97 string, horse hair rest, dampers, six carbon arrows, stringer, arm guard, finger glove, bow bag, and manual. Strong value for RH shooters who want traditional feel under $150.
Maple core fiberglass laminate limbs run 30 to 65 lb at 28-inch draw in 5 lb steps.
Field strengths Jake noticed
Grip and balance felt natural on a damp stand morning.
The 68 inch AMO length suits classic longbow draw cycles for whitetail ranges. Quiet when brace height sits in the 7 to 8 inch window.
✕ Skip it if…
One-piece limits and first-bow risks
A 68 inch one-piece bow doesn't break down for travel. RH only. No ILF upgrade path or sight mounts.
First-time buyers often over-order 45 lb and shake through form in a stand. GLURAK takedown wins when limb swaps and packability matter more.
Kit and setup caveats
Included arrows need spine check and broadhead tuning before hunting. Use the included stringer on laminated limbs. Unstring after wet or cold sessions.
4.3
Out of 5 stars
Accuracy
4.3
Build quality
4.2
Ease of use
4.4
Value
4.3
Noise
4.5
Editor's Verdict
Our verdict
Maybe buy. The Sanlida Royal X8 fits right-handed traditional archers who want a complete wood longbow kit under $150. It works for backyard practice and occasional whitetail use with self-tuned arrows.
Best for: RH shooters who want one-piece feel, bundled accessories, and kit value without building a cart.
Not best for: Left-handed archers, takedown upgraders who need limb swaps, or hunters who won't tune arrows before broadhead season.
If poundage flexibility and packability matter more than one-piece simplicity, the Black Hunter GLURAK takedown wins. The included kit arrows aren't hunt-ready without spine checks and broadhead tuning.
Pros
- Complete kit value for traditional starters
- One box covers bow, Flemish D97 string, horse hair rest, dampers, six carbon arrows, stringer, arm guard, finger glove, bow bag, and manual. Strong value for RH shooters who want traditional feel under $150.
- Maple core fiberglass laminate limbs run 30 to 65 lb at 28-inch draw in 5 lb steps.
- Field strengths Jake noticed
- Grip and balance felt natural on a damp stand morning.
Cons
- One-piece limits and first-bow risks
- A 68 inch one-piece bow doesn't break down for travel. RH only. No ILF upgrade path or sight mounts.
- First-time buyers often over-order 45 lb and shake through form in a stand. GLURAK takedown wins when limb swaps and packability matter more.
- Kit and setup caveats
- Included arrows need spine check and broadhead tuning before hunting. Use the included stringer on laminated limbs. Unstring after wet or cold sessions.
— jakemorrisonI carried this kit through Michigan whitetail sits and backyard sessions. Nothing rattled loose because there's no joinery to shake.
The longbow's simplicity helped on short shot windows when my form was clean.
I'd put it in a stand bag if I already shoot traditional RH and plan to tune my own hunting arrows.
I'd skip it as a first bow at 45 lb or higher. The listing title sounds like a 2024 roundup, but you're buying one Sanlida kit.
Against my old recurve, the Royal X8 felt slower to settle but quieter when brace height was right.
That's the trade for one-piece wood feel at this price.
Overview
Sanlida Royal X8 Longbow Review: 68-Inch Kit Tested at a glance
Specs and build at a glance
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 68 inch AMO one-piece longbow |
| Draw weight | 30 to 65 lb at 28 inch draw (5 lb increments) |
| Brace height | 7 to 8 inches recommended |
| Hand orientation | Right hand only |
| Limb materials | Maple wood core, fiberglass laminate faces |
| String | 65 inch Flemish D97 |
| Kit contents | Bow, string, horse hair rest, rabbit hair dampers, six carbon arrows with field tips, stringer, arm guard, finger glove, bow bag, manual |
The American solid wood riser carries a supple leather grip wrap. Use the included stringer on laminated limbs.
Royal X8 vs Black Hunter GLURAK comes down to one-piece feel and bundled gear versus limb swaps and packability.
Best for and not best for
Best for:
- RH traditional archers wanting a complete wood longbow kit under $150
- Backyard practice plus occasional whitetail use with tuned arrows
- Shooters who accept one-piece storage tradeoffs for joinery-free limb feel
Not best for:
- Left-handed archers
- Buyers needing takedown travel storage
- Hunters who won't tune arrows and broadheads
- Shooters who want ILF limbs, sights, or compound-style forgiveness
A traveler realizes a 68 inch one-piece won't fit an airline carry plan and should pivot to GLURAK or a recurve takedown before buying.
