If you're looking for a solid entry point into archery, the junxing f179 is a name that pops up pretty frequently in forums and budget-friendly lists. It's one of those bows that catches your eye because it looks a lot more expensive than it actually is. I've spent some time messing around with this particular takedown recurve, and I figured it was worth breaking down what makes it tick, where it shines, and where it falls a little flat.
When I first got my hands on it, I wasn't expecting a masterpiece. Let's be real—archery can be an incredibly expensive hobby. You can easily drop a thousand bucks on a setup before you've even let your first arrow fly. So, when you see something like the F179, your first instinct might be to wonder if it's just a "toy" bow. Spoilers: it's definitely not a toy. It's a legitimate piece of equipment that holds its own quite well for the price point.
What's in the Box and First Impressions
The junxing f179 is a 56-inch takedown recurve, which means it's relatively compact. The "takedown" part is the real winner here. You can unscrew the limbs from the riser, throw the whole thing in a backpack, and head out to the range or the woods without carrying a giant, awkward case.
The riser itself is made of a magnesium alloy. This is a big deal because a lot of "cheap" bows use plastic or very heavy, low-quality wood. Magnesium is light, but it's got that rigidity you need to feel confident when you're pulling back a 40 or 50-pound draw. It feels cold and solid in your hand, which I personally prefer over the hollow feel of some entry-level recurves.
The limbs are a laminate of maple wood and high-strength fiberglass. They've got a smooth matte finish that looks pretty stealthy. I went with the black version, though you can often find it in camo patterns if you're planning on taking it into the brush.
Shooting Experience and Performance
Actually shooting the junxing f179 is where things get interesting. I started with the 35lb limbs because I wanted something I could shoot all afternoon without my shoulders screaming at me the next day.
The draw cycle is surprisingly smooth. You don't get that "stacking" feeling where the weight suddenly gets way harder to pull at the very end of your draw. It stays pretty consistent all the way back to the anchor point. For a bow at this price, that's a huge plus.
Accuracy-wise, it's going to be better than you are for a long time. What I mean by that is, if you miss the target, it's probably not the bow's fault. Once you get your brace height dialed in and a decent nocking point set on the string, it'll put arrows exactly where you point them. I noticed a bit of hand shock—that slight vibration you feel in your grip after a shot—but it wasn't anything crazy. You can easily dampen that with some limb silencers or a better string.
The Grip and Ergonomics
The grip on the junxing f179 is a bit of a polarizing topic. It's a slim, molded grip that's part of the metal riser. If you have massive hands, it might feel a little small. If you have average or smaller hands, it actually fits quite nicely in the "V" of your thumb and forefinger.
Because it's metal, it can get a bit slippery if your hands get sweaty or if it's raining. I ended up wrapping mine with some basic athletic tape to give it a bit more texture and a "warmer" feel in cold weather. It's a simple five-minute fix that makes the bow feel much more customized to your hand.
Versatility: Target Practice vs. Hunting
One of the best things about the junxing f179 is how versatile it is. Since you can buy different limbs for it, the bow grows with you. If you start out as a total beginner with 30lb limbs to work on your form, you don't have to buy a whole new bow when you're ready to move up. You just swap the limbs for a heavier set.
Is it a hunting bow? Absolutely, if you get the right draw weight. In most places, a 40lb or 45lb draw is the legal minimum for deer, and the F179 can easily handle that. Because it's only 56 inches long, it's great for moving through thick brush or sitting in a tight tree stand. It's much more maneuverable than a 62 or 64-inch target bow.
However, if you're strictly looking to do Olympic-style target archery, this probably isn't the primary tool you'd want. It's built more for the "traditional" or "field" style of shooting. It does have bushings for a sight, a stabilizer, and a plunger, so you can definitely deck it out with accessories if you want to.
The Little Things That Could Be Better
I'm not going to sit here and tell you it's perfect. There are a few areas where the junxing f179 shows its budget roots. The string that comes in the box is okay. It's functional, but it's a basic B50 Dacron-style string. It stretches a bit during the first few dozen shots, so you'll find yourself readjusting your brace height a lot at first. I'd recommend upgrading to a high-quality Flemish twist or a custom string pretty early on. It'll make the bow quieter and a bit faster.
The arrow rest that usually comes with it is also a pretty cheap plastic stick-on. It works for a week or two, but it'll eventually wear down or fall off. If you're buying this bow, just go ahead and grab a decent rug rest or a more durable flipper rest at the same time.
Also, watch the bolts. Since it's a metal-on-metal connection where the limbs meet the riser, you want to make sure the limb bolts are snug. I check mine every few sessions just to be sure nothing is vibrating loose. It hasn't happened yet, but it's just good practice with any takedown bow.
Setting Up Your Junxing F179
If you decide to pick one up, don't just string it and start blasting. Take twenty minutes to set it up right. First, check the brace height. For this bow, it usually likes to be somewhere between 7.5 and 8 inches. You can adjust this by twisting or untwisting the bowstring.
I also highly recommend getting a bow stringer. Please don't try the "step-through" method to string a recurve; it's a great way to twist your limbs or smack yourself in the face. A stringer is cheap and keeps the limbs straight.
Once you have it strung, look at the alignment. The limbs should be perfectly straight in line with the riser. If they look a little wonky, just unstring it, reseat the limbs, and tighten the bolts again.
Final Thoughts: Who Is This For?
At the end of the day, the junxing f179 is for the person who wants a "real" bow without the "real" price tag. It's perfect for the backyard shooter, the budget hunter, or the person who isn't sure if they're going to stick with archery and doesn't want to risk a huge investment.
It's rugged, it's simple, and it's honestly a lot of fun to shoot. It doesn't have the soul of a handcrafted wooden bow, but it has the utility of a modern tool. It feels like the kind of equipment you don't have to baby. You can toss it in the truck, take it through the mud, and it's going to perform.
If you're comparing this to other bows in the same price bracket, the F179 usually wins on the riser quality alone. While others are giving you painted wood or plastic, Junxing gives you a solid metal frame that feels like it'll last for years. If you can look past the mediocre included accessories and spend a few bucks on a better string and rest, you'll have a setup that punches way above its weight class.
It's not the fanciest thing at the range, but when you're hitting the gold and you realize you spent a fraction of what the guy next to you did, it's hard not to crack a smile. For anyone looking to get their feet wet in the world of recurves, the junxing f179 is a seriously strong contender.