The Many Incarnations of The Shakespeare Sierra X18

Shakespeare Sierra Model x18- 1971-76, 
Shakespeare Ouachita Model x18W- 1976, and 
Shakespeare Proline Eaglet- 1976-77

by Larry Vienneau

The Sierra is one of Shakespeare Archery’s more recent bows. It is also the most popular.  It is unusual in the Shakespeare Archery Line because it has been incarnated as three different models but they are essentially the same bows with different names- Sierra, Ouachita, and Eaglet

From 1961-64 many of Shakespeare bows were designated with “X” with a number. The X18 in 1961-62 was a 65-inch field bow with a white glass belly and light green back, right hand only. In 1965 the bows were redesigned and renamed and often looked nothing like their predecessor.

1961-62 X18

X18 1961-62

THE SIERRA X18

My Sierra Model X18 #45

1971 Green Glass Sierra X18

Shakespeare Sierra Model x18 1971-1976

• 52"AMO
• Brace height 8 1/2 to 9 1/2 inches
• Weights 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 lbs.
  pistol grip Handle riser with Imported Imbuya wood:  varies from yellowish-brown to chocolate-brown
• Limbs 1 5/16^th inch.
•  Glass- Dark Brown(1972-76) or Green (1971)
• Sight window 4 inches
• No overlay on nocks
• arrow speed: 12 shots average, 410-grain arrow     170.13 FPS

The Sierra was one of Shakespeare's' more recent bows. It is also the most popular and successful model.  Like all Shakespeare “X” Wonderbows, this bow is named for a famous wilderness or hunting region. It is named after the Sierra National Forest, located on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, in California. It is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources. It is a popular hunting area.

Designed to be silent and deliver equal accuracy and equal high velocity as more expensive bows
“It packs as much power as you’ll find in a bow twice its price.” (Quote from 1975 Ad) This bow was marketed to novice and experienced archers at under $28.00, it is a no-frills bow designed to be durable and reliable. I monitor sales and the green glass 1971 is scarce but hardly "very rare" as some sellers may lead you to believe. The Right Handed 1971 Green Glass Sierra X18 is uncommon but not rare since the Right Hand Sierra X18 bows were the most popular of the Shakespeare models, over 20% of all Shakespeare bows sold in the last year have been Sierra X18. I have tried to monitor auctions to determine if this bow had many limb twists. Ironically it had much less than other more expensive bows. The main problem with this bow is its 52” AMO and it stacks at over 28” draw so stress cracks are common. They are mostly cosmetic and don’t seem to be a problem with performance. Shakespeare also supplied Sears, and Montgomery Ward with these bows for their archery lines. You may find similar bows without a Shakespeare logo or Sierra marking. If you compare the lines of the un-marked bow with a Sierra you will see they are indistinguishable. Another trait is the nocks which are a bit clunky but were designed for durability, not beauty.

This is s superbly crafted simple low-cost bow, a perfect example of form and function. Inexpensive does not have to mean low quality.  It is a tough hunting bow and an excellent shooter.  This is a great starter bow for anyone with a shorter draw length who wants to start shooting traditional bows. The Sierra is offered often in auctions. Value is at the lower price end because it is a common bow. Weight and conditions should be considered before you buy.

THE OUACHITA

Lewis Kent's Rare Ouachita X18w

Shakespeare Ouachita model x18w 1976

• 52"AMO
• Brace height 8 1/2 to 9 1/2 inches
• Weights 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 lbs.
• pistol grip Handle riser with Imported Imbuya wood:  varies from yellowish-brown to chocolate-brown
• Limbs 1 5/16^th inch.
• Glass: Black
• Sight window 4 inches
• No overlay on nocks

This is the rarest incarnation of the Sierra.

The Ouachita (WOSH-i-taw) was named after the Ouachita National Forest and Mountains in Arkansas and Oklahoma. The mountains were named for the Native American tribe that once lived there.

When this bow appeared at auction I thought it was a mistake.  I had never heard of this bow and there is absolutely no information available online. So I contacted the unquestioned authority on Shakespeare / Root bows, George Stout. He told me that it was, in fact, a renamed Sierra. It was the last model of the Sierra before Proline bought the company. They changed the name for one reason or another but it's the same bow. The next year it became a bow called the Eaglet by Proline and had tip overlays. This bow belongs to Lewis Kent. Thanks, Lewis!

Proline Eaglet

Proline Eaglet owned by Wayne Kiggens

a target Proline Eaglet with White Glass

Shakespeare Proline Eaglet 1976-77

• 52” AMO
• Brace Height- t 8 1/2
• pistol grip Handle riser with Imported Imbuya wood varies from yellowish-brown to chocolate brown.
• tip overlays Imbuya wood
• 4-inch sight window
• Glass: Green or white

52” hunting bow. This bow is identical to a Sierra except for the wood overlay tips and green glass. This WAS the Sierra with modifications. Design for younger hunters it was the best choice of many schools and recreational centers. It came in white glass as a target bow in weights from twenty to thirty-five pounds and as a hunting bow with green glass to forty-five pounds. Like the Sierra, it is an excellent shooting, quiet, and durable bow. The brace height is 81/2 inches. No stacking at higher draw lengths. The Eaglet does show up occasionally in auctions and tends to vary in value due to weight and condition. This bow belongs to Wayne Kiggens, Thanks, Wayne!

Lewis Kent's in-the-box Sierra Hunting set....jealous!!

© Copyright, Larry Vienneau Jr.

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