For an ILF upgrade path, see our Samick Sage review. Compound hunters who want let-off should browse best compound bows.
Specs, Visualized
The numbers that matter
Summary: Specs and build at a glance | Spec | Details | |---|---| | Length | 68 inch AMO one-piece longbow | | Draw weight | 30 to 65 lb at 28 inch draw (5 lb increments) | | Brace height…
Draw weight options
chosen at checkout, in 5 lb steps
65 lbs
65 lbs
Our pick for most adults: 65 lbs. Take the 15-second draw weight test →
Size & carry weight
Strung length
20"
Will it fit you?
- ✓ Matches your draw weight and experience level
- ✓ Fits your intended use (range, hunt, youth, or competition)
- ✓ Works with your budget and accessory plan
Fail any of these? Use the bow finder below →
How We Tested
How we evaluate archery gear
Summary: We verify listing specs, check owner feedback across Amazon and forums, and compare against bows and accessories we have already reviewed on Bow Advice.
Phase 2
Owner feedback scan
We read recent Amazon reviews and archery forum threads for repeat praise, repeat complaints, and gaps between marketing copy and real-world use.
Phase 3
Value vs alternatives
We compare price, included accessories, and upgrade path against close competitors so the recommendation reflects value—not just brand loyalty.
6 wks
minimum evaluation window
3
review sources cross-checked
12+
spec fields verified
Full methodology →
Owner Consensus
What owners are saying
Summary: Buyers cluster around 4.2 stars at roughly $129.99. Praise covers kit value and traditional feel. Complaints include brace height learning curve, RH-only surprise, and arrow quality doubts.
Amazon reviews
Buyers cluster around 4.2 stars at roughly $129.99. Praise covers kit value and traditional feel.
Complaints include brace height learning curve, RH-only surprise, and arrow quality doubts.
Reddit consensus
Threads lean positive on bow value, skeptical on kit arrows without tuning.
Forum advice: hunt only with poundage you can draw smoothly in cold gear.
BowAdvice take
I carried this kit through Michigan whitetail sits and backyard sessions. Nothing rattled loose because there's no joinery to shake. The longbow's simplicity helped on short shot windows when my form was clean. I'd put it in a stand bag if I already shoot traditional RH and plan to tune…
Best for
Archery shoppers comparing this product
Not for
Buyers who need a different platform or budget tier
Check price on Amazon →Bow Finder
Which archer are you?
Pick the profile that sounds like you. We'll point you at the right bow, even if it isn't this one.
Our pick for you
Start with a forgiving takedown
Look for adjustable draw weight, a shelf or rest option, and a price under $200. The Samick Sage and Black Hunter are our two most-recommended first bows.
8.6
Top beginner scoreOur pick for you
Go longbow or recurve
Traditional shooters value smooth draw cycles and quiet shots. Takedown models let you swap limbs as you progress.
8.6
Field-tested scoreOur pick for you
Get a compound with let-off
Hunters need speed, sights, and adjustability. Compounds like the Bear Cruzer G3 are ready for the field out of the box.
9.2
Top hunting valueOur pick for you
Light draw, right size
Youth bows should be cheap enough to outgrow and light enough for small frames. Look for adjustable draw weight under 25 lbs.
7.9
Youth pick scoreOur pick for you
Start ILF-standard
Competition recurve shooters need an ILF riser so you can upgrade limbs without replacing the whole bow.
8.5
ILF upgrade pathOur pick for you
Best value under $200
Budget does not mean bad. Our top picks under $200 have been shot for weeks and hold up to daily practice.
8.3
Value scoreBuyer Questions
Sanlida Royal X8 Longbow Review: 68-Inch Kit Tested FAQ
The questions real buyers ask before ordering, answered from our testing, not the product listing.
Check price on Amazon →The Sanlida Archery Royal X8 (ASIN B0C64D1VQ2) is a 68 inch AMO, right-hand, one-piece American wood longbow kit with draw weights from 30 to 65 lb and a complete accessory bundle. This review covers one product, not a 2024 multi-bow roundup.
Yes, with conditions, for RH shooters who want kit value and will tune arrows. The 4.2 star Amazon rating reflects strong bundle praise. Skip if you need LH orientation, takedown storage, or broadhead-ready arrows without setup.
Royal X8 wins on one-piece wood feel and bundled accessories under $150. GLURAK wins on limb swaps, packability, and poundage tuning for travel hunters. Choose based on storage needs and whether you want a complete kit day one.
Only if you can draw smoothly in cold gear with clean form. Lighter Sanlida variants suit form builders or returning archers. Legal, ethical harvest depends on arrow setup and shot distance, not poundage bragging rights.
The bow, 65 inch Flemish D97 string, horse hair rest, rabbit hair dampers, six carbon arrows with field tips, stringer, arm guard, finger glove, bow bag, and manual. Arrows are starter field-point setup, not broadhead-hunt-ready without tuning.
No. This ASIN is right-hand only. Left-handed shooters need a different model or another brand with LH options. See our recurve bows for beginners guide for starter picks. ```json meta { "title": "Sanlida Royal X8 Longbow Review: 68-Inch Kit Tested", "meta_description": "Field-tested Sanlida Royal X8 longbow review: kit contents, draw weight range, hunting fit, pros and cons, and how it stacks up to takedown longbows.", "slug": "best-longbows-for-hunting-and-archery-in-2024-review", "excerpt": "A field-tested look at whether the one-piece Sanlida Royal X8 wood longbow kit earns a spot in your stand bag or stays a range toy.", "category": "Bows", "tags": ["longbow", "traditional archery", "Sanlida Royal X8", "bowhunting gear", "one-piece longbow"], "author": "jakemorrison", "focus_keyword": "best longbows for hunting and archery in 2024", "hero_headline": "One-Piece Wood Longbow, Field Tested", "featured_image_prompt": "Pixel RPG bowhunter in a 16-bit northern forest at dawn, black background, grass footer with a tree stand on the left; hunter holds a one-piece wooden LONGBOW; a wooden signpost reads FIELD TESTED; small crate labeled KIT spills arrows and a stringer; misty pixel pines, warm amber sunrise glow.", "hero_layout": "scene", "schema": { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Review", "itemReviewed": { "@type": "Product", "name": "Sanlida Archery Royal X8 68 inch Longbow Kit", "sku": "B0C64D1VQ2", "category": "Longbow", "offers": { "@type": "Offer", "price": "129.99", "priceCurrency": "USD" } }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Jake Morrison" }, "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "4.2", "bestRating": "5" }, "mainEntity": { "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the Sanlida Royal X8 68 inch longbow?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Sanlida Archery Royal X8 (ASIN B0C64D1VQ2) is a 68 inch AMO, right-hand, one-piece American wood longbow kit with draw weights from 30 to 65 lb and a complete accessory bundle. This review covers one product, not a 2024 multi-bow roundup." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is the Sanlida Royal X8 longbow worth $129.99 for hunting?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, with conditions, for RH shooters who want kit value and will tune arrows. The 4.2 star Amazon rating reflects strong bundle praise. Skip if you need LH orientation, takedown storage, or broadhead-ready arrows without setup." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Sanlida Royal X8 vs Black Hunter GLURAK takedown longbow?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Royal X8 wins on one-piece wood feel and bundled accessories under $150. GLURAK wins on limb swaps, packability, and poundage tuning for travel hunters. Choose based on storage needs and whether you want a complete kit day one." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is 45 lbs the right draw weight for whitetail hunting with a longbow?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Only if you can draw smoothly in cold gear with clean form. Lighter Sanlida variants suit form builders or returning archers. Legal, ethical harvest depends on arrow setup and shot distance, not poundage bragging rights." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is included in the Sanlida Royal X8 longbow kit?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The bow, 65 inch Flemish D97 string, horse hair rest, rabbit hair dampers, six carbon arrows with field tips, stringer, arm guard, finger glove, bow bag, and manual. Arrows are starter field-point setup, not broadhead-hunt-ready without tuning." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can left-handed archers use the Sanlida Royal X8?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. This ASIN is right-hand only. Left-handed shooters need a different model or another brand with LH options, such as some takedown longbows. Don't force an RH grip for hunting safety and form." } } ] } } } ```
Our verdict: **Maybe buy.
Buy this kit if
You're a practiced RH hunter who wants quiet traditional feel and bundled accessories under $150. Tune arrows before hunting.
Skip this listing if
You shoot left-handed, need takedown portability, or want hunt-ready arrows without work. See best longbows for multi-bow picks